CHAPTER 64 - First Week. Part 2

CHAPTER 64 - First Week. Part 2

(Pov - Saik.)

I got expelled from the special test and lost my protection point. They planted condoms in my clothes and framed me for something I didn't do.

Now I have to go back home. I lost… Or so the professor thinks.

Do you really believe I didn't anticipate this could happen, President? Do you think I don't know how easy it is to frame someone in a test where bringing outside items is forbidden?

I may be many things, but I'm not that stupid.

"And then you add half a kilo of sugar to the mix. Put it in the oven and wait about two hours. Once it's ready, crush the gelatin and coat the cake with the gelatin pieces. I guarantee the flavor won't disappoint."

"I see, I see. Thanks so much for the recipe, Saik!"

The professor is talking to my teacher on the phone, but since he's taking a while, I decided to chat with Hanako about food, just to avoid getting bored while waiting.

Before entering the island, I asked my teacher to check me and record it. She has a video of me before I came to the island, where she thoroughly checked that I had nothing in my pockets, shoes, and even had me strip to my underwear and jump to make it clear I wasn't hiding anything… anywhere.

I did all that because I was 100% sure the President might pull something like this.

I took every possible precaution before coming to the island, so I'm not worried about the risk of expulsion.

There's just one more move left from the President, her final play to get me expelled from the test, but I've already made preparations to ensure that move fails.

President, you won't defeat me that easily…

Ugh… Did I really come up with such an elaborate and long-winded strategy? Every day, I regret enrolling in this school more and more.

Today is Saturday, October 4th. If I had gone to a public school, I'd be in my bed right now, studying like the good student I am. But no, here I am, in a school with a system where the smartest and most sociable survive, leaving the antisocial and less intelligent at the bottom of this power hierarchy.

Ugh… Mom, what the hell am I doing with my life?

"Saik, come here."

"You forgot the magic word, Professor. Where's my 'please'? And here I thought teachers in this school treated students with respect. You're really disappointing me, especially since you're the teacher of Class 3-A. I thought you'd be a respectful professor and—"

"Stop talking and come here."

"Yes, yes, I'm coming."

I walk toward him. This professor hates me; I suspected it from the moment I saw him in the student council room when I got Akito removed as vice president.

Can't he handle his class being humiliated by a mere first-year student? That must've been a hard blow to his pride.

I expelled a student from Class 3-A, humiliated Akito, and the President hasn't beaten me at anything so far. He must be frustrated knowing his students, the ones he worked so hard to make the best, are being humiliated by me.

I admire that he takes his job so seriously, but taking it personally is just stupid.

Well, I don't care, and I highly doubt he'd help the… Help… Hmm…

I was about to say I doubted he'd help Class A defeat me, but now I'm not so sure.

"I already spoke with your teacher, and she sent me the video, confirming what you said."

"And you doubted me. I'm quite offended. Aren't you going to apologize? Come on, come on, you're a professor, and you made a mistake by not believing me. I want an apology for the psychological damage you've caused me. I almost cried."

"Tch. Don't you think you're exaggerating?"

"Hahahahaha! That's it, Saik, make him apologize for being incompetent!" Evelyn said, backing me up.

"Make him apologize to Saik! You wanted to expel him without proof that those condoms were his! And on your knees!" Bell added.

The professor turned to look at him with that serious expression of his. Seeing that look, Bell got nervous and looked away.

"W-Well, I think a simple apology is enough," Bell said, scared.

"Hahahahaha! You've got something planned, don't you, Saik? It's rare for you to act like this," Yuki said.

Why am I doing this? I don't know. I guess I'm angry. The President is putting my normal life at risk, and humiliating her professor makes me feel a bit better.

Plus, the President keeps messing with me, so I'll do what I warned her I'd do: "bring down Class A."

"So? Where's my apology? I was psychologically affected and humiliated because some students mocked me when you announced in front of everyone that I was expelled."

I locked eyes with the professor. He's giving me that serious look, but I know he's pissed at me.

Does he think that serious expression scares me? Believe me, Professor, with the things I've seen, that look will never scare me.

"Professor, I agree with Saik. You expelled him in front of everyone without proof that those condoms were his. Saik deserves an apology. Or what? Is the Class 3-A professor incapable of admitting he was wrong? If so, you're pathetic," Tanya said, clearly mocking him.

"Oh, Tanya, you shouldn't mock him; he's a professor. We should respect our teachers," Tanya's friend said, but her tone was sarcastic, also mocking the professor.

"Oh, right, right, he's a professor. He doesn't seem like one, though. A professor should be an example for students, and an exemplary person admits when they're wrong. But yeah, he's a professor. Doesn't seem like it, but he is."

Well, well. The professor got even angrier but kept that serious face. I have to admit, I like that side of him—he knows how to control his emotions and not show them on his face.

The professor closed his eyes and sighed.

"Yes, you're right."

He opened his eyes and extended his hand to me.

Giving in to social pressure, huh? Well, well. Interesting.

"Saik, I acknowledge I was wrong. I apologize for my mistake."

"I don't accept the apology, and I'll get revenge by expelling another one of your students, but I congratulate you for daring to apologize."

I turned around and went back to Naima's side, as now the test to earn items will begin.

Professor, I'm not angry; I just don't like when a professor takes their job personally. Are you attached to Class 3-A, or are you attached to being a Class A professor? I wonder if professors get paid more for teaching Class A. I'll look into that later.

I'm pretty sure the professor is angry because I'm putting his status as a Class A professor at risk.

Yes… This will be fun. I think I just found a new toy.

"Tch. You should've accepted the apology and not threatened him, idiot," Naima said, clearly pissed at me, though I love that angry expression of hers.

"It's not a threat. A threat can be avoided. I just told him what I'll do in the future, no matter what. Want to help me, like the good friend you are?"

"Tch. We're not friends, idiot."

"Oh, right… Want to be my friend and help me?"

"I'd rather die."

"I'll take that as 'I'll think about it.'"

"Tch."

That tongue-click is so cute. Naima, I adore you. I think it's true what they say about love—it turns us into idiots.

While I was thinking about Naima and ways to win her heart, the professor left, saying he'd be back in five minutes.

Let's see if my little spy finds anything interesting, since Yuki is following him on her own—I didn't tell her to. Always so nosy, though I don't mind.

"So, Naima, do you play any video games? Any favorite hobbies?"

"Don't talk to me."

I nodded at that flat-out rejection and sighed.

Ugh… Imagining Naima kissing me or telling me she loves me fills me with satisfaction. If I can get a girl like her to fall for me, I'll definitely die with no regrets.

"Hmm… Uh… Do you like bread?"

"I'm out."

She walked away from me… Ugh… So cold.

Well, I shouldn't worry, because after this special test, Naima will be my friend, no doubt about it… Oh…

Wow… Naima has a cute butt. Her body is pretty average and kinda flat, but that doesn't mean I don't find her chest and butt cute.

…Did I just check out Naima's butt? Did I stare at a woman in a perverted way?

Wow… Is this what it feels like to be a teenager with raging, horny hormones? If even someone like me, who's not interested in sex, masturbation, or porn, is starting to be affected by teenage hormones, I can't imagine how it affects those with weaker minds.

No wonder there are so many teen parents. It's hard to control hormones when two teens are alone together.

But…

I looked at Hanako, Cristal, and Evelyn… I felt nothing for Evelyn; I'm not interested in her even though she shows a lot of skin.

Hanako is cute, and her body is attractive, but honestly, she doesn't spark much interest in me.

But Cristal… Hmm… I don't know what to think about her exactly. I feel something when I see her, but I don't know what it is… It's like… nostalgia… Or something like that. It's the first time I've felt it when seeing her. This is weird… I guess I'm confusing nostalgia with something else. Aside from that, I don't feel anything else when I see her.

In other words, I only feel excitement when I see Naima, confirming that I'm indeed in love with her.

Ugh, love is still a mystery to me.

"Hahahahaha! Saik, Saik, the professor punched a tree; he's super pissed at you! And he said something pretty curious too."

Yuki cleared her throat and put her fist against a tree. Oh, is she going to act like him? This sounds fun.

"Damn shitty brat. Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? You'll regret it!" Yuki said, trying to imitate the professor's voice.

Well, well.

"This is getting more and more interesting."

The professor came back. Good, I feel inspired. I'm definitely going to win this test.

•

•

There are three challenges, each offering different rewards depending on our ranking.

The first challenge was a tug-of-war. One representative from each team competes against another, pulling opposite ends of a rope, trying to pull the rope's center two meters away from the middle. The winner is the one who succeeds.

Obviously, I was the representative, and I defeated Bell without any trouble. After Bell, I faced Tanya, and I'll admit, her strength surprised me. Those muscular arms aren't just for show, but I beat her too.

Then I faced a guy from Class E, and I beat him as well. Something curious I noticed is that there are five teams on the island, and two of them are from Class B—Bell and Evelyn, and Naima and me. Why didn't they include a team from Class C on this island? I don't see the logic. It wasn't an accident; there must be a reason. They did this on purpose. What's the motive? I don't care, just found it curious.

And the final boss of this challenge was Hanako, who had also defeated the other teams, leading to a showdown in the finals.

I was worried because if I used too much strength, Hanako might get suspicious, but I didn't want to lose either. So, I came up with the brilliant idea of lunging forward and then pulling hard, causing Hanako to fall to the ground. When I lunged, she was still pulling with a lot of force, and my sudden move made her lose balance and fall. I took advantage and jumped back while pulling the rope, defeating her.

A dirty move on my part, but to get salt, I'll do what's necessary.

And since it's not in my interest to make an enemy out of Hanako, after beating her, I approached her and offered my hand to help her up.

"Sorry for using such a dirty trick, but in these kinds of tests, there's no mercy."

"Don't worry. Well played," she said, smiling.

She took my hand and got up from the ground.

"Good luck in the next test."

"You too!"

I went back to Naima and extended my hand.

"No congratulations for the winner? A friendly handshake?"

"Die."

"Ugh… You're cold, you know that? Though I'll admit, I like that side of you."

"You disgust me."

She walked away from me again… Ugh… I love her.

"Ahhhhhhhh! Saik, you've definitely lost it! Are you seriously in love with that walking thing?! It makes no sense!!"

It makes perfect sense, Yuki. She's perfect for me; she just hasn't realized it yet.

•

•

The second test was answering general knowledge questions about the internet, social media, popular shows, famous people, viral memes, TV series, blah, blah, blah. As a kid, I watched children's cartoons, but that's it. They got boring, and I stopped watching TV, only tuning in for the news. I told Naima I know nothing about internet stuff or famous people, so she had to be our team's representative this time.

And the result? As expected, she came in last, behind Hanako.

Hanako probably trains and doesn't waste time on unnecessary things like social media and TV, so it was predictable she'd lose.

And I know Naima's past, so I knew she'd fail too.

"Don't worry, Naima, at least we got salt for cooking. I didn't know any of the answers either, so don't feel bad. You did your best…"

"Tch. Shut up already, you're driving me crazy! I told you not to talk to me unless it's necessary. I can't stand you!" she shouted.

…Ouch.

Everyone turned to look at us… Ouch…

"Uh… Yeah… Sure… Sorry."

"Tch. Idiot."

She walked away from me again.

…Ouch… This is the first time I've felt like this… It hurt to hear her say that… Ugh… Better not think about it; it's not worth it. Everything will work out in the end. I just need patience. Love can hurt, Saik, so don't get discouraged.

"Ahhhhhhhh! What the hell is wrong with that crazy girl?! You treat her nicely, and she keeps insulting and yelling at you! Saik, are you a masochist?!"

Calm down, Yuki. She has her reasons for hating me. I just need to wait.

"Saik, I'm serious."

Yuki put her hands on my cheeks and looked me in the eyes, dead serious.

"Do you still like her?"

"She's the first girl I've liked in a long time," I said quietly.

"But… Why? Why her?! Why do you like someone like her?! I don't want to see her keep belittling and insulting you! Fall for someone who treats you well, not like garbage!"

"All in due time."

I sat under a tree and sighed.

"All in due time, Yuki."

"I… I don't understand you… I don't get it."

Yuki flew off, and I patted the ground beneath me.

Sorry, Yuki. I know it's not normal to fall for a girl who treats me so badly, but if you knew her, you'd definitely understand why I like her so much.

Naima hates perverts, and I'm taking advantage of that to earn her trust and loyalty.

I just need to be patient and wait… Just wait.

"You okay?"

Oh, it's Evelyn. I hope she doesn't start with her harassment; I'm not in the mood. That yell from Naima really got to me.

My poor heart just suffered its first pain because of love… Love… Ugh, I'm really turning into a normal person, huh? Little by little… Little by little.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

She sat next to me. Ugh, guess it won't be easy to get rid of her.

"You don't look fine. You look down. Need to talk?"

"I always have the same expression, so don't worry. I'm not down; I'm just naturally serious."

"I highly doubt that. You look very different compared to how you usually look. Something wrong?"

She placed her hand on mine.

This sensation… This feeling from her… It's not love… Hope? Faith?

"I'm your friend; you can trust me. I'll help you whenever you ask. Friends help each other, right?"

Behind those words, I sense another meaning. She needs help with something… Hmm…

Before I erased my memories, I found out something about her. Since I wiped my memories, I only feel that she's a prostitute. I can't shake the idea that she's a prostitute.

If she really is a prostitute, I can imagine what she needs help with.

Sorry, Evelyn, but I can't help you. I promised to be a normal student, and your problems aren't my problems—they don't affect me. I'll only use my power when my normal life is at risk, but your problems pose no threat to me. I won't help you.

But on the other hand, I hate rape, and forcing a woman to sell her body is still rape. I'll give you a little help, but the rest will depend on "him."

If money is what you need, money you'll get.

"Evelyn, can you give me some advice?"

"Of course," she said, still caressing my hand.

"The next test is about to start. Come with me," the professor said.

Ugh… And I wanted to ask her what kind of things attract women, but I'll ask later… Later… If I get involved, my normal life will be at risk. I need to distance her from me and avoid getting caught up in her plans.

I stood up and extended my hand to Evelyn.

"Thanks," she said, smiling.

I took her hand, pulled her toward me, and whispered in her ear.

"Huh? What's up, Saik?"

"I know you're getting close to me to get my help with something, but I really don't have the money or the social power to help you. So please, stop pretending to be my friend just to get my help, because even if I wanted to, I couldn't. We can be friends, but remember I don't have the money you need or the social influence to get what you want. It hurts, but it's the truth. Don't waste your time on me if you're just trying to use me. Goodbye."

I let go of her and walked away.

Without looking at her, I can feel a deep sadness emanating from her… Sadness and disappointment… Despair… Depression.

It's time to act. I'll use the same thing I used with Iris.

The legendary ghosts of sadness emerged from my body and approached Evelyn, whispering in her ears. I can't use them at full power, not even to make people feel sadness, but at least the presence of two such negative ghosts will make Evelyn feel bad, speeding up the process to help her.

Everything will depend on a certain person for this to work out.

I glanced at Bell as I approached the professor.

Bell, an idiotic and shameless guy, but he has rich parents. I think he's dumb enough to fall for it and let Evelyn use him.

Evelyn, this is all the help I'll give you. It's up to you to make the most of it.

•

•

The third test was a treasure hunt using clues. The first to find five items wins. I cheated, using Number 2 to solve the clues, and as a result, I secured an absolute victory.

First place in two of the tests. Not bad.

In the first test, I got sauces, a jug of water, and cooking oil. I got salt in the second test—just salt, and very little, but enough to cook for three days, which is enough time until the next test starts to win more salt. And finally, I won a volleyball, red meat, a cola soda, and a board game.

We didn't do too badly, though I was hoping for more.

The tests ended, and everyone went back to their respective spots on the island.

I'm walking next to Naima as we head to pick up our rewards.

"Alright, then… Hmm… Leave me the salt, half the cooking oil, and the board game. Do you still have water? I'll take the jug. You can keep the sauces, the other half of the cooking oil, the volleyball, the red meat, and the soda."

"You're giving her your meat?! I wanted meat!" Yuki complained about my decision.

You want meat, huh? Then I'll get you meat.

"Whatever. But leave me some salt."

"Of course."

They'll hand out the items at the beach, so we just need to go pick them up.

I need to find something to store the cooking oil… Hmm… I think half a coconut would work. After all, if the inside can hold water, it can hold oil too.

I saw some palm trees with coconuts on the beach; I'll climb up for one before we get to the pickup spot.

…Hmm… Walking next to Naima in silence is nice, but I want to talk to her. I don't know… I like hearing her; her voice is cute, even if she's almost always yelling at me.

"By the way, Naima, what kind of movies do you like? I prefer comedies."

"Shut up."

"Ugh… Why do you treat me so badly? I thought you'd warmed up to me after I got you that protection point. Why'd you change so much?"

She stopped and yanked my ear. Well, well. So aggressive. I like it.

"Are you deaf? I told you to shut your damn mouth!"

"And who do you think you are to tell me what to do? Don't forget who's the reason you're sleeping comfortably in a tent and got you that stupid bathroom. The only reason I don't take those things back is out of pity."

"I told you to shut up!"

She was about to slap me, but I caught her hand with mine.

"That's it, Saik, now you slap her!" Yuki said, excited.

Sorry, Yuki, but I'm not planning to hit my future girlfriend.

"If you don't want to hear me or see me, fine, I'll stay away from you. Good luck surviving without help. The extra tests aren't mandatory, and I don't need them to survive. I bought the bathroom with my points. I bought the tent with my points. And I could take them back if I wanted…"

I let go of her and sighed.

"But I won't. Enjoy the stuff; I don't care. See you when the special test is over… By the way, Naima, never judge people without knowing them. I don't know why you hate me, but I suggest you think twice about your actions. Goodbye."

I ran off.

Ugh… Naima's hatred is stronger than I thought. This could be useful in the future.

"Tch. I know you like her for some weird reason, Naima, but… Why'd you give her everything?! Didn't you hear her?! She talks to you like you're trash! Saik, I thought you had some dignity!"

"Yuki, you said earlier you wanted to eat meat, right?"

"Huh? Yeah, but what does that—"

"Then I'll get you your meat. Don't follow me. See you in the kitchen."

I sped up and got away from Yuki as fast as possible.

If Yuki's hungry, she'll get her meat.

•

•

While Saik fought a cow with his bare fists, he was being watched from the sky by the twins, analyzing him.

"Fufu. Saik's acting weird, sister."

"What's he planning, brother?"

"No idea. Got any theories, sister?"

"Nope. You, brother?"

"I think Saik's in love with that Naima girl, and that's why he's acting so different from usual, sister."

"Saik in love? I highly doubt it. I think boredom's just getting to him, brother. We should wait a bit longer; it wouldn't be fun to watch a discouraged Saik fight."

"You're right, sister."

"Well, I'm off to my date. See you later, brother."

"I'm going to see my girlfriend. See ya, sister."

Both turned to dust and scattered.

Shaik appeared at the "Fantasy" nightclub, where the most powerful invasive creatures gather. A place impossible for humans to find—not even the leader of the Alvanem Rosa family can locate it.

But just because the Alvanem Rosa family can't find this place doesn't mean Saik hasn't.

Right in the center of the dance floor stands a statue of Shadow, his right foot stepping on a werewolf's head. The statue's origin is simple. Shadow visited this place seeking information on how to go to hell to find legendary ghost number 99. When the club's owner disrespected, mocked, and tried to kill him, Saik humiliated him in front of everyone and forced him to put up the statue to remind him who's in charge. Saik spared his life in exchange for help getting to hell.

The club owner tried several times to remove the statue, but people under Shadow's command nearly killed him and forced him to keep it in place.

Shaik entered without issue, as, like Shadow, she also beat up the club's owner, so no one dares mess with her.

Upon entering, the first thing she did was look at Shadow's statue. Remembering how dull and bored Shadow had become, she sighed, disappointed in him.

"The great Shadow is now a boring student. Pathetic."

She sat at a table, and a club employee placed her usual order on it: a bottle of wine, cheese, sweet bread, and a piece of meat.

"It's a pleasure to have you back, Miss Shaik. I hope the food and drink are to your liking."

"Yeah, yeah. Get lost."

"As you wish."

The waiter left, and Shaik observed the people around her.

Fairies, Elves, Goblins, Dwarves, Succubi, Cyclopes, Demons, ghosts corrupted by negative emotions, Vampires, Werewolves, and other fantasy creatures were there, dancing, flirting, talking, arguing, drinking, having fun. A true nightclub for fantasy creatures.

This is a place where the world's invasive creatures gather for a moment of peace, as it's impossible for anyone to find them here.

Being in this place is expensive, which is why fantasy creatures consider it a luxury. Only the most powerful, like Shaik, can afford to stay as long as they want.

And what's the currency here? Souls.

No one dares speak to or get too close to Shaik, but a few Elves were approaching her, fearless, except for the human beside them, trembling in terror at his surroundings.

"Were we keeping you waiting long?" said Syln, the servant of the Elf princess.

Kevs was terrified, being a human in a place where fantasy creatures, who despise humans, gathered. Every single creature in the club had an eye on Kevs, with clear malicious intent.

The only reason they didn't try to kill him was because he was the servant of the Elf princess, but even knowing he was protected, he felt overwhelming fear. Many creatures here had terrifying appearances—like one with a body made entirely of eyes, or demons wearing human skin as clothing. Plus, the main dish served here was human flesh.

Humans were treated horribly here. Besides being used as food, they were also entertainment. One of the live shows featured humans fighting to the death, being tortured, raped, and subjected to countless painful and humiliating acts, varying by the day of the week.

Kevs, seeing other humans used as food and raped by massive Orcs, fought to stay conscious from fear, standing firm because he was more afraid of fainting and waking up as a slave in this place.

The princess brought him here just to amuse herself watching him so scared.

"Fufu. Still scared, Kevs?" the princess said, patting his back.

"Of course I am! They're eating human flesh, Orcs are raping two women, and I'm pretty sure everyone here wants to rape or eat me! Look, that Orc pointed at me and then thrust his hips, implying he wants to rape me! C-Can I go home, please?!"

"Well, well, well. What's with that tone, trash? You'd better be grateful I allowed you to accompany me to such an exclusive place."

"Y-Yes, but you didn't tell me humans are just food here."

"Hahahahaha! Come on, piggy, you think they'd eat you?! You're disgusting! Be thankful you're ugly, pig."

"Does being ugly make my flesh taste worse? First time I'm grateful for being ugly…! Hmmph?"

Shaik threw a piece of bread at Kevs' mouth to shut him up.

"Shut up, idiot. Keep talking, and I'll kill you myself. Got it?"

Kevs nodded at Shaik's terrifying threat.

"Good. Now sit and eat."

Kevs was about to sit on the floor, but the princess grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"She's not your master; don't obey her. Stay standing and eat."

As the Elf princess opposed Kevs obeying Shaik, silence filled the place, except for the music, which was the only sound.

Everyone was shocked, as the princess was the first to dare challenge Shaik.

The Elves felt proud that their princess upheld their race's pride, despite Shaik being far more powerful, but non-Elf creatures thought her action was foolish, practically begging to be killed.

"Y-Yes."

Kevs stayed standing and started eating the bread.

"Well, well. That's pretty bold of you to do that in front of me, princess," Shaik said.

"Kevs is my servant, not yours. Get your own."

"Couldn't you find a less ugly one?"

"Yeah, he's disgustingly ugly, but at least he's efficient."

"Well, thanks, I guess," Kevs thought.

Syln sat at Shaik's table and grabbed the wine bottle without asking permission.

The princess sat beside her and took some cheese, also without asking.

"The Elves living in this world told me Mariel made a certain deal with you twins and the supposed Goddess of ghosts. Now, I need the details of that deal. And I also need Shadow's true identity."

At the mention of Shadow's name, everyone in the place scrambled to escape, as saying Shadow's name here was taboo.

Shadow gained infamy in the underworld and hell while capturing legendary ghosts. The invasive creatures on Earth fear his immense power and were forced to obey him, as it made finding legendary ghosts easier.

Left alone, Shaik simply crossed her arms.

"The Goddess of ghosts forbids me from revealing Shadow's identity, so I can't tell you who he is. I'll give you a hint: his real hair color is red."

A lie, since Saik has black hair. She said Shadow's hair is red to throw the Elves off, not wanting them to discover Shadow's identity.

"Red, huh? Shitty hint," the princess said.

"The deal with Mariel was simple. The Elves swear loyalty to the Goddess of ghosts, and she grants them protection. That's it. We both win. Any objections, princess?"

"Our only God is Angel, the hero of the Elves. We don't need another God."

"The Goddess of ghosts will have millions of servants in the future, so if the Elves want to keep praying to this Angel guy, they can. What matters to the Goddess is that the Elves are on her side to control certain magical worlds. In exchange, she'll hand over Shadow and give the Elves a new home. Doesn't that sound fair?"

"We just want to add one more thing to the deal."

"And what would that be?"

"We want to find Angel's reincarnation."

"Angel's reincarnation?" Kevs thought.

"Reincarnation of your God, you say?"

"Mariel told us we'd meet him in this world. Know anything about that?"

"Not really, but I'll look into it."

"Then that's all. The deal isn't bad, and I'll do whatever it takes to find Angel's reincarnation and kill Shadow. As long as you hold up your end, the Elves will hold up ours. Goodbye."

The princess and Syln stood and walked away.

Kevs followed but couldn't stop thinking about this reincarnation of Angel.

"The hero Angel… His reincarnation… Mariel…" Kevs thought.

Memories flooded his mind—memories of meeting Mariel.

"'Please don't go, Angel.'

'My name's Kevs, not Angel. Goodbye.'"

He recalled Mariel calling him Angel when they met.

"Could it be…?"

But it wasn't the only time she called him that.

"'I know you'll do a great job, Angel. Take good care of Princess Sylphie.'"

Kevs stopped, remembering that last part.

"The reincarnation…"

"'It'd be best if she chose her own name… By the way, why do you call me Angel? My name's Kevs. K.E.V.S. Kevs.'

'I have my reasons.'"

"Maybe I…"

He quickly shook his head to dismiss the idea.

"Nah, impossible."

He kept walking and sighed.

"I've heard each of Angel's reincarnations was better than the last. I'm ugly, fat, and weak—impossible for me to be his reincarnation. But if I'm not his reincarnation, that means… Ahhhhhhhh! I became the Elf princess's servant because Mariel mistook me for Angel's reincarnation! She got it wrong! Ahhhhhhhh! My luck is shit!" he thought, knowing if he said it aloud, the princess would beat him for even considering he could be Angel's reincarnation.

After the Elves and Kevs left, Shaik smiled and filled her glass with wine.

"Ugh, the Elves are more manipulable than I thought… But this hero Angel thing sounds interesting. Did he reincarnate in this world? I'll dig deeper."

She downed the wine in one gulp and wiped her mouth with her hand.

"The hero Angel… If he really reincarnated, he could be a threat. I need to find him first."

Kevs, prime suspect for being the reincarnation of the hero Angel.

•

•

While his sister pondered Angel's reincarnation, her brother was busy dealing with a certain problem.

"Mom, they didn't have shrimp, but I brought fish."

A young man entered his home, grocery bags in hand.

A young man whose life was about to change… for the worse.

"Why's everything off?"

He set the bags on the floor and turned on the lights. When the lights came on, he noticed a note taped to the wall, with freshly painted red arrows pointing to it, making it clear someone wanted him to read it.

Confused and a bit scared, he approached the note and read it: "Son, I have a surprise for you. Come to my room."

"A surprise?"

He was scared but decided to go to his mother's room, worried about her.

Entering the room, he saw something that filled him with shock, terror, and disgust.

"Hey, hey, hey. Know Sofia?"

Sheik was sitting on the bed, while a woman behind him lay naked, her body covered in sweat.

Sheik was using a different human form than his original. He looked like a 20-year-old man with pink hair and pink eyes.

"I'm the boyfriend… Well, ex-boyfriend now, of the woman you slept with an hour ago. I found out and decided to do two things. Number 1: post the video online of you having sex with my girlfriend. Number 2: sleep with your mom. And since I've completed my revenge, I'm heading home."

He slapped the mother's butt and got out of bed.

"You son of a bitch!!"

Furious, the young man tried to punch Sheik, but he dodged and kicked his legs. The young man fell to the floor, and Sheik sighed.

"You slept with my ex-girlfriend. You deserve this and more. By the way, your mom spread her legs with a few sweet words and a bit of cash. You're the son of a bitch. Goodbye."

Sheik left the room, leaving the young man crying on the floor, too scared to try hitting him again. When he swung, he saw Sheik's eyes, and a deep fear overwhelmed him, paralyzing him.

Sheik left the house and pulled out his phone to call Sofia, his ex-girlfriend.

After a few seconds, she answered.

"Hey, baby! I'm here. Where are you?"

"I know you slept with a guy an hour ago. We're done. Don't ever contact me again."

He didn't wait for her response, crushed the phone in his hands, and tossed it in the trash.

"Ugh… Even trans girls cheat on me. What shitty luck."

"Got cheated on again?"

Mike, one of the Goddess of ghosts' minions, stood beside him and patted his back.

"Yeah, again."

"Seriously, that guy with the chopped-off dick cheated on you? Hahahahaha! Your luck with women is trash!"

"Haha. Real funny, huh? Idiot."

"Come on, cheer up. I know a great place where you can find a new girlfriend. Or what, you want to go to your sister so she can comfort you…?"

Sheik grabbed Mike's arm and stared into his eyes, clearly trying to intimidate him, but Mike just smiled, completely unfazed.

"What? Wanna fight?"

"My sister's not some sicko, got it? I'm tired of you and Star's constant incest jokes. Want me to mock you, slave?"

"Ooh, slave? How original. Why not call me thief? Or better yet, why not call me brother-in-law, brother-in-law?"

"You're dead."

"Try me."

•

•

(Pov - Saik.)

I finished skinning and bleeding the cow, and now I'm cutting the meat to cook it better. Yuki will steal the cooking oil from Naima, so I don't need to worry about that.

It was gross having to slit its throat to drain the blood and skin it, but at least Yuki will eat well today.

"What'll you do with the rest of the meat, master?" said Number 30, who's helping me dig a hole to bury the rest of the cow.

"I'm tossing it. This meat won't last long without refrigeration."

"Can I eat it? It's not good to waste so much meat."

"Do what you want, as long as you don't get caught."

"Thank you, master."

Well, he is a werewolf, after all.

Ugh… I don't need to do anything else. Just wait and be patient.

I'll try to enjoy my stay on this island.

Naima, after this special test, you'll be mine. I just need to be more patient.

(Extra - Legendary Ghost Number 21, the Ghost of… Hair?)

(Pov - Saik, age 6.)

…Ugh… I know legendary ghosts are weird, but… seriously?

"A legendary ghost of hair? Are you for real?"

"Yes. As odd as it sounds, that legendary ghost exists," said Number 1.

Ugh… I see… Ahhhhhhhh! What good is that legendary ghost?! To keep me from going bald?! Another useless legendary ghost!

Ugh… Saik, don't worry, at least it'll make you stronger… Ugh… Damn legendary ghosts with useless powers. I hope the stronger ones have more useful powers, like controlling the dead or something.

"Where is it?"

"According to Number 7, the ghost hunters recently found it, and one of their members is currently its possessor. What do we do?"

I see… From what I know, after the possessors I killed, the ghost-hunting organization now has 26 possessors, including the one they just got.

26 possessors… Hmm… I've got a few ideas, but they're risky. What should I do? Act fast and take the risk? Or take my time to plan better strategies?

Both options suck. If they get legendary ghost Number 31 first, it'll delay my plans. With that ghost's power, I'd be twice as strong, as its speed would let me dodge any attack easily. And if they get Number 31 first, it'll only make collecting legendary ghosts harder, since they'll be able to get them more easily.

But if I act now without a specific strategy, the chances of failure skyrocket.

What do I do?

"Master, we still have the 'Dianney' plan active."

Oh, right, Number 1.

I created Dianney so Hanako wouldn't suspect me. If I play my cards right, I can get my hands on that legendary ghost.

The main thing will be researching the possessor. I'll go to his house.

The members of that ghost-hunting organization are experts at watching their backs and tracking. Getting information will be tough, but not impossible.

"First, let's find out if he has a family."

•

•

After a couple of hours, Number 7 returned home with the information I asked for. I told him to only spy from a distance and use his servants, so if he didn't use too much power, he shouldn't have had any issues.

"Well?"

Number 7 covered his mouth to stifle his laughter, or so I think. Why would he cover his mouth when he wants to laugh? I don't get it.

"Fufu. The possessor has huge horns. His wife is sleeping with her boss, and the baby she's carrying is her boss's, not her husband's."

Wow… That's weird. Why doesn't someone like him know he's being cheated on? Doesn't he have ghosts spying on his wife? Maybe he just trusts her too much…

Trusts her too much… Well… This is just perfect.

"Fufu. Well, well."

I think I've got an idea.

The shock of finding out his baby isn't his will leave him defenseless for at least one or two seconds, enough time to make my move.

Dianney + The revelation of a painful truth + Legendary Ghost Number 19, the Doppelgänger Ghost + Legendary Ghost Number 30.

Perfect. Now I need the materials. I think my mom has a video camera… Oh, right, I can't use tech devices, since the ghost-hunting organization could detect me or trace the device and discover my identity.

I'll steal a camera, and problem solved… But I think there's another issue to deal with.

Hmm… I think I need to make two different plans. It's too weird that someone entrusted with a legendary ghost is being cheated on and doesn't know. It's too optimistic to think he just trusts her too much; there must be another reason behind the deception and an answer to the question: Why doesn't he realize he's being cheated on?

Someone in that ghost-hunting organization must be smart with incredible survival instincts. I doubt they'd accept stupid or weak-minded people into their group.

This man was chosen to be a legendary ghost possessor, so he must be one of the best in the organization. Has he really not noticed he's being cheated on?

I'll investigate first, then act.

"Come on, Saik, Rossy's here to play with you!!" shouted a certain annoying girl.

"Did you hear that? The signal to escape through the window…"

"Good afternoon, Saik!!"

Rossy barged into my room without permission, as loud as ever. Tch. I didn't escape in time.

"Rossy, I'll give you 100 bucks if you leave me alone."

"Hahahahaha! Don't be silly!"

She hugged my neck tightly. It'd hurt, but after all the pain I've felt, this is nothing compared to absorbing a legendary ghost.

"Fufu. Be grateful a beautiful girl like me comes to play with someone as weird as you."

"And where's this beautiful girl? I don't see her… Ugh…"

This crazy girl punched me in the stomach. You're in someone else's house, at least act civilized, you lunatic!

"Here I am, blind boy!"

"Then you're the blind one!"

"You're dead!"

"You wish!"

We were about to fight, but since someone was about to open the door, we set aside our differences and grabbed some action figures from the floor, pretending we weren't actually fighting.

"I thought you two were fighting again. I'm glad to see you get along so well."

"Fufu. Of course we do! Saik's my best friend!"

"I'm glad Saik has a cute friend like you. Here, I brought you some snacks."

My dad left a tray with candies, cookies, and juice.

After setting it on the floor, he headed to the door.

"Don't fight."

He left my room, and Rossy immediately grabbed the cookies and started eating.

"My dad's cookies are my favorite!"

Ugh… My dad will punish me if I fight with Rossy, so I avoid fighting her when he's around. I've fought with Rossy before, but we never got physical, just insults… Well, Rossy does hit me, but I don't hit back because she'd snitch to my parents, and since she's the daughter of my mom's friend, my mom would be furious if she found out I hit Rossy.

And Rossy doesn't hit me when my parents are around because she'd lose the free food they give her. She only pretends to consider me a friend so my parents keep giving her free stuff! Tch. You're lucky you're my mom's friend's daughter, because if you were a stranger, I wouldn't hesitate to kick you out of my house, you lunatic.

"Hmmmm! Delicious!"

Gross, she's talking with food in her mouth.

I sat on the floor and took a cookie. I don't like sweets, but I don't want to reject something my dad made for us.

"Eat with your mouth closed."

"Oh… Fufu."

Rossy laughed mischievously and crawled toward me… Why is she crawling?

"Staring at my lips, huh? You pervert."

"…What?"

What do lips have to do with eating with your mouth open?

She got too close to my face and licked her lips.

"Want a little kiss, Saik?"

As if you were Hanako. I'd accept anything from her, and I highly doubt I'd like a kiss from you. My lips belong only to Hanako.

"No, thanks."

"So shy. You're adorable."

"Shy?"

Is she seriously planning to kiss me? I doubt she'd dare. If I'm as gross to her as she says, I'm sure she won't.

She caressed my lips.

"Want a kiss?"

"Sure, give it to me."

"…Huh?"

"But just lips. We're still too young for tongue…"

"Y-You're… You're…!"

What am I? Why's she getting so red and nervous? Do I gross her out that much? Am I really that ugly?

"You pervert!!"

"Huh?"

…

…

…

Damn lunatic!! Why'd you slap me?!

"Hey, hey, you offered the kiss! You're the pervert!"

"I'd rather die than kiss someone like you! You disgust me! Die!"

"No, you die!"

"At your command, boss!" said Number 4.

Huh? Uwaaaah!

I jumped on Number 4 and stopped her from killing Rossy with her hands.

"No, idiot, don't do it!"

"Stop talking to yourself like always and come here; I'm not done with you!"

"Ugh… I'm going to the backyard. It's not worth fighting."

And because my dad might make me go to more sessions with that psychologist or whatever that person was who tried to read my mind. If I keep going there, I'll lose more time, and I can't afford that.

"Finally, you say something sensible!"

Rossy grabbed my arm and dragged me out of my room.

Ugh… Hanako really was special to me, huh? She's the only girl I haven't hated. Rossy, I hate you with all my heart, but I can't do anything to get rid of you because if I do, my parents would get mad, and I'd never escape that shitty psychologist.

•

•

"See you tomorrow, Saik!"

Tomorrow?! Ahhhhhhhh! She's coming to play tomorrow too?! Damn freeloader!

Ugh… Relax, Saik, she's leaving.

Her mom picked her up when it got dark. Finally, I can start moving and execute my plan.

"She's a good girl, isn't she? Treat Rossy well, Saik; she could be your wife in the future."

"Wife…? Hahahahaha!"

Have that lunatic as my wife?! Hahahahaha! Dad, that's the best joke you've ever told!

"I'd rather die alone!"

"Fufu. Embarrassed, son? Love grosses you out now, but when you grow up, you'll change your mind and fall in love. Rossy's a good option, don't you think?"

"I doubt it."

"Aw, puppy love. So cute."

I don't love her!! What kind of idiot would fall for a girl who treats him badly and abuses him? Only idiots would fall for temperamental girls!

Besides, my future wife is Hanako… Hanako… Oh, right, I lost her forever.

It'd be best to forget her… Forget her… Will I be able to move on?

"Well, time for bed, son. It's late."

"Dad, how did you fall in love with Mom?"

I want to know if I have another chance at love. Maybe it's too soon to give up.

"It's a pretty boring story, nothing special. Your mom and I have known each other our whole lives. I fell for her mainly because she didn't treat me badly. You see me as pretty masculine and muscular now, but back then, people mistook me for a woman."

…Dad, sorry to say, but I could easily mistake you for a woman if you grew your hair longer. You have a pretty feminine face that some might call cute, and you're not muscular.

"Everyone called me 'doll,' and it hurt, but your mom always… always… Ugh, it's embarrassing, though I don't mind… Your mom defended me from the people who insulted me, even fought them to protect me."

…My mom was that aggressive?! Awesome! No wonder I'm so violent. Family trait, huh? I like it.

"She and I were best friends, and since she was always the best in school academically, I studied my ass off to keep up with her. When we graduated high school, I asked her to be my girlfriend, and years later, you were born, son."

Hmm… Well… The only thing that surprised me about the story is learning about my mom's violent side, but it's sweet to know my parents were best friends and knew each other since they were kids. That's nice.

But… The only girls that close to me are Rossy and Hanako… I hate Rossy, and I lost Hanako forever… Ugh, goodbye to having a romance like my parents'.

"I see… Well, I'm off to bed."

"Me too. See you tomorrow, son."

"See you, Dad."

We both went upstairs and entered our rooms.

Alright…

"Let's roll," I said, activating my Shadow form.

•

•

After 20 minutes, I reached my destination.

The wife meets her boss at this hotel, and if the information's correct, they should be having sex right now.

With a camera in hand (stolen from a guy who was practically begging to have it taken—why was he using such an expensive camera at night? Idiot.), I'm ready to record these two animals.

"Saik, what'll we do after recording?" said Number 1, carrying me on his shoulders as he flies toward the room's window.

Flying up from outside is easier than sneaking in from inside.

"I don't care about them, so I won't do anything to them."

"Why not use them to make Dianney scarier?"

"Scarier?"

"Yeah, you know, dismember them and dump the bodies at the shrine to scare the ghost hunters. They'd probably focus more on Dianney and less on Shadow."

Yeah… He's right; that'd give me some advantages. I could even pretend to help them fight her and learn their weaknesses. Pretty smart, Number 1.

"Yeah… You're right."

We reached the window, and I used my spiritual form to pass through it.

The camera passed through too, since, as impossible as it sounds, if I surround it with spiritual power, I can give it a spiritual structure to phase through the window.

Alright, I hear moans, so I started recording.

…Ugh… That woman's pregnant.

"Does the possessor think he's going to be a dad?"

"Most likely."

"I see."

Well, well. This makes things easier.

"Huh? Who the hell are you?" the man said, looking in my direction.

"Huh? Hey, Number 1, who's he talking to?"

"I think us."

"I asked you a question!"

Oh… He's turning green… And a horn's growing on his forehead… Pointy ears… I don't think he's an Elf.

"W-What?!" the woman screamed, terrified.

Ugh, this ruins the plan. Time to improvise.

"Number 4, take that woman and don't kill her."

Number 4 emerged from my body.

"Fufu. Well, well. A Goblin King? Haven't seen one in centuries," Number 4 said.

Goblin King? A Goblin? Ugh, trying to make sense of this isn't worth it.

"Need help defeating him, master?" said Number 30, from within me.

"Answer me!!"

The Goblin ran at me and tried to punch me.

Hmm… Well… This Goblin's an idiot.

I activated my spiritual form just before he hit me, his fist passed through, and I quickly ran forward to get behind him.

He broke the window with his punch, and I deactivated my spiritual form.

"Idiot."

I kicked him in the back, and he fell out the window.

"Do Goblins fly?"

"No, but I doubt the fall will kill him; it'll just injure him," Number 1 said.

"Well, time to debut my little buddy."

I jumped out the window, and Thiago, my pet Slime, emerged from my chest.

"Ready for your first fight with your master?"

Thiago nodded in his own way and started growing massive.

I discovered that if I give Thiago a bit of spiritual power, he becomes very strong temporarily. I've heard foreign spiritual power turns humans into demons or something like zombies, but with Slimes, it makes them stronger. I wonder if spiritual power is like magic, since I think Slimes get stronger because their bodies are more adapted to magic, unlike human bodies in this world.

We landed on the ground, and Thiago cushioned the fall.

The Goblin's slowly getting up. Probably has some broken bones, but I think he can still fight.

Hmm… No, no one can see us. Oh, that means the ghost hunters will be here soon. Well, I've got something secured to keep them from figuring out my real intentions.

"Hey, Goblin, how about you surrender and accept your death?"

The Goblin roared at me. Wow, so aggressive.

"I'll take that as a no. By the way, your breath stinks."

He charged at me, throwing fireballs.

Ugh, so weak.

Thiago got in front of me and absorbed the fireballs with his body.

Ugh… This Goblin's weaker than I thought.

"Even I could beat you without my legendary ghosts. I'll just use Thiago."

Thiago expelled the energy from absorbing the fireballs, releasing it as a massive fireball.

Surprisingly, the Goblin, fearless, smashed the fireball with his fist, taking the explosion head-on but emerging unscathed.

Interesting.

"Thiago, fusion mode."

Thiago turned liquid and entered my mouth.

The Goblin tried to attack, but I jumped, dodging, and jumped again when I landed on his bald head.

I moved away and landed on the ground to complete the fusion.

Let's see…

I stretched out my right hand, and blue liquid shot from my nails, forming a giant hammer.

Fufu. Fusion complete. The fusion lets me use Thiago however I want, saving me the time of talking and giving orders.

I put my left hand behind my back.

"Hey, Goblin, you like messing with married women, huh? You deserve a good punishment," I said, as blue liquid oozed from my left hand's nails, pooling on the ground.

Fufu. Come on, come here.

Without hesitation, he charged at me, furious. Seriously, doesn't he know how to fight better? Disappointing.

I stepped back, and when the Goblin was in front of me, the Slime liquid on the ground quickly formed a tentacle and fully trapped him.

"Yeah, you're definitely an idiot."

I started slamming him against the ground over and over. Up, down, up, down, side to side.

"You're pretty tough. This might take a while."

Thiago emerged from my mouth.

"I'll leave it to you, Thiago."

Thiago hopped to confirm he understood and started growing in size.

While Thiago uses the Goblin as a punching bag, I'll deal with some nuisances.

"Hey, the Goblin's mine, and he's not a legendary ghost. You can leave," I said to the ghost hunters pointing their weapons at me.

"You again."

"Yup, me again. And treat me better, old man."

The leader approached me, and I approached him.

"So? What now? Gonna try to capture me again?"

"That's the plan, but not today."

"Being cautious, huh? I like it. So, what do you want? The Goblin issue's handled. And I'm not giving him to you; he's mine."

"We're not here for you, we're here for…"

"For me!!"

"Huh?"

I stepped back and dodged Dianney's punch—or rather, Legendary Ghost Number 19, the Doppelgänger Ghost.

That ghost can transform into other people, perfect for infiltrating places.

I gave it the appearance of the student who died when an Elf kidnapped me while using her body.

"Fufu. You're quick, kid."

"Ugh… Well… Oh, look, Thiago's done killing the Goblin. I'm out!"

Thiago jumped onto my head, and I turned invisible to escape.

"Sorry, I can't take on two at once!"

And I escaped easily, as the ghost hunters stayed behind fighting Dianney.

•

•

I got home and deactivated my Shadow form.

"Ugh… It didn't go as originally planned, but the result was the same."

"I'm back," said Number 4.

"Excuse us," said Number 30.

They set Legendary Ghost Number 21 on the floor… A ghost made entirely of hair… It's all hair… Ugh, damn weird ghosts.

"How'd he react?"

"Well, at first, he kept fighting while crying, but when he saw Number 4 rip the baby out of the woman's womb and then cut off her head, he was completely traumatized and stopped moving. Number 4 told him it's impossible for a Goblin to impregnate a human in this world since humans here lack magic, so he realized that baby was indeed his."

"…Number 4 cut off a baby's head?"

"It was that or drag out the fight," Number 4 said, showing no remorse.

"…Ugh… I wonder what kind of life you had when you were alive. Being so crazy and sick isn't normal."

Well, at least everything worked out.

Number 4 and 30 captured the possessor while the ghost hunters fought Dianney. When they isolated the possessor, Number 4 revealed the cheating to make him lower his guard due to heartbreak, but when that didn't work, Number 4 did something drastic and sick: killed the baby. That allowed them to defeat him and get me Legendary Ghost Number 21.

…Ugh… Why'd she have to kill the baby? It was unnecessary. Damn lunatic.

Whatever.

Number 19 has orders to escape through the sewers and transform into a rat so the ghost hunters lose track, so I won't worry.

Ugh, those ghost hunters are truly useless. I wonder if I'm the powerful one or they're just too weak.

I captured Legendary Ghost Number 21… Ouch… Shit… I hit the limit again.

Whatever.

22 legendary ghosts under my control, 78 to go.