Logic Is My Sword

by Itherael

It's often said that one person's insanity is another person's reality, and believing such was improbable. But if you were to reach a junction where self-delusion and insanity are the only choices left to take, what else can you be expected to do? Simple, defy the irrational world by choosing the path of logic, for I refuse to compromise my principles for the sake of convenience.

2. Conclusion?

Well, it was about time that we see what happens next. I highly recommend you reread the first chapter that was heavily edited by my totally awesome new Beta-Reader (his words). I assure, it's worth it.

Before that, let's get to the already mentioned review response! Feel free to skip this section if you want read the actual chapter.

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jordanlink7856: I see your point. I'm not that good as a writer, so I usually give my chapter several reads to fix mistakes before publishing, and considering the size of the chapter, sometimes it's hard to find all the mistakes. I'm actually searching for a beta reader that would help me with this, so if you know any, please tell me.

Draughts: I personally think the same, but you must consider that he's dealing with stuff that is shaking his whole integrity and perception of the world. He will adapt, and when he does, you'll see how well he does. He has no powers, but someone like him doesn't need them when he can manipulate, use or ask those that have them right? There's always someone in charge of military armies, someone that direct those that will fight in a war, a commander… right? Hachiman may be one, who knows?

Hachiman is the main character, and the story will revolve around his observations of this unknown world. However, Hachiman won't be a burden in events that require action, and that will be uncovered in the next chapters. No super powers though, but still, look forward to that.

Ferno16: Well, it will… somewhat…

The Azure Heart: Thanks, my friend.

Neo Fan: I'm glad you're liking it so far. I'm not flawless, but I'll try to do my best.

Lady Dalila: Why, thank you!

MALT T: Yeah… maybe I overstepped the mark… but well, hell yeah if you liked it!

Sweet Lulu-chan: Thanks. More characters will appear, so look forward to that. Awesome that you know GTO, his anime was one of the best I've seen.

ArmantusCumPinnae: I appreciate it. I hope you like chapter 01 too! Lengthy as hell…

Aquaquaqua: Good to know I've made the right call then about putting it on the Oregairu section. Well, I actually thought the same when I came with this idea, but the possibility of Hachiman reacting to the absurdity of some of this shows, I thought: "Hmm! What would Hachiman do if he was here?" Or… "Damn, I wish someone as Hachiman was here so he could give them a piece of his mind!" Anyway, as ordered, here is the update!

Mythfan: Haha, yes… that right. I can't blame him though. He is scared and the worst is that all he had was taken from him without warning, and he doesn't know why. He has plenty of reasons to act this way.

pomegranate downer: Hmm… yes, it would have been easy, but remember that he is always cautious. Why trust people he doesn't know about the recent events? He barely interacted with Komachi, and those that knew him, now hate him, so who could he trust to ask that question? Just by seeing Rito's reaction or the others, he may have concluded that just asking what's going on wasn't much of a good idea.

AndyBurgundy: I'm glad my story intrigued you. There's more that meets the eye, and while chapter 01 may clear some doubts, always remember, nothing is never what it looks like. And yes, the characters you're probably thinking about will appear.

Yes, he is indeed some sort of Anti-Hero. And don't worry! I won't abandon it!

Supreme King of all Kings: I'll try to fix all the mistakes I can find. Haha, the journey had just started, so look forward to it.

Anontbhfam: Honestly speaking… I would have banged her too. Although…

Is Hachiman gay for rejecting Haruno? I think most men would have just had sex with her, but we're speaking about Hachiman here. He doesn't let carnal needs and feelings cloud his mind. He thought about the consequences that would come if he had sex with Haruno. He also thought that she was possibly making fun of him as he knows how bad she can be. And have you considered that he may already love someone else?

GigaProminence: Well, I'm glad I've made a good job with the prologue. Happy reading with the chapter below this section.

Ena-Ena Till It Hurts: And here it is! Moar!

Faithful Reader: Thanks! Utaha, huh? Well, stay tuned and you'll see her soon enough. And that cook as well!

Lord Alania: I'm sure most readers are not familiar with some of the participating shows, but if you think about it, Hachiman is also not familiar with any of these. So basically, you and Hachiman will learn of these shows together. I just loved the idea of seeing Hachiman dealing with situations like these, so I decided to write this story. Rest assured that the past will be revealed in due time.

Knight of Athos: Yes, it worked. It was hard, but yeah, I managed to do it as I planned. I appreciate that you like it, my friend. Thanks a lot.

Mili: Thanks. Cool to know that I stayed true to his character.

We WANT: There you: GO!

Sleepwalker 5462: Thanks!

adv: Thank you! He kinda is, but well, considering all the crap he's experiencing, I think that is to be expected.

Killusion: Indeed, my friend. You made my day with that question, hahaha. Who knows? Maybe they will meet.

The Reader of Souls: Yeah, I just thought Hachiman would be the best character to make this story interesting. The plot will be good I assure you.

Yeah, I'm proud of that boy too. Anyone else would have fallen for the temptation. Thanks 4 the support my good reader.

TheLaughingStalk McColdHands: …Okay? It's disgustingly awesome that you like it ;)

Predator7: I did. Haha… if you also write long chapter as me, then you have my respect, my good writer. On a side note, what or who is Andur?

Xpeke: Thanks, and pretty much yeah. Hachiman met her. Unbelievable, right? Well, read the chapter below and find out about that.

Lektorr: Wow, I wonder how you manage to get to this story if you don't know Hachiman. Usually, it's the other way around. Thanks, and clever nick by the way.

Momo: Good to hear it.

Profezia di Morte: Who knows? And I wouldn't mind it either.

Christopher Dragkrow: Hell yeah if you enjoyed it! I know right? Hachiman dealing with stuff like this. Thanks man.

HarimaHige: Here is the update. Fascinating you say? You make me embarrassed. I appreciate it. Chapter 01 is ready to help you with that doubt.

Guest: Yes.

shiroryuu012: Read chapter 01 to your heart's content then. Thanks, I'll try to make him that way. Let's hope I can.

The Epic Legion: There is, after all, that chapter was just the prologue. Thanks.

RRB: Me too.

A Certain Unfortunate Guy: Hahaha! You're right, he should say that. Thanks for reading.

Missy-kin: I hope I manage to meet not only Hachiman's expectation, but yours too.

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Man that was long. Sorry about that.

Anyhow, fasten on your belts, 'cause this gonna be a wild ride!

*Dark Spirit: Beta-Reader Invades*

(NirvanaFrk97): Just a precaution for Itherael's dear readers, there are plenty more crossovers coming in this chapter and the ones following. He really knows how to make a guy work…

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Logic is My Sword

Chapter 01 – Against all Odds, Hikigaya Hachiman Reaches a Conclusion

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1-0

The supernatural…

I was never one to believe in anything that couldn't be otherwise rationally proven, and by that I meant anything regarded as supernatural. Any sort of event considered as such could not be observed through scientific means whilst mostly relying on word-of-mouth, which in turn made them lack any sort of credibility. To rationalize the irrational would only look bad upon myself...

Anything supernatural wasn't within the realm of possibility, or so I believed.

Despite the strange events I've witnessed today, I still don't want to completely accept it, all I wanted to believe was that all this madness was a dream, a bad one… some sort of lucid nightmare. Even when my own 'evil' doppelganger in the mirror claimed that it wasn't, that it was the opposite actually, whether I liked it or not. It went against everything I stood for but I wanted to hold onto a waning hope that he hadn't been right.

This new world was a shitty one after all.

Both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita were out of my reach, as whatever bridge we had was already burnt down based off the wariness and hostility I was met with. The Service Club I knew no longer exists, cruelly taken and given to the one person that least deserved it. Even Isshiki hated me for reasons I have yet to discover.

And the worst part was… I didn't even get to interact with Totsuka once this entire day!

This was pure misery. It was as if I were living the life of another person, all that was familiar to me had become unrecognizable. I wonder if D4C had something to do with this...

As I lay on my bed, I futilely wished that I would wake up tomorrow as if nothing had ever happened, even ignoring the fact that it was still in the middle of the evening. I'll wake up to Komachi's sweet voice, somehow arrive late and then get lectured by my violent and still-single sensei, hearing the usual 'Senpai!' from my foxy kouhai demanding my physical labor, and attending the boring, yet comforting club meetings after class.

However, life didn't really have that in store for me. Shame on me for practicing a concept like 'vain hope' in the first place.

1-1

Where was I right now? The hell if I knew.

The area around me was anything but real, considering that I should be in my bed right now and not in this eerie place. Now this was a dream… at least, it should be.

But…

Dreams are supposed to be a succession of images, emotions, ideas and sensations usually occurring in the mind during REM sleep as far as I knew, but what was before me was something else. Because this is the rational method to the human thought process.

I was in what it seemed to be a huge domed building, with tall columns by each wall, only reaching the middle of the tall structure. Still, they were gigantic. Everything seemed to be colored with a purplish tint as far as I could see. The floor had a strange design, and there were many symbols within the upper part of the walls. This place was surreal to say the least.

This was all too detailed, and I was completely aware of myself. I've never been much of a lucid dreamer, but this was past that. It's as if this place was actually…

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Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Song 01

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"Welcome Hachiman Hikigaya, to the Cathedral of Causality."

My head shot up immediately, finally noticing a presence I somehow passed over despite its large size. Whatever it was that was in front of me, I could tell just by sight that it was probably a few tens of meters tall.

I gaze in utter shock at the barely humanoid creature, which seemed to be more mechanical than a being of flesh. Whatever that thing was, it had a skull-like head complete with a donned crown, and was that… purple hair? The large strands of seemingly purple spiked hair came out from the back of its head. As for the rest of this thing's body, it wore a black robe of sorts, covering everything else.

Just what was that thing supposed to be!? None of this makes sense!

I'm completely frozen in shock, my mind blank and unable to formulate anything remotely comprehensive. This was definitely a nightmare, one that felt unbelievably realistic. It had to be.

I look down at my body. I'm still wearing my school uniform, so this may be a dream since my mind recalled what I wore.

Then looking around, I managed to see some entrances, but they were far from my reach. I would have to somehow fly or find extremely large stairs to reach them. In other words, there was no way out from… hold on, did someone say 'Cathedral of Causality' just now?

"…what is this place?" It meant it more for myself than anyone else, but the way its eyes shifted in my direction means it heard me without trouble.

"Did I not use the appropriate language, human? Or do you possibly suffer from hearing loss? Perhaps I overlooked that small detail."

The great voice came again, and it took a few seconds for me to register that it belonged to the thing on the throne over a flying platform. My legs nearly lose their strength as it focuses its gaze on me. I felt… small in its presence. Akin to that of an ant.

Now that I think about it, besides looking utterly terrifying, it also exuded some sort of twisted regal presence so my analogy about being an ant wasn't that far off.. It was simply too overwhelming for me to handle, and its size wasn't helping my anxiety.

"Uh, I… I'm not deaf, but I have no idea what a Cathedral of Causality is," At least my voice didn't quiver to reflect my fright and confusion. "This is some sort of dream, right? Like, I'm inside of how I perceive my inner consciousness?"

It had to be, otherwise I have to believe that this farce was actually happening like if I were in an anime or something. "Are you supposed to represent my conscience or something? That crown mean I'm some sort of King of Cynics?"

I couldn't buy the 'me' in the mirror being my true self, so maybe this thing…

The entity falls silent while raising its large, pale and thin clawed hand to its maw as if in thought, "That is certainly the most unusual way I have ever been addressed." The creature suddenly laughs, his booming laughter causing the area around me to rumble. I manage to keep my balance, barely, "How bold of you to consider yourself a King, even if it is among those who are cynical. Truthfully that is one reason why I have chosen you, Hachiman Hikigaya."

Looks like that answers that. Great, another unbelievable thing is happening to me. But at least it's rational enough to hold a conversation instead of just attacking me. This thing isn't an alien, is it? Though, it does look like it could be one, with that size and its blatantly inhuman appearance.

Maybe this thing can finally brief me about what's going on.

"Just tell me one thing. Is 'this' a dream?" I gesture towards the area.

"It is not, I assure you. I am very real." I cock an eyebrow. Everything around me screams the contrary. But he doesn't really have a reason to lie to me. If this is a dream, that would mean that I'm lying to myself. And lying to myself would lead to delusions on my part... And I refuse to do that to myself.

"So… My current life, that's not a dream either then?" I'm terrified of the possible answer, I want to hold onto that modicum of hope even if my brain says that it's irrational.

"No. This is no dream nor a night terror. This is your new reality." Was his simple response.

I already knew the answer, but I still can't help but feel a pang of loss pierce through my heart. I really did lose everything then… But that also means that he was somehow involved in this. Bastard! Don't treat it as if it has nothing to do with you! Before I can say anything else though, he speaks up again.

"However, before we discuss the reason for your presence in my dominion, allow me to introduce myself."

Well, he knows who I am already, "That'd be appreciated."

"You may call me Deus Ex Machina. The one that succeeded the role as god of time and space after the vanishing of the Titan Chronos a millennia ago. I am but one of many watchers of all existing worlds and realities."

What the…? A god? Of time and space? …One of many? Worlds and realities? …What was this guy saying? This all just sounds like dialogue from an RPG game. It's insane.

"…Right." I sigh, I can't follow any of this. If this is real, then it's far beyond what I could comprehend. Seriously, it sounded like a shitty anime. "Whatever that means. So… What is all this?"

Deus Ex Machina raised a fist when a light began to appear before me in a vertical, rectangular shape, before fading and taking the form of a mirror with golden borders. I looked at my reflection, and to my relief, it was mimicking my actions like normal, but suddenly a large smirk spread from side to side, its dead-fish eyes assuming a dryer and more sinister light, becoming that much more intimidating and darkening until it was nothing more than a shadow.

It was him again, he never introduced himself as anything other than my 'true self.' If I were to go by technicalities, it would be accurate to call him my 'shadow'; though since he resides in reflective surfaces, referring to him as my Reflection was more appropriate in more ways than one. If I had anything to go by with how twisted I've been told I am lately, he fits the depraved image perfectly as opposed to me.

And he was the last thing I wanted to see right now.

[Yo.] My reflection raises a hand, as if greeting me. I simply glared at his presence. Him being here answered some questions at least, Deus Ex Machina was behind all of it.

Then footsteps suddenly echoed to my right, someone coming from the darkness cast by Deus Ex Machina's floating platform. I focused my gaze in that direction as whoever approached made themselves known. It was only one person apparently as brown footwear stepped out from the shadows, then dark green pants and finally a white shirt with a loose blue tie and open red blazer overtop. The new presence looked to be a normal enough person at least.

And finally, the face of whoever this person was came into focus outside of the shadows.

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Go to profile, SEE: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Picture 01

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"Ah, my other candidate, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji." Looks like Deus Ex Machina was expecting this fellow. 'Other candidate,' huh?

There wasn't much to say about him. He looked sort of plain, his curtained hair was brown, having a long fringe divided in the middle. His seemingly tired eyes (which by the way, reminded me of someone), were a honeyed amber. But, as I continued to study him I felt something off about him. It was like I was looking at...

"Eh… I've heard enough to at least know that Deus Ex Machina wants something from us," The unknown boy speaks, his tone as bland as his facial expression.

The boy called Ayanokoji Kiyotaka folded his arms, not looking at all tense despite being in the presence of such a monstrosity. Yeah, there was something more to him than he lets on. I may have relaxed after some time, but that God of Time was still an intimidating presence.

"Have you finally reached a decision?"

"Not yet…" He responded lazily and looked over at me for a brief moment, then at the mirror. "It's you again. Why are you here?"

I blink as this boy speaks to the mirror from where my reflection stared at me. He was still there, still smirking at me, but he seemed to be ignoring Ayanokoji, does that mean…?

[That's right. Like you, he's seeing his true self in the mirror. Quite an unpleasant fellow actually.] Excuse me? You think you have room to talk Obvious Villain-san?

I still have to ask, "You're saying that we both have whatever the hell you are?" My evil self merely nods, "Who is he anyways?"

[I'm you, so if you don't know that, how am I supposed to? Idiot.]

Great, not only is he unpleasant, he's useless too. I see my 'reflection' give me an indignant glare, hoh… Looks like he can more or less guess my thoughts as well, wonderful. Or he's probably just that self-aware, hmph, he has some of my qualities, I'll give him that.

"Ehh…" I turn towards the voice, the brunette boy looking at me. "You're talking to your reflection in the mirror, right?" I narrow my gaze and he continues, "I don't really get what's going on, but well. Nice to meet you."

He extends a hand to me but I only gaze at it, not making a single move to take it. We exchange blank stares until he finally lowers his limb. This guy is something else, I can't read his face at all, and he seems way too calm despite our current circumstances. Plus I still can't help but be reminded of someone as I look at him.

"Why were you hiding until now?" I inquire. Everything about him set off warning bells in my head.

Putting his hands in his pockets, Ayanokoji casually shrugs, "Well, considering the situation, I thought the best course of action to take was to wait. Looks like I was right about that."

Deus Ex Machina chuckled, "Indeed. Now that we are gathered, let us get to the crux of the matter at hand." And with hands intertwined, he announced, his voice reaching the both of us, and if I had to guess, including those in the mirror. "After the recreation of a fallen timeline, many elements were used to restore it, altering many components that originally manifested it. However, the one with the power to destroy Gods remained just the same, allowing those around him to remain almost identical."

What is all this? Fallen timelines? A god-destroyer? It's still as confusing as before. Ayanokoji's expression doesn't look to have changed much from its usual state, yet I can tell he's as lost as I am.

[Stop trying to make sense of these things idiot. How could you ever hope to understand a god? Just the mere attempt of it is absurd.]

It makes sense but… does he just expect me to nod my head and accept all this without thought? If he really was my 'true self', he would never take on these things in such an unquestioning manner.

"The Great Red has warned me of an unsettling threat that can compete with my power, along with others like me. It is for this reason that I must choose my successor in case Death claims me." Deus Ex Machina lowered his gaze. He's talking about something outlandish again…

"Originally, I was to propose a competition of sorts among 12 individuals in order to find my heir. However, I then made the discovery of you, Hachiman Hikigaya, as well as you, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. The two of you have the appropriate qualities to succeed me and take over should my time come."

"Stop!" A new voice caught me off-guard... nearly made me jump. I turn towards my left as a middle-aged man arrives. He was dressed in expensive-looking clothes and wore glasses and a strange hat, "I thought we agreed that we would use the future diaries in the survival game! What made you change your mind!?"

Survival game? Was that the competition he was going for?

"John Bacchus… Hmm… Maybe I should revoke your key to enter my dominion. I did not request for your presence, nor did I ask for your opinion about my decision."

A foreigner's name this time, western too… It does seem that this man arrived here of his own accord. Wait, more importantly, by his own means. Does that mean that this man called John Bacchus knows how to get out of here? So then, he can help me–

[If you think he's going to help you escape, then you're delusional.] I glare at the mirror. [Do you really think someone who's allowed to come here willingly has time to waste on an ordinary kid like you? Besides, it looks like Deus Ex Machina is the only one who can decide whether we can leave or not.]

"Who is that?" I voice out. A name isn't enough of an explanation, especially since he's somehow involved in all of this.

"This is John Bacchus, mayor of Sakurami City. He is a collaborator, and also a companion of mine."

"Mayor of Sakurami City?" I ask more to myself. It's been awhile since I last studied the map, so I don't immediately recall it. "Wait, tha–"

"Etto… As far as I know, Sakurami City has never existed," Pointed out Ayanokoji, seemingly having caught what I was going to say. "And if it does now, then all I can assume is that it's another change of this new Japan. As for how that happened, I wouldn't know."

"See? You're going to give one of these ignorant children your power? That's nonsense!" This John Bacchus guy spat, he looked really angry. Not my problem though, I can barely wrap my head around this. You can't blame me for being ignorant about the situation. "Why don't you at least include them in the survival game with the others?"

"Unfortunately, we no longer have time for the competition. Despair will engulf this world soon… That woman will create utter chaos, so for the sake of this world's survival, someone needs to put a stop to her, John Bacchus." A large, thin monstrous finger is suddenly directed at us, and I can only blink at that. "They will stop her and bring hope to the world. I have foreseen that, which makes them more than just my ideal replacement."

Just when I thought he couldn't make this whole situation more unbelievable, Deus Ex Machina starts spouting off about the end of the world. Be more considerate, dammit! Do you expect me to understand all of this!?

"I have plenty of resources, so whoever this woman is, I can simply kill her," The man retorts, smirking smugly. This geezer seriously gives me the creeps, how can he casually say he would kill someone without a care? How can someone like him be a mayor of a city? "You can't trust these… children." He looked at me, then at Ayanokoji with scorn, and I glared back. You picking a fight, bastard?

"They possess the intellect and will to uncover the ultimate truth, while you are blind, John Bacchus," Pointing another finger at the old geezer, a light envelops him. What the hell? Maybe I'm inside a game like in the plots of some recent light novels I've read before? With virtual reality it'd make sense… but, I know it isn't.

"No! You can't do this to me! After all the resources I've spent in creating the technology for the fut-" And his voice was abruptly cut with a flash of light, then he was gone. I can only imagine the light created by Deus Ex Machina took him away, most likely to where he came from. Who knows, he could probably be dead as far as I know… That makes me shudder.

Damn it… This is the real deal.

In the end, what little hope I held of returning to my previous life was gone. No dream is this elaborate, and there was no way my mind would create such an experience. I couldn't run from it anymore. Maybe I was transported to another world or something, maybe I'm in some sort of parallel dimension. Insane I know, but this with all of these absurd events occurring left and right, it's all I can come up with to explain everything. Thank you manga and light novel industries for assisting me in crafting that theory.

Just… what would anyone else think? No, I shouldn't focus on that. Right now, all I can do is watch and observe what comes next.

"As I was saying," Deus Ex Machina begins again, regathering my attention. "What I desire is a new successor, someone new to become the next God of Time and Space. All of my unlimited powers will belong to the one worthy of this title after my death, and I am sure you will use them wisely in keeping this world balanced."

"Is that so?" Ayanokoji commented, still unfazed. "Just like that, I'll become some god and have all that power? As if it'll be that convenient." I have to agree, there's no way there isn't a catch.

I sigh, hands in my pockets, "What's the deal, really? All I want is to return to my reality. It was you, right? You're the one who dragged the two of us here."

"Yes, but that previous life of yours is of no importance. Once either of you become the God of Time, you shall remain here as the new watcher."

I scowl at that. 'Of no importance?' Why are you deciding that on your own? I find it important.

"So if I were to obtain your powers, what would stop me from using them to return to my world?" I must be insane, using such a threat in front of a god that literally made someone disappear. "You can't expect us to not want to go back."

"I assure you both, your previous lives will be long-forgotten by the time either of you succeed me."

That means that something will alter my mind if I were to remain here, whether it's because of him or because of the power he carries. I don't need it though. As far as I can see, to be the god of time means to remain here, alone. And I didn't want that…

I want my life back.

"I refuse." I give my straight answer, ignoring the eerie smile of my reflection. "I have no idea what you saw in me, and I don't care. I want to go back to my world before waking up this morning. Find someone else. Maybe this guy's willing to do it," I gesture towards the boy to my left, "But I won't. Send me back."

Ayanokoji shrugs his shoulders, "I won't either. I don't need such responsibilities. I want to have a normal life, even if I'm being forced to help that girl reach the top, which is already impossible. I won't say I'm entirely unhappy with my life, but anything is better than becoming the puppet of forces I can't comprehend."

The deity stares at us for some seconds, then a laugh echoes across the large room. It was my voice, but at the same time, it wasn't. Looking back at the mirror, my doppelganger folds his arms, looking amused at my decision. What's so funny you fake? You got something to say?

[Just as I thought, he didn't accept. Well that's fine, he doesn't have the guts for something like that.] Wait, can he speak to this god? Deus Ex Machina stares back but doesn't look to have acknowledged those words.

But how funny is it that he says we're the same but is so readily capable of insulting me. Isn't he just insulting himself by saying that about me?

The answer is a resounding 'No.' Of course not, he isn't me after all. He's just a fake reflection.

"Yeah, that's right, I don't have the guts for it. Who wants all that responsibility anyway? I can only imagine that being the god of time requires a lot of work and effort, so I wouldn't be any better off than a corporate slave." I say offhandedly. "What's so good about that? To work is to lose after all."

"Eeh… I feel like I heard something weird at the end there…" Ayanokoji raises an eyebrow. Shut up, don't get in the way of my dream of becoming a househusband!

[I have to agree that sounds best…] Finally something came out of his mouth that can be considered Hachiman-ish! [Although, with this power, we could make all the bastards that made our life miserable suffer. Doesn't that sound tempting?]

I don't immediately respond to that. I can't deny that many times over the course of my life, I felt so angry with the world that I wished for it to be destroyed. I still have my list of unforgivable people in my room… or the room I had before all this madness began at least.

Yes, I had been angered and disappointed, but I learned to move on and ignore the words of the superficial. What they said didn't matter, because I do like who I am. So revenge was no longer something I sought, doing so, well…

"That's just self-satisfaction," My reflection's eyes widened slightly from my words.

Then the guy with the red blazer speaks up, although he's directing his words at the mirror.

"Not really, though maybe deep inside me I may think so… if you really are my true self then I can't rule it out. Who knows?"

I grunt, "You're actually buying that they're our true selves? If this god's anything to go by, they could just be his creations just to screw with us."

[Heh…] The creepy grin that suddenly appeared on my reflection in the mirror gives me a bad feeling. [What kind of half-assed theory is that?]

"There's no way of confirming that yet." Ayanokoji replies to me, "All we can do is investigate. Whether our reflections are telling the truth or not, it doesn't change the fact that they exist, no matter if it's inside the mirror or in our minds. They talk to us, they know us to an… uncomfortable degree. And if they were creations created by this god here, he probably would have brought it up."

I frown, my gaze refocusing on my smirking reflection as I try to come up with any other viable theory. No, it's a waste of time. What good will it bring to think logically where normal convention and reason don't apply? Can anything even explain what I was seeing right now?

No, science can't explain the existence of Deus Ex Machina, of that, I'm definitely sure. This was something outside the realm of human understanding.

"…So you both have decided to not accept the role I'm offering you."

I raise my gaze towards the weird skull-like head of the god who reminded us of his presence. I cannot hear any sort of ire in his tone despite our refusal to his absurd proposition. And while that may be a relief, I have the feeling that it isn't entirely good either. I can't let my guard down until I leave this dangerous zone, can I?

"Ah, I'm not even really good at making friends." Scratching his head, Ayanokoji states monotonously. "I'm just an inconspicuous student trying to live his high school life in Koudo Ikusei. It's really hard when you're assigned to the lowest class, you know? How can I be expected to become a god?"

I look back at the god in an equally uninterested manner. "Yeah, I don't think I'm the replacement you need either. I mean, I can barely deal with the little social life I have, so managing godly powers is way out of the question for me."

"Then we have reached an impasse," The fearsome god stated, his tone even. That wasn't a good sign, considering that he probably can wipe out our very existence in the blink of an eye like he did with that John Bacchus guy. "You see, I can only make use of someone from the Prime. The both of you fit such a criteria."

Prime…? What's with all these weird terms?

"Then use someone from another place. You even mentioned twelve people for that survival game, right? Listen to that creepy old geezer and do whatever you planned on in the first place, but leave me out of it." I sigh, my frustration showing a little. "Plus, why keep using all this terminology that doesn't make any sense to us anyway?"

Deus Ex Machina merely chuckles, which is honestly sort of terrifying.

[Knowing… 'me,' I won't change my mind. So let's do what you suggested, shall we?]

Huh… Looks like the 'me' from the mirror has spoken to this god before, which confirms that whatever he is, he's not my conscience. What is the purpose of these fake 'reflections'? How much do they know?

"Indeed…" I could sense now Deus Ex Machina's complete attention being directed at me. I swear I could feel the pressure from just being at the receiving end of the god's gaze, "Then, let me offer you a deal where you can get what you desire." Its gaze moves towards the other deadpanning boy. "Actually, let me offer you both this deal."

Well, at least he's humoring me. If he's as powerful as he says he is, he'd easily be able to strong arm us into succeeding him. Or at least I would if I were him. Then again, I'm not the type to force my will upon others. I'm not Miura Yumiko after all, well at least not my Miura Yumiko. Ugh, sounds a bit embarrassing saying it like that…

"What deal?" My companion asks in my stead.

"It is rather simple. You both will play a game, and whoever wins, I will send the winner back to his own world," I don't like where this is going, I can sense he's hiding something. There's more to this than it just being a simple game.

"A game?" I ask. Nothing good ever comes from games created by all-powerful supernatural entities, I realized that much. Of course, I'm taking into account all the light novels I've read with circumstances akin to this one as the base of my limited knowledge about the supernatural.

Huh… who would have thought that those trashy light novels would be sort of informative in the end? Truly, they are what should be taught in classrooms instead.

"Yes... You two will be the only players this time."

Ayanokoji sighs wearily, also pocketing his hands in his pants, "I expected as much. So only the winner of this game will return to his own world. What happens to the loser?"

"I shall wipe the memories of the one who fails to claim victory. Then I will teach him the ways of the God of Time myself."

Damn… While I guess it's a good thing to be given a way out of this, the fact that one of us will remain here, for who knows how long, is worrying. That is, if Deus Ex Machina actually decides to keep his end of the bargain.

Even if I didn't know this Ayanokoji guy, I wouldn't feel right getting my life back at the cost of his. How selfish could you get? This time god forcibly rips us from our lives and only through a game can one of us escape from this.

"What's the game?" I shouldn't think about that yet, I don't even know if the game is something I can even win.

"It is a game of hide and seek of sorts that will take place in the world you have been experiencing since awakening," The god responds and I stare at him in confusion. Hide and seek? Seriously? "Find me, then you win, and I will send you back to where you belong."

"Find you?" I snorted, this was ridiculous. "While I'd say that your size is a huge giveaway, you being a god that supposedly controls time and space is a pretty unfair handicap."

"That's right." Ayanokoji nods his head in agreement. "What's the catch?"

"You think that as a superior existence, I would offer those lesser than me to participate in a game where they cannot win?" Deus Ex Machina seemed surprised… Well, not really… just… how the hell would someone be able to see any sort of expression with that robotic face? "I have always respected the rules, and I pride myself in the fact that I would never be unfair towards mortals, no matter the consequences."

He rejected the idea of tricking us as expected, but it still doesn't change the fact we still don't know one thing. Can he be trusted?

"So, explain the game to us." I practically demand. It's not really clear to me, this, 'finding the god' part. So I had to ask, "How are we supposed to find you?"

"I have created –with my power– a humanoid mortal in your world. One who will act as a mortal, eat as a mortal, feel as a mortal, and more importantly, it will resemble a humanoid in appearance. However, this being will try to hide the fact that it is my creation."

Now it makes more sense, "So it's not actually you then?" I stare dryly at the godly being.

Ayanokoji lowered his gaze, his eyes somehow piercing despite his expression not having changed at all. And here I thought I was the only one that managed to pull that off. "This creation, can it be manipulated? Whoever it is?"

Hoh… What an odd thing to ask.

It took Deus Ex Machina some seconds to reply to the other boy's inquiry, "That is an interesting question, and the answer is: Yes. As a being that was created in the likeness of humanoids, it will think and be emotionally susceptible as all mortals are."

There were some doubts that still needed to be addressed, "What if I don't want to play this game?"

"You are free to do what you see fit. But should Kiyotaka Ayanokoji discover my creation, you will lose, and then… You will become my successor."

The brunette adds, "And if I don't want to play this game either?

"Nothing will happen. Nothing at all. This world will end without resistance, but know that you will both fall alongside it."

I narrow my gaze. It doesn't take a genius to realize that he is practically stating that winning the game is the only way for something to happen, which I assume is Deus Ex Machina sending either of us back to our respective world. If I don't discover who his creation is, then I'll be stuck in this alternate dimension forever, that of course hinges on if Ayanokoji decides to do the same as me. And doing that will leave us here in a world that is supposedly nearing its end.

[Oi! Don't be so stupid. This game is… our only chance of returning to where we belong.]

Good grief, what an annoying fellow. My reflection in the mirror sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. "Oi, what's your deal? First you want me to get the power, now you want me to leave? Pick a side already, you indecisive idiot."

[Any matter concerning you is mine as well, of course. Going back, staying here… Both are choices that have their own advantages. Don't worry though, I won't remain as a mere spectator. I will be the reminder of your deepest desires… and who you truly are.]

I don't like this. This bastard's a lot more twisted than I thought.

"You know, who's to say you're not that creation?" I rhetorically ask the reflection. If taken out of context I probably look like some raving lunatic talking to this mirror. The worst thing is, I may not be wrong. This reflection of mine isn't what it claims he to be, but I think it would be better to not push too much on the subject until I get solid proof.

Despite his seemingly perpetual deadpan, I can tell that Ayanokoji is clever, maybe more than I can even imagine. His composure is unlike any person I have met, but there was something that didn't feel right within his eyes. Anyhow, I bet he thinks just the same regarding his reflection.

"So, Hikigaya," I turn towards my human companion as he walks up to me. "What are you going to do? You going to search for that fake human?"

I'm not sure how to respond to that. There was no way to know if Deus Ex Machina was lying, no way to know if he's going to keep his word. Would he really send the winner back? What would occur once the fake human was found? For all I know, the whole deal about the fake human could be an utter lie. Or… it could actually be true.

Let's just assume it's true.

Then one fact lingered, one that was worrisome. Only one of us could win the game, so only one would be able to return. It was me or this unknown boy.

I sigh, I've been doing this too often today. I was irritated and confused, even anxious, but it didn't matter. There was only one answer to that.

"Yeah, don't have much of a choice," I close my eyes and blow through my nose. "And I don't have a reason to trust you. I'm sure you're not gonna just stand and do nothing, so I won't either."

Ayanokoji scratches his head, "Ah… Well, that's fine by me. I was actually hoping you'd say that." Looks like I was right about that. "I wish you luck. I'll wait for your success."

I had to raise an eyebrow at that, "Really? I thought you wanted to return to your previous life. Did the chance of becoming the god of time appeal to you after all?"

"Who knows really?" Ayanokoji gives me a wry look. "You certainly don't."

I can't help but smirk at his words. Well, I can't deny that, I have no way of knowing how he feels about it. I can't read his mind and he's capable of lying even if he does say something about this. But one thing is certain, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka will also play the game. Maybe it was just a hunch, or the fact that he sported a similar expression as mine, but he seemed way too calm despite the current circumstances. Did he think he can the fake human?

As expected, there are too many obscurities. Just knowing that there's a single false human in the entire world is not enough for a sane-minded person to be willing to participate, even if the 'willing' portion is fairly inaccurate.

I raise my gaze back to the god, "Fine, I'll play along. Will you at least give us a hint? If this creation looks human, then it could be anyone on the whole planet, right?" I cross my arms, "You can't expect us to be able to figure it out so easily."

"Indeed, Hachiman Hikigaya. The game has been made in a way that you, the participants, will have a chance of winning. I will give you three hints…"

I nod my head, focusing. I'll need to remember every word if I want to win the game. I have no choice. I want my life back, and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. If I have to defeat Ayanokoji in this game, then he better do his best because I refuse to lose what I had.

---

Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Song 02

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"First. My creation is female."

"How old?" I immediately ask, he needs to be more specific than that.

Deus Ex Machina makes a humming sound, "She is between the age of eleven and seventeen Earth years."

All right. That narrows this search by a large margin, but that's still a numerous amount of females to take into account. Although, I still have a question that may help me a great deal,

"Do I know that person already, or is it someone I haven't met yet?"

"I cannot answer that inquiry."

…Seriously?

"Right…" I sigh, pocketing my hands in my pants. Then I raise my tired gaze, "What's the next hint?"

"Second. Only the participants, their reflections in the mirror, and my creation are aware of the game."

I see. Taking into account the first two hints, I can remove Ayanokoji and my other self from my list of suspects. Well, the girl part should've been enough but whatever. Also, it gives us a better chance to find her if she already knows something about Deus Ex Machina. I doubt it'll be that easy though, she may know as much about us as we do about her, so she won't be stupid enough to say anything. I mean, who in their right mind would reveal that sort of information to others?

Probably that Yuuki guy if he was cornered by a girl…

"Third. My creation lives in Japan," He finally states, letting his strange head rest on the back of his throne. "Do not ask for a specific location, as that inquiry will remain unanswered."

I was hoping for a better clue but it works, I guess. The fact that I don't have to search in any other country, or continent for that matter, is a relief. Besides, I'm just a highschool student that subsists with a weekly allowance. There was no way I could afford to travel outside Japan. However, this is still not enough information.

"You gotta give us more than that," Ayanokoji's expression became darker as his golden eyes scrutinized the god carefully. This guy was something else, what a scary face you're making there, Ayanokoji. "The female population of Japan alone rounds up to 10 million people. Even if we take into account those whose age falls between 12 and 17, that number is still too large to find her."

Whoa… Why does he readily know that much about the demographics of Japan? This guy looks to be a bookworm… or a genius even. Even if that mask of his annoys me, he is indeed correct about that. The game is still far from being winnable.

"Indeed. Then, I will give you one final hint. Every being you already know and will meet from now on is important, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji." Deus Ex Machina gazes at me, "For you the same, Hachiman Hikigaya."

I glare back at him. "There's something I still don't understand. Why choose mere humans for your replacement? Why have some absurd game decide who will become your puppet? Why even give us the chance of rejecting your proposal? You say you're a god of time, so doesn't mean you can control time? Why go through all this nonsense if you're that powerful? That means there's more to this than just finding a candidate to this, isn't it?"

Silence ensued for a whole minute. Good grief, I must be insane. My heart beats loudly in my chest, but I refuse to back down.

"I have foreseen it. My death is imminent, and my fellow kin have been long since passed after living for thousands of years as the God of Time. Only humans can harness this power but you must prove your worth. Any other living race would take this world and probably others towards destruction. One of you must become the next watcher to save this world from its fate."

Other living race? Surely he doesn't mean…

"If you already know the future, then why bother doing anything at all?" Ayanokoji asks monotonously, "Just let everything occur if that's its fate."

I knew that wasn't it despite that seeming to be the case, simply because I couldn't come to accept what they were trying to convey in here. I glare at the two in defiance.

"I don't believe in fate," I state with utter conviction. "You think that someone's life is predestined? That someone has their lives decided for them? That one can't change the future because it's already set in stone? Don't make me laugh. Life isn't so convenient for fate and destiny to dictate what we do." I shake my head in a bothered manner.

I have no idea what I'm doing right now, but I just can't keep listening to all this crap.

"It isn't," Ayanokoji nods in agreement. "But society tends to twist humanity. No matter how much people try, their path is averted from its first intended course one way or another. You name it: arrogance, cruelty, greed, frustration, hatred, stubbornness and jealousy, which are all emotions humanity transmit in a never-ending cycle of chaos and destruction. We destroy our own fates by succumbing to them."

I have to concede that he is correct by all means. History tells it multiple times. Great empires, countries at their peak, fell chaotically due the poor decisions made by their rulers based on personal feelings. Decline had been always inevitable once greed and envy grew within those with power, ultimately creating internal rebellions and destabilizing the order that once held together the civilization.

However…

"They made the wrong decisions. Oda Nobunaga, Emperor Shōwa, Lu bu, Hitler, and all those with vast influence and resources were blinded by their thirst of power, avarice, and their attachment to personal matters. Their decisions led to their own ruin, and while some of them deserved it, the fact is that letting their personal feelings cloud their judgment was the cause of their eventual downfall Fate didn't do that to them, they did it to themselves."

Ayanokoji frowns slightly, the first notable change on his face, "That may be true, I admit…"

I look at him sternly, "People let their hearts direct their course in life, and that's where everything starts going wrong. The human mind is the ultimate weapon, while the human heart is subject to manipulation which leads to one's destruction." I take one step forward, my eyebrows furrowed. "That won't happen to me. I'll choose which path to take and what future to have by myself. Some god of time isn't going to tell me otherwise. I don't have a destiny, nor am I fated to become a god, my life is what I make it to be. No one will ever take that from me."

There was silence. Every presence in the cathedral gazed at me with surprise, my reflection included. Deus Ex Machina gave a small chuckle after a few moments.

"How very interesting… That is exactly why I chose you Hachiman Hikigaya, for you hold a mind which cannot be corrupted. It is not one of blind innocence, nor is it a mind darkened by spite. It is one that is capable of true impartiality should you become my inheritor." I blink in confusion at the god.

I wasn't expecting a compliment but I suppose I now know why I'm here. Ah~ I really am awesome! Wait, no, I'm getting distracted by this god's flattery.

"The wheels of fate are moving, the future is becoming more unclear. It is true that fate exists and is already written, but it does not mean it cannot be altered. You can indeed take control of your life whenever you decide to, Hachiman Hikigaya."

I just don't know what to think of this. But whatever the case, I'll figure this out on my own, as I always have.

"…Then we'll see what happens when it happens…" Ayanokoji mutters.

I nod in agreement before focusing back on the large god, "Then, let's say I find your creation. What happens then? How will you know I found it?"

The large being looked on impassively, "I will know that you have achieved your task when my creation is no more," I frown at his words. I have a bad feeling about this…

"To simplify it, one of you must kill my creation once in order to win. That is how I will be notified that she has been found."

"What…?" My jaw almost falls from shock. Kill, he said? His own creation? "…You want us to… 'kill' your creation?"

"Indeed, that is how this game will end. Do that and you will be back to your previous life, Hachiman Hikigaya."

I stare at him in disbelief, "You're… kidding, right? You must be insane if you think that I'm able to kill someone. You might think I'm special but I'm still just a highschool student, I'm not a killer."

"Do not concern yourself with such trivialities. My creation will simply disperse into energy once you inflict fatal damage to it," Deus Ex Machina's tone becomes darker, and I pale because of it. "It will not be as if killing a true sentient being, unless you make the wrong choice. That mistake could very well mean the death of a living innocent."

I blink several times. I couldn't even think of killing his creation, and now I have to face the fact that if I decide to do so, there was the chance of killing an actual person if I messed up?

This was disgusting. What kind of god could think this was acceptable?

"This isn't hide and seek. This is sick. You're insane," Ayanokoji growled in what I think is righteous anger. Yeah, I couldn't agree more.

How could a god be promoting such a nauseating game? I only wanted to meet the rom-com gods, to curse them for their poor work! Not some senile god of time trying to get me to kill someone!

"Whether you choose to search for my creation or not is your decision, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji," A massive ball of what seemed purple energy began to gather at a dangerous and worrying speed above us both. "You already know what will happen should you not win the game. The option to return to your own world, that depends solely on your participation."

This was unfair, like hell it could be considered anything else! Not only do we have to find one girl throughout the whole of Japan but one of us has to kill her? Damn it! What am I supposed to do? Yesterday I was a different, albeit still average, high school student. Now, a possible killer?

How the hell did things wind up like this?

[Don't worry, I'll help you win… in my way… our way.] I turned towards the mirror, my reflection sported a dark expression. Whoa… I can't believe I can actually look that intimidating. [If you win, then I'll also get what I want. So, please take care of me until then.]

Despite his words of 'encouragement,' I can feel an ulterior motive behind my reflection. Ugh, I don't like the way he's acting. Does 'our way' mean the way I did things before?

Considering my current circumstances, I may have to return to that way of solving problems. It may not always be the best long-term solution, but they got immediate results. Besides, these new people in my life don't matter to me, even if some of them are wearing their faces. It's low, it's horrible, but it's something I've been good at for a while now.

"Hikigaya," Ayanokoji suddenly addresses me. "Well, I hope we meet again, and under different circumstances."

"I don't." I give him a flat stare. "Nothing personal, but I'm not interested enough to meet you again." Being honest is the least I can do, this guy rubs me the wrong way and he should at least know that. That facade of his, I figured out why it felt familiar and why it annoyed me.

It was like Haruno-san's, but his did the opposite. Whereas Haruno-san's gave the impression of the perfect woman with no faults, Ayanokoji downplayed his true capabilities. How capable he was, I didn't know, I just knew that there was more to him than he lets on.

"Too bad. We just met, so I have no information yet that would make me dislike you." He puts a hand on his hip, closing his eyes. "Although, your eyes are sort of off-putting."

"Hmph, yours are no better." I retort.

"Seriously, is being antisocial and creepy the new fashion these days?" A young female voice came from above, and I stared towards it. "Why would you choose these kinds of humans, Deus?"

Now, the new voice belonged to a little girl that came flying down towards us from who knows where. I wasn't really surprised after seeing Deus Ex Machina in his self-proclaimed glory. She had chocolate-colored skin, purple eyes and her hair had a pale purplish tint, which resembled a thistle plant. As for her outfit, she sported a pink sleeveless jacket, long white boots, two bracelets on each arm and white…shorts…? What's with this magical loli?

"Are you doubting my judgment, Muru Muru?" Deus Ex Machina speaks to the tiny, floating girl. "I assure you that you are mistaken if that is the case."

Muru Muru, stupid name by the way, folded her arms while floating upside down. "Really? Why choose them? They don't look capable of handling themselves among those with powers beyond their understanding," She glanced at us, "They're not even good looking."

"I don't want to hear that from some un-cute runt." I growl and she smiles gleefully in response. Stupid brat.

Ayanokoji speaks up before she does, "Whoever you are, it's kind of obvious why the god will make us go through this hide and seek game. As far as I can tell, we both have trouble dealing with social protocols, like making friends… right?"

He shoots me a glance, and I nod slowly. The fact itself doesn't bother me, I just don't like others knowing. But hey, this guy was the same? Well, seeing how he's acted it's not really surprising. "Finding the fake human actually means for us to do something about that."

"Mmm?" The tiny girl blinks, confused. "What do you mean?"

For someone that apparently has supernatural powers and talks so casually to a god of time, Muru Muru seems pretty dumb. Yet she's right here, which could only mean that she is not just some random person. I sense insincerity from her, and the childishness she sports seems fake. She's not a normal kid, or maybe she isn't a kid at all.

It's just an act to hide her true demeanor.

"This game's far more difficult than it seems. At least, for someone that fails to achieve a social status among society," I explain with eyes closed, exporting my irritation to them. "Discovering the fake human will require a process that will inevitably involve getting to know people past their superficial covers. Only by that will we be able to discover Deus Ex Machina's creation."

Ayanokoji sighs, lowering his head. "So basically, we're gonna have to deal with our social problems. I guess that's not bad, but…" Then he raised his gaze, his eyes displaying an unexpected sharpness. "You see, it's suspicious that you'd want a mere human as your replacement. Even if that person is exceptional, something I'm not, nor is he."

I click my tongue at that, but I can't bring myself to retort against it. I like myself, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm exceptional. If I'm honest, I don't really excel at anything in particular. Even if humanities are my strong suit, I'm still third place in that. Still, Ayanokoji has a point, why would such a mighty, non-human entity want a simple human for this job? Doesn't make much sense.

"We don't even have any supernatural abilities, or hidden powers like many of those shounen protagonists in anime." I add, my voice coming out rather dry.

"While there are those that hold supernatural abilities or enhanced physical capabilities, there are also others that can direct those that fight towards the right direction. Power is nothing when you do not use it wisely, or pose it in the right direction." Deus Ex Machina states, hands intertwined and back leant to his throne. Wait, seriously? Super powers exist here?

"I do not desire those who are strong, or powerful, as it becomes irrelevant once you inherit my possession. I desire someone with a complete understanding of reality, one capable of seeing beyond superficiality, one capable of seeing the truth hidden beneath the mass of lies that exists within humanity. One who does not need special powers to show others the way."

"The hidden truth… Huh…" Ayanokoji mutters.

"I'm still not sure if I can believe you," I say truthfully. "But you're right about one thing. I don't need power, your power. You said it yourself, 'god'." I look upward in defiance. "I won't become your successor. I don't care if you die and you need a replacement for the job. As a 'human', I have the right to make mistakes, even if it's because of my selfishness. I'm sure there are those that would die for this chance, but I'm not one of them. I'm inconsiderate, intolerant, pessimistic, selfish, sneaky, a liar, but I still know what I want. And this isn't it."

The god of time stays silent for a moment as if he was pondering what I said. Hmph, he probably thinks I was acting like an unruly child. Muru Muru gave an "Eeh…" as if impressed. Though I doubt she means it.

"...There are actually very few with the ability to change their destinies," The large god begins, "And you two are among that limited group. In a separate reality, there exists a man who consistently defies the expectations of the gods that rule his world –for he is the only one that is capable of directly controlling his destiny and altering the courses of those around him."

"He's reeeeally creepy…" Muru Muru giggles to herself, "But he's really fun to watch!"

"Then why not drag him into this and leave us alone?" I ask snarkily.

"There are certain circumstances that surround this man, in fact, the same could be said of others like him and yourselves. While he is indeed capable of altering the fates of others, he is…" The god chuckles almost fondly, "Fairly narrow minded in completing his self-imposed quest. No amount of words would convince him of becoming my successor, even if I were to resolve his matter."

"He doesn't seem any different than the two of us." Ayanokoji points out. I nod in agreement.

"This man also lacks aspects to his nature that are necessary in order to succeed me," The god states before continuing, "His social capabilities alone pale in comparison to the likes of you both, and they require much more work than we can afford to spend time on, to merely mend it."

Whoa, just how bad off is this guy that even I would look like a riajuu in his presence?

"I suppose that's but one thing among a myriad of issues?" The brunette boy asks.

"Indeed. Also, I believe there are separate plans for him in the future."

"And so that leaves us." I state rather than ask.

The god nods his large head, "You both also hold the ability to change people, and can change everything around you. I have witnessed it since your births. That is your blessing, and now… your curse. Only those capable of altering the future so easily are suited for becoming the God of Time and Space." I heard something creepy there, this bastard's been watching us?

"Then as someone who can change destiny, I'll choose my own future. I won't be a mere tool as most humans are." Ayanokoji states sharply.

"That goes for me too." I say, deadpanning. "You know, I'm actually disappointed in my first meeting with a divine being. Whoever chose you to be a god must have been an idiot. Either way, I suggest you find a way to survive when we eventually don't live up to your absurd expectations." Deus Ex Machina stares at me, unblinking.

The god said nothing for several seconds. I turned to see Ayanokoji, scanning his surroundings with that ever blank gaze. I guess this is it, huh? Whatever was the true reason behind choosing us, we both rejected it. I suppose that obtaining the power of time and space would be the ultimate experience, but it was a pity that it came with a cost neither of us were willing to pay.

The sudden movement of the right hand of the god caught my attention, and I realize there was some sort of energy gathering above us. What the hell?

"Then it is settled. Go forth, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, Hachiman Hikigaya. No matter the path you decide to take, I shall observe your progress until you succeed, or die. Just remember, patience is the key. And do accept these gifts as apologies for the sudden summoning."

Gifts? What gifts?

"Bye-bye Creepy-kuns!" Muru Muru waves goodbye to us energetically. Shut up, you stupid brat.

With that, a ball of energy was sent towards us, it looked like a dark version of the Spirit Bomb. Hold on a minute… wWas he going to kill us?! What about the game?

Did we wind up making Deus Ex Machina angry? Shit…

I take a step back away from the ball of whatever it was. I try and glare back at him, I'm terrified but I'll be damned if anyone sees it. I always wondered how it would feel to die, and while I hoped that mystery would remain as such, It looked like I was about to find out soon enough. However, the boy next to me was as cool as ever and didn't flinch, so that helped me relax.

Ayanokoji only stared blankly at the nearing ball of energy before muttering some words.

"This is it then, Hikigaya," I responded to his dry gaze with one of my own. "You probably know, but... people are tools, which can be used to one's advantage. No matter what needs to be sacrificed, the only thing that matters is what we want, and in the end, what we'll achieve."

"No matter the method," I add and Ayanokoji nods his head. "No matter the consequences..."

After that, I hear no more.

The blinding light over us expanded, and all I could do was raise my arms upward in a protective manner, shutting close my eyes as I waited for the inevitable. Komachi, I leave you all my possessions! Vita-chan and my manga are yours! Although, do throw out the couple of files in my phone if you ever find them or just throw it out entirely. Don't blame me, Komachi! Onii-chan has his faults! Old man, Mom, sorry for all the trouble I gave you! I hope you someday abandon your lives as corporate slaves so you can enjoy life!

Wait, it's not even my world I'm leaving dammit!

1-2

Current time: 6:45 p.m.

I jolt awake, sitting up on the bed. It was hard to breathe, I felt agitated, as if I had run a marathon. I looked at my shirt, it was wet… Geez… I'm sweating like a pig.

I feel… exhausted… and weirdly hyper alert at the same time. Ugh, my head's killing me…

"Ow, ow, ow… Damn, that hurts." I instinctively close my eyes due to the palpitations in my head, holding it with both my hands. Gah! It feels like my head was being split in two with an axe or something. As seconds pass, the sudden migraine finally begins to fade. Man, that was a relief. In less than a minute, I finally felt at ease. At least the brief pain was able to convince me that I was still alive. Then a sudden ring erupted out of the silence.

My eyes became wide open, searching for the source of the sound. The continuous ringing of my phone was the only sound within the room. Oh, it's on my pillow… Now that I was fully aware of my senses, I took in my surroundings. Right, I went straight here after I came inside. Huh, I hadn't planned on taking a nap… My room was the same as this morning… not a sign I was hoping for.

"…" I ignore the ringing of the small device by my pillow, and walk to the closet, while turning on the light. The large… collection was still there, which meant that my previous life hadn't returned as I feared. I'm seriously going to burn this crap when I get the chance… But that wasn't the most important thing right now.

I was still in the world that was so unfamiliar, yet still vaguely recognizable at the same time.

This was my new reality… Damn… Well, I can only deal with it the best way I can.

My cell phone begins to ring again, illuminating the pillows by its side. I pick it up, flipping it open. The caller's name was displayed on the screen.

Ms. Annoying Bitch

I narrow my gaze. Who's this supposed to be again? And why use the English alternative to '-san'? The me who lived here must have hated this person for me to put that instead of a name. I press the screen to answer, "Hello?

After several seconds, a quiet response came, "Hello…"

"Who is this?"

"Mou… Hikio baka!" I raise an eyebrow, looking at my phone, startled. It can't be… "You said you already had my number, didn't you add it to your contact list?"

I reactively touched the red symbol on the screen, ending the call instantly. Crap, I didn't mean to do that… But can you blame me? The Fire Queen called me… she has my number… I completely forgot. If it wasn't for what I witnessed before in my 'dream', I'd think that I had finally gone insane from delusions.

Miss Annoying Bitch... It'd make sense I'd put that name somehow, but am I really on such bad terms with her? Even the one I knew wasn't particularly cruel to me… anymore… Well this one tried to be nice to me despite the fact I was pretty harsh to her today. Actually I'm surprised she was still talking to me. That's weird, one would think that the only reason she'd stuck around is because she li-

My cell phone starts ringing again, catching my attention. Good thing too, I was getting ahead of myself. As expected, she didn't know when to quit despite that it was pretty clear that I wasn't interested in talking to her. Wait… I need to think this through… If I'm back to this strange world, then I have no choice than to learn about it. Then how should I start?

My gaze drops to the phone, still vibrating in the palm of my hand. To my dismay, the only possible source of information available for the moment is… Miura Yumiko. And one I had no clue how to act with, she may be different but she may hold knowledge about the events that concern Sobu High and me. Besides, she fits with the conditions of the fake human, and as Deus Ex Machina stated, every person is important. I'm going to need to start with her.

Ugh… what a pain.

My cell vibrates again, so I touch the answer button.

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Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01 Section: Song 03

---

"Hello?"

"Hi-kimoi!" I pull the phone away from me due to the screech, "Why did you do that!? Do you know how much effort I put into calling you?"

If it's that difficult, then don't call me, woman. People shouldn't do things they dislike if they're not obligated to do them. And who the hell is 'Hi-kimoi?' Did you merge my name with 'Kimoi'? That's seriously rude, and even more so if you're the one calling me, dammit!

"I'm hanging up…" I say dryly. I may need her but I'm not desperate enough to withstand unreasonable insults.

"Eh!? No! I mean, you were being, like, a jerk..." She stops, and I look at the screen. The call is still continuing, though she isn't speaking. Then… "That attitude of yours is so mean at times…" And she takes her sweet time to only say that? Tch…

I sigh in resignation. My new life is practically unknown to me, so I need to endure whatever she throws at me for the time being. It's nothing bad yet, but I still have my limits.

"Listen, Miura," She is silent. Good. Now I can speak, "I need to ask you a fe-"

"A-ask me out!?" Gah, stop yelling! Seriously, why would I ask you out?. At least let me finish my sentence before you jump to conclusions. I don't want to get yelled at for being a creep when you're the one that brought it up.

"It's not that." I reply drily, "I need to ask you about school, and asking Sensei isn't much of an option." Her hyperventilating stabilizes, replaced by a steady respiration. She makes a humming sound as I continue, "We can talk after school tomorrow if you don't mind."

The response doesn't come, though I hear her sort of erratic breathing again. Is she thinking through her answer or something? Relax woman, it's a yes or no answer.

"I-I see, b-but waiting for the end of classes is kind of like a waste, Hikio. Why don't we, like, talk during lunch break? We could…" Her voice fades for a moment, and I just cock an eyebrow. "…Eat lunch t-together or something… like, on the rooftop or something." Then she went quiet.

Did she already think of the place? Pretty weird if you ask me, but it works anyway. I don't want any sort of interference getting this information. But… if everyone hates me that much in Sobu, wouldn't eating lunch together damage her reputation? Although, I don't know what kind of popularity this version of Miura has yet. Plus, she came up and talked to the most hated person in school without a care today.

But still, acting like this with me couldn't really make her more popular, so what did she gain?

"That works fine. Sure, we'll do that. Meet me on the rooftop during lunch break," I say and then again, comes silence. "Oi, Miura, you still there?"

"Yes… You know, I was, like, thinking that we could go together instead of just meeting there, Hikio." I sigh again. "W-what are you sighing for?"

"Wouldn't that be bad for you? You know people will start talking if they see us together," Yeah, as the Fire Queen of Sobu, I bet she wouldn't like her superficial friends talking behind her back for hanging out with a loner like me.

Mind you, I love the way I am, but I don't want to be held responsible for damaging others' images when I know they value them.

"Hoh…" I blink, her tone had become cold out of the blue, "You think I care about those other people? If they want to talk, then they can totally go right ahead. I can take care of them later."

Hold on a second! That's a really dangerous thing you said there Miura-san! You're scary Miura, scary!

"I see…" I say trying to keep my nerves from showing.

"Thanks though… It's… cute that you'd, like, worry for me about that."

I feel awkward, hearing her word it like that. "It's not like that at all. I only said that because I don't want people bothering me for 'spending time' with one of the most popular girls in Sobu."

I don't want to test that possibility that I've seen in some mangas. With the 'most-popular-girl-in-the-school-talks-to-the-loser-character' trope? Then the poor character garners the hatred of every student, and becomes the target for bullying due to envy… with even the closest friends of the protagonist secretly despising him for suddenly accomplishing what they couldn't. Wait, everybody already hates me and I don't care about them anyway…

"Why do you always have to ruin it, Hikio?" A sigh accompanies Miura's murmuring.

"No clue what you're talking about." I'm doing you a favor though, so you don't have the right to complain, woman. "Well, see you then."

"W-wait!" I pull my phone away from my now ringing ear. This girl doesn't realize the damage those shouts do to my poor, tiny hair cells in my, er… co… co… cochlea, was it?

"What is it now?" I ask, a bit annoyed.

Silence comes again for about a minute, though her breathing was still audible. They call me rotten, yet, no one sees that this popular girl has some serious issues with her behavior. And stop breathing so loudly already.

"I… hope you sleep well… Ha… Ha…" Huh? Is she laughing or something? I have a bad feeling, so I make some distance between the mobile device and my ear. "HACHIMAN!"

Her scream was so unexpected that I nearly dropped my phone. I couldn't respond to her embarrassing use of my name as the screen displayed that she ended the call shortly after shouting, sparing me from the awkwardness.

Damn it, woman… What the hell was that?

Whatever, what's done is done. I'm gonna have to ask her tomorrow about myself and all she knows about my class and the Service Club. I do hope she cooperates when the time comes.

I look back at my cell phone, noticing that I've received four more messages while I slept. I browse the menu, reading each one of them. The first is from:

Sakurai Tomoki.

- hey dude, you won't believe wat happened to me today! better if we talked about this personally. remember the dreams i was having lately? Looks like Sugata-senpai wasn't lying. im chained to a girl with wings right now, dude! cn you believe itI? i'll be coming to Chiba for the weekend. If i get rid of this chain first…

Yet another unknown name to me. A girl with wings though… is this dude referring to an angel? Perfect, more insane things aside from that time god.

The next is from… Takao?

- Hachiman… I'm a bit depressed… Call me when you have time…

What the heck? Is this a girl or a boy? Still as unfamiliar as the other person's name. It's really awkward to have people I don't know texting me this much. It gets weirder when the message conveys a feeling of closeness or understanding with the use of my name. Something I'm honestly unused to, except if it's Totsuka, I wouldn't mind being close to and understanding him.

The third message was written by Haruno-san… My gut tells me that I shouldn't read it. Morbid curiosity though compels me to open the message. I'm such a weakling…

- Hachi-kun~ I'm no longer mad at you. So, here are a couple of pictures with all my love so you can think of me tonight. I wouldn't mind if you masturb-

I stop reading. Sheesh…

Ignoring the text, I scroll down the message to see the pictures she referred to. I freeze immediately after that. Haruno-san took pictures of herself. She was wearing a purple babydoll as she laid over her bed. Whoa… Her figure was very prominent in the picture. It was both alluring but held a sense of coy modesty. This woman…

I slowly swipe for the next picture. A sense of dread building up within me. As the second the picture loaded, my eyes widened. I let go of my phone as if it were on fire. What the hell, woman!?

What…? What was that? How was she able to dress down to that degree? No, no, no! What's her damn deal!?

I proceeded to delete them all with great fervor. It felt wrong to have such things from Haruno-san, I can't explain it properly but the thought of having them riddled me with guilt. Guilt of what, I'm not sure, but it was like the time Isshiki blackmailed me with the receipts of our mock date. I felt inexplicable guilt that the two others didn't know about that outing of my sly kouhai and I. That and the possible chance that Komachi could find them tells me it's a good idea… I just couldn't take the risk of her seeing the content of this message.

I was sweating again, my face completely flushed red. This is no longer mere teasing, she truly means it. I'll have to look into this later. As much as I don't want to.

I took a few moments to gather myself before opening the last message.

It came from another unfamiliar name, Shidare Hotaru.

- Hikigaya-kun? You didn't respond to me yesterday. Well, I'll just have to bring you all the dagashi from Shikada-san's Candy Shop. You have no idea how good they are. I met plenty of interesting people too. I'll be back in Chiba tomorrow to catch up.

Dagashi? She means the cheap candies sold in some stores right? The last time I ate dagashi was when I was 10 years old. The old man bought us so many that day since they only cost between 5 and 10 yen. I almost ended up in a hospital because of my subsequent stomachache. Since then I've avoided those cheap sweets like the plague. Though, it looks like I'll have to try them when this girl gets here.

Wait a minute, this doesn't matter right now.

I hear the doorbell ring, so I get up to answer it.

"Ah, I'll see who it is!" Komachi's voice echoes outside my room, causing me to crack a smile.

However, the expression was quick to disappear as I recalled her behavior early in the morning. She was much less expressive than what I've been accustomed to. Not only that, she's particularly timid in engaging with me. Her eyes displayed her hesitance that the rest of her body language amplified. Was she…? Could it be that Komachi is scared of me?

I sat on the bed brooding for some seconds before Komachi loudly slammed my open door.

"O-onii-chan!"

I calmly turned my head at the spontaneous intruder. Though sudden, I had been conditioned to expect these moments with Komachi from my world. Because of that, I couldn't help but treat this Komachi the same.

"Shouldn't you knock first, Komachi? I like my privacy, you know?"

She practically begins to tremble, tears in the corner of her eyes, "I-I'm sorry… B-but, there was no one outside, Onii-chan! Tou-san and Okaa-chan went to a reunion so I came here…" The ringing bell is heard again and she begins to panic. "O-Onii-chan! I'm really scared! P-please go see who it is!"

I don't like this. I don't like this at all. Seeing her uncharacteristically scared, and practically begging me to help her as if she suspects that I will abandon her otherwise.

I nod and walk to her, "Stay here. I'll see who it is." With what I hope is a reassuring smile, I pat her head.

She reddens, "O-okay, Onii-chan… P-please be careful."

"Yeah."

I walk down the stairs and towards the entrance door. There, I stood before the door. Damn, why couldn't we have a bat by the door at least? Oi, old man, what are you going to do if we ever have a break-in? Well, there's an umbrella, great… Maybe I can gouge their eyes out before I get killed…

I take a deep breath before grabbing the door knob, pulling the door open in one swift motion. Then I ready myself… and nothing happens. There's no one outside. I give some steps forward into the street, warily observing my sides as I hold the umbrella like a bat. In the darkness of the night, I couldn't see much.

I stood there for a minute, nothing happening, so I waited a few more minutes. I could feel the night breeze chilling my body to the very core. The sweat of my body worsened the coldness I felt, but I endured it. Looks like it was some stupid prank after all. Bastards, go blow up already.

I closed the door, putting the safety locks in place, just in case. Finally I can breathe in relief, and with that comes…

"ACHOO!" I sneezed hard, like, really hard. I felt my brain rattle in place for a moment. We know that's not possible, but usually hyperboles allow people to convey thoughts and feelings more easily. Argh… That sort of hurt actually…

"Damn, I'm gonna catch a cold at this rate." I sniffle a bit, maybe I should heat up some coffee. I already slept a bit so I'm not going to be tired for a few more hours. I should go to Komachi before that.

Hugging myself, I walked up the stairs and back to my room. Komachi was there, looking worried. See? Onii-chan can be dependable sometimes.

"Whoever that was, must've left. I didn't see anybody." Komachi's face lightens up slightly.

"R-really?" She looks up hopefully up at me.

"Really," I nod back at her.

She alternates between looking shyly at the ground and smiling shyly at me. When she gains enough courage to stop glancing at the ground, I send her the most reassuring smile I could.

"Okay…" Her smile briefly widens as she reddens again.

"Yeah." She takes that as her cue to leave my room.

I watch Komachi enter her room, closing the door behind her. But before she does, she takes one last glance at my room. As one can expect, she jumps when she realizes I had been observing her before frowning in what looked like hopeful uncertainty accompanied with a red hue on her face. She's quick to retreat into her room after that. I sigh, yet a small smile creeps onto my face. She's wary of me, but she doesn't entirely fear me. She's like a pet who is unsure of her owner's good intentions.

It isn't entirely terrible, but I would prefer our previous relationship anytime of the day.

I turn towards my balcony window. The night sky was starry, somewhat pretty, yet I felt sort of melancholic. This wasn't the same sky I used to see, those shining stars aren't the usual ones I gaze at. It was sort of depressing.

My cell phone makes a sound, signaling that a new message arrived… As I pick it up, the screen shows exactly what I expected, however… there was no name, only a number.

- How are you Hachi? I saw you talking to that BITCH again! You also bumped into the WHORE your friend likes, huh? Ah~ Why couldn't that be me? I feel so sad right now… I may have to hurt them so they don't bother you again. Don't worry, Hachi. I'll make sure the SLUT with the bear costume doesn't bother you either. I love you so much! Don't cheat on me… or I'll rip your heart out~

I felt chills run through my body after reading that. Suddenly, the doorbell begins to sound again. That's enough of that already, bastard.

I quickly rushed to my balcony to catch the jester, and when I looked down at the entrance door, I realized I would have been better off with the wool over my eyes. I saw a girl with pink long hair running away, yet she stopped abruptly and turned towards the balcony where I stood.

I felt every alarm in my head go into overdrive. The lamp post behind her allowed me to see her face in the night, and I swear I'm gonna have nightmares now. Her eyes lacked any sort of emotion, which were directed at me. She wasn't smiling, only looking at me neutrally. The girl seemed to be dressed in a blue shirt along with a skirt of the same color, and a pink ribbon tied over her chest. She also held a green cellphone in her left hand. She started punching away at the buttons frantically.

My cell phone pings again, and I look at it. There was a new message from that same number.

- KYA! Hachi saw me! I'm so embarrassed! I just don't have the courage to speak to you yet! So please wait for me, Hachi~

I raised my gaze from the screen to realize that she was nowhere to be seen. Anxiety envelopes me. A cold sweat broke out as I frantically looked around to see where she had gone, but it was no use. I sit there in stunned silence, staring out into space.

I've never experienced this feeling of utter terror before today, and it must have been three times now. First, with my Reflection, then Deus Ex Machina, and now that girl… What the hell was that? Yanderes are just supposed to be fictional character tropes, though I suppose it wasn't a stretch to say this world has fictional aspects. I now understand that one of the ways for me to lose the game is to die… I bet whoever she is, she'd really kill me. That's the vibe I got from staring at her eyes.

Now it seems like I have a stalker with yandere tendencies. How much more difficult is this life gonna get? The only way to return to my previous life is to preserve this one, however, my chances of that are becoming more slim by each passing hour.

I'm just a high school student! What do they want from me!? I take a few minutes to relax myself from my panic.

And as I wondered just that, something in the night sky caught my attention. There was this star that shone red, I hadn't noticed it before. What the hell is that?

My intrigue slowly increased to worry, as the star was rapidly increasing in size. One could easily mistake it for something such as a falling meteorite, the main issue being that it's trajectory seemed to be heading straight for my house!

I stepped back and unconsciously closed the glass door. A fruitless effort in hindsight. It wasn't like it was going to do anything to dampen THE INEVITABLE DESTRUCTION THAT IT WOULD CAUSE ONCE IT HITS THE GROUND!

I remained stunned there for a brief moment, before the glaring proximity of my impending doom shook me from my stupor. I backpedaled away from the window to at least get awa-

*CRASH*

I put my hands up in a feeble attempt to guard my face, which did nothing to prevent me from being swept off my feet as my back had a subsequently painful meeting with the wall behind me. Argh, that hurt. I gasped in agony as gravity pulled me back to the floor before everything faded to black.

1-3

There was an aching pain in my back and head, I could feel that brutally well despite that everything was black… but was it? Hold on a minute, I feel something soft on my face. I push it away, better. My limbs worked gently to move my body, rolling. Ugh, even doing that hurts right now. There was dust clouding around me, but it wasn't as much as I expected.

I felt around the ground, sensing with my fingertips the pieces of debris on the ground and a pillow. How did I survive that shockwave? I slowly sat up, my back screaming at me to stop moving. Gah… Shit… That hurts. I try to rub my face a bit to regain my senses before pulling my hand away, noting that I was bleeding. Perfect…

Observing my surroundings, this was still my room, or what was left of it. The damaged door was still shut, so I could assume the havoc didn't extend to the rest of my house. Okay, examining the damage around me, my balcony was gone along with my bed. I mean, there was a crater created by the impact of whatever was lying inside my room. How it didn't crash through the lower floor was beyond me.

I slowly got up, a bit hunched over in pain that was at least becoming more tolerable as time went on. Due to the cloud of dust, I couldn't see what had crashed yet. Though, if every sci-fi anime and film I've ever seen have taught me anything, it's to never approach an unknown object unprepared.

From the sky, the falling object seemed large, but by the lack of hole I can conclude that it was actually somewhat small. However, even an object the size of the average male could have obliterated my house after passing through the atmosphere at such speed… right? I could only imagine that its speed was exponentially reduced before the impact, preventing my death and home's destruction. Still, my bedroom was a mess. Even my closet had been compromised as most of my manga, games and light novels were splattered chaotically across the room, with pieces of torn paper still falling from the ceiling. Hopefully that abhorrent 'research' material was annihilated.

Aside from that, I was here, bruised and bleeding. Shit, that fucking hurts…

Wait! Komachi! Is she alright!? I feel a surge of adrenaline rush through me as I think of the safety of my precious imouto. Said rush allowed me to stand straight and ignore the pain that was probably screaming at me to stop.

Just as I reached my door to leave, I heard some sounds come from behind me. I look over my shoulder, my eyes catching a sight that stopped me dead in my tracks. I just couldn't come up with any rational answer right now. Some sort of absurdity was occurring, and I once again had no control over it.

The dust had dispersed for the most part, so I could finally observe what caused the obliteration of my balcony and wall. I blink, noticing that not only was my somehow-survived cell phone ringing, but the doorbell was going off again. Was it that stalker? Did she come to see if there was any chance of killing me?

Either way, I'm dead all the same. There was some sort of spaceship laying in the middle of my room, and probably a disgusting alien inside it ready to eat my superior brain! I take another step back, bumping my back against the door. The persistent pain briefly flares up once more as the shuttle-looking thing begins to open by itself, particles dispersing from inside.

Shit! I have to get to Komachi befo-

"Hmmm?"

I blink, several times. A human-looking hand appeared out of the spaceship, alongside another. What is this? I swear I've seen this somewhere before! Long bubblegum pink hair suddenly becomes visible, and while the sight of that scary stalker comes to my mind, it soon is replaced by big emerald eyes and a delicate looking face.

Before me was no alien monster, but a human-looking girl wearing a costume I could only imagine a futuristic noble would wear. It was white with some black details accentuating her chest and long legs. The neck though resembled a shirt, which also had a red and orange, odd-looking tie. The strangest thing about her outfit was the big white hat over her head, which had two thick swirl-shaped draws on the front and bat-like wings protruding from the sides.

Good grief, isn't she embarrassed? I mean, wearing such a weird outfit. She looks ridiculous.

The girl lifts her arms upward, stretching herself and yawning as if she just woken up. I just can't ignore the fact of how well-endowed she is, though something else caught my sight. It was black, thin from what I can see. While I imagined that it was part of her outfit, the fact that it was moving on its own made me doubtful of that. And seeing where it was placed…

Could it be… that she's a Saiyan!? No way!

No, wait, the tail's different. There's a heart shape at the tip.

---

Go to profile, SEE: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Picture 02

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"Fuah! Escape successful!" I blink. She speaks fluid Japanese… maybe this is the true universal language instead of the failed Esperanto. Nah, no way. Probably some high-tech thing gave her the ability to understand and speak the language of wherever she landed. She has a spaceship, obviously whatever she is is more advanced than anything humans have.

"…" But I can't respond to this, seriously, who could?

She smiles brightly as she looks at me. "Hello, earthling!"

I take a deep breath, nod before promptly turning around and escaping the room. I can hear her voice calling out in surprise but I just ignore it. Now this situation seemed like a page ripped directly out of some manga... or did Deus Ex Machina contact the Rom-Com gods to mess with me? I mean, a random girl just crashed into my bedroom in a freaking spaceship!

Geez… damn this life. Whatever, I have to get to Komachi. Oh, right, I should at least wipe the blood off my mouth. I already look like a mess, no need to scare her off with my injury.

"Komachi?" I knock on her door. Wait, this isn't a moment to be considerate about privacy, Hachiman! Just open the door! And so I did, "Oi! Koma-"

Only to find myself frozen from shock for maybe the hundredth time in the day.

My jaw almost drops, if only because of what I was witnessing. Seriously, this keeps getting more, and more insane! Why might one ask? It's actually quite simple to tell. One just simply doesn't see a woman coming out from a wall on a daily basis. Why are there so many people invading my home out of the blue? This can't be good.

[Idiot, that face of yours only shows denial… How pathetic.]

My attention is drawn towards my left, where Komachi's desk is located. Over it, a desk mirror. It was him again, my 'other self' in the reflective surface. I glare at him.

[Why are you looking at yourself with that face? It's simply the truth, so… why don't you focus back on our 'cute little sister' again?]

I look back at Komachi.

"O-onii-chan!? W-what was that tremor…?" She blinked at my ruffled appearance before the light behind her caught her attention, "Oh, look! A goddess has come to grant me a wish!"

Just a tremor? My bedroom has practically vanished! How didn't you hear the crash? Wait, that doesn't matter anymore, I have an even more serious problem to deal with now. Namely, the woman that had just emerged from the lit rectangular shape on the wall by Komachi's bed. Said shape swiftly evaporated once the being was fully situated outside of it.

She stood before us, smiling warmly. This was yet another beautiful female popping out of nowhere. The Rom-Com gods are mocking me now, I'm completely sure of that now.

It was purely because of my protective nature over Komachi that I pulled her behind me as this intruder stepped towards us. Simultaneously to the events unfolding before my eyes, I could distinctly hear our doorbell ringing an absurd amount of times, enough to call it worrisome. Accompanying these series of disturbances, my cell phone was going off unyieldingly as well.

I regard the woman from top to bottom in a few seconds. She was… very captivating… But, I could feel some sort of divinity coming from her, not unlike Deus Ex Machina… Maybe Komachi wasn't wrong about her. Maybe she truly was a goddess… At least, she has the looks of a traditional one.

Her bright blue eyes observed me kindly, it was disconcerting. For some reason, there were two small triangular markings on her cheeks, with a thin diamond-shaped crest on the center of her forehead. Though, I can hardly say they're oddities in comparison to the rest of her.

Her light-brown hair was styled in two large bangs that framed her face symmetrically, with four thinner locks of hair branching out from the top of her head, curving downwards on either side like some sort of antennae. The rest of her hair was tied into a ponytail that ran down her back.

The attire she wore was just as strange as the other parts of her. It was like some sort of elaborated gown, consisting of a white robe that revealed her slender legs, as well as a white shawl alongside an outer blue garment with a yellow triangular trim that draped over her shoulders and wrapped around her upper body. This clothing in particular hung loosely over her body like a jacket and was joined in the front by a matching jeweled brooch. Heelless, open-toed, blue sandals covered her feet.

As for accessories, the beautiful woman wore golden earrings and a golden choker with five thin rectangular ornaments hung from her neckline, accentuating her striking and graceful features even more. Simple golden bracelets adorned her wrists alongside blue fingerless gloves.

Okay… this description is getting out of hand, but I just can't help it. This woman deserves all the praise possible! …Calm down, Hachiman. Think clearly and focus. Don't let such superficialities cloud your mind. She isn't the first beautiful girl you've seen.

"O-onii-chan? A-are you okay?"

I shook my head, "Yeah… so, uh, you said goddess?"

The unknown, young looking woman nods her head, "Indeed. My name is Belldandy. As your lovely sister mentioned, I am a goddess. I have come here to grant her a wish." She smiled, a ball of light appearing on her palm, fading away to leave behind a card. Was this… magic? Or are my eyes trying to trick me? "Here, this is my information."

I look at her extended hand, before exchanging glances with Komachi. The fact that she has a business card is absurd, not to mention pretty outdated in the Digital World; but, I mean, anything could happen now. For instance, there is a girl who quite literally fell from space currently occupying my room.

Taking the card, I examine it. I couldn't tell exactly what the material was, but it resembled cardstock a bit. Odd designs traced the border of the card while the center held the name of this goddess, Belldandy. And beneath that was… 'First Class Goddess, Second Category'? 'Unlimited License'? What's all that supposed to mean?

"We specialize in helping people like your sister: those currently struggling with undeserved difficulties that inevitably cause burdens to their everyday lives." Like Komachi? What 'difficulties' are you referring to? And what about me? I'm clearly the one that needs desperate help here! There's a scary stalker outside and an alien just crashed into my room! I cough into my hand to keep my cool, "We received a system access request from her by telephone."

Belldandy turns to Komachi, the latter nodding with an ever-growing sense of hope in her eyes. This was no elaborate prank, especially as the self-proclaimed goddess entered this room by apparently coming through the wall. But to simply make a call, a being comes from the sky? Was it that easy?

"Yay! Onii-chan! This is what I've been waiting for!" Wait, seriously? C'mon Komachi, you're better than that. You're buying all this crap too damn quickly, "What should I wish for?"

Belldandy's face suddenly becomes serious. "However, I must warn you, Hikigaya Komachi-sama. You only have one wish at your disposal, so please think about it carefully."

"One wish… but to what extent does this wish go to?" I ask. It's funny how I'm actually taking this seriously, but this is honestly not as absurd as meeting Deus Ex Machina. I can't lose this opportunity though, if this wish thing turns out to be true, then I could end this nightmare right now.

"It could be anything she could ever want, quite honestly. If she would like to be a billionaire, we will take care of it," Her focus turns towards me, making me gulp. "If she intends to destroy the world, we are capable of that as well." Seriously!? Why offer something like that so recklessly? "Of course, we prefer to avoid doing business with that sort of customer."

Well that answers that. So that means, Komachi's a customer now?

I chuckle humorlessly, "…Do you really expect us to believe that?" Despite that I honestly think that she's speaking the truth, considering all I have witnessed today, I can't just come to show her my acceptance about this matter so fast and easy. "Why should we trust you?"

"Because it is the truth," Belldandy replies without hesitating. "As a Goddess, I cannot lie."

"Really?" I huff with an unconvinced tone, "And why should that convince me? Because you say so?"

"Yes!" Belldandy smiles brightly, her voice exhibiting with such certainty that it irritates me. "So, what is your wish, Hikigaya Komachi-sama?" The goddess seems eager to grant whatever she wishes. "Ask anything you desire. As part of the Goddess Assistance Agency, I will do my best to make it come true."

"Eh? So this is where you went, Earthling." I look behind me, towards the hall. It was the alien girl, "Ah! More earthlings!?" She blinks upon seeing Belldandy. "You look a little different though. But, nice to meet you all! I'm Lala Satalin Deviluke!"

Belldandy tilts her head slightly, "'Satalin?'" She blinks, "Lala Satalin Deviluke-sama, are you related in any way to Hell?" An expression of realization suddenly hits her. "Oh, are you actually from the planet Deviluke?"

Hell? Oh, of course. If she's a goddess from Heaven, then Hell should also exist. That seems about ri- Yeah, right! Why are they using terms synonymous to the christian religion? Not only is there a god of time controlling things, but now there's supposedly a heaven and hell also? Everything's going too fast for me to keep up.

The name of the alien girl, it sounds stupidly odd. Though I don't recall there being a planet named Deviluke. I can only imagine it belongs to another solar system from another galaxy or something… That's how these sci-fi things go right?

Hah, there's even other worlds now that hold sentient life, great, I feel like I'm in one of Zaimokuza's trashy novel attempts… Gross.

"Of course! How did you know? Have you ever been there?" Lala Satalin Deviluke asked cheerfully, grabbing Belldandy's hands. This chick seems to be the energetic type along with being clingy. Not my cup of tea… With the exception of Yuigahama or Isshiki, and even they get overbearing after a while.

The goddess was taken aback momentarily, but soon a smile found its way back again. "Not personally, but my sister has visited on a few occasions. She told me she met very interesting people there, Lala Satalin Deviluke-sama."

As their chatter continues, I can't help feel out of place despite that I was in my own house. Mmmm? Are these two now ignoring us? Don't they realize they are intruding in our house? Are alien girls and goddesses supposed to be this inconsiderate?

"Mou~! You were supposed to grant me a wish, Belldandy-chan!" Komachi whines, earning everyone's attention. "Onii-chan, is she cosplaying?" Glancing at… Deviluke-san(?), "…Is she a friend of yours? Was she the one at the door?"

Friend? Yeah right… Though how do you believe this woman being a wish-granter goddess, and not Deviluke coming from another planet? Belldandy even mentioned the planet from where this girl came from. Could it be that you only accept this self-proclaimed goddess' words because you're getting a wish granted? We only believe in what we want to believe in the end I suppose.

And it doesn't escape me how much more vocal Komachi has seemingly become with 'company' around.

"Nope, no idea. She just crashed her spaceship into my room." I say casually, and Komachi stares at me blankly.

"Um, Onii-chan? There was a loud crash in your room, wasn't there? You… You didn't hit your head, did you?"

"Cut that out. How can you be convinced about Belldandy and not Deviluke? Onii-chan is disappointed in you right now for not trusting him." I turn towards and interrupt Deviluke and Belldandy's conversation, "Oi, you, alien. You made a mess in my bedroom, how are you planning to fix it?"

She blinks, laughing nervously, "That was never my intention… eh…" She blinks, putting a finger under her chin, "I don't think I ever heard your name."

I look at her flatly, "Because I didn't give it." She keeps staring at me with that hopeful face, it's so unnerving. I try to stay strong but now she's beginning to pout. "…Hikigaya Hachiman."

Deviluke nods happily, she's getting on my nerves, "Hachiman then!" W-wait a second. You shouldn't start calling people by their first names after just meeting them. It's really embarrassing! "Don't worry! I'm a genius! I'll fix your room in no time!"

"Hey… What about my wish…?" Seeing my precious sister appearing so pitiful was not a welcome sight.

I turned towards the silent goddess, who was looking around in interest. Could it be that she doesn't usually see this sort of stuff? Maybe in heaven there are no… mundane things, such as the belongings decorating Komachi's room. It would make sense. But does it really matter to me?

"Oh! Yes! What is your wish?" Belldandy-san asks politely. Komachi was about to say something but I beat her to it.

"Wait, let me get something straight," The goddess blinks and turns towards me. "Why did you choose my sister to have a wish granted?"

"O-onii-chan?" Komachi starts, but I cover her mouth with my hand.

"It was not my decision," She replied. "The system notified me of Hikigaya Komachi-sama's eligibility."

A system? Why would something like heaven need a system? Should I even be bothered by how absurd this night is becoming? Ugh, quit grumbling and just get this night over with already, Hachiman.

"So this system, whatever it is, chose Komachi. Is that what you're saying?" She nodded happily. Seriously, does this girl love smiling or what? Not that it matters much, although she is throwing me off. "What made it choose her of all people?"

Belldandy tilts her head, "Hikigaya Komachi-sama's fortune is out of balance; given the fact that she is facing unwarranted misfortune despite that she is kind and always sympathizes with others, Yggdrasil had determined to grant her a wish."

"Yggdrasil?" I repeat, startled. Wait, that has nothing to do with heaven and hell. At least not for the Christian religion.

She nods her head, "Yes. Yggdrasil is the computer system in Heaven that monitors and maintains this reality. Gods and Goddesses in Heaven act as its programmers, system administrators and debuggers in order to operate it."

Yggdrasil, huh? I think I read about something like that in a couple of books. I believe it was a huge tree that connected several worlds in the Norse mythology. Such as the realm of humans, the realm of the Norse gods, and others… I think.

I have to admit, I found mythologies from different parts of the world sort of fascinating in my daily readings, no matter the culture to which they belonged, and no matter if I found them nonsensical and absurd. And what was more amusing was the fact that ignorance and faith led countless people towards their self-destruction for believing in such myths.

However, she said that Yggdrasil was a computer of sorts, so there's probably no connection between the Norse mythology and what she's explaining, I suppose it's coincidental. I truly wonder how that works though, did that mean the heaven and hell she spoke of also have nothing to do with the conceptions humans came up with?

Putting that aside, it seems I stumbled upon a greater problem, one which stems from my younger sister. For Komachi to deserve a wish, something undeservedly bad must be happening to her. If that's the case, then I should figure out what made this heavenly system declare that she was unfortunate.

And with this worry, a new inquiry also appears: Why wasn't I chosen by the system? In the course of one day, I've found that my current life couldn't be labeled as anything other than unfortunate. Maybe I haven't filled all the conditions or something? Or did it have something to do with the previous Hikigaya Hachiman? Well, I should focus on that later.

I turn towards Komachi, "Oi…" She blinks, shyly glancing up at me. "There something you want to tell me?" I'm not sure if I should already know what her problem is, as I have no knowledge about anything concerning this world. But as I expected, the reaction I got from her clearly displayed what I imagined.

"W-what do you mean Onii-chan?" She tries to feign ignorance, yet her nervous tone and shaky eyes give it away.

"Perhaps Hikigaya Komachi-sama hasn't told you of the problems she's experiencing in school?" Komachi gasps in surprise, and I narrow my gaze. Does the goddess know about it? Of course… she came here for that reason, so I assume she has to be aware of Komachi's problem.

"What problem?" I ask sharply, and Komachi begins to panic. "What's wrong, Komachi? You don't have to hide it from me."

The more I study her, the more it's being confirmed that I wasn't a reliable older brother to her. How was I supposed to know that? I'm just wandering in the dark here, dammit!

"T-t-there's nothing wrong, O-onii-chan. I..." My gaze intensifies, before someone stands between me and her. It was the pink-haired alien girl, Deviluke huh?

"Um… I think you should stop… I mean, aren't you scaring her?" The pinkhead is actually shielding Komachi from me? Now I can see the goddess also looking at me with disapproval. You got a problem?

Wait, why am I the bad guy here? Deviluke destroyed my room, Belldandy invaded my home and I'm not being told the truth by Komachi here. If anything, I'm the least guilty out of everyone here.

With a stoic expression and eyes closed, Belldandy speaks, "I now realize my mistake. My customer has kept her problem a secret, even to her family." She gazes kindly at my sister, and bows to her. "I apologize, Hikigaya Komachi-sama, for causing you discomfort."

It's clear now that Komachi hasn't revealed anything to me, I understand not telling our parents, but me? Wait, wait. This is a different world… She's not the problem here, it's me. She doesn't resemble much of the Komachi I knew, I should've expected as much. No that's not right… I'm saying it wrong.

She's the same Komachi of this world, but whoever she called 'Onii-chan' wasn't. I'm the problem. I wasn't the same Hikigaya Hachiman she knew.

There was nothing 'wrong' about Komachi, but everything was wrong about me.

"Komachi," She gazes at me in uncertainty, and it hurts me to see that kind of expression on her face, especially directed at me. I know she isn't my sister, but she still looks like her. I can't help but feel a sting in my heart seeing Komachi not trust me. "I know I haven't been the most reliable brother, but what happens to you does matter to me," I tentatively put my hand on her head to comfort her. "Sorry…"

I'm a liar, probably the biggest of them all. I can't believe I did it again… I can't believe I forced my ideals on the person I thought was the last bastion of hope for me in this insane reality. Why do I keep holding irrational expectations, why do I keep lying to myself?

I have nothing… only a life that doesn't even belong to me. I've established that during my 'dream' with Deus Ex, so why couldn't I completely accept it? Even now, I can't help but hate myself for lying to Komachi. I do care for her, but I don't actually know her. Not this one.

Komachi drops her gaze and nods timidly, twiddling her thumbs in the meanwhile, "I… I believe you now, Onii-chan. I guess it's your eyes, hehe… I-I know I said they're different… but they're better, somehow." She brightens up, and both Lala and Belldandy smile at that, "Okay Onii-chan, the thing is…"

"Hold on. I don't think you should speak about this in front of them." The alien girl pouts, but I don't really care.

"Well… I don't know about the cosplaying girl but Belldandy-chan already knows of it… Besides… my wish… I wanted to ask her to help me solve my problem…"

I pat her head, and suddenly, the pinhead approaches and envelops Komachi in a tight hug much to our surprise. I blink as my sister begins to flush red in embarrassment while her assaulter is giggling.

"Don't worry, Komachi! I also want to help you, so don't you don't need to be afraid of telling me your problem!" She exclaims cheerfully. The nerve of this girl…

Oi, oi, I'm supposed to be the one saying that. Besides, aren't you an intruder? Why are you acting so casually with my sister… or me for that matter?

"F-fine…! O-okay… J-just let me go…" The alien girl giggles again, finally giving her some space, "Um, you can hear if you want to, I guess…"

"I'm completely against it," I stated with conviction. "I refuse to let some unknown girl listen in on a personal matter of Komachi's," She was already having it difficult telling me about it, so I don't want her to feel more pressure.

"Phooie, meanie…" The alien girl pouts at me once more, and again, I don't care.

"Actually…" I blink as my sister looks hesitant, "I'd like to hear the opinion of a girl my age too."

Wait… what is this…? C-could it be that her problem is about a boy!? Who was it!? It's not that bug is it!? I can already feel my blood boiling at the mere thought of that disgusting insect going after Komachi.

"Why do you feel so angered, Hikigaya Hachiman-sama? Your aura has become very aggressive. What do insects have to do with Hikigaya Komachi-sama?" I whip my gaze towards Belldandy and glare. She blinks in surprise.

Hoh… is she reading my mind now? Please stop that, seriously, cut that out. This is an invasion of privacy, you meddling goddess! And at that, Belldandy's cheeks become red, her face deviating to the side. Hey wait a minute, don't just look away sheepishly as if you dropped something on accident! Just get out of my head! I prefer to have at least that much to myself

"Oh, I see… Then I will refrain from doing so from now on. My apologies."

Komachi and Deviluke exchange a glance, looking confused. And it's no wonder, considering Belldandy was having a conversation with me without me even opening my mouth. Geez… Now I'm starting to sound insane… I can only hope the goddess keeps her word.

Well, back to the matter at hand, I guess that Komachi would want the opinion of someone of the same sex, despite that she's an unknown. I would have thought of calling Yukinoshita and Yuigahama to help her with this, but I suspect my sister isn't close to them here.

Komachi sits on her bed, the goddess and the alien girl doing just the same. The pink head actually gives me some space to sit at her side, and while that's thoughtful at first, I quickly realize it's actually reckless. Sitting in that tiny space would mean direct contact with her, and that's out of the question.

I'll just have to remain on my feet, opting to lean against the wall here. Huh, that reminds me, my back doesn't hurt as much…

Komachi looks nervous as she grips the hem of her skirt, but Belldandy gives her a kind smile, nodding to her. My sister soon begins to relax, and while I think that I should have been the one to calm her, it works for the purpose of allowing Komachi to feel comfortable with this situation.

I don't know if it's because Belldandy is a goddess, but her smile is indeed calming… Not that I'll ever let her know that.

I do hope she stopped reading my mind though…

"Well… the thing is…" Komachi starts, and I focus on her. That is until the doorbell sounds again… and again. Damn it!

"Onii-chan…? Is that the…?" Komachi gives me a worried look.

I interrupt her, shaking my head, "I don't think so. But I'll go and see who it is."

Belldandy is about to stand up, fully intended to head in my direction, but I raise my hand in a halting motion before she could raise herself off of my bed. "I could go with you, Hikigaya Hachiman-sama."

"Just stay here. You too, Alien, er, -san."

The pinkhead pouts childishly, "Don't call me Alien-san, I don't like it! Just call me Lala!"

No way in hell. The bell rings again and I turn around, "I'll be back in a minute."

Leaving the room, I walk downstairs as I prepare myself mentally. I didn't want to worry Komachi, which is the reason I feigned my lack thereof. I was honestly afraid it was the stalker.

I approached the door, and carefully opened it. Despite my apprehension, there was no stalker. Instead I was greeted with the sight of my two new neighbors, Yuuki Rito and Aikawa Ayumu, at the gate.

"Hey, man! Are you okay?" Yuuki questions in concern when I walk up to them.

Aikawa looks at me, and then glances at the second story of my house. One can easily see the last of the residual smoke emanating from where my room is in the back, "Dude, what happened to your window? We heard a loud noise and saw the cloud of smoke coming out from your room. Did something blow up?"

I don't immediately respond. I was far too busy idly wondering how it was only these two that heard what happened. Where's the police? Or the government? Hell, where are my other neighbors? It's way too convenient that only these two heard anything! An alien just invaded our world, you idiots!

"I'm fine. My… Gamecube… short circuited and took out my television with it. Guess there was something up with the system since it's old." Not the best excuse out there, but I certainly wasn't going to touch the reality of the actual situation with a ten meter pole.

Aikawa deadpans, "You're kidding right? Do you really think that something as tiny as the Gamecube can explode and bust your window? Just look at your house! If I used binoculars from the second floor of my house, I bet I could see your entire bedroom through that broken window."

Please don't, I don't need to worry about a voyeur alongside some insane yandere stalker.

"I'm fine," I say seriously. "I've got things to figure out before my parents show up and see what happened. So, I need to focus on that first."

I'm met with understanding nods which makes me rub the back of my neck in discomfort.

"…Thanks for checking up, I guess," I start awkwardly,"…And my bad, about before. I had a bad day today." The lies come easier which annoys me but I'm going to need these two if I want to live in this world. I may not like them, but I can still find some use for them. Ugh, I don't like this constant theme of deceit, it makes me feel like Hayama.

The two exchange glances, and Yuuki nods his head. "Well, I was worried about you and Koo-" I glare daggers at him, "I mean, Komachi-chan. But if you say everything is fine, then it's all good."

"Yeah, I was worried for a moment there," Aikawa yawns. He always seems like he's tired. And here I thought I was a lazy guy, this neighbor of mine takes the cake on that. "You took your sweet time answering the door."

"Yeah… I was busy with Komachi. I'll… see you both in the morning, I guess." Ugh, just saying these words makes me sick.

"Sure." / "I guess…"

I closed the door and sigh in relief. Not only had I managed to convince them before any sort of fuss started, but my stalker looks to have finally left. Things were going smoothly… Well, in all honesty, that's not really true… but it could be worse.

I still have those two upstairs to worry about, make that three actually.

Upon my return to Komachi's bedroom, it seems the trio were engaged in an intense conversation. Mmm? Even Deviluke looked uncharacteristically serious.

"So this mean ex-friend of yours was the one behind all that!?" The pinkhead exclaims in surprise, "She's so bad!"

"Who's bad?" I inquire the moment I return to the room, making Komachi and Deviluke yelp in surprise, "What's going on?"

"Eh? Umm… Well…" She fidgets under my gaze until Belldandy rests a hand over hers.

Belldandy gives her a calming smile, "Komachi-sama still feels uncomfortable, so perhaps it may be best if I explain everything." And Komachi smiles back, and nods. Well, it seems she already trusts her, a complete stranger. Great…

"…Fine." I scratch my head. Ugh… This change of relationship between Komachi and I really does bug me.

"You see, Komachi-sama had a friend who holds feelings towards a boy, who was also a close friend of Komachi-sama's."

Is it that bug? It's that bug isn't it?

"It began with a misunderstanding, as Komachi-sama's friend saw her and the boy she liked together."

I narrow my gaze, "And then this… 'friend' accused you of making advances on the bu- er, boy." Komachi scratches her cheeks, a bit flustered and nods. "And I guess this 'friend' was more than just upset with you about it."

"Yeah… Onii-chan, she was mad… like, really, really mad." Komachi drops her gaze. "We were best friends, but she became so unreasonable and started making my life impossible. She started talking behind my back, turning everyone against me, and…" Tears began to pool in her eyes, and I couldn't help but feel furious at the thought of my sister being put through such an experience.

She technically isn't my Komachi, but it still aggravates me.

Jealousy. The term generally refers to thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, envy over lack of possessions, status or something of great personal value, particularly in reference to an obsessive comparer. This often leads people to make poor decisions. Allowing emotions such as anger, resentment, helplessness and greed to take over. Yes, it was that pathetic.

I have to admit, many times even I have fallen prey to the little green monster, but I've since learned not to yearn anything from anybody as doing so only generates disgust towards oneself.

'Why am I not like him?' 'Why is he good-looking while I'm not?' 'Why is he popular while I'm alone?' 'Why does he have a girlfriend and I don't?' Seriously, even I've had such shallow thoughts before. Hindsight makes me condemn that aspect when I was younger, now at least, I've moved on from it.

I may not be the best representative, and can hardly be considered an exemplary member of society according to social standards, but I like myself and I like the way I am. I don't need to feel envious of anybody. Heck, I know most people should actually be envious of me as I could live my life without having to be molded by the regulations that conformed social convention and whatever.

"So this girl basically started bullying you," I say monotonously.

Belldandy frowned in affirmative as Deviluke hugs Komachi again. In times like this, I can see clearly how despicable youth can be, breaking bonds of trust without giving a proper examination of the causes that led the friendship to sink. In the end, jealousy and the illusion of infatuation drove that girl into becoming a detestable person that only cared for herself and who didn't hesitate on hurting others to boost her own self-confidence, or lack thereof.

"Y-yeah… but if I ask Belldandy-chan to make everyone forget about this, then…"

I turn towards the goddess and she is startled to become the center of my focus, "Could you actually do that?"

"Yes," Is her reply, "That is certainly within my power."

She didn't look particularly happy to admit that, however.

"Is that right…?" I look at Komachi once more, but now sternly, "Komachi, don't you think that if you do that then you're actually running away from the problem instead of solving it? Do you really think that making them forget will fix anything?"

She of course, tries to retort, "B-but Onii-chan… If my friend forgets what she saw, then everything will be back to normal… W-won't it?"

The raw emotion in her voice is something I'm not used to hearing. I really don't like it.

I sigh and kneel before her, "Maybe, but that's just a temporary solution, and it might not even take into account of this happening again. Actually, just think of it this way: Would you honestly be happy if she doesn't remember anything and acts like nothing's wrong after what she's done?"

"No… but…" Her voice fades, she realizes that I'm probably right.

"Just because they'll have forgotten, doesn't mean you will. And if you remove the chance of reaching an understanding by properly resolving your issues, you'll unconsciously hold resentment towards her and she won't know why." With that point, Komachi is silenced. She uncharacteristically didn't have a retort and so only displayed a troubled and anxious expression.

It would be just easy to simply make the wish to solve her current dilemma, it might even make it easier for me to get rid of most of this situation if she does. But this is Komachi, maybe not the one of my world, but she's still my sister, so I have to make sure to help her solve this in the best manner possible rather than… just, eliminating the immediate problem…

…

No, let's not think about that right now.

"Look, there's only one wish, Komachi, and you can't just depend on others, much less on some stranger, even if she's a goddess with unbelievable powers."

Belldandy looks at me in surprise, displaying some degree of disagreement. What? Did you expect me to support your wishing aspects here? I'm a stranger to you too, remember?

"First of all, that girl isn't your friend, or else she would have never done that to you." Or so I think. I don't have friends so I'm just guessing according to what my observant eyes had gathered across the years. "Much less hurt you intentionally."

"I know… but…"

Deviluke speaks before Komachi does, "You know, Komachi, love should never end friendships. If such a love exists, it's not worth it."

"Yes. I completely agree," Adds Belldandy. Oi, I'm doing the talk here.

"Aside from that," I receive dual looks of disapproval for that, "What I'm trying to tell you Komachi, is that these sorts of problems should be dealt with personally." Komachi nods, yet she still looks hesitant.

"Oi, I'm not saying you have to do it alone, but don't try to put all the weight on others without carrying some yourself." I put a hand on her shoulder to try and comfort her.

"O-oh… I see…" Komachi drops her gaze, remaining silent. I bet she is thinking this through, so I give her some space to do so.

I use this time to observe the two beside my sister, and to my discomfort they are both looking at me intently, as if trying to discern something through pure visual observation. Deviluke was smiling, though I could tell there was something different compared to her previous ones, while Belldandy's kind expression was replaced by intrigue and curiosity. Man, I was never the focus of anyone's extended interest, so this experience is really uncomfortable.

I ignore their gazes, trying to muse about a matter unrelated to them when the fact that I had a game to win comes back to my attention. Now that I think about this wish, maybe this could help me with my current task…

It doesn't belong to me though, but to Komachi. I know that I could possibly manipulate her in order to give me the advantage in this game… but I can't do that sort of thing to her… Especially not her.

Although, I hope that after this talk, she won't use her wish for how she first intended.

"I've decided on my wish, Onii-chan…" Komachi suddenly declares, and I tense at that.

"…You have?" Does she still want one granted? "Have you thought this through?"

She nods, and for the first time, I can see resolve in her eyes. I nod my head slowly, hoping that she won't screw this up.

"I did, Onii-chan." Her voice was filled with resolution, too. "My wish is… umm, Belldandy-chan... Can you... help me in figuring out the answer to my problem? I don't want to bother Onii-chan with this, because he has a lot of things to think about." She turns to me, "Right?"

Wait, is that going to be your wish? Are you serious? I can't deny that I do actually have a lot on my plate, but what does Komachi know about it? Could it be that she also knows about my situation at school? I guess I'm gonna need to have a proper talk with her in private, seeing if she can help shed some light to all this darkness that's been surrounding my life. First, I need to improve our relationship.

Belldandy only stared at her, surprised. Silence reigned and nothing happened, at all. Komachi kept her optimistic gaze on the goddess as some seconds followed.

I sigh in relief. Seeing the stunned expression of the goddess, I can safely assume she wasn't expecting that request. This means that there is no way that wish can be accepted, right? That sure was a close call, phew!

"Komachi, I get that you might want her help, but having her watch over you until you manage to sort things out isn't really the bes-"

And then it happened.

Belldandy's eyes began to shine, then an intense light enveloped her. I squinted my eyes through the brightness as Komachi jumped back in fear, screaming. Deviluke only stared at the abnormal scene with widened eyes. And in the blink of an eye, a bolt of light was released upward from her crest mark.

I looked up, realizing the light had pierced a hole in the ceiling. Do these two invaders have a grudge against my house? Stop destroying everything, dammit.

Strong currents of wind swirled rapidly, pushing everything within the room, including us three. And just as suddenly as it appeared, the blue ray of energy began to fade from Belldandy's forehead.

Shortly thereafter, the pulses of wind cease, scattered papers descending as the goddess stands there, immobile, her eyes lost. I blink, sensing Komachi tightly grab hold of me… Wait, it wasn't Komachi, she was at the other side of the room. Then who…?

"O-oi Deviluke,? What are you…?"

And then the goddess collapses. Deviluke pushes me towards her, and I manage to catch Belldandy before she hits the ground. The chaos slowly comes to stop around us as my chest rises and falls in rapid succession, too surprised to even react to the fact that I'm in such close proximity to a beautiful woman.

"Uh… B-Belldandy?" She remains still, her eyes closed. I can't help but truly notice her beauty up close, my breath hitched seeing her. Whoa, I have to calm down. Any longer and I could've fallen in love, confessed and gotten rejected all in one fell swoop. "Oi… are you okay?"

"Mmm…" She finally opens her eyes. They're a nice color… No! Cut it out already!

"Eh… oh?" She stares at me, suddenly a kind smile adorning her face, "Ah, Hachiman-sama. Hello!" Oh come on, give me a break already with all these captivating expressions! You're not playing fair, dammit!

The goddess then blinks, having seemingly realized something. "Oh no!" Belldandy quickly stands up, and reaches for Komachi's cellphone. "Excuse me, I need to borrow this phone!"

I scratch my cheek, and Komachi blinks, "Eh? Uh… Sure?" Belldandy bowed gratefully and rushed to the other side of the room for some privacy. What was that all about?

"Whatever just happened, it was sort of scary," Deviluke comments, hands actively sweeping the dust from her outfit, "Does that mean that Komachi-chan's wish was accepted?"

"What do you mean?" I ask, already suspecting the answer.

She looks at me, "Isn't it obvious that such a display of power could only mean that something important happened? Like Komachi-chan's wish coming true?"

I don't know if she's actually smart, but Deviluke reasoned that quite well. It does seem like it, much to my despair. On a side note, I felt sort of betrayed. Am I not good enough for you, Komachi? Maybe you would have liked an onee-chan instead of an onii-chan…

Wait, she has said that.

Meh, I guess two girls would get along better being the same gender and all… Although, it doesn't seem to apply to the Yukinoshita sisters. Mmm… there's no use overthinking this, I have more pressing matters to attend to now. Namely, this Goddess fiddling with the phone.

I observed Belldandy as she spoke into the phone, "-ello, this is Belldandy." Just who is she calling? "Yes…" She visibly frowns, "No, it's about that last transfer." A few seconds pass, and her tone raises to my surprise, "What? You mean it's final?" Now her voice seemed desperate, "Almighty One, you just can't-"

Almighty One…? By any chance, is she referring to that God? That's absurd, her system was called Yggdrasil right? That's a different mythology. But… She did mention a heaven and hell before.

No what am I thinking, someone can't just call a god through their phone. What god would have a phone anyway!? And even if one did by some strange chance have a phone, what number can be used to call one? I mean, if I knew about this before, I would have dialed plenty of numbers to complain about making my life so miserable!

Damn you! Let me curse the Gods of Romantic Comedy!

Belldandy turns to my sister, who kept her eyes fixated intently on the goddess. Komachi's probably still surprised from that light show she witnessed a minute ago, or the fact that some god had a phone number that someone can just call up. I honestly can't tell which was less believable.

"Hikigaya Komachi-sama's wish has been granted," Komachi remained speechless, as did I. The goddess had just confirmed what Deviluke offered. "Oh, yes… I forgot to inquire about something else…" And then she stands up and leaves the room this time, borrowed cell phone still in hand.

Silence ensues for some seconds before Komachi's voice is heard.

"So m-my wish was granted…?" She blurted out with disbelief, pay attention idiot. Actually, you have no idea what this implies, do you?

"…So she says," I grunt out.

Deviluke hugs my sister again, "Don't worry Komachi! You don't have to make another wish because I'll help you too!"

And once more, the alien girl is overstepping her boundaries. No one asked for your help as far as I recall, and what can you offer anyway? Being irritatingly supportive? This girl should learn to not meddle in the affairs of other people.

"T-thanks… I guess?"

I sigh as Komachi tries to break free from Lala's hug, but it looks like she doesn't have the strength to do so. I hear some footsteps approach signalling the goddess re-entering the room. She sits at Komachi's side and grabs her hands, while Deviluke still keeps her deathlock on her.

"Hikigaya Komachi-sama, I will stay with you until your wish is accomplished, so you are free to ask of me anything. Teehee!" Ugh, please stop with the cute acts. My heart won't be able to take it if she keeps going… Wait Hachiman, think of Totsuka! She's truly the cutest girl around!

…Wait, is there off with that last claim? Oh well.

I raise a hand towards Komachi to shut down her enthusiasm. Then I turn to the goddess, "Hold it. What does staying until she accomplishes her wish entail exactly?"

I needed an exact confirmation so I can decide on a course of action. I wasn't completely sure if 'staying with her' truly meant the literal translation. Gotta go step by step, cautiously.

Belldandy leans her head, "It means that I will remain with her until her wish is fulfilled."

I feel the inherent twitch in my brow. Despite her previous reaction, Belldandy now seems happier about it. "Does 'stay' mean… that you're gonna watch her from the sky as some sort of guardian angel?"

She stares at me with those big blue eyes of hers. I avert my gaze. Hah! Jokes on you, I don't need to keep eye contact to continue a conversation!

---

Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Song 04

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"I will remain on Earth with Hikigaya Komachi-sama until she finds a solution to her situation!"

"Like… living with her?" I clarify.

"Yes!" She beamed.

"Are you serious?" I inquire with a suspicious gaze.

"Yes. Goddesses can't lie," She replies without faltering in the slightest. I just have no choice but to believe her.

"She goes to school, you know?"

"Yes."

"Then you also realize she's a little kid. She, nor I for that matter, can't give you a thing. We still depend on our parents." I may need to unleash my whole attack so she can back out of this. "You don't mind that?"

"I don't."

Tch, I don't think this woman is comprehending what I'm trying to tell her, "That means that you'll have to get money so you can live here. You eat, right?" A thought suddenly occurred to me, "Or maybe you don't…" I mutter. For all I know, maybe a goddess doesn't have the needs of us, humans. "Do you even need food…?"

"My anatomy is virtually the same as that of humans. The only difference is that we hold the power granted to us by the Almighty One and Yggdrasil. This allows me to do things that would normally be impossible to human beings."

Is that so? Then this god of hers made her akin to a sort of superhuman? What a joke.

"Basically, you're a human with superpowers th-"

"I am not a human, I am a goddess." She interrupts immediately.

Hah… I don't think I'll ever get anywhere with this conversation. I'll just tactically retreat back to the previous topic, "So are you going to use your godly powers to get money or food?"

"I won't," She replies easily, giggling. Now I'm curious.

"Er, why?"

"Because we are not allowed to obtain any earthly possessions through the use of our powers," She responds, and I decide to not push on the subject. Heaven probably had some sort of code that all gods and goddesses had to follow. Like the Ten… er, Commandments or something close to that. That Christian religion… really… Such sticklers…

"Then you'll have to work as a normal human," I attempted my last stand. I don't believe that higher beings would abide by the rules of those lower than them. If I was in her position, I wouldn't. Who would actually?

And to my disappointment, she gives me the one answer I truly wasn't expecting.

"Yes," And she smiles with glee, a soft radiance being expelled. "Teehee!"

Shit.

A goddess… with Komachi… with me… in this house… I can't let that happen. I won't give up just yet! There's still a faint ray of hope in all this. Now that I think about it, Komachi has become uncharacteristically silent. I guess that she wants to be sure if her wish would really come true, and my continuous inquiries were helping her with that.

"Why are you making such a problem out of this, Hachiman?" Deviluke asks, poking my cheeks, I bat her hand away in discomfort. Is this girl as foxy as a certain kouhai? Don't touch me.

I back off from the pinkhead, "This doesn't concern you. And why are you still here anyway? Shouldn't you be taking that spaceship of yours somewhere else?"

The alien girl tilts her head, her tail waving… I'm beginning to think that as a self-proclaimed alien, that tail is truly part of her body. Not that I care anymore. I can't count the number of times I had been utterly shocked today each time something impossible happened.

So, yeah, whatever. I gain nothing from trying to find an explanation for any of this. I should probably stop before I get a headache.

"That was so mean, Hachiman. I'm actually being chased," Deviluke begins to explain, though I don't recall asking about that. Don't give information about yourself if no one's asking. Belldandy seems concerned though, not surprising seeing how nice she seems. "I thought I would be safe if I came to Earth, but my pursuers have followed me here."

"Mmmm? What is going on?" A new, synthesized voice is heard, and I raise an eyebrow as I try to find where it's coming from. My search was futile until I saw Komachi looking at Deviluke. "Lala-sama! Oh! That crash made me malfunction so my consciousness faded! The self-repair has just finished though!"

The bubble gum pink-haired girl opens her mouth, jumping enthusiastically, her green eyes directed at her… hat, "Peke! I'm so happy you're alright! I was a bit worried when you protected me from almost crashing into that asteroid!"

I exchange looks with my sister, both trying to understand what was going on. The alien girl was talking to her hat. Ugh… I don't even want to comment about that, for sanity's sake.

"I'm fine now!" Came the voice from the hat. Again, I'm not even going to bother myself analyzing this. "Lala-sama? Who is that dull, creepy-looking earthling?"

Even a hat is making fun of me? Is this how low I've fallen? I'm glad Yukinoshita will never witness this. I would never hear the end of it.

"Well, excuse me," I snark, folding my arms. "I may look like this, but dull? I'm a great guy to be around. Don't you see? I'm the personification of awesome."

"But… Onii-chan?" Komachi looks somewhat conflicted, but has a shy smile. I sort of expected that she wasn't gonna speak on my defense. "Mii-chan told me you can be really boring sometimes…"

I was right… That hurts, Komachi. I've made you laugh many times, haven't I!? I don't remember how I did or when, but I'm definitely sure it's happened!

Oh right, she's not that Komachi…

And who the hell is 'Mii-chan'?

Belldandy and Deviluke begin to giggle. I feel very stupid right now. It's fearsome, the power that younger siblings have over their elder ones. They can make one look so bad with simple words, and everyone will accept it, if only because of the sibling relationship. Who else can know you better than your younger brother or sister?

"Thanks…" My word reeks of sarcasm of course.

Pointing a finger to her own hat, Deviluke states, "This is Peke, an All Purpose Costume Robot that I made."

…A what?

Belldandy bows slightly, "Hello, Peke-sama. Nice to meet you."

"Oh! She's so polite and cute! I like her!" Peke says with a tone of astonishment. That odd thing was complimenting the goddess already? The hat definitely had to be a 'he'. Of course a perverted hat of all things exists in this world…

The artificial intelligence of the strange invention seems pretty good though. If Deviluke created it as she stated, then she must be a genius. So why hide it with this ditzy act?

"I feel like I'm on a sci-fi show, Onii-chan!" Komachi says in awe, "I can't believe I'm seeing an actual alien…"

"In the words of your kind, earthlings, yep! Pretty much!" Deviluke confirms with a wink.

I scratch my head. Well, at least as an alien, she doesn't have two mouths nor spit out acid. She is a bit annoying nonetheless, "Whatever. Just take your spaceship out of my room and get out. Before that, be sure to fix everything you destroyed. And see what you can do about this," I point upwards at the hole in the ceiling.

"Peke, we'll fix his room first!" Deviluke shouts vigorously, raising an arm upward, "Let's go!" And so, I stare blankly as she dashed towards my room. Does she have to shout all the time?

I turn towards my dear not-imouto, "Komachi, go and keep an eye on her. I don't want that girl destroying the house."

She nods at me, "Ah, okay, Onii-chan. Ah, Peke-san! I'm Hikigaya Komachi!"

I wait for Komachi to leave the room before speaking to the only person remaining in the room besides me, "Are you okay with this?"

Belldandy jumps at my words, resting a hand over her chest, "Yes, I am."

"You didn't give that impression when you first made a call," I narrowed my gaze, pocketing my hands. "You said goddesses don't lie."

The goddess frowns, "We don't. I'm fine with it, honestly. I want to help Hikigaya Komachi-sama."

Silence reigns for a few seconds until I ask, "Is there a way to nullify her wish? Or change it?"

"No, Yggdrasil has already accepted her wish. The Almighty One told me it can't be modified or nullified." Her voice is slightly tense, as if she really didn't want to delve into this subject. Was this a rule or was it because of me?

"There has to be some way to cancel it," I try to argue, but it looks to be futile.

"I'm afraid not," She shakes her head, "Once it's been filed and archived, a wish acquires tremendous force. Nobody can resist it. Not even with my first class powers, can I alter it," She frowns, both of her hands clasped together. "Hikigaya Hachiman-sama, are you not satisfied with the wish of your sister?"

She looked uneasy at my possible answer. No actually, she looked uneasy period, as if she didn't want to be here with me. Why? I'm not sure, but I wasn't going to lie to make her feel better. She wouldn't be the first person who didn't bother hiding her dissatisfaction with my presence.

"I'm not," I respond bluntly. "We can't have a total stranger living with us out of nowhere. Our parents won't allow it either." She lowers her head, and I feel a sting of guilt. No, stop that, don't play that card on me. Pity won't help you. "If you want to stay on Earth, then no one will stop you. But if you think that you're gonna stay close to Komachi, or in this house for that matter, keep dreaming. It's not going to be that easy."

"B-but… no one can go against Hikigaya Komachi-sama's wish. The consequences will be severe," She says worriedly.

I ask slowly, a slight glare marring my features. "Is that a threat?"

---

Go to profile, SEE: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Picture 03

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"N-no, it's not!" She exclaims nervously, a bit more anxious than necessary at my reaction. "I'm referring to the Ultimate Force, which is ingrained in the wishes that have been granted. No one can go against it, not even me."

Ultimate Force…?

"Yeah…" I sigh, "Like I can buy that crap. Look, you have to lea-" My phone rings, which is odd since it's always set to vibrate. I look at the screen displaying the default background despite the fact that it was still ringing. What the hell?

The screen becomes white before blinking off. It is then that I can see the reflection in my phone, and I see myself in it.

[Without her, you'll be dead before you know it, idiot. The Ultimate Force will have you killed if you become an obstacle to Komachi's wish. You should take this chance and use her. It's not like you have any means of stopping the power of Heaven.]

Another thing that my reflection apparently knows that I don't. I don't see why I should believe him, either. I close my phone before speaking again.

"Please, just leave my hou-" The creaking of wood from behind catches my attention.

"Watch out!" Belldandy screams, and she grabs my hand and pulls me towards her. Just as she did, the tall drawer falls where I once stood. With eyes blown wide in surprise, I observe the fallen furniture. That was close.

"It's the Ultimate Force," Belldandy reveals to my shock. "If you say or do anything to defy a wish, then it'll find a way to remove that obstacle. In this case, you, Hikigaya Hachiman-sama. The Force has already started working, trying to harm you so you don't try to prevent me from remaining with your sister."

Was this a coincidence, or the truth? If it's true then, what kind of system is that? That'll cause more problems than solve them!

Shit. Does that mean that my parents were in danger now? I'm sure as heck that they'll oppose Belldandy living here. Great, another problem… This goddess is only causing me headaches.

"I'm sorry, Hikigaya Hachiman-sama," The goddess said apologetically, "I never meant to cause you a headache. Please, allow me to alleviate your pain."

She steps up to me with a hand raised, glowing, but I stop her, "You're reading my mind again. Stop that." There was something off with her, but I didn't know what. She seemed hurt by my comment, but I was afraid of this damn situation. I couldn't help it.

"Because of your Ultimate Force, I'll have to convince my parents to let you stay here if I want to protect them, won't I?"

Belldandy nods, and averts her gaze. She seems ashamed. Good grief, what was with this farce?

I'll admit I was overreacting. This wasn't really her fault in the end, but Komachi's. She made a reckless wish, and forced the goddess to remain here which caused all this. I would be mad if I was her, yet she came to terms with it and accepted her new life. One among humans.

I would commend her on her determination to see this wish granted, but the phone calls she's made were suspicious. Plus, she's become a bit more nervous after the others left.

Either way, I can't forget the fact that every girl is a suspect. Her arrival was sudden and her mannerisms are odd, meaning I'll have to keep an eye on her while she's here. How old was she anyway? If she was right that her anatomy is the same as a human's she looks to be at least around 18. Just off the mark, but that's my estimation, I have no idea if I'm right…

It's official, the game was on. And I didn't even get a warning…

"Belldandy," She raises her face shyly. "Look, I've had a long day. Your and Deviluke's arrivals didn't help, but I shouldn't take it out on you." I massage my neck, my eyes directed to the side, "That's my bad."

She looks surprised, but nods her head, scrutinizing me.

"Of course, Hikigaya Hachiman-sama."

I slump my shoulders, "How about you stop referring to me as that? It's awkward, and the'-sama' isn't necessary either. I'm just seventeen, you know?"

She put a thoughtful finger under her soft chin, "Since I have already fulfilled a wish, I don't believe I should… But as the brother of my client, I can make an exception…" She blushes lightly, "Hachiman-san."

I feel my cheeks getting hot. That caught me off guard, it just sounded so embarrassing when she said it. Frankly speaking, it would have sufficed just saying 'Hikigaya-san'. Maybe I should tell her to not do it…

Hah… Just forget it…

"Y-yeah. Then, Belldandy," I start.

"Yes, Hachiman-san?"

Ugh, all she did is change the honorifics and it made it much more embarrassing. It's going to take a while to get used to this, but I have to… For Komachi and my parents' sake of course…

"Uh…" I start, "Wait here awhile. There's a pest I still need to take care of." She frowned as she probably realized I was referring to Deviluke, or maybe she just read my mind again. I'm going to have to talk to her about that later on.

Lala Satalin Deviluke. An alien girl that is being chased for some reason, an alien girl that came to Earth to hide from her pursuers, and an alien girl that crashed into my house as she escaped. My bedroom was a disaster because of it.

She's been nothing but trouble for me since she appeared. Considering that she was just an extra character that wasn't going to be of any use to either Komachi or me, it was obvious what course of action I had to take to deal with her.

As I walk into my bedroom, I come to an abrupt halt as disbelief paints my face. My room was back to normal, no damage could be seen or detected anywhere within the space. It was like nothing occurred here at all. The only thing that remained the same was the miniaturized shuttle-like spaceship that was at the side of my bed, looking as tidy as I left it in the morning.

Komachi's eyes were shining, as if bright stars replaced them. Deviluke was jumping energetically as she cheered, "Yay! You did quite well, Fix-Fix-Repair-kun!"

What kind of stupid, repetitive name was that?

As I wondered about it, a flying thing resembling a large bee, albeit mechanical, fluttered around as if dancing. I could swear its face was showing a happy expression despite only having a couple of circular black eyes.

Komachi spun around, dashing towards me excitedly, "Onii-chan! You won't believe it! That bee created some sort of field all around the room," She really looked like a tiny child getting excited over a new toy. How cute. "Then everything started shining, and then, BWAH! The hole was gone! And all your stuff was all back to normal!"

Really? That tiny thing did that? …Why am I even surprised? I have a goddess in the other room… Now that I think about it, was the collection still gone at least?

"I'm not looking that bad now, heehee!" She sticks out her tongue playfully, "Fix-Fix Repair-kun was inspired today!"

I stare blankly at her. Despite that she 'fixed' my room as promised, it didn't change my mind at all. She was after all, the source of all the chaos that befell on my bedroom.

1-4

I gave a gentle shove to the back of the pinkhead, one that deposited the alien outside of my house. Where she belonged. Deviluke quickly turns to me, looking confused, which is weird considering that she proclaimed herself to be a genius. It's easy to tell what this means, y'know?

"You can pick up your… vehicle… tomorrow. See ya."

And as I'm about to close the door, she stops it before I close it.

"Ehhh!? You are throwing me out?" Case closed, Conan…

I deadpan, "Does this look like anything else?"

"B-but! I don't have anywhere to go…" She whines, pulling out the puppy eyes, "Please! I need a place to hide… Don't be so cold-hearted! I know you are a good guy, Hachiman."

I smirk.

Already trying to appeal to me? Just because you have a pretty face doesn't mean that I'll be tricked by your charms. I already have to think how I'm going to have Belldandy stay in my house, so another girl is out of the question.

"Yeah, I'm a great guy actually, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid." I push on the door in an attempt to close it as I add, "I have to start thinking up other things. I'm sure that as a genius you can figure something out." I emphasize that word to make my point clear, a self-proclaimed genius should be capable of taking care of herself after all. Besides, I don't want to put Komachi in any kind of danger, and keeping the pursuers of Deviluke away from my house is the best course of action to take. "…You'll manage to sort things out on your own, right?"

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Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Song 05

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Deviluke stares at me in silence as her eyes wander aimlessly, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. Emerald eyes glittered in the dark until she finally relinquished her hold on the door. I observed her carefully as she dropped her gaze.

I could detect discouragement from her, and it was sort of startling. For someone as optimistic as you, to put that face… I mean, it doesn't really suit you, you know? Besides, I'm just a stranger to you, space girl. Why are you expecting anything out of me?

Her brows furrowed slightly, a weak smile popping up, "…Okay. I suppose I'll see you around…" She steps back, "Well, here I go…"

"Don't worry, Lala-sama! You can count on me for anything!" That must be Peke talking.

However, the girl doesn't give a sign of having heard him. She only stared at me, and I blink at that. Few seconds passed and a sad smile appeared, as if some sort of crude realization came back to her mind.

She turns around and strolls away and I close the door. Finally, I did it. That girl surely would have been in trouble if she stayed here… I already have to deal with a goddess, so this was for the best. Besides, there is no space for her anyway. We only have one guest room.

[Are you sure this is the best choice? For all we know, she could be the fake being? Do you at least know her age? If we don't see that girl again and it turns out that she was the fake, then this game is over for us. That other guy can find her.]

I look at the mirror inside a glass cabinet filled with alcoholic bottles. There it was, him again.

"She's an alien, not even human. And she doesn't live here either," I retort.

[Remind me, when did Deus Ex Machina specify that the fake was a human? He only referred to it as a 'being' or 'creation' that resembled one. It doesn't necessarily have to be a human for it to act like one or look like one. The goddess and the alien girl are proof of that.]

I look at 'myself.' While I hate to admit it, he was right. I made the mistake of assuming my target was a human. For all I know, if this alien girl started to somehow live in Japan, then she would most likely fulfill the conditions to be deemed a suspect in the game.

Deus Ex said every person I will meet is important, meaning that even this girl is… Argh, damn it…

I open the door with a swing, and shout, "Oi, Deviluke!" She stops abruptly, her pink hair bouncing. She turns around, looking rather surprised, "You didn't fix the hole in Komachi's ceiling."

"Eh…? But I thought…"

"Don't make me wait here out in the cold," I grumble, hands in my pockets and with a tone less than pleasant. "If I get sick, I'll blame you for it. "

She smiles widely and I can't help but feel dazzled by it. It wasn't like before, I can tell. She began to approach, slow and hesitant steps drew her near. But much to my surprise, her slow pace gradually picked up speed, until she was darting towards me at a near flat out sprint.

No, no, no, no! Not unwanted physical contact again! Stop!

"Oi, don't-"

She didn't even give me time to finish my sentence before her body was lunging at me. I found myself being tackled, upon which we were met with a tangled mess of limbs as we ungracefully met the ground. There it was again, overstepping her boundaries beyond my line of comfort. I can't even find it in me to blush anymore, so I just settle on miserably observing the starry sky as she keeps rubbing herself against me.

I tried to get rid of her grip, but quickly realized that she was a lot stronger than she looked. It reminded me of that scary girl called Kazama Asuka. Maybe as an alien Deviluke possesses superhuman capabilities or something. So maybe Kazama was also an alien.

Damn it, they're touching me! Stop that!

"Gehehe, Hachiman~"

"Get off already…"

1-5

I did my best not to fidget in discomfort as three sets of eyes looked at me from behind in quite obvious expectation. My dear sister, the invading alien girl and the wish-granting goddess were sitting on the living room sofa, waiting for me to speak. If only because I had requested for a moment of silence so I can sort things out inside my head.

Besides, on the other side of the room were another two pairs of eyes, gazing at me with disapproval and surprise, which belonged to my mother and father respectively. The task of explanation fell to me in this situation.

What am I supposed to do now? There were so many issues I have to deal with regarding these two visitors. One who will have to remain with Komachi until her problem is solved, or until I discover a way to overcome the Ultimate Force that made her wish irreversible. And the other, who was trying to escape from a forced marriage arranged by her father, and sought shelter on a planet not her own. Or at least that's what she babbled on about before my parents finally arrived from their slave-driving jobs.

My life had become chaotically harder, all in a course of one day, and I bet it wasn't going to improve in the days to come. My less than exemplary social school life was replaced by one that was nonexistent. Funny, isn't it? And I still had a sick game to win, with only one other competitor.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

A seemingly expressionless guy, who didn't appear affected by the circumstances he was dragged into, circumstances that we both shared. I have to wonder if he's experiencing this many difficulties, but whatever the case, I could tell he was quite capable even if he's trying to hide it in order to appear unassuming. Not a good sign.

Wherever he is, whatever he's doing, whoever he really is, I'm confident that he won't just stand there with his arms crossed. One of us will win the game, and I can't lose any more time.

No matter the situation, I have to deal with my immediate problems first before focusing on the game.

One by one, steadily and surely.

Belldandy staying here is the first problem I have to solve, and by that I mean the fact that I have to assure a place for her to stay in my house without anyone interfering. The safety of my family and my well-being depends on it.

Now, we have a guest room that she can use, that's one possible solution. 'Part 2' is convincing my parents. In Deviluke's case, she might be able to stay because she looks more Komachi's age, so they're more liable to give her a break. However, my mother will most likely oppose Belldandy living here; I know my old man will support me, if only because she appears as a beautiful young woman around my age, if not a bit older. Damn old pervert…

As recorded by history and such, women have been shown to always be the downfall of men. Many of the greatest empires in history had fallen due to them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not stating that it was solely their fault, but records prove that they were part of the causes. Because men were idiots.

In Rome for example, during Marc Antony's role in the transformation of the Roman Republic from an oligarchy into the autocratic Roman Empire, his life was ended by his own hands after being cornered by Augustus. Some might say that it was the antagonism between him and the senate that caused his downfall, but the truth was that he became the slave of his carnal needs, his lust for Cleopatra. Even abandoning his own wife, and committing one of the most unforgivable crimes, treason. Considered as a man with low morals, Augustus gave no rest to him and Cleopatra until they both committed suicide.

Then again, history is written by the winners so who knows if that's how it really went down. Although, I'm proud of myself for being able to recall some Western history.

In the end, it was the hunger for the opposite sex that drove many men towards delusion, and sadly, the old geezer who was also my father was no exception. Seriously, I gotta wonder why my standing was lower than his in this household. Well, at least his shameless sleaziness will be an advantage for this.

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Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Song 06

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"So? What is this?" My mother asked, her face displayed moderate irritation alongside fatigue. "Do you realize what you're asking us, Hachiman? I was at first happy to see you making new friends, but asking us to let them live with us, that's absurd! And why are they dressed as magical girls?"

"Cut me some slack, will you?" I retort, "I'm just saying to let them stay here temporarily. They're exchange students and they don't have a stable place to stay yet. And they lost their luggage with their normal clothes, you know how airports are…"

Belldandy frowns and Lala blinks, confused. Idiots, can't you see I'm weaving together a convincing lie for you two, or at least attempting to? I wish I had more time to prepare for this conversation, but my parents showed up sooner than I anticipated.

I turn my head slightly towards them, silencing any bubbling protests with a harsh glare. Lala jumps then nods and the goddess only stares at me with a look of disapproval. I bet she doesn't approve of lies, being angelic and all that crap. Get over it, why do you think I have to do this in the first place?

"So they're foreigners?" Asks the old geezer, "I understand. Leaving a couple of young and beautiful women alone in some hotel or apartment isn't a good idea. Who knows what could happen?"

Hoh… You may think you sound considerate, old man, but why do you look so eager at that prospect?

"Still… we could maybe let one stay, but both?" My mother folds her arms, scrutinizing them. "Not to mention the food. Do you two have money to pay for your expenses at least? This is just for one semester right?"

I knew she was gonna bring up that subject, so I prepared countermeasures for it.

"Don't worry about that," I reassure them. "We won't waste a single yen on their food." I'll have to take care of that by myself. Damn it, I never meant for things to come to this but I might just have to search for a part-time job… for them. They're not even pets, yet I have to maintain their upkeep…

To work is to lose, and I'd much rather stick to that. But I might not have a choice this time…

"But Hachiman, I don't have any-"

I quickly interrupt Deviluke before she messes up, "I know you don't have any problem with staying in some hotel. But in these times, it would be sort of unsafe, right?" I glare at her to silence her, she bows her head meekly.

Belldandy's frown deepens, and as she is about to voice her concern, Komachi enters the stage, "I agree completely!" She states and I sigh in relief. I guess she understood well that we can't let our parents know the truth behind these two, "We can't just leave two possible candidates for Onii-chan's heart to their own devices."

I blink at the unexpectedly familiar words, my mother gasps and the old man folds his arms, seemingly interested. Now I didn't really expect that coming from her mouth. I gaze over my shoulder at Belldandy, who looks at Komachi in surprise, blushing lightly. She then looks at me, outright scandalized by the lie.

This is no time for a tsukkomi, I won't be able to play along if I keep doing so!

I look at the culprit who dug us into this proverbial hole. Unsurprisingly, my 'dear' imouto is completely reddened after her wild declaration and is purposefully avoiding my gaze.

"Hachiman-san…" Belldandy starts once more, but my mother taps her foot, an easy indicator of her rising temper.

"They both called you by your first name, which means there's familiarity between you three. …My son has close female friends besides Haruno-chan?" Her surprised tone and incredulity are irking me. Seriously, should you be saying that to your own son? And how do you know about Haruno-san?

I'm prevented from voicing my annoyed complaints when she suddenly whips her gaze at Komachi. The poor girl nearly yelps at the sudden glower from the matriarch of the household.

"Komachi! What did you mean by candidates for his heart?" She gasps, "Don't tell me that… they're both your girlfriends!?"

"Tch! Believe it woman. Why can't I have female friends?" I glanced at the trio on the sofa, and they gazed at me with surprise.

…

Wait… did she mean girlfriends instead of girl…friends?

"Dear me, Hachiman!"

"Hoh… What a son I have…"

"O-onii-chan!?"

"H-Hachiman-san…?"

"Really, Hachiman!?"

"N-no, wait," And before I can make any clarification about the big misunderstanding, Deviluke pulls my neck, now between her arms as she rubs her cheek with mine.

No, quit it!

"So I'm your girlfriend? That's perfect!" Deviluke exclaims excitedly, and I can't even talk due to her lock on my neck. This chick is so freaking annoying! "Let's get married then, Hachiman~!"

"Oh my!" Belldandy gasps, covering her mouth with a hand.

My mother, as expected, glares at me. "What is the meaning of this, Hachiman!?"

And while she continues to shout, I catch a glimpse of the old geezer that is my father, giving me a cautious thumbs up. Your encouragement is unwanted, dammit!

"You haven't finished school yet, and now you want to get married!? Oh, I see…" The Hikigaya Matriarch folds her arms, "You wanted her living here with us for that reason, right? I'm not saying in any way that I approve of this… but what about the other girl!?"

"I do not intend to marry Hachiman-san," Clarified the goddess, raising a finger as she smiled. "Although I do need to remain here, regardless."

To my surprise, and frankly everyone else's, my father suddenly stomps a foot while exclaiming, "Hold on a minute! Don't tell me that you're going to have her as a concubine!?" He spits out his garbage. I can hear his tone hold a jealous ring to it.

Hey stupid old man, you're not helping my case. And quit acting jealous when your wife is in the same room, you trash husband!

My mother growls, "You're in real trouble, boy. What sort of brother shows this kind of example to his impressionable baby sister…"

"Mou… Kaa-chan! I'm not a baby anymore!" Komachi whines.

Yes you are, and I'll hear nothing less! No, wait, no.

"Well, there's no way that we can let them stay if that's why your brother wants them here!"

Stop deciding that on your own damn it!

My old geezer tries to calm her down, "O-okaa-san. Listen, we could…"

"I don't care!"

Shouts erupted from my parents, with the whines of my sister following them, while Lala kept giggling about our supposed impending marriage. Belldandy only watched the absurd scene, and as for me, I served as a living post for the alien girl to hang from. This is not what I planned, heck I just came to notice that right now, my parents were becoming an obstacle to Komachi's wish.

That meant one thing. The Ultimate Force would act, and their lives would be in danger.

My sense of foreboding proved accurate when I caught sight of the cabinet in the living room, the glass plane on it cracking. Shit! The Ultimate Force was about to do something again!

What can I do to convince them before things go even more further south?

At that very moment, I hear a soft barely audible voice right in my ear, "Hachiman… I don't want this meanie force to hurt anybody… So let me help you, I owe you a favor… Right?"

The clingy girl had yet to let go of me, but at least stopped rubbing herself on me. However she sported an oddly serious expression. I stared back and nodded my head.

I looked down at her hand, which held some sort of joystick with three green buttons on it. It had two little wings at its sides and on the front, a tiny peak, as if trying to resemble a canary.

"Will you trust me, Hachiman?"

I don't respond. I honestly couldn't trust her, but things were getting out of control. As much as I dislike the idea, I'm gonna have to depend on her now. I gaze uncertainly at Deviluke and hesitantly nod.

She points the strange item towards my parents, who were still arguing and pressed one of the buttons using the other hand. I swear I could literally see some sort of pulse being expelled from the tiny object. My parents stopped their discussion instantly.

I blink, they just stood there in silence, looking at one another without doing anything at all. What did she do to them? Komachi was the one to ask about that though.

"W-what happened to them?"

"Don't worry!" Deviluke was back to her cheerful self, "Change-Change Memory-kun only hypnotized them."

Hypnotize, huh?

I'm not sure I like where this is going but at least they stopped arguing. The device's name though, I suspect this thing actually does more than just hypnotizing people. Just where did she get that from? Considering the stupid name it has, this must be another one of her inventions.

Also, the cracking of the glass had stopped… phew…

Belldandy approaches them, observing my parents with curiosity.

"Oi, Deviluke," I address her.

"Mmm?" She looks at me.

"When you hypnotized them, did you have something else in mind?" She blinks, and tilts her head to the side, confused. "I mean, this thing," I look at her invention, "Can it… mold memories?"

She nods her head, "But I wasn't actually going to use that function unless it was necessary. I just needed to stop them from arguing, right?" I glanced at my parents, who looked like zombies… "Now we can decide on a course of action without having the meanie force bothering us."

She's scary… not at the level of the stalker, but still very scary. I appreciate the effort though. Walking up to my parents as Belldandy returns to the others, I note that the two of them didn't react to my presence. Well, even less than usual really.

I clear my throat, gathering the attention of Komachi, Belldandy and Deviluke. "Well, we saw that we won't be getting anywhere trying to convince my mother for you two to stay. Luckily," I glance at Deviluke. "We may have a chance now."

"Really, Onii-chan? How?"

Belldandy interjects before I can speak, "Are you planning on altering their minds? I don't think that is wise, Hachiman-san."

Hoh… she already saw what I was trying to convey? However, it's not like we have much of a choice. Besides, you're one of the reasons why it's come to this, goddess, so just let me take care of it.

"I actually have to thank Deviluke for stopping them, you know, otherwise the Ultimate Force would have gotten them," I point with my thumb behind me towards the cabinet where cracks on the glass were visible, as clear as day.

Belldandy gasps and Komachi yelps.

"S-so it was true, about that force…?" Komachi whispers, just loud enough for me to hear.

I fold my arms, "Yeah, I guess that we'll have to use this invention after all."

"Bu-" Belldandy's disapproval is painted across her face, but I was speaking before the protest could leave her lips.

"Belldandy," I interrupted the goddess with the driest tone I could muster. "I don't like it that much either, but if we don't solve this now, the Ultimate Force will hurt them." She drops her gaze, knowing I was correct. "Alright, Deviluke. How does this work?"

"Are you sure, Onii-chan?" Komachi asks hesitantly.

"Not really, but we still have to do it," I mutter. Deviluke points the winged joystick at my parents once more, pressing another of its buttons.

"Ok, Hachiman. They're in a mental trance. Do you want to modify a memory in particular?"

"First, I need you to erase the useless conversation we had these last few minutes," I reply. We need to do this carefully. "Can change-change… can this thing do that?"

"Nope," She easily replies and I cock an eyebrow, why call it a memory changer if it can't even do that!? As if to answer my frustration, the alien puts a hand inside her outfit from the neck and begins to shuffle.

Oi, oi… Why the hell do you have stuff there?

I sweat drop as she finally pulls out a similar object to the one she has with the other hand. It's only difference is that this one only had one button and there was no peck.

"Okay, it's time for you to do your job Bye-Bye Memory-kun!" Pointing the object at them she declares, "Eliminate their memories from…" She looks at the clock, "8:52 p.m. onwards! Planet Earth of Via Lactea, time zone… Japan Standard Time!"

That's probably the exact time when I told them to sit so I could begin explaining their presence to my parents. Deviluke's quite handy when she needs to be, but that device of hers is seriously dangerous.

The memory eraser emits a dim light. After that, Deviluke simply shoots me another bright smile.

"It's done!"

I blink, "Just like that?" She merely nods cheerfully in response. "…Okay? What now?"

"Now, all you have to do is tell them what you want them to believe. And Change-Change-Memory-kun will definitely mold their memories!"

It's as simple as that? I swear these inventions of hers are something else. Well, here goes nothing.

1-6

"…and that would be all… I think." Lala pushes the only remaining button, drawing them out of the hypnosis.

My mother stared at me blankly and my old man did just the same. I look into their eyes closely, waving a hand in their faces so they would react. After a few seconds they blinked, their eyes regaining their usual light.

My mother turns to Belldandy and Deviluke, "Oh, why are you two just standing there?" They blink, "It's time for dinner. Komachi prepare the table." She pushes both intruders towards the kitchenette, "Help me serve the food. Come now, don't let Hachiman's laziness rub off on you."

I exchange glances with my partners in crime. It actually worked much better than expected.

"Well, as long as your friends stay with us, we'll be like family." States the old geezer, before elbowing my arm playfully. "You better not sneak in on them!" He chuckles, "To think we have a goddess and an alien girl living with us. You sure know how to pick 'em, eh?"

"Whatever that means…" I mutter, "Just don't forget that no one can ever know about them, got it, gramps?"

"Oi, I'm not that old!" He retorts, "And you don't have to remind me that. They are simply exchange students living with us temporarily if someone asks. Let's just show them the best time while they're here on Earth!" I nod as he smirks, "Well, better give Komachi-chan a hand, as the great father I am! Hahaha!"

Looks like he's still a shameless daughter-con here too, although more eccentric than quiet. Well, whatever. I shrug my shoulders, and Komachi shoots me a hesitant smile.

It really worked.

To think that I told them that those two came down to Earth on a mission of cultural exploration. Determined to learn the ways of human culture, and our duty as hosts of them was to make sure they could spend their time here without having any trouble. Which led to the fact that we had to hide their true nature.

It's so stupid, yet it worked.

I of course made no mention of anything related to the god of time, or what was happening to me. I think I made the right call by not saying anything about the fact that I couldn't recognize this world. Everyone was a suspect now, and I couldn't trust anyone…

The fake being was supposedly a female, so why not trust males? It's quite simple, what if the fake female was using males to her advantage? I forgot to ask Deus Ex Machina about that, and it's too late now, so I have to take that possibility into account.

I can't blindly trust anyone. Not females, males, teens, children, or even adults. No matter the age, no matter the sex, no matter if they seem good or bad, guilty or innocent. I can't trust a single one, for they're all unknowns to me.

But… does this also apply to my family? Can I trust them?

I just can't put up this line of thought only to be biased towards my family, they're all foreign elements that belong to this world. I can't trust them for the default reason that I don't know them. There are a lot of similarities but there are also differences among my parents. It may be hard, and it makes me angry but I have to remain objective under these circumstances and not let my personal feelings cloud my judgment.

No ties to anyone, not even with… Damn it, not even with Komachi. She's a female that fits the category of the fake just fine... Give me a fucking break.

"Hey, boy! Gives us a hand, would you?"

I turn towards the ever frowning woman that is my mother, who doesn't appear to be much different from the one of my own world. Or at least she kept the same hot streak when she doesn't get her way.

Maybe I'm rotten because of her. Perhaps she always tried to find a problem to fix to boost her self-confidence, or she was simply embittered and always thinking the worst? Could it be that she had a 'rich' past as I did? Even as her son, I don't know much of her past as she was never one to delve into such things, and I never had access to any informative object that would shed light upon her cloudy life as a teenager. No photo albums from back then, no awards or plaques, nothing. It didn't help that they've always had their corporate slave jobs that kept them away from the house for long stretches of the day, even back when I was a kid.

And I'm sure that her favoring Komachi as much as she did was also a large factor.

On the rare days I was able to ask her, she wouldn't really answer. And the old man had shown reluctance every time I asked him, simply saying not to push my luck. I can only imagine it was bad, hence that dry personality she typically has with everyone but Komachi and Kamakura, and the need to hide her past. Though funnily enough, while my personality could very well be a byproduct of my mother, I share my looks with my old man. She, fortunately enough, didn't suffer from our 'dead fish-eyes' everyone's so kindly attacked lately.

"Oh, Belldandy-chan, you can sit here!" Komachi tells her, drawing a string of giggles from Belldandy.

"Of course."

Alright… I'm already being replaced… I know that females get along better, but it still hurts Komachi. I guess I was never good enough for you. That's too bad. But in the great spec of things it's not really that world-shattering, considering that she's another Komachi…

Who am I kidding? She probably thinks just the same in my world.

"Otou-san, stop eating before everyone is at the table!" My mother growls, and my father gulps. Then she looks at him with resignation, and sighs before smiling.

"It's no secret that I can't resist your food," He grins sheepishly at her. Deviluke, who is already sitting at the table, giggles at the interaction. "You know how much I love your home cooking, Okaa-san."

Good, reasonable, manipulating and calculating old geezer sure knew how to handle her. Despite that he acted dumb most of the time, he was unexpectedly smart. But stop flirting in front of the guests already.

Huh… I guess that old geezer is the part of my life that allowed me to see beyond superficiality and actually allowed me to create a shield against the crappy social life I had in middle school. He always overlooked covers and focused on problems on a late and larger scale, always finding the best solution for all parties involved without getting affected by these whatsoever.

I don't know why I'm thinking about this, homesickness, maybe? They hold similarities, but there are still some amount of differences between these two counterparts and my actual parents.

I sit at the table, between Deviluke and my mother-not-mother. This is going to be the strangest dinner I've gotten stuck in.

1-7

My body sinks into the cushion of the sofa. Reclining lazily against it, I take another slurp of the hot drink provided by none other than Belldandy. I close my eyes, letting myself relax.

My mother and the goddess were washing the dishes, while Komachi and Deviluke were still sitting by the table, listening to some dumb stories of the old geezer. Seemed he was thriving with his attentive audience, both of the girls were hanging onto his words, seemingly having a good time.

As for me, I only stared in silence at the TV, which was showcasing some idiotic competition with a cast full of idols. Despite that my eyes were directed at it, my attention was focused on my current circumstances. There was so much to think, analyze and mull over. I had to really process all the information at hand, this was an awful lot of change to take in all within a day.

Hmm… There are other races apart from humans, which so far are celestial goddesses and human-looking aliens with tails. The first confirms that another sort of god exists, the latter that there is life in other planets or galaxies… Whatever. Not to mention other beings that don't fit into the category of religion, such as Deus Ex Machina.

Well, if I could just call God like Belldandy did, then I'd be able to ask that fellow for divine assistance. Maybe he could overpower Deus Ex Machina and send me back to where I belong. I guess I'm gonna have to keep this idea in mind until I discover how to actually make that call, though I suspect that only goddesses can do it. Maybe if I talk her into doing it for me…

Anyway, there's a lot of stuff going on. Haruno-san with her… scandalous acts, the hatred directed at me in Sobu, the fact that I don't have any acquaintances I want in my school, or that Hayama has replaced me in the Service Club. Not to mention the unknown amount of people that I apparently should know…

This life was not mine, but the god of time had given it to me. Before deciding on any course of action, first I have to gather more information. Miura is gonna be the first step to shedding some light on past events of interest, my class and of course, information about myself and my social life… or lack thereof.

As for the game, I'm gonna have to come up with an effective approach to reduce the number of suspicious people, which is actually an absurd plan considering what Ayanokoji mentioned.

"The female population of Japan rounds up to 10 million people even if we take into account those whose ages fall between 12 and 17. That number is still too large to find her."

However, Deus Ex Machina stated that one of us would win the game and that every person was important.

I don't believe in an inescapable destiny, but I do believe the god of time. And if he said that, then it must be true. Fates can change, and I won't take the risk of losing, I'll find the fake no matter what. My future life as a househusband depends on it!

(Semi-) Jokes aside. Finding the created being will be hard as hell considering how difficult it is for me to interact with people beyond superficiality, even more so when I'm continuously encountering absurd and crazy individuals. Whatever the case, every female I know that meets the requirements is a suspect, and I'll have to find a way to earn their trust and make them show their true colors.

No exception. But…

"Hah… I just can't help but feel miserable."

You're miserable, which makes me miserable. That won't do. I looked at Komachi's cell phone over on the table, whose cover had a mirror at the back that she used to keep her looks in check. There he was… 'me'… If you truly care about the life you had before, then we must win the game. It doesn't matter what we have to do, but let's do this the way we know how.

I stare at my reflection in silence.

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Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Chapter 01Section: Song 07

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Despite that I strongly disliked the 'me' in the mirror, he had a point. I can no longer act in fear of hurting anyone if I want to succeed in finding the created being. The way I know is to act according to the weaknesses and defects of people, using these as the foundation for my plans. Whether I'm indirectly involved or not, or if there will be repercussions for me.

I'm completely sure I won't find something genuine for myself in this absurd world. For me, that's a given. I'm living the life of another person, someone that has made their own enemies and friends, that has created a story for his own, be it good or bad. None of this is mine, and I don't have the right to take it, however, I'll create a new path from this point on.

People fall into disgrace due to personal feelings, ignorance and stupidity. I don't want that.

This is my new reality, which I still see as disingenuous. I'm not speaking literally anymore, but with a sense of fickle, selfish mentality. While I may possess the life of someone that belonged to this world, my mind and soul are unknown elements that shouldn't exist here.

Fickle relationships are all I have now. Whether those are with neighbors that are supposedly my friends, with goddesses from heaven or alien-girls from space. Or may it be with people of a past that isn't mine, which is now shadowing my every step, the goal is only to retain them.

Sometimes one hits a point where one either changes or self-destructs, and thus I have reached a conclusion. I will no longer mutilate and destroy myself in order to find the secret behind the ruins. I'll be the flame, not the moth.

I won't strive to understand the laws and elements that conform this new world. Since I accept my new reality, I let go of my wish of finding something genuine, and I'll keep that as the foundation of my determination to leave the nightmarish destiny I was subjected to. No sincere ties, or relationships… I won't seek any of that.

I'm probably being presumptuous by thinking such… Yeah, probably… I never was a modest person. I lied… a lot. I thought myself superior, better than the rest that lived a desultory life based on fears and insecurity.

Humility, I truly lack that.

The emphasis and reason for pure humility is to result in love for others; not always necessarily the belittlement of oneself. When there is pride and self-righteousness and being pretentiously too far above, generally, one has a difficult time reaching the compassionate side of love for others, the side that understands, or at least attempts to understand.

Before any of this happened, I was aware that I wasn't so far from falling in the same way. Humility seeks to understand, and sometimes even relate; and in result, the love lovingly, properly, and effectively wills the removal of the destructive sins of another from oneself.

I truly wanted to help Yukinoshita fulfill her request, and support her as she freed herself from the chains she gave to herself because of her family. I wanted Yuigahama to be there so we could all struggle, writhe and agonize over the answer. I wanted us to all face this problem together, but the chance of doing so was now gone, and all I can do is try to return to the point where that chance existed.

Yukinoshita Yukino hated me in this world, so my hope of saving her wasn't within the realm of possibility. Yuigahama Yui fears me, so counting on her was also ruled out. This is why I have to return to my previous life, where that chance still existed. Am I making a fool of myself for still hoping that?

Probably.

I'm pathetic. I was just using them to repair myself for my failures in life. Yet, I just couldn't help myself feeling somewhat happy as I was finally understanding Yukinoshita, understanding Yuigahama, and finally reaching the point where I could call them… my friends.

Yet... none of that matters anymore.

I won't feel depressed though. I have a game to win, and I won't accept becoming the successor of Deus Ex Machina. You'd better do your best on your end, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

I am veteran in this battlefield of life, one that has gotten used to losses… but not this time.

I'm not losing.

I won't. Not again.

…Not again.

…

But I still have to wonder. Will I really be able to kill someone when the time arrives?

Chapter 01 End

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GTO, the Host 01

A man with short blonde hair, who wore blue pants and a white shirt stood up from his comfy chair inside an ambiguous classroom. With a lit cigar secured in one hand and a book gripped in the other, he observes the readers with a lazy posture, as was usual. His eyes glanced over the audience before he finally spoke.

"Hello again, visitors!" He began, tossing the book behind him. "Good to see you here. I am Onizuka Eikichi, 22-years-old, still single." He takes a puff of his cigar and sighs, "Anyway, I'll continue introducing each important character not related to the show of the protagonist so you won't get lost or confused in the story. So let's begin!"

With that said, the door of the classroom is opened, a plain-looking boy that wore a red blazer entering with quiet steps.

The brown-haired boy stares blankly at the readers, his golden eyes observing them carefully, "Uh… um… I'm Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. Eh…" His gaze moves from side to side, "I'm just some character from the light novels Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijō Shugi no Kyōshitsue, or Classroom of the Elite, in English. Um… Ah… I'm not good at anything in particular, so I'm probably the most unpopular character of the light novels… I guess…"

"Man, you're someone I would call dead inside," Onizuka comments, but there is no reaction from Ayanokoji. "Though I bet you're hiding something interesting."

The boy looks at him unfazed, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Onizuka scrutinizes him, suspicion etched on his face. But before long he gives, shrugging his shoulders, "Whatever, who's next?"

Then, an elegantly dressed man enters the room, who seems to be in his late fifties.

"I'm John Bacchus," The old man starts. "I'm the antagonist of the anime and manga series, Mirai Nikki, or Future Diary, in English."

"What is an old geezer doing here?" Onizuka says, swiping at his nose with a sniff.

"Well, excuse me," The bespectacled man furrows his brows. "I'm the mayor of Sakur-"

"NEXT!" Onizuka shouts.

"I'm not done, you useless…"

And through the door appears a tiny girl, floating upside down. Onizuka looked at her in shock, his face contorting. "What sort of trick are you doing…?"

"Who knows?" The girl smiles. "So, I'm Muru Muru. A character from the same anime and manga, Future Diary. Same as Deus Ex Machina. He didn't come but he's watching us from the Cathedral of Causality. Imagine he's here with us."

Onizuka scratched his head, "Okay? Whatever you're talking about. This manga is about the fact that some powerful thing gives the ability to know the future via diaries to a group of people. So who comes next?"

And at his words, a beautiful girl with blue marks on her face, dressed in an elaborate outfit, entered the class. Her greeting smile was the definition of purity and radiance. Everyone looked at her in shock, some of them even covering their eyes at the light her smile seemed to emit. Ayanokoji, as always, remained unimpressed.

Overreactions, these were, obviously.

"Wow… Now who is this?" Onizuka asked, cautiously eyeing her from top to bottom.

"My name is Belldandy, a goddess! First class, license unlimited," She announced before letting out an overwhelming cute giggle, bowing to the readers.

Gasps of amazement resounded throughout the class.

"How old are you? Maybe after this you would want to…" Onizuka asked.

"Ehh…" Ayanokoji interrupts, scratching his head, "I don't think it's a good idea to try to hit on her. While she may be older than 18, she is way too naïve and kind-hearted for someone with a perverted face like yours," Onizuka cringes at his statement. "Not to mention that she is a goddess, a being that could probably wipe your existence in a matter of seconds should you give her a reason to do so. Probably."

Onizuka puts on a dumb face, which Muru Muru began to laugh at, "…I never intended to hit on her… I was just curious… that's all…" Everyone stares at him suspiciously, with the obvious exception of Belldandy, who only looked confused. "What? I mean it!" He scoffs, and clears his throat, "Anyway… continue, if you would?"

Belldandy nods, giggling again, "Of course! I'm one of the main characters of the manga series, Ah! My Goddess! The manga was adapted into two anime seasons, several OVAS, a spin-off and a movie."

"Oh, right," Onizuka nods, "Yours was about being forced to live with some loser after he asked you some clever wish, right?"

Belldandy frowns, "Loser?"

Ignoring her, the blonde teacher yawned, "So who's the last? This segment is getting too long and I'm hungry as fuck."

"Oh my, that way of expressing yourself…" The goddess gasped, covering her mouth.

"Meh… this girl is sooooo boring," Muru Muru comments, flying above Ayanokoji. "Though, you seem rather interesting… for a mere human…"

Ayanokoji waves his hands dismissively, "How so? I don't remember doing anything that would classify me as interesting. You're talking to the wrong person, flying… weird girl."

As Muru Muru laughs again, a girl makes her way to the gathered group. The girl wore an eccentric outfit, which honestly looked funny in the eyes of the others. Onizuka held his stomach as he started laughing.

"Hahahaha!" He pointed a finger at the pink-haired girl, "Okay, that outfit looks stu-"

The girl turns to him.

*Boing Boing*

Onizuka was completely stunned, his eyes clinging to the movement created by gravity and breast physics. A drop of sweat trails down his forehead as he contemplates the glorious forms before him.

"Hi!" She turns then to the readers, "How are you guys doing? I'm Lala Satalin Deviluke. I'm the lead heroine of the manga series To Love Ru," She puts a thoughtful finger under her chin. "Although I became a secondary character in To Love Ru: Darkness," She shrugs her shoulder. "Oh well…"

"Damn… this girl is so well-endowed… What the hell is with these kids nowadays…" Onizuka mutters.

Ayanokoji's dry and bland voice is heard, "She's underage despite being an alien. I bet you could still be charged with ephebophilia and thrown in jail. Your life as a teacher will be over if you ever lay a hand on her."

Onizuka grits his teeth, "I know that, idiot! Damn how I hate clever kids!" He turns to the readers, "Okay, that's all for today. See you in the next installment: GTO, the Host! This is Onizuka Eikichi, 22-years-old, single."

As the Great Teacher Onizuka flashes a smile, everyone else's face contorts in disgust.

Ayanoko sighs, and mutters, "Well… I bet there's someone out there that would accept this desperate dude."

…

In a certain teacher's office, a dark-haired woman sneezes hard. The old woman at her side looks at her in concern.

"Did you catch a cold, Hiratsuka-sensei?"

The woman shakes her head, "Not really…" Hiratsuka responds, "Someone must be talking about me, I guess…"

---

So we reached the end.

This chapter was hard to write, but I guess I managed to pull it off. What do you think?

*Dark Spirit: Beta-Reader invades once more*

(NirvanaFrk97): You… huh?

*Dark Spirit: Beta-Reader was expelled*

Yeah, I know some of you will make a comment about Ayanokoji's appearance. You should know that I first planned using another character, but when I came to know this guy, it just worked for the role as Hachiman's rival. I mean, who better than someone that is similar to the Monster of Logic for the role?

Just know that Kiyotaka Ayanokoji in this story is the one depicted in the anime.

The Hikigaya parents appear! I hope you like the fact that I made them in a way that would explain Hachiman's personality. I personally don't think that Hachiman is the way he is only because of his difficult social life in school. I bet his parents influenced him quite a bit. I mean, you have seen the scene in the anime when Yuigahama's mother wants to talk with Hikki. Man! That woman is definitely an older version of Yuigahama, and it makes sense.

As we don't know anything about them, and only his mom appeared briefly in the light novels, I guess I had to improvise.

Anyway, the first day of Hachiman in this new world was chaotic, and you bet it's not going to improve for the next. Sorry for him, but good for our entertainment.

Any concern, comment or question, don't be shy to use the review box. Seriously, your comments are the fuel for my stories and inspiration. This is all for you, people, and hearing your thoughts is really important to me.

See you soon!

Beta-Reader comment: Also, if you've happened to have read Classroom of the Elite's Light Novel we'd like to hear from you. PM either Itherael, or me: NirvanaFrk97, because we'd like to learn more about the lore of the characters of that particular series.