Loners (VOL 1 Being Rewritten: New chapters will be Vol 1 Rewrite)

by Bossbongo

A lonely teenage boy travels overseas to Japan where he dies. He gets sent to another world with the chance of a new start. Unfortunately, he's forgotten even in this world until he meets another particular lonely girl. Will these two loners grow closer together as they discover a more significant threat than the demon king himself?

4. Chapter 3 - The Shadow Walker

Discord: C7CaQzCfKQ

This is the old Loners Vol 1, if you wish to see the first chapter of the rewrite, it starts at chapter ten. Once all chapters of the Vol 1 rewrite are out, the old ones will be deleted and replaced.

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Chapter 3:

I woke up late in the morning, I decided to take it slow today. I pull up the chair at my desk and pull out a paper.

I started to draw that creature that we were battling and put it in my pocket.

Afterward, I left to head downstairs to the guild.

I sat down at one of the tables and looked to see one of the waitresses walking toward me.

"Good morning sir, would you like something to eat?"

I thought for a moment, "Um... I'll have some fried frog meat and some water."

She nodded, "Very well, anything else?"

"Nothing that I can think of."

I notice someone approaching as she takes her to leave.

"Yunyun?" I turn around only to see Megumin. She wore a red robe and fingerless gloves with a pointy hat. I saw she had a black eye patch and cape.

"Sorry, wrong person." She squints her eyes, "I haven't accepted you as Yunyun's friend yet! So for today, I will take her place as we both do a quest."

"A quest?" I shrugged at the suggestion, "Sure I guess we can do one."

I was hoping that I could have an easy day today, but whatever.

"Well, I only let Kazuma carry me back during explosions, so we will... Uh..." Megumin started to think.

Couldn't even think of something huh?

"Well, maybe we should-" I was cut off by the yelling of a pissed-off Kazuma.

"So, that's where you were Megumin!" He pointed at her accusingly.

"Grk." I heard Megumin croak out.

"We're still going on that quest, remember?"

"Well this is more important, this man is trying to steal Yunyun away!"

"HUH!? What is she, an easy women?" Kazuma snapped back.

"Yes, and this man is taking advantage of her! I just know it!"

"Well, we're going whether you like it or not, you were the one who chose it!" He then dragged her off by her cape.

"T-This isn't over! I'll be back!"

I notice the waiter came back with the food.

"Thank you."

She nodded before leaving. Did this not bother them, I feel bad knowing what they have to go through daily.

As I continue eating I notice another shadow.

"Hey, William!" I saw Yunyun run towards me.

"Hey," I said.

She sat in the seat in front of me, "what did I miss?"

I put my head on the table and mumbled, "A lot..."

000

"Hey, have you heard of the rumors?"

Wiping my face with a napkin I look up, "No, what rumors?"

She looked up, "There are rumors of a killer on the loose. They say they are active at night killing corrupted people."

"Well, that may be a bit extreme. But who knows, do you think they are good?"

She shrugs, "Who knows."

"Well, it's not our problem; not like there is much corruption unless you count Kazuma's perversions."

She then giggles, "Yeah, that's about as much corruption as we get."

"Do they have a name?"

"The Shadow Walker."

I scoff, "Sounds stupid."

"Eh? I was thinking it sounded cool."

"Well, what do you want to do today?" I ask.

"Well, I was going to go to my village."

"How long will you be away?"

She thinks, "About a week."

"A week!?"

"Y-yeah, wait why are you shocked."

"It's nothing, I will miss you though. It's quite boring without you."

She looks at me with a shocked, reddened face, "Y-You'll miss me?"

"Of course, you're a great friend, it'll be weird since we have been doing quests together."

"Ah, thanks..." I saw her eyes glow.

"It'll be hard to do anything though."

She thought for a moment, "Wait, I have an idea!"

000

"Are you sure this is the place?" I look at Yunyun.

I look up at the strange building. It was quite a cozy little store, but not what I was expecting.

"Yeah, I used to help out here and there back when I had nothing else to do."

I walked into the store and was greeted by an older attractive woman with her bangs covering one of her eyes. She had a dark purple robe on with a small tie that appears to look like bat wings.

"Yunyun! What a surprise to see you!" The lady looked up.

"Hey, it's been some time."

"What brings you here?"

"Well, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?"

"Sure," she smiles before turning to me. "Oh my, I didn't see you there it's nice to meet you. My name is Wiz, an acquaintance of Yunyun; Could you be her boyfriend!?"

Both of our cheeks flushed, "N-No, we are just friends."

"Oh, forgive me. Well no matter, what was it that you both want?" She stood by the doorway with a wooden crate.

Yunyun motions to me, "He'd like to help out for the week."

"Oh my, sure I don't mind, may I ask why?"

Yunyun proceeds to explain the situation.

"That's fine, I don't mind."

"Where is Vinir?"

"Ah, he's going to get more products, so it may take him a while."

"I see, well hopefully this all works out!"

Wiz looks at me, "Forgive me, but I don't think I've gotten your name."

"Ah, right; My name is William, nice to meet you." I offer my hand as she shakes it.

"Well, William, we can begin tomorrow."

"Sure, that will be good."

After saying goodbye, we both go to an open field.

"Well, I guess this is it?"

She sighs, "Yeah, I'll see you later!"

With one last smile, she casts teleport on herself.

000

The bell rings as I open it.

"Welcome! I'll be out in a moment." I hear a voice call out from within a smaller room in the back.

I wait a moment before I see Wiz walk out.

"Oh, William, are you ready?"

I nodded and walked further into the store.

"So, what's my job?"

"Well, you are going to try to sell our products."

"Can I see some of the products?"

"S-S-Sure..." She seemed almost hesitant.

I looked at some of the products.

I first looked at one of the potions, "What's this do?"

"It is a potion that gives whoever uses it a rapid boost of speed."

"Woah, that sounds helpful."

So why does she seem so nervous?

"... But, you have to be unconscious."

"What..." I reply with a deadpan expression.

How is that useful?

"That's..."

She looks down at the floor, "Yeah, but there has to be a use for them... right? Please stop looking at me with those eyes!"

"What else do you have?" I say, after all; there has to be something worth selling... right?

"Well here is a blanket that makes monsters unable to touch it."

"Woah, that seems inter-"

"But it only works if you're awake!" She says quickly.

Nevermind...

"Eh? Wait, William, please don't look like you gave up on me!"

000

It was pretty boring at first, as no one came, however, people started to come.

These products were all useless, so I planned to bullshit my way.

"Ah that's right there is a blanket that will repel monsters away when you are awake. This could be useful if you are in a situation where you are crowded with monsters, you could easily escape them."

The man seemed to buy into it, luckily.

The days continued for us, each day was more exhausting.

000

I sat on a chair and watched Wiz close down the shop for the night.

"Good work today." She says as she sits in front of me.

"Thanks."

"Thanks to you're efforts, we managed to sell quite well."

"Oh it's no problem, I'm glad I could be of use. So anything planned tomorrow?"

She thinks, "Well, I was going to run an errand to get more items."

"Oh, can I come?"

"Sure, the more the better!"

000

Wiz and I met up the next morning to go get the supplies.

"Ah, I'm glad you could make it!"

"No problem, I was quite excited to see where you got those... interesting items." I was curious where she even got those useless things from.

She cast teleport for the both of us.

Opening my eyes, I see a village off in the distance.

"So where exactly are we?"

"Just outside of the crimson demon village."

Wait, the crimson demon village!?

"Wait, doesn't that mean Yunyun's here?"

She nods, "Yeah, she has been working hard in maintaining the village as the new chief."

We start walking through the village.

As soon as we entered, all the villagers scrambled into different positions.

We walked past most of the village, most of the villagers greeting us in the familiar dramatic introductions.

After a while, we walked to a small little stable.

"That's a cute stable." I pointed out.

She looks at me, "Oh no, that's their house."

...

"You're joking."

"No, that's where they live." She casually stated.

We walked to the house and I watched Wiz knock on their door.

A few moments later the door opened and a woman stepped out, "Oh Wiz, I'll grab my husband real quick." She rushed back inside, calling out to her husband.

A man stepped out, "Ah Wiz! You're back to get some of our extraordinary items!" He then urges us to come inside.

He leads us to a table with a lot of junk on it.

I can't help but stare in awe at the sheer amount of useless shit on the table. "Wow... that's a lot of stuff."

He looks at me enthusiastically, "Why thanks for noticing sir, you have a very keen eye!"

"T-Thanks..." That wasn't a compliment.

"So, who is he? I've never seen him before." He asks wiz.

"His name is William, and well; he's my temporary assistant."

"I-it's a pleasure meeting you, sir."

He studies me for a minute before speaking, "Please, no need to be so formal, just call me Hyoizaburoo!"

"Oh please, I couldn't possibly be so rude." It's not like I'd be able to properly pronounce it anyways.

Whatever nonsense I spouted seemed good enough to him, "You seem like a good sport."

After some small talk, he began to 'sell' us the items.

"Here is a bottle that will set the person who opens it on fire, here is a potion that makes you invisible only if you close your eyes, and here is an item that will slow time for everyone else but freezes the user." He went on and on, shoving useless junk into Wiz's arms.

"I-" Wiz starts but he cuts her off.

"I know you are excited, so don't worry, you can take all of it!"

Did he just force all of it on her?

"That would be wonderful!" Wiz called out as she clasped her hands together.

She agreed!?

"Alright, I'll package these up, it's a pleasure doing business with you!" He sat up and went to package all the things.

Wiz turned to me, "He's quite the character isn't he?"

"He seems eager to sell you this junk."

She took offense to that, "Ehhh!? It's not junk!"

Is she serious?

"He doesn't get many customers, I'm one of the few."

Gee, I wonder why?

Wiz spoke up again after a minute of silence, " Did you know they have two kids?"

"Really?" I said in surprise, not because the parents were young, but because of the condition of the house.

"Yeah, the youngest is Komekko, and the oldest is Megumin."

I almost choked on air, "W-W-Wait! This is Megumin's house!?"

"You know Megumin!?" Wiz expressed her shock.

"Yeah, kind of. Since I'm a friend of Yunyun, Megumin has trouble accepting that."

I heard footsteps, "Oh my~ Are we talking about Megumin?"

I looked up to see the woman who greeted us at the door. She wore a grey and black shirt and a short red skirt.

"Ah, It's nice to meet you, ma'am"

"Oh please, just call me Yuiyui."

"Okay, Yuiyui."

She smiles, though for some reason I get chills from it.

"So from what I heard you're good friends with Yunyun?"

I nodded, "Yeah, we have known each other for a couple of months."

"That's nice, it has been a while since I have seen her."

"Maybe I'll tell her once we get back." I suggested.

"That would be wonderful. Also, would you mind doing me a favor?"

I looked at her, "Sure, what do you have in mind?"

"When you return, do you mind telling Megumin that I'm planning on coming over with Komekko?"

"Sure, I don't mind."

She gives me another unsettling smile, "Good, I want to see how far she has progressed with Kazuma."

"S-sure..."

With that, she left.

As we waited until Hyoizaburoo came back with a cart of packaged 'goods.'

After we thanked him, we both left.

"That was quite interesting." I said.

"Sure was, he has quite the line of amazing products, don't you think?"

"Y-Yeah.."

We walked in silence until Wiz decided to break it, "Sorry to burden you like this since I did most of the talking."

"Oh, no it's fine, it was kind of fun in a way."

Her eyes widened with surprise, "Oh well, thanks; I thought I'd bore you this whole week, I guess I was worried about nothing."

I smiled, "I'm glad I met you, you're quite nice to talk to."

"Well, we should go back."

We teleported back and I started to help unpack the supplies.

000

Sitting down, we both decided to take a break.

I decided to learn more about her.

"Hey, I was wondering what your story is."

"Eh? You want to hear more about me?"

I nodded.

She proceeded to tell me how she lived as an adventurer and made a deal with Vanir, who was a devil, to defeat him; becoming a lich.

"So you're saying you're a lich?"

She panicked, "Yes but don't worry I never harmed any humans before!"

"Don't worry, I don't mind."

"I wish I was human again, there's so much I can't due..." She sighs.

"Like what?" I couldn't imagine what she possibly would have wanted.

"LIKE FALLING IN LOVE!" She shouted.

I flinched, I wasn't expecting that.

"You want to fall in love?"

She coughed, "W-well, more like getting someone to fall in love with me. People would obviously fear me, plus I'm getting old."

"I think you're plenty attractive, so don't judge yourself too harshly." Isn't she only twenty?

I noticed her blush, it took me a moment to realize what I said.

"I-I mean-" I quickly rushed to explain myself.

"No, it's fine! Thanks."

I rub my head, "It's no problem, you'll find someone. Maybe someone could set you with someone."

"That might be interesting, I've never thought of that before. Though I had one experience that turned out to be one massive misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?"

"He was a fallen angel, I thought he wanted to date me, but turns out he wanted to kill me."

How did you misunderstand that badly?

"To be honest, I would have dated you, but we've hardly known each other."

"E-eh?"

Oh shit, I did it again!

"Well I mean... uh..." I lost my words.

She blushed again, "W-well if you don't have someone maybe, we could..."

That was unexpected, "I'll t-think about it." Was she that easy?

"Well, let's start as friends."

She smiles, "Sure."

000

"Hey Wiz, since this is the final day, do you think I could work for you sometime again?"

"That sounds wonderful! You can work for us anytime."

000

I sit on my seat, exhausted on my final day.

"Good work today William!" Wiz exclaimed.

I waved goodbye and headed back to get a room.

Walking up to the guild lady I ask for a room key.

"Ah, William, here." She gives me a key before asking, "Where have you been these couple of days?"

"Ah, since Yunyun was busy, I've been working with Wiz."

She had a surprised expression, "Really, so that's why I've been hearing that someone else is working with Wiz."

I nodded, "Yeah, but now that Yunyun is returning, I'm only gonna work there here and there."

"I see, that's wonderful. I'm glad you and Yunyun are getting along. She hasn't had many companions and the ones she did were... questionable."

"I see." I didn't know she went a lot.

"She's matured a lot since she has been here, but she still is gullible, so please look out for her."

"I will, thanks for telling me."

With that, I went to bed.

000

I woke up with a large headache. I reluctantly sat up, causing my head to spin.

I looked at my arm and saw a large gash. Luckily it wasn't deep and seemed to scar. I didn't even feel my legs so I plopped back in my bed.

My eyes opened to the knocking on the door.

I groggily stumbled over and opened up the door.

"H-hey." I coughed out.

"Oh my, are you alright?" one of the staff stood there with a concerned expression.

"Yeah, I think I'm just a bit sick."

"Oh, well you're time has expired. Do you want to extend it?"

"Yeah, one second." I stumble across and grab the eris I have stored, "Here."

"Thanks, I hope you get well sir." She left, silently closing the door.

I hopped back into bed and passed out.

000

I woke up to a light knock and the door quietly opening.

I thought it was one of the staff but it turned out to be, "Yunyun?"

"H-hey, did I wake you?"

"N-no, I was just waking up again." I lied.

I then came to a realization, "Wait, how did you get in?"

"I asked Luna if I could have a spare to see you."

"Luna?"

"The guild lady." She informed me.

"Oh, so that's her name."

"So, how have you been feeling today?"

"Like shit, my head hurts like hell and hungry I suppose."

"Here, I'll go grab you something to eat."

I thanked her as she left.

After a while, she came back with what looked to be a kind of soup.

"Here I made this." She said as she sat a tray in front of me.

"You made this? Couldn't you just pay for the food?"

"No, they didn't have anything to help with headaches, so I made this."

"Ah, thanks; I didn't know you could cook!"

"Well, try some."

I take the spoon and start eating, "Wow, that's actually really good!"

She smiled, "Thanks, I was worried I'd mess up."

After eating she asked, "So, how was working with Wiz?"

"It was great, we had to restock some supplies though."

"Wait, doesn't that mean-"

"Y-Yeah, I met Megumin's parents."

"Oh, how were they?"

"They were... interesting."

"Yeah, they are quite the characters."

I continued to eat in silence; after finishing, I handed her the plate.

"Ah, I'll be-" She stopped, at first I was confused but I realized she was looking at my scar. "What happened?"

"I honestly don't know, I woke up with it."

"Well, as long as your alright."

After some silence, I felt my eyes close.

000

I felt something heavy on my bed, opening my eyes I saw Yunyun slumped over me, her body on my stomach. I saw her sleeping face, drool slipping out of her mouth. I smiled at the cuteness of her sleeping face, I almost didn't want to wake her.

"Y-Yunyun?" I gently shake her with no results.

"It's morning."

"Mnnnn." I heard Yunyun mumble before stirring awake. "William?"

"Yeah, I'm awake."

"I see, I'm glad," She groggily said.

She rubbed her eyes and looked at me, then back at herself and back at me.

"WAH!" She jumped up, "I'm so sorry!"

"I-It's fine, I-I didn't mind it."

Her face turned red, "Ah... thanks..."

I sat up, "Well, we should go to the guild soon."

She frantically nodded, "Yeah."

We both headed down to the guild area, "So, any quests you want to do?"

"I don't know, I went straight to your room once I heard you were sick."

I felt my cheeks heat up, "Ah... I see."

She realized what she said, "Ah, I didn't mean it in a weird way!"

"It's okay, I understand."

"Ah! It's Kazuma." She frantically pointed at Kazuma and rushed over to the group. I sighed before following.

"Yo!" Kazuma waved at us. I noticed a silver-haired one close to him.

"What have you been up to?" I asked him.

"Nothing much, Chris just is asking for some help."

"Chris? Is that the guy next to you?"

"Oh right, you haven't met, "Chris, meet William, and William, meet Chris."

"Pleasure meeting ya!" He reached a hand.

"Same." I returned it.

"By the way, I'm a girl!"

"E-EH!? Oh sorry, I didn't realize."

"It's fine, I'm used-" As we shook hands, She proceeded to eye me suspiciously, "-to it."

"I-I see..."

"Hm... Well no matter, it's nice to meet ya!" She instantly went from suspicious to cheerful.

"So, what's the help you were looking for?"

"Oh, we were just discussing the Shadow Walker."

"Oh, that guy; I remember Yunyun talking about that."

"What's YOUR thoughts on him?" Chris asked.

I don't like how she said 'your.'

"W-Well, I think that he does good, but he may be too extreme."

"Interesting..." She simply says.

"A-Anyways, I'm gonna pick a quest for us Yunyun."

"Alright, pick an easier one, since you're sick."

"Will do." I walk over, feeling someone staring at my back.

000

Yunyun sat across from me at a small table. "Here is the quest I picked," I said as I slid the page to her.

"Hmm," She went over the paper. "This could work, slaying these flies could help save some of the crops. I've heard these flies like to eat crops."

"Really, I never thought that flies would act like that."

000

"Is this it?"

I saw a field of flies that were about the size of my head flying around.

"How are so they so big!?"

"Eh? They are usually this big."

"Alright, let's get this over with." I ready myself.

"I would use one of my fire spells, but they are quite powerful and would damage the crops."

"Let's just do this normally then," I sigh.

Charging forward, we both got to work.

000

"That was easy, I'm surprised that it was that quick."

"AHH, stop saying red flags!"

"What red flags?" I asked.

As soon as I asked, a massive fly was five times as large as the one eating the crops.

"WHAT THE HELL!?"

"I told you!" Yunyun shouted.

I stood there shocked, watching the scene unfold as Yunyun prepares one of her spells. "Yunyun do you have any spells that won't burn the crops down?" There had to be something right?

Yunyun was running as the fly was chasing her, "I think there are a couple of freeze spells, I'll just freeze it!"

Yunyun gained distance before quickly spinning around and casting 'freeze gust.' It caused the fly to freeze, giving me an advantage. Without hesitation, I ran to it as fast as possible and stabbed it in the head.

As the blade broke through the shell, it made a disgusting cracking sound. I pulled it out and collapsed exhausted. I heard Yunyun sit on the ground, "I swear you love to set red flags."

000

I sat there in my chair, "I wasn't expecting such a fly to come out of nowhere."

"I wonder why..." Yunyun mumbled.

"Is there anything useful that we could sell?"

"Just this core, I picked it from the abdomen; I don't know why it was there." She held up a glowing red object.

"Hey isn't this similar to that one monster we killed in that temple?"

"Now that I think about it, you're right..." She looked at it in wonder before panicking, "What do we do!? It might harm us!"

"C-Calm down, it didn't harm us, so surely there is a use for it. Plus it looks really cool!"

She stares at me, "Are you sure you aren't an idiot?"

000

"Finally, we're back." I said, stretching my body.

"Yeah, but are you absolutely sure you want to keep the core?"

"Sure, I would want to keep it, who wouldn't?"

"Me." She says nonchalantly.

"Whatever, I'm going to go to bed; so night."

"Good night, just don't do anything reckless."

"I will." I waved to her, before going to bed.

I proceed to unlock one of the rooms and put the core on the desk.

I walked to my bed and closed my eyes.

000

Repetition is a fun thing, isn't it? Doing the same thing is over again and again. That idea was my entire life, even after I lived in that world. Wake up, go on some adventure, get paid, and go to bed. That thing would change that night, I know one thing for sure: I should have never picked up that damn core.

000

"Where the hell did it go!?" I shouted as I frantically all over for the core. It was big enough to find without a problem, so why can't I find it?

Whatever, it's not like I needed it. I walked downstairs and greeted Yunyun.

"Hey, how- what's with that look? Are you alright?"

"I lost it..."

"Lost it?"

"The core is gone."

She stared at me, "Ehhhh~"

"Please don't look at me like that."

"Well let's go find a new quest, I heard they located a new dungeon recently."

"Really!? We should go right away!" I then chuckled, "After our last one, I found out that I'm quite the pro at these dungeons."

She stared at me before giving a sly smile, "Really? Last time you held my hand because of your fear of the dark; so does that mean you overcame it?"

"W-well, I don't remember holding your h-hand."

We both made our way to the board when the sirens started blaring.

As per protocol, all adventurers had to line up at the front gate. We were all confused as we couldn't see anything.

"The hell, they said there was something dangerous, but I don't see anything-" Kazuma started annoyed, but looked at the sky.

"Ah, William! Look at the sky, the sky!" Yunyun frantically tugged on my sleeve and pointed at the sky.

I looked up, and I saw a familiar purple swirl; after a few moments, a beam appeared. Out came another one of those monsters; its head was covered in hundreds of large hands. It crawled on all fours with a large tail that ended with a large spike.

Everyone was looking at the monstrosity as it slowly marched towards us.

It bellowed as it stopped in front of us.

"You." It turned its head towards Kazuma. "You released us, correct?"

Kazuma continued to stare at it, speechless. Everyone looked at Kazuma, already prepared to turn against him.

"But no matter, you matter little to us now..." It turned and pointed directly at our spot. "You are what we want."

...

"Wait, me?"

It slowly made its way over to me.

"You have a purpose, we will be in touch; Abyssal King."

With one last bellow, it disappeared.

I looked around, noticing everyone was staring at me.

"I didn't do anything, please stop looking at me like that!"

Slowly everyone got closer to me.

"Kazuma, you can help me right?" I pleaded. Kazuma seemed to flinch before casting 'lurk' on his party, causing them to fade out. "K-Kazuma!"

I frantically looked around, "Eh, Yunyun; do you have any ideas?"

"Um, w-well." I could see sweat roll down. "We've been friends for a while, so whatever may happen, it will also happen to me. We will cheer each other on okay?"

"Y-Yunyun, you truly are a good friend." I wiped my eyes, and that's when I saw that she was as far away as she could from me. "E-eh, Yunyun!?"

"Um, that's why I will be cheering for you at a distance, okay?"

"Yunyun, you traitor!" I looked around and spotted my last hope: Chris. "Chris, could you please help me out of this?"

I saw her give a gentle smile, setting my mind at ease. At least someone will-

"Let's tie him up." She said with a smile.

"Wait a minute, please; there is an easy explanation!"

After that, chaos ensued as everyone toppled on top of me causing me to black out.

000

I woke up in a small room, or at least I think so, as I was blindfolded and tied to a chair.

I felt a presence behind me, with one swift motion; the blindfold was taken off.

"Who are you!?"

They moved in front of me as I look up to see Chris with a serious expression as she takes a seat in front of me.

"Chris, what are you doing?"

"Look, I know what you are William. I know more than what you think, so answer me this: are you the Shadow Walker?"

"What? No, of course not! Where did you get that conclusion?"

"I encountered the Shadow Walker once, I couldn't recognize it. Its face was well hidden, so I couldn't see it. It spoke once, talking about the Abyssal King. I'm not saying you are the Shadow Walker, but you must be related in some way; otherwise, that thing from the sky wouldn't have called you the Abyssal King."

"Listen, I don't know what you're talking about; Is there anything I can do to prove it?"

She sighs, "Yes, but first, do you know what could have happened? You looked unsurprised when that thing showed up."

I think for a moment before I remember the core, and proceed to explain what happened.

"A core huh?" She ponders for a moment before concluding, "Alright, I'll let you off the hook for now."

My eyes brightened, "Really! Thank-"

She put a hand up, "AFTER I look around your house."

"Eh? Why?"

"You see, in each house, the Shadow Walker went to each of the victim's mansions and took away uh... important items..."

"I see? Well, look away. It's not like you'll find something since I live in the guild."

000

"See, what did I tell you, nothing." I said.

She sighs, "Yeah yeah, I get it; you're off the hook, for now, just be careful."

"I will don't worry."

"I will tell everyone that you're innocent." She coughs, "Anyways, a certain someone would like to apologize to you."

"Huh?" That's when I noticed Yunyun timidly moving behind Chris.

"U-um... I'm sorry!" She yelled. "It was irresponsible as a chief and friend to abandon you. I-I understand if you hate me and don't want to be f-friends anymore..."

I looked at Yunyun before sighing, "Yunyun, I won't lie and say that it hurt when you did that... However, I'd like for us to be friends."

Her eyes brightened, "Really?"

I nodded causing her to jump on me in a hug.

"H-hey, calm down, this is embarrassing."

I could hear Chris cough in the background, "And in order to make up..." She smirked and winked at Yunyun causing her to blush.

She turned to me, "In order to make up, please go on a d-date w-w-with me!"

"Okay."

...

"WAIT WHAT!?" I shouted

-A few hours before the interrogation.-

Yunyun stood in front of Chris, "Chris, is there any possible way to convince you it wasn't him? I was with him most of the time, so should that be enough evidence."

Chris shakes her head, "Sorry, I can't do that... I trust you, but I have to see with my own eyes."

Yunyun looks at the floor, "I understand... I just feel bad, I shouldn't have left him like that, he must hate me."

"Look I don't think he would hate you for it..."

"But..."

Chris sighs, "Look, If you feel bad and I don't find him guilty; then how about you make it up to him."

"How?"

Chris looks at Yunyun with a thoughtful expression. She then smirked, "How about you ask him out on a date."

Yunyun's face went beet red, "What!?"

"Come on! The perfect way to make up is to make out!"

"What are you talking about, that's too fast!"

Chris laughs, "Calm down, I'm only joking."

Yunyun sighs in relief, "Good, I was worried you were serious. Don't scare me like that."

"Oh, I was serious about the going on a date part."

"That's good- Wait what!?"

-Present-

"A d-d-date!? There's no way!" I cried out.

"Aw, don't be like that; go have fun!" Chris gave me a thumbs up and slapped my back.

I looked at Yunyun, "W-Well, if you don't m-mind, sure..."

"W-well, that's good; maybe tomorrow?" Yunyun stuttered.

"Sure!"

"Well, my job here is done for now." Chris puts her hands on her hips and walks away, leaving the two of us in blushing messes.

"So, Yunyun?"

She jumped, "Y-yeah?"

"Thank you for apologizing..." I scratched my cheek.

"Er, no problem."

...

...

...

Well, this is awkward, we were standing there without a clue on what to do.

I decided to speak up, "Well, I'm gonna go get ready for tomorrow."

"Y-Yeah me too!"

We both ran home to get ready...