They say… one often meets their destiny on the path which they take to avoid it… Heh.
.
.
.
.
.
I snapped out of my thoughts, realizing that I had been staring at the woman for quite some time now.
"A-Ah..! S-Sorry, it's just…", I bumbled out, trying to respond, but she opened her mouth before I could do so.
She sighed.
"I commend your enthusiasm, but you shouldn't stand still in front of danger, lest you get caught in it. Get somewhere safe immediately.", she ordered, before she took notice of the building where the celebration was still ongoing.
"To think a celebration is happening unaware…", she started walking towards the building. "Looks like we arrived just on time."
It didn't take a genius to know that she was planning to stop the party. Realizing this, I stepped forth.
"W-Wait!", I stood in front of her, my hands up front, making her stop.
"What are you doing?", she asked, eyes squinted. "This is an emergency situation. Lives could be at risk.", she continued before trying to walk past me.
Shit, if she stops the party, then all my efforts and risks I took, would truly be in vain…!
Desperate, I stood in front of her once again.
"Please, listen…", I tried before finally taking a good look at her.
I studied her carefully, taking in every detail of her outfit—high boots that hugged her legs, a skirt that swayed just above her knees, and a vest adorned with dark and crimson lines that cut sharply across the fabric, with yellow buttons strapping them together in the middle.
Wait… She's part of the Anti-demon corps… and not just any member…
I took a look at her face. Luscious white hair, and eyes red as blood.
She's…!
"K-Kyouka Uzen… chief of the seventh unit…", I finished as I whispered in awe, catching her by surprise.
To meet a chief in the flesh… I can't believe it!
Though their existence was famous, they mostly spent their time within the Mato Dimension. To think I'd actually meet one in the flesh… Holy shit-
"I'm flattered you know me, but this isn't the time for it.", she continued interrupting my train of thought.
"Ah! Yes of course!" I agreed frantically, before pausing. "B-But still, I need you to hear me out!", I yelled once more, suddenly remembering why I was in front of her in the first place.
She glared at me now.
"Listen, the more time I waste here, the more Shuuki could already be gathering on the other side where my subordinates are.", she concluded, making me gulp. "Now step aside, or I will have to use force."
I winced.
Ugh! The pain of hearing one of the people I look up to say such words to me… but…!
"Please! T-This party is really special for my friend! He hasn't seen his family in such a long time, due to them living in a province, and I-I don't wish for this to be ruined. I know that it may seem to be irrational, especially with the dangers… so…!"
I bowed my head.
"I ask of you, please help keep my friend's happiness… Just for this day!", I pleaded.
"..."
I felt nervous as the silence stretched. I knew my request was unreasonable, especially considering the dangerous situation. I knew that…
Hah… what am I thinking, there's no way she'll agree to-
"Very well."
-huh?!
Still bowing, my head snapped to her in shock.
"Really?!", I asked, making sure I heard her correctly.
"For you to go this far… you've got guts.", She answered grinning, before settling onto a soft smile.
"Besides, I understand all too well missing your 'family'...", she answered wistfully, as if looking at a far off place.
I smiled gratefully, I went to thank her once more, but before I could-.
"Catch.", she alerted as she threw a mini-sized object towards me.
I caught it, easily enough, opening my hand revealing it to be a small tear-drop shaped object with a glassy exterior.
"It's a beep alert.", she revealed, already nearing the portal. "Once it starts beeping, and if the portal hasn't closed yet, evacuate everyone in the building. There will be no arguments, understood?", she ordered seriously as she turned to look back at me.
Ah, this was most likely a last resort.
"Yes'm!", I answered seriously, before letting out a smile as I saluted. "This Great Caretaker never breaks his promises!", I couldn't help but blurt out playfully, feeling overjoyed.
That seemed to catch her attention though, as she halted her stride.
"Great Caretaker…? Wait, do you happen to be Yuuki Wakura?", she asked, looking back at me.
Huh…?
Still saluted, the smile dropped off my face replaced with confusion
"Uhh, yeah…", I affirmed, scratching my cheek.
She stared at me in quiet contemplation, just for a moment, before smiling and letting out a laugh, as if amused.
"Hah!, I see….", she let out amusedly. "It seems lady luck has favored me."
What does she-?
"Expect a call later, Yuuki", she finished, halting my thoughts, as she stepped through the other side leaving me, standing there, confused.
…Eh ?
"EHHHH?!"
"S-Sis, not so loud!", I exclaimed.
My sis, Aoba, stared at me in disbelief, worry and shock on her expression as she clutched her head with both hands, with eyes wide open.
I looked aside sheepishly as I thought back to how I ended up in this situation...
After having waited for a while, the portal to the dimension had eventually closed, as no Shuuki even came through, as to be expected from the Antidemon corps~!
It's no surprise I looked up to them quite a bit, after all, they were practically living my dream! Rarely were they seen in the real world, but those few moments that they were? Ohohoh!… Even on television, watching them use their abilities, beating up the Shuuki… Boom bam pow! I couldn't help but wish to be a part of them-!
-Ehem… anyways, I eventually rushed back home in which, to no one's surprise, not even halfway in, I had been immediately met with an earful from my sister as to why I was so late. I could never lie to her, so in the end, I told her the truth, which immediately made her worried, asking if I was alright.
I told her that I was, which had immediately made her sigh in relief as she hugged me tenderly, catching me by surprise, to which I had reciprocated.
Ahh, I really am so lucky to have such a caring sister… I had thought.
That was, until her hug started getting tighter and tighter, though I scarcely noticed…
Uhh, nee-san, you're hugging a bit-
-until she turned said hug into a chokehold! Cutting me off, as she strangled me with all her might, expressing her anger as to why I had taken such risks, why I had done what I did, and so and so.
Granted, it didn't hurt, but having her yell at my ear hadn't exactly been pleasant either…
I hated to admit, but this hadn't exactly been the first time I'd used my abilities… Nor the second… Nor the third… I'd give or take around… Ah, lost count since I've had them-.
But really! I had no choice! The portals just randomly appear everywhere, I couldn't exactly just leave them unattended either… With great power comes with great responsibility and all that-!
Atleast, that's what I'd tell myself.
Anywho, after a bit of tussling, pleading, and pouting- mostly her -as she continued ranting, I eventually had reached the part of my encounter with the chief, Kyouka Uzen.
"Ah! she told me to expect a call later so…"
"...What?"
Her ramblings had stopped as she processed my words, and thus-
"W-What do you mean by 'expect a call' later?!", She quoted, frazzled.
-we arrive here in the present…
"W-Well, she didn't really elaborate on it, and in all honesty, I didn't think it was that big of a deal…", I looked aside as I thought back on it.
In all honesty, I was thinking more about excuses I could give my sis to avoid having her be mad at me, which was pointless in the end…
"Not a big deal…? Not a BIG DEAL?!", She repeated, before screaming as I flinched away.
She walked towards me in stride, as she placed her hands on top of my shoulders, gripping them intensely as she looked into my eyes, seeing hers full of concern and trepidation..
"Yuuki, you have to understand, for what reason could a member of the Antidemon corps be interested in you?", She elaborated anxiously.
I-Is it really that big of a deal? I mean, what could they-
Seeing my sister like this, I realized the gravity of it all, and what she was insinuating.
No… no there's no way, could they have found out about… me?!
Before I could think, and as my sister opened her mouth to continue, our telephone rang interrupting our actions.
Our heads both snapped at it, before we slowly looked back at one another.
No words needed to be said, anxiousness present on both our faces as we walked towards it as the telephone continued to ring.
Eventually reaching it, my hand rose to grab, but hovered it trepidation…
No no no, it's alright, it's alright! It's just protocol after an attack, o-or something else she caught, maybe a report about the situation on what happened before they got there?
Denials ran through my head, until I felt a hand on top of mine which jolted me out of my thoughts. I turned, realizing it was my sister, as she wore an expression of anxiousness, yet support, comfort, and acceptance shone through giving me courage.
I took a deep breath, and answered the phone.
"Good evening, is this the Wakura residence?", answered a feminine voice from the other side, whom I quickly noted to be Kyouka.
"Y-Yes, it is, you told me to expect a call later so… I'm guessin' this is it eh ?", I responded, trying to act casual to hide my nervousness.
"Ah good, now for the sake of protocol, I just want to get this out of the way. Was everything and everyone all right on your end?", she asked.
Oh thank God! So she's just asking about that…!
"Ah! Yeah, everyone was alright thanks to you! In fact, no Shuuki was even able to enter, you guys are really amazing!", I couldn't help but ramble, the heavyweight leaving my gut.
"Hm? Really?", she asked, sounding doubtful, making me confused.
"Uhmm, yeah?", I answered. "I mean, I was there till the portal closed, and no Shuuki came in".
"Huh, weird." she paused, as if pondering. "You see, after we took care of the Shuuki, one of my underlings came to check on the situation on your end, which they reported to me." she continued clarifying.
Ah…
"According to her report, she noticed that the outside of the building looked as if a battle took place", she shuffled some papers. "Cracks on the pavement, tree branches blown off, and leafs blown all over the place… "
Uh Oh.
I felt my sister's glare.
"O-Oh that? It was actually like that since I got there! Y-You should've seen the place before I went to clean it up, it was a total dump haha!", I stuttered.
"...Alright, I guess that lines up with what the people inside had said. According to her report, they'd said nothing out of the ordinary happened… Well, aside from the loud thunderclap that happened, which 'shook the building', according to their testimonies." she continued.
I gulped, sweating, as the glare became more intense.
"Ahh! That, yeah! I didn't expect lightning to suddenly strike so close to the building haha!", I clinged to my chance of an alibi. "I mean, it was so powerful! I really didn't expect it to be so loud either, almost got an eardrum rupture…", I rambled desperately playing it off.
Please just believe me already…!
"...Well, since everything seems to line up, I guess that's just about it for protocol."
I almost slumped down, letting out a breath of relief, feeling my sister's glare dissipate.
Must've been a relief for her as well… Phew.
"...Though, seeing the state of the building and its surroundings, I guess it's no surprise that it was you who was there.", She suddenly asserted, amusedly I noted.
Huh?
I looked back at my sister, to which even she was confused.
"Uhmm, what do you mean?", I asked for clarification.
I heard shuffling on the other side, as she seemed to bring up a paper.
"I'll get straight to the point Yuuki, I've been keeping tabs on you."
With that line, my stomach dropped filled with dread.
.
"...Huh…?", My voice came out small.
"Let me clarify.", she answered, mistaking my words for clarification. "For the past month, I've been keeping track of your actions around the neighborhood. You see, the first time I visited, I couldn't help but hear this 'Great Caretaker', wandering about. I got interested, and from what I've been hearing, the people around have had a lot to say about you…", She paused.
"…especially in regards to your activities."
…?!
What…? No… How? I made sure no one saw- unless I missed someone…!? But I was sure-!
"Furthermore, from the various times I've been tasked by the police force to view footage from camera recordings around your town, I have seen glimpses of you in action… and I have to say, I was impressed."
N-No way… even the cameras…? But the blind spots… I'd been so careful…
I felt my sister's approach from behind, offering her hand in comfort. Only now did I realize my hand was trembling, not that hers was any better…
My thoughts continued to spiral, Kyouka was still talking through the phone, but everything was blurring, I was racked with anxiety and guilt.
This was it… my secret, exposed. What would happen to me now? Worse yet, to my sis? I-I just wanted to do something more… BE something more… If only I hadn't been so bold… If only I hadn't taken such risks… If only I hadn't been such an idiot…!
"-Even with all of that, I still doubted it… But now that I've actually met you, I'm sure.", Interrupting my thoughts, she continued as if she had confirmed something.
My heart pounded as my hand clenched tightly on the phone, just a little more might've caused it to break. Noticing this, my sister started to reach for it.
"Yuuki Wakura…-"
This was it, my life was ov-.
"-I'd like to have you in my unit."
…
…
…Eh?
I felt my sister halt, as if unsure what she heard was correct. I wasn't any better. I felt my beating heart slow and my hand, which was about to crush the telephone, relaxing as my mind processed the words that had been said…
What did she just-?
"...Come again?"
It took me a moment to realize it wasn't my voice that came out, but my sister's.
"Oh? Who's this?"
"Ah! I-I'm Aoba Wakura, Yuuki's older sister!" My sister, though caught off guard, stuttered before declaring confidently.
It seems even she couldn't believe what had just been said.
"Hmm, I suppose this makes things easier. My statement before hasn't changed, I would like to have Yuuki Wakura, your brother, work for my unit.", She continued on.
"...Why?", After pondering for a moment, my sister responded.
I was still dazed, in the process of rebooting my brain over the fact that Kyouka Uzen, one of the chiefs of the Antidemon corps, wanted me…?
I heard a chair, creaking through the phone, as if she let herself lay back.
"I understand this decision isn't to be taken lightly, so I'll explain as best I can. I'm sure it comes without surprise that the Mato world isn't exactly for the weak-willed. Everyday we fight hordes of Shuuki's, and while me and my unit can handle it just fine ...", she explained, before pausing. "The sudden abundance of Shuuki's within our region made it much more difficult to deal with." she finished with solemn acceptance.
"Sudden abundance?", my sister pondered.
"I can't go into details, but the point is, the abundance of Shuuki we needed to deal with has piled up, and as such, has left little room for us to recuperate."
"...And I can help with that…?", finally having found my voice, I voiced out still in disbelief.
"Precisely."
…No way… am I actually being…?
"...Why not just hire someone else? Like… a woman? Wouldn't they be better options?", my sister reasoned out. "Besides, my brother is a man, wouldn't his… capabilities cause complications…?"
Thinking about it, it made sense… After all, if what Kyouka needed was more man- well- woman-power, couldn't she have just chosen someone else? Plus, with the cat out of the bag, aren't they the least worried due to my abnormal nature, especially my abilities?
"Don't worry about your brother's abnormal circumstance, I'll make sure to have it handled." she waved off, nonchalant.
Me and my sister gaped.
Hah…? That's it?! Where was the questioning? Aren't they curious?!
Here I was, thinking that if my powers were found out, I'd be dragged immediately off to God knows where, being questioned and interrogated…! But this… wasn't what I'd expected at all!
I heard a sigh on the other side.
"And as for the matter of hiring women… I have thought about that, and have tried to find suitable candidates… but as I mentioned, Mato isn't for the weak-willed.", she paused for a moment.
"... There's a reason as to why most women, despite having the ability to possess powers from peaches, still live normal lives. High positions in society, maybe, but rarely are those willing to step foot as a part of being the MDF, least of all, into Mato." she explained.
I understood what she was saying, after all, being a part of the MDF meant you were going to be faced against the Shuuki's, and even entering inside Mato was already an extreme hazard.
"So, I decided to try another perspective, and while it may not be as effective, would still help in the long run."
"And that solution involves my brother?"
"Yes.", she declared confidently.
I felt my heart thump in my chest, but unlike before, wasn't unwelcomed.
"From what I've heard and seen from your brother, not only does his capabilities fit the criteria I needed… he surpassed them."
My heart continued to thump rhythmically as I heard words of praise flow through the phone. Just a moment ago, I thought that my life was ruined from them having found out about my abilities, but now…
"I had already been debating, then, whether or not to contact him… Heh, but it seems those doubts I had were unwarranted."
"What do you mean…?", With my sister's silence, I took the opportunity to ask.
Could this be my answer?
"Not a lot of people can retain their composure, especially coming face to face with a Shuuki. Even most women, despite having peach abilities, may tremble at the sight of one… and yet you… greeted one with a smile."
It took me a moment, but I realized she was referring to the moment when I saw her come out the portal.
Was I… really smiling that much then?
"From the look of your eyes then, not an ounce of fear was there. You even had the gall to smile! Hah! Either you're an idiot… or you've got guts."
As she continued talking, I was slowly coming to a realization that this supposed 'mishap'...
"...and in Mato, where bravery is a necessity… That's exactly the person I'm looking for."
…may have actually been an opportunity…!
"Which is why, I'd like to ask again.", she continued.
I could hear her words in perfect clarity. Thump thump thump, my heart went. Beating not from anxiety, but from excitement. I couldn't believe it, to think that my abilities weren't being treated as something abnormal, but actually… accepted?
An opportunity? No, this wasn't any opportunity, this was… the one thing I've been wishing for…!
"Yuuki Wakura-"
A chance to prove myself, to be something more! This was it!
"-would you like to wor-"
"YES!", I yelled, my foremost desire coming out, unintentionally cutting her off.
"..."
"..."
"...Ah! I- uh-", I stuttered out.
Realizing that I'd yelled, I tried to apologize, but before I could, chuckles rang out from the other side.
"-ahaha! You're quite eager aren't you? I haven't even discussed the details!", she seemed amused.
I blushed, embarrassed, though I was still recovering from what was actually happening.
Aghh… great job Yuuki! The opportunity for your dreams, right in reach, and you're already making a fool of yourself! Way to g-
"-However, what does your sister think?", Kyouka asked, halting my train of thought.
…Oh.
I looked back towards my sis, seeing her head down, unable to scrutinize the expression on her face.
Of course… How could I forget? In the end, this is what it comes down to isn't it? I… love my sis, but this opportunity… Am I just going to throw it away?
The hand by my side clenched.
No, I can't throw this away, I just can't… Besides, the MDF already knows about my abilities right? In the end, my normal life is over isn't it?
Somehow, I wasn't even upset about it.
My sister, seeming to have finished her contemplations, started to approach. I prepared myself. Every defense I could come up with, every reassurance I could convey, I wasn't going to back down-!
"Si-"
-But the words died down from my throat as I saw her expression… It wasn't one of reluctance, nor even betrayal and whatnot. Rather…
…It was that of acceptance.
"I fully support him…!", my sister exclaimed, a joyful expression on her face, further catching me off-guard.
"Sis…", I couldn't help but let out, as she looked at me with a loving smile.
"I see… in that case-."
BAM
Before she could continue, I heard a sudden slam of the door on the other side cutting her off. Me and my sister waited for further response. Though we only heard soft voices on the other end, as if talking with one another, before an audible 'tch' was heard.
"Sorry, something just came up, further details would have to wait… unless", she explained before contemplating. "We may as well take this opportunity then, when are you free?"
"...! I-I should be free on the weekends-", I hurriedly answered.
"-On Sunday! He's free on Sunday", my sister interjected, cutting me off.
I looked at her, confused, and before I could voice said confusion-.
"That's fine by me, let's meet around the afternoon at the Gate in Yamagata.", answered from the other end, cutting off my thoughts.
-! The Gate in Yamagata?
Around the world, there exist Mato gates which do not disappear, and as such, have a fixed location and entry, guarded at all times. The Gate near Yamagata was one of them.
The insinuation wasn't hidden from me, does that mean I'd be going to Mato…?!
"I figure with how enthusiastic you are, I thought this may be a good chance to not only explain, but to showcase your soon-to-be environment while we're at it." she elaborated, confirming my thoughts.
No way… I'm actually going to Mato!
"I'll get going now, have a goodnight, and see you then!", and with that, she bid farewell as she hung up the phone.
It was silent for a moment, both me and my sister processing what had happened. Still holding the phone, I stared at it as part of me still numb from the joy coursing through my body from what had just transpired.
I couldn't believe it… I was actually going to be a part of the Antidemon corpse…!
Hah…. ahahaha! Yes…! I can't believe it… I'm actually going to be a part of the MDF! I… I can finally be something more… Ohohoh! I'm going to beat up so many Shuuki ! Then, I'll become famous! Not just as a caretaker, but as… a hero? That… sounds right up my alley~!
I basked in the excitement of what was to come, of my new future until-.
"Well, I guess we'll need to prepare you for your entrance eh ?"
…!
Right… my sister.
I looked back at her, confused.
All my life, she had always been against me being exposed, especially my abilities. I fully expected her to be against joining the MDF but…
"Hey sis… why?", I couldn't help but ask.
She looked at me as if I were an idiot.
"Yuuki, I won't have you going off to such an important meeting without looking less than presentable. This is practically your debut!", she suddenly scolded me as she approached pointing a finger at me, causing me to lean back.
"E-Eh!?"
"Tomorrow Saturday, we're going to be shopping for some decent clothes for you to wear. Luckily, I've saved up enough from my part-time job for this. Did you really want to meet them right away without looking the least bit presentable?", she scoffed. "Honestly, you're lucky I set the meeting date to Sunday."
She twirled in a flourish.
"Wait till they see you, they absolutely won't be able to resist! Ooooh, what am I to do? So many women will be after my brother…!"
"S-Sis!"
I blushed in embarrassment, looking away.
Really…
"T-That's not what I was asking about.", I clarified, still looking away as I brought forth my inquiry.
She turned to look at me.
"I meant… are ya really… fine with this?", I looked back at her. "It's just… you've always been against me doing these things weren't you? So I… well, I thought you'd be more… against? I dunno…", I explained, becoming more unsure as I kept going.
Why am I even asking this? I mean, shouldn't I just be happy with this? My sister is practically giving me the green flag… Is it because there was still a part of me that didn't want to hurt her?
I felt my sister hug me, catching me by surprise, as I stared down at her.
"You're not wrong… There's a part of me that's frightened and unsure. Of whether this is good or not….", she paused, before looking up, gazing directly into my eyes with a cheeky smile. "Y'know, as your sister, I've had to scold you many times in regards to your escapeedes."
"You usually give plenty of excuses, 'oh no I had no choice!' or 'but it was for a good cause!'...", she continued dramatically, making me look away.
Urk! Why is she bringing this up now?
"...but I could tell that deep inside, those weren't actually the reason were they?", she finished softly, bringing my attention back.
"I can tell, despite constantly saying that you were satisfied with your life and everything… I can tell you've always… wanted something more from it.", a sad smile adorned her face. "E-Even though I knew I was doing it for your own good… It hurts y'know? How can it not? Seeing my dearest brother desperately convincing himself that it's all fine, that it was okay… especially since I can tell that you were doing it for m-me.", she choked up as tears started coming out her eyes.
Sis…
"And I knew as well, that you were meant for something more. How can you not? With these abilities you have… you must've had them for a reason. A-And It hurts to see you hide them due to circumstance… But now…"
Her smile turned radiant as tears came down her eyes.
"Now my little brother has been given the opportunity to be who he was meant to be…!", she hugged me tighter as full joy bloomed on her face. "How can I not be happy?", she finished tearily.
Sis…!
I picked her up, reciprocating her hug, as I buried my head next to her neck, as she did to mine.
"I promise, no, I swear… with these abilities I have and the opportunity I'm given…I'll make you proud!"
She laughed in joy, smiling as she hugged me tighter.
"Idiot..! I've been, and always will be, proud of you! One-thousand points!"
Excitement peaking, I picked her up as I spun her around, both of us laughing and crying, as we both celebrated the new future ahead!
"Hm hm hm~"
I hummed cheerily as I laid my back on a wall near the entrance in Yamagata. A building can be seen behind said wall, which was where the Gate was located. This building was restricted to only those with a Gate pass to Mato, mostly owned by MDF members, or special personel such as the person I was waiting for today.
Haaahh… To think this day would finally come. I'm so excited…!
As I waited, humming in excitement, I heard footsteps approaching sounding like those of heels.
Click clack click.
I turned towards the sound, and lo' and behold!
"Already here?", she noted as she saw me. "Excited are we?"
Propping myself off the wall, I strode towards her with a smile.
"Well of course, I just can't wait to get started-is all Kyouka-san~.", I responded enthusiastically, yet dipping my head respectfully.
I noted her appearance once more, just as before during that night, she wore the same uniform, looking as radiant as ever. She cocked her hip placing a hand on her waist. She seemed to be scrutinizing my appearance in turn as well.
"You clean up quite nicely.", she complimented, making me perk up.
"Of course! This Yuuki-san is quite the handsome catch y'know~?" I exclaimed playfully, puffing my chest out, internally grateful for my sis.
Yesterday, my sis dragged me out to try clothes, claiming that it had to be 'perfect'. She had made me try on many clothes…
So. Many. Clothes.
I will say however, it turned out quite nicely as I now sported a presentably casual, yet comfortable attire—a brown bomber jacket, unzipped, with sleek gold zippers and subtle embroidery along the cuffs. Underneath, I wore a fitted black crew neck shirt that hugged comfortably, paired with dark tapered jeans. My shoes were a pair of bright-red high-tops, bold but not over the top, adding a playful edge to the outfit.
Of course, it wouldn't be complete without my signature dark headband, with yellow linings adorning around the center.
Now… In my most modest of opinions, ehem, I would say… I looked absolutely spectacular~! And based on Kyouka-san's reaction, it seemed my sister's efforts paid off!
Thank you sis!
"Hah! Your attitude is commendable." she replied, amused, shaking her head. "Alright, let's stop dallying and head out. Follow me.", she continued, walking ahead of me towards the entrance, prompting me to follow suit.
"Yes ma'am~!", I responded.
As we walked along, she discussed further info about what to expect.
"Wait, I'm getting paid?!", I asked, making sure.
"Of course.", she confirmed easily enough. "You are working for us, and considering the risks you're willing to take on, this much is a given.", she added.
Working for them? I mean… I guess I technically am. I just didn't expect there to be money concerning this… buuuut-!
"Weeeeell… if you insist…", I whistled as I looked on and about, trying to look nonchalant.
I certainly wasn't going to turn down free money~!
We continued walking downwards the building into the lower floors, until finally.
"Here we are.", she announced.
We arrived at the location of the portal. It looked just like the one that appeared during the night before, although this one was much bigger in size.
"Is there a reason as to why these gates don't disappear?", I asked in curiosity.
"Unfortunately, not enough is known about them, even at this point.", she answered, before looking back at me with a smirk. "So, are you ready?"
Ready? Was I ready?
"From the day I was born…!", I exclaimed, smirking back, yet genuine happiness was shown behind it.
With that, we entered the portal, and as I passed through I couldn't help but smile.
To be a member of the Antidemon corps… This was it, the beginning of my journey towards a new destiny… starts now!
Upon entering, I was immediately greeted to the sight of three individuals, all women, staring back at me with various expressions.
"Ugh, it really is a man.", the bluenette commented haughtily.
"I'm from an all-girls school, so I never had a proper chance to look at a man. It's kinda fun~.", the blonde chimed playfully.
"P-Please treat us well, care-taker!", the pink haired girl, who looks to be the youngest one, chimed.
Now, there were a lot of things I could've noted here. Perhaps how the dorm looked less than… stellar to say the least. Dust and stain marks left over on the walls and floors. Perhaps the individuals in front of me, which I could already tell, were sporting differing opinions about me that I may or may not like, especially the one with blue hair. I would've noted said occurrences, if not for that last comment which grabbed and shook me by the throat.
…Caretaker?
My mind blanked for a moment. Unaware, Kyouka walked forth, placing herself in between me and them as she placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Everyone, meet Yuuki Wakura, from henceforth, he will be acting as the Caretaker for this unit.", she announced.
What.
Kyouka then turned, crossing her arms, as she addressed me.
"Yuuki, these three are the members of the 7th unit who live here. Though they are quite capable, they're a bunch of misfits. With the Shuuki on scene as well, we barely get time to take consistent care for the dorm. As such, you as the 'Great Caretaker', came at the perfect time for such a role."
What.
My mind was in turmoil, confusion swirling as I couldn't make sense of what was happening.
Caretaker…? Caretaker?! What gives?! I-I thought… wasn't I going to a part of-?
"-Do you have any questions?", she seemed to have noticed my expression as she asked.
I stared at her with, what was probably the most dumbfounded expression I've had in awhile.
"Miss Kyouka-san, respectfully… wasn't I going to be… a member of the Antidemon corps?", I asked her one last time, a nervous smile plastered on my face. A desperate hope to plead that what I had heard was wrong-.
"...? That's impossible, a man cannot be a part of the Antidemon corps."
-only for those hopes to be dashed away.
I felt my mind crumble.
Hah…? What did she mean?! Wasn't she just offering the position last night, what happened to that? Didn't she mention I'd fit the qualifications? That I had the guts?! Heck, she even talked about the various CCTV footages that caught me in action-.
…!
That was when something dawned on me… something so simple, yet something I'd failed to realize then.
What… DID she catch me doing…?
"Kyouka-san, just out of c-curiosity… when you told me you saw me 'in the act' on the various CCTV footage you saw of me…"
"Hmm? If you're curious about my thoughts, I was quite impressed with them indeed.", she placed a hand under her chin as she hummed. "The way you skillfully cleaned the various places around the neighborhood in record speeds, and the efficiency you displayed, it was quite mesmerizing to watch."
I felt as if a bucket of ice-cold water had just been poured over my head.
No… No no no no no-.
"A-And the things people were saying about me…?", I continued dreadfully.
A part of my mind was still refusing to believe this was actually happening…
"They were filled with nothing but stellar remarks about your work ethic, compliments and all, clearly filled with satisfaction. I hope you put the same effort in practice here!"
…but it was, and I had no choice but to acknowledge the fact that this was happening.
I slowly processed the fact that, no, it wasn't the case that Kyouka-san, or the Antidemon corps for the matter, knew about my abilities. All this time… the footages, and testimonies… they'd all just been referring to my cleaning abilities and reputation as the 'Great Caretaker'!
Horror slowly dawned my face.
"If you have no questions left, you can get started with cleaning. Tools can be found in the storage by the left over there.", she points towards a direction.
So that means… what she'd been offering then… what I thought to be the ticket towards my dream was actually…!
"Oh and, Yuuki.", she then turned towards me, smiling. "Welcome to the Mato Elite Troops' 7th Unit.", she said, holding her hand forth towards me, as the rest of the girls were behind her.
…my damnation…
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"We Look forward to having you here, Caretaker."
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Hehehe… Oooh sweet destiny~.
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A/N: Hey guys, late upload, school go brrr. But yeah, hope you guys enjoy the new chapter!