Magic control is… strange.
Using magic is like taking a water cup from a bucket; you take a portion of the available mana pool, give it a form, and then you cast it in the form of different types of magic.
All magic has a different feel to it, even when it's not totally formed. If I intend to make a lightning bolt, then the mana in my body gets 'tingly' and moves rapidly around my body.
It also feels like static, somehow.
Buffing/Support magic like my [Reinforcement] is also different. The mana spreads evenly across my body and 'hardens', covering it and fortifying muscle and bone alike. While healing is like a warm embrace that numbs the pain.
These are all pretty basic explanations but… if it works, it works, right?
Due to a better understanding of magical arts. Several Skills have leveled up!
[Electrokinesis] has leveled up!
[Reinforcement] has leveled up!
[Healing Touch] has leveled up by 2!
[Mana Control] has leveled up by 2!
Yeah, it seems that using the Skills is not the only way to make them level up.
I already knew that, but I could only apply it to physical Skills like my [Spear Proficiency] since I don't know shit about magic theory.
Actually, I didn't, that would be the correct choice of words. I have a pretty cool teacher now, after all.
''Very good, Fumigami-kun!'' My current tutor praises me. There's something else in her eyes as if she is watching a particularly pretty flower bloom.
Why am I describing things like this as poetry? Anyway, having a pretty girl encouraging you to do better truly is nurturing for the soul.
Just like Sona told me, I called her a few days later when my magic circles recovered fully, and she told me to show up at school the very next morning for magic practice.
She left the part about punctuality very clear, too. Don't wanna piss off the president~
Right now, we are in the Student's Council room. It seems that the rest of Sona's peerage was busy with something because, when I got here, it was just her with a girl she presented as one of her Bishops.
Momo Hanakai, a white-haired girl with blue-green eyes, a beautiful color by the way, wearing the school's female uniform (Would they use them for missions too?). She's a head shorter than me and a pretty calm and friendly girl. Also, really cute.
That seems to be a constant with Devils, or maybe women in general are prettier in this world?
Sona went out for a bit, so it's just the two of us, and I have to say, this girl is a pretty good teacher.
''Thank you Hanakai-senpai. I do my best.'' A little smile forms on my face at her compliments. ''Having a good teacher helps a lot, too.''
''Aren't you a charmer?'' She teases slightly with a smile. ''Even so, you pick up things surprisingly fast. I swear I'm not even doing much.''
I'm sure she's being modest about it. We have been here for a bit over an hour already and I still can't suppress all of my magic energy. I can only hide around half, I think.
I can exude it outwards with a bit more 'omph' than before. It's kind of like forming a [Mana Shield] but trying to fill up space instead of covering my body.
Maybe it's easier to just pump it out than to keep it in?
That sounds wrong, somehow.
Since the time for the lesson was over, I chatted with Momo for a bit. She told me a bit about her friends and fellow peerage members, and it seems there's no Saji, yet.
I also noticed she has some kind of 'big sister' trope around her. It makes interacting with her a bit more comfortable. Like I was talking to an old friend.
''Fumigami-kun, if it isn't uncomfortable for you, could you tell me a bit about your life in America?'' She asks in curiosity. It did come out in the conversation that I wasn't from Japan, and by the little spark in her eyes, she may be interested in how life is overseas.
Huh. I didn't stop to consider my old life, actually. Hope everyone is all right back home.
''Well, I lived a pretty monotone life, really.'' That part is true, at least. ''I never went out much, and since I was homeschooled. I never really had many friends.''
''Hmm… I see. What about family?'' Her brow furrowed slightly. It seems that I took the winds out of her sails a bit, sorry!
''Never got along with them. When I was little they were pretty busy with work, and when they finally had time to spend together, I was already a closed-up teenager.'' Truth. ''And then… they had a car accident, not too long ago.'' And there is the lie. I can see that 'lying' Skill leveling up. Fuck you, System.
''Oh… I'm so sorry for asking.'' I can see the honest worry on her face. She feels worse about it than I do about my probably non-existent parents.
Man, this girl is way too nice.
''Ah… Don't worry about it.'' I honestly don't know what to say now. I can feel the room getting a bit awkward. Thankfully, Sona came through the door just a moment later.
I would thank God for the timing but… He's dead, so. Thank Michael? I don't know man.
''Ah, Sona-Kaichou. We are just about done here and I have to say, Fumigami-kun is quite the talented student.'' Momo is the first one to talk, and her happy words make Sona look at me for a moment.
''You're too kind, Hanaki-senpai. It was thanks to your help I could learn so quickly.'' I say with a little smile. I can see a glint of something in her eyes as she smirks.
''Well, aren't you dolling out the compliments, huh? ~'' Before she can continue, Sona clears her throat with an impassive expression, making both of us look in her direction.
''That's good, you can go ahead to rest home now, Momo-San. Thank you for taking the time for this.'' There's a little smile on her face while she nods to the white-haired girl. Then, she looks at me with what I call her 'masked up' expression. ''Fumigami-san, could you please stay for a moment? I have something to talk with you about.''
''Sure thing, Sitri-Senpai. I don't have anything urgent today.'' It's probably something about the payment for the magic lessons. I don't know what she will ask, but knowing how Sona was in the original show, it should be in my realm of capabilities.
''I'll be on my way then, Sona-Kaichou.'' Momo gets up with a polite smile and a bow. Then, she turns to me and the smile turns into a smirk. ''I will see you another time. Have a good day, Fu-mi-ga-mi-Kun~'' She makes a peace sign and the floor starts to glow for a moment.
Just like that, she teleports away with the Magic Circle in the room.
I think this girl is dangerous.
And I may or may not want to be in danger.
The free space across from me is now occupied by Sona. There's silence for a moment as we stare at each other. Then, she pulls out a chessboard from… somewhere. Before addressing me
''Do you play chess, Fumigami-san?'' She starts with a pointed stare. ''I feel that talking while playing a game such as this is usually good for the mind. So, care for a game?''
I think there's something I'm forgetting about, but she seems pretty adamant about it. Eh, I'll indulge her.
I like chess quite a bit, actually. I played it a lot in school when there was a free period.
''Sure, I like chess too, but don't expect me to be all that good,'' I respond easily. I'm a bit rusty, after all. I'll just wing it, maybe.
My answer makes her raise an eyebrow in what I assume is curiosity. Is she surprised by my acceptance or because I know how to play?
I don't look that much of a delinquent, right? I don't even dye my hair!
''White or Black?'' Is her next question while she starts to set up the pieces. It's a pretty nice chess set, too. I think it's made of glass.
''I'll take Black. Ladies first, after all.'' I give her a little wink, but she doesn't seem to react to my little flirt. She's pretty business-like for a devil, or maybe that's what a devil should act like? Hmm…
With a nod, she sets everything up and makes the first move, Pawn E4. That is also the moment she starts speaking.
''I hope the theoretical lessons of today were to your expectations. Did you have any trouble?'' There's something hidden in her question, I just know it, but I'm not one to play mind games.
I answer her move with Pawn E5. Should I go for a castling first?
''Hanaki-senpai is really good at explaining the theory behind it. Once that was clear, I had no problem at all.'' Her gaze narrows a bit, both of our faces are as impassive as stone. Is she thinking about the game? Or maybe she's searching for something in my answer. Knight F3.
''That's good. She's a hard worker, so I'm glad her efforts are appreciated.'' Knight C6. If she tries to take mine, I'll take hers.
If sacrificing a piece lets me take one of hers, I think it's a good exchange.
''I can see that.'' She doesn't follow, obviously. A Knight is more valuable than a Pawn, after all. Her move is Bishop to D3. I answer with Knight F6.
''The tutoring was pretty satisfactory, so I wanted to ask, what would my task be?''
She seems to pause for a moment at that. Her gaze averts from the chessboard to me, and I do the same.
''I want you to hunt a Stray Devil for me.'' She said calmly. Like talking about the weather. ''Don't worry, I'm not expecting you to do it alone; Rias was kind enough to send Toujuou-san since my own peerage is busy with other matters.''
That makes a bit of sense, but I don't think that adds up.
''Hmm, is it a strong Stray?'' Now it's my turn with the pointed stare meeting her eyes. ''I don't know Toujou-san's full capabilities, but I felt she was pretty strong. Wouldn't I be more of a hindrance? I'm not all that experienced, after all.''
''Not at all. The stray shouldn't be stronger than her.'' She confirms my suspicion. ''But, it would be preferred to have additional support, in the case of something going wrong.''
Ah… I get it now. They already know a bit of myself from the interactions we had and all the monitoring and it seems I got a pass there. So, now she wants to see how I handle myself in a real-life situation to see if I measure up to be a potential recruit.
They want to throw the sales pitch at me, but 'am I worth it?' Is to be tested first. Sketchy, but they're Devils, right? She's not acting malicious or condescending about it, that's just how Sona is.
I'm going to have lots of fun with this~
''Alright, I accept. When is the 'hunt', per se?'' She does a Castling before answering. I can see the slight upturn of her lips at my easy acceptance. Was it expected or a nice surprise? Who knows~
''You are to start tomorrow night. This one in particular has been pretty sneaky. It can probably take a few days to find it.'' I nod at that.
A new Quest had been issued!
Quest: Demon Slayer!
Sona has given you your first task. You will have to track down a very stealthy Stray. The piece it holds is unknown, so you better be careful.
Objective:
I: Track down the Stealthy Devil.
II: Assist Koneko in any way during the fight against the Devil.
III: Do more than half the damage to the Devil.
Bonus Objective:
Only use one type of magic during the fight.
Rewards:
I: 50.000. 1 Mana Control Level.
II: Devil Materials. 3 Mana Control Levels.
III: Gacha Token. Rare Material.
Bonus Reward:
10 Levels on used magic. ?.
Tracking a Stray Devil, huh? That should be interesting.
The conversation ended for the most part after that. We concentrated on the chess game, and I can say with total confidence… that I'm getting my ass beat.
Sona is pretty good. I caught her off-guard once or twice with my risky plays, but it's probably because I don't use a chess strategy like those big grandmasters.
Still, my luck is running out. I only have a few pawns, a Rook and the King.
Sona takes my Rook piece on her next turn. Her frown is burrowed in concentration and maybe some frustration at my play style.
I should've done this sooner, but the moment I started losing badly I activated [Thought Acceleration]. It didn't take lots of MP to do, but I could feel a headache growing at the back of my head from how many times I had to 'pause'.
A few more moves and I have my King surrounded, but Sona is outright glaring at the board, and I know why as I move my last available pawn piece, and lock it against one of her own.
I see her eye twitch as she looks over the board. Then, she sighs and moves her Queen.
Sadly, for her, I managed to be quite elusive, and with the pieces she has. It's impossible to get a clean check.
A bit of back and forth later, and all her remaining pieces are surrounding my King.
But that leaves me with no legal move. So, a Stalemate by King drowned.
A little smirk crosses my face as I extend my hand, Sona takes it and we shake hands a moment later. Even if I was an annoying little shit, I didn't forget my manners.
''Good game, Sitri-Senpai. You're really good.'' I complimented with a smile. That makes her eye twitch again. Is the mask cracking, I wonder?
''Thank you, Fumigami-san. You… are something alright.'' She sighs and regains her composure. Even if her words sound harsh, I can see the little upturn of her lips. Is someone lacking a good chess game once in a while?
''Don't get too comfortable now. I'll get up to speed and beat you next time.'' I send her a playful wink. That seems… to have a surprising effect.
Her eyes widened slightly and I could see the little heat surrounding her cheeks. Is Sona embarrassed?
She looked away pretty quickly while clearing her throat. Did I say something weird? This can't be the thing that makes her react the most, right-?
Oh.
I think I remember. Wasn't there something about Sona getting out of an arranged marriage by a game of chess? Maybe saying I will beat her next time is insinuating something for her.
I'm not backing down. Screw that, I'm abusing the fuck out of this Skill.
''Yes… I will await our next game.'' The little misstep on her behalf passes easily. ''I'll call you once the task is finished, so you can give me a report. Have a good day, Fumigami-san.''
Man, why must girls be so adorable?
-Next Day: Morning-
So, tonight I have to go investigate with Koneko. I sent her a message so we could meet up at my place at dusk.
Her response was a cat sticker saying okay and then asking if I could make some cookies.
This seems more like hanging out than hunting down a dangerous monster, but I'm not complaining.
Right now I found myself in the library. I'm trying to see if I can find actual Skill Books. Not that I expect an actual magic book or grimoire to be in a regular library, but there are some… neat things.
Skill Book: [Investigation].
The recognized story of one Sherlock Holmes and his exploits in uncovering strange mysteries.
This book will teach you the 'Investigation' Skill.
Skill Book: [Tracking].
A theory book about hunting for food in the wild. Essentially, it's a camping book.
This book will teach you the 'Tracking' Skill.
Yeah, it seems that some books actually give Skills. I don't know how it's decided since I grabbed a book about gardening and it isn't a Skill Book, but the Sherlock Holmes one is. Weird.
I didn't find anything impressive per se. But free stuff tickles something funny in my brain, so that's that.
I closed into the Fiction section of the library once more, maybe I skipped something.
I mostly pass my fingers through the covers since it's what I found works the best. I'm about to call it quits when suddenly, one screen appears from an old book I didn't think I saw before.
Skill Book: [Barrier Magic].
It's a 'fantasy' book about the exploits of wizards and their ability to negate the strongest of attacks or capture enemies by using powerful barriers.
This book will teach you the 'Barrier Magic' Skill.
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. I quickly but delicately grab the book and open it, the contents reveal what appears to be a fantasy book with a first-person perspective on the 'main character'.
I think I figured out how the Skill Books work.
The previous two books could be used because they teach you something, but how did an actual book explaining magic get into this two-bit library?
Did it get adapted through the years, turning from an actual theory book to a story? That means this was an actual journal from a mage many years ago…
Reading a bit more, I can find some abstract content to it. Maybe if I read it I could get more out of it than simply 'absorbing' it?
That day, the library was missing a few books, and my wallet became a bit lighter.
-Hours Later-
Breath in, Breath out.
In… and out…
This isn't easy, not at all.
Right now, I'm trying to get used to a bit of teamwork with Rei while waiting for Koneko to arrive.
I did promise Rei that the 'next time' I would take her with me. Well, next time is today.
With her evolution being oriented in stealth. I thought the best way to go around it would be to have her hidden in some part of my body.
She's pretty fast, but I don't think she can keep up anywhere that doesn't have a few trees to jump from until she gets better stats.
Rei.
HP: [-100%-]
MP: [-100%-]
Race: Obscuring-Redback-Arachnid.
A Redback-Spider turned familiar. With her recent evolution, she has developed extra abilities with silk manipulation and great ways to hide herself from regular and supernatural senses.
'You can rely on me, Master!'
Stats:
STR: F(+)
DEX: E-
CON: F(+)
MAG: E-
SPI: E-
LCK: F(+)
I blink at the message on her status screen and then look at my not-so-little spider companion. How can she even do that?
Rei has become as big as a small dog, the red mark on her back is the most pronounced detail about her. The rest of her body is a jet-black color and it seems to mend in with the shadows when I'm not looking at her.
Her eyes seem to be the only thing making me not panic about the fact that I'm so close to a damn giant spider.
She has round eyes. They aren't cartoon-like, and there's a shine about them that differentiates them from regular spiders. It makes looking at her a lot easier.
I sigh once more and I extend my hand towards her with a smile.
''Okay, Rei. Let's try this, you have to get on my back, kind of like a backpack, and do your best to stay hidden.'' There's no hesitation in my not-so-little spooder companion. She slowly crawls on my arm, then my torso, and finally my back.
I can feel goosebumps all over my skin, but the feelings I can get from our bond are reassuring enough. After just a few moments, the fear in my chest vanishes, leaving only the trust of having someone cover my back… literally.
I can feel Rei's presence fading the next moment. I know she's still there since I can feel her legs secured against my back, and the familiar bond tells me that she's close. So, that's that, I think.
''Good job, Rei. This should be good enough until you get faster.'' I feel her happiness, and that just makes me smile.
Suddenly, there's a knock at the door. Looking at the hour, I can see that it's well past six, so that must be Koneko.
I get up to open the door. But, just in case I'm wrong; my fully recovered magic, more plentiful and refined than a few days prior, flows just beneath my skin.
You can't be too careful, after all.
My worries are unfounded since, when I open the door, I can only find the white-haired, petite girl that is Koneko at my front door. My posture relaxes and a smile crosses my face.
'''Sup, Fumigami-Senpai.'' Koneko greets with a stone-like face, a hand up in the air as her form of greeting. You can't fool me, Koneko. I can see little sparks in your eyes at the thought of eating my magnificent cookies!
[Cooking] Lv 36 (9%)
Your food is quite delicious, even if you don't know lots of recipes, what you can do always tastes great. A professional chef could cook worse meals than you.
I feel myself close to a breakthrough. Can Skill gain additional effects with more levels…? Food for thought.
''Come on in, Toujuo-San, make yourself comfortable.'' I nod at her while getting into the kitchenette. I can see her sitting in one of the table's chairs while I prepare some tea. (I managed to get the green one this time!).
Once I get the mugs ready, I grab a plate and- Why is she staring at me like that?
Chiiii…
True to my word, Koneko seems to be trying to bore a hole in my head by how hard she's staring. When I make eye contact while raising an eyebrow her gaze narrows slightly, but she doesn't say anything.
Is the cat acoustic?
I fill the plate with cookies to the brim. Knowing her eating habits, she will probably make me fill it once or twice more before we have to part for our mission.
I place both the plate and our tea-filled mugs on the table, and even when I take a seat in front of her she doesn't stop her staring, only moving her hand to grab a cookie from the pile.
''Do I have something in my face, Toujou-San?'' I ask with genuine curiosity. Am I making a weird face or something- Oh.
I think I know.
''I can feel… something on you, it's trying to hide, but I can sense it.'' She responds while looking at my torso this time. Yep, that checks out.
''Rei, you can stop hiding now.'' To my surprise, Rei appears in my chest instead of my back. My eyes widen as much as Koneko's, and I can see her body tensing, ready to fight.
I get my hands up in a placating manner while smiling at the cat girl, once she looks at me, she furrows her eyes for a moment before relaxing.
''That is…'' She starts, then looks at me, at Rei, and then me again. ''A spider.''
''Your observation skills amaze me, truly.'' A smirk crosses my face at the chance of sassing her for a change. She responds by giving me a heatless glare.
''No shit, dumbass.'' I think that's the first time I've heard her curse, and it's hilarious. I show as much by laughing for a bit.
Once I stop, wiping a tear from my eye. I can see that Rei is now sitting(?) on the table, while Koneko just deadpans at me.
''Sorry, sorry. You were saying?'' My apology is obviously without meaning, but I can see the little twitch on her lips. I know I'm funny, don't need to hide it.
''This spider… why is it so big?'' She asks curiously. Right, I don't think turning random fauna into your familiars is a thing. Most people would just tame powerful or useful magical creatures.
It seems that I alone, am the big-brained one.
''This is Rei, she's my Familiar,'' I explain while petting the spooders abdomen with two fingers, to which I can hear little taps on the table courtesy of a happy crawler. ''Say hi, Rei.''
Before Koneko questions exactly how I managed to get a Familiar, Rei 'gets up' and waves with one of her legs at her. I can see the white-haired girl focusing on the lil spooder and muttering something.
''Cute…''
Truly, no one can escape Rei's adorable power.
''Indeed she is.'' I nod with total conviction. Still, even as fun as this is, I believe we should speak a bit about our mission tonight.
''So, Toujou-San, how are we completing this job tonight? Any plan you have?'' That seems to get her attention. Before she can answer, she bites on the cookie and her eyes sparkle in glee. She looks at the plate, then at me. A question in her eyes.
I give her a nod and she takes the plate for herself, but before she starts devouring without abandon, I ask. ''So, the plan?''
''We find the Stray, we beat the shit out of it, and then we get cheeseburgers.'' Truly, the finesse of the plan is only outclassed by the sheer ingenuity behind it. Only the most privileged minds could've thought about such a strategy.
NOT.
''That… That's it?'' I ask. Incredulity is splattered all over my face. ''Isn't there like, steps in between? Tracking, information gathering, something like that?''
She tilts her head to the side as if I was an idiot. I'm not, she's the one suggesting we just find the Stray like it was so simple!
''Strays tend to hide in abandoned or out-of-the-way places.'' She starts. ''There's also been a few weird disappearances around the outskirts of Kuoh, and I have good hearing, we'll find it no problem.''
I think that's the most words I've heard her say at the same time.
''Well… That's a bit better, I think.'' Don't look at me, I'm not a tactical genius either.
''Still, I think I have a few ideas, too…'' I receive a raised eyebrow in curiosity, so I start explaining.
…
Nighttime. Outskirts of Kuoh Town.
…
I have to say, if I was some creepy mutated demon-thing, I would definitively hide here.
The place of the disappearances is around an abandoned log house. According to Koneko, this is a regular place for some of the alumni to do things like 'tests of courage'.
A few of the alumni are also, coincidentally, missing. If we're lucky, then maybe the Stray didn't outright feed on their flesh, but I don't really like the other outcomes.
I focus for a moment, trying to connect deeper into my bond with Rei, and sending something akin to a curious feeling. The answer, of my currently hidden familiar, is rejection.
Or something like that, at least.
That means that she didn't find anything. Now, the plan I made with Koneko is simple; she stays hidden and suppresses her presence, while I stay out in the open while doing the opposite.
It's… difficult. Pumping magic out in waves while trying to make it seem weak feels kind of debilitating.
I've already searched the surroundings of the cabin, there isn't anything 'weird', per se. There are a lot of animal markings around the trees, tho. The ones that made me raise an eyebrow were some claw marks that seemed to belong to a wolf.
Or that's what [Investigation] and [Tracking] are telling me, anyway.
The only thing left unexplored is the Cabin itself. So, with a simple push, I can feel the mana just beneath my skin, ready to be unleashed in the form of [Hydrokinesis]. That's the magic I've decided that needs some attention, for now.
Once I reach the front of the dilapidated cabin, my skills show me some strange things.
The place is certainly filled with dirt and overgrown vines, the moon shining on the sky gives it a suspense air to it, as if something bad is going to happen. The most interesting part is the deep marks on the wood as if someone or something was trying to tear the house to shreds-
There's dried blood on the floor and… a distinctive smell hits my nose.
Flesh… Rotten Flesh.
My eyes widen as a shiver goes down my spine.
I gulp down, one hand goes to the door handle, while the other readies a bolt of water magic, ready to be shot at a moment's notice.
The old screech from the door resounds through the forest as I open the door, and suddenly, an overpowering stench washes over my form. I almost puke at the smell alone.
The light from the moon entering through the door is more than enough to see the contents inside.
Red. Everything is crimson red.
[Thought Acceleration] activates with minimal input, and the first thing I do is scan everything inside.
There's a pile of dead, rotten flesh in a corner of the room, human flesh. The people who once had regular lives are now mangled and slaughtered like common cattle. Then, forgotten and thrown aside.
Disgusting.
The next thing I notice is a child's body in the middle of the room, wearing a red cape, a horrified look on her face as the blood pools all around her. I hoped she may be just an injured victim, but with all the time in the world, I could see the clearly fatal injuries in her stomach and neck.
Spamming [Observe], [Investigate], and [Tracking] all over the room, I can feel an influx of information flooding my brain.
The marks were made hours ago. The girl's body is cold. There are corpses on the floor. The corpses have been decomposing for weeks. There's demonic power in the room. Illusion magic has been used in the room before. The target has fled. There's a hidden book in the destroyed library. The book is not a normal book.
I can perfectly see how the girl was murdered, a graphic description flooding my brain. The blood under her fingernails from the struggle. The marks on her body. The-
''Fuck!'' A piercing headache is what I receive for my troubles. Like someone just put a nail through my head.
It seems that spamming multiple mental Skills like this takes a bit of backlash.
I created a water ball, and quickly sent it outside. That's the signal for no conflict present I gave Koneko, the one for a confrontation was a water bolt.
I could feel Rei's presence in the room, she got closer to my location the moment she sensed my distress. That's fine.
Rubbing my head in pain, I get close to the destroyed library that the combined Skills was telling me about. Since I know what I'm looking for, finding the book is not hard.
The moment I touch it; my blood runs cold.
Skill Book: [Devour].
'May thy flesh become my strength.'
An uncanny, old book that educates on the benefits of consuming humanoid-like flesh, and magical creatures. Most of it is written in an old, ancient tongue.
This book will teach you the 'Devour' Skill.
The feeling of the cover for this book, the leather that holds it together.
It's not leather. It's skin.
There's a big part of me that wants to destroy this thing right at this moment, but a deeper, darker part wants it.
I found it. So, it's mine, right?
A shake of my head gets me back to my senses and I shove the book into my inventory, and just in time, it seems.
I can suddenly feel the magic of Koneko behind me. Turning to look at her, I can see a deep frown on her face, her nose scrunched up in displeasure while she looks at the horror movie-like scene.
The moment she turns to me; her eyes soften minutely. She doesn't say anything, but once she gets closer, she grabs the sleeve of my jacket. It's… nice, I think. But, why?
''We should bury the people.'' Is the first thing she says, and I nod along, that is the least of what they deserve for having to endure such torture.
Rei has climbed on my back while trying to send happy thoughts over the bond. What's happening? Why are they both so chummy all of a sudden?
Koneko grabs my arm this time, a serious expression on her face while looking at me. ''It's not your fault. Fumigami-Senpai.''
Of course, it isn't. What is she talking about-?
Drip…drip…
I can feel a little wetness on my face. Why? It wasn't raining before; I didn't even splash myself while using [Hydrokinesis].
My free hand touches my face; crystalline liquid is what covers my fingers.
Ah… Of course.
I wipe the little tears while looking at the clearly awkward Koneko. I must have weirded her out for me to just start crying all of a sudden. I'm not sad, tho.
No, these are tears of frustration. Frustrations and anger that don't belong to me, but then who?
My gaze goes to the girl, and my free hand closes up in a fist. The gal of such a bastard to take away the life of a little girl and lots of innocent people. It feels like boiling heat is just amassing itself in my stomach. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a being of light, I believe quite the opposite.
But this? This is way too many steps too far.
This isn't my anger. It's the anger of these innocent people.
It seems my face isn't hiding my true feelings since I can feel Koneko's hand tightening up around my arm. A worried expression greets me the moment I look at her.
Man, that look doesn't suit her at all.
With a sigh, I relax, and I address my worried companion.
''Zatren,'' I state, the tears are gone, and a little smile remains while I look at the worried girl.
''…?'' She tilted her head as if she was a puppy. Adorable, really, and kind of ironic since she's supposed to be a cat.
''You can call me Zatren, I think we're a bit past formalities, now.'' Recognition crosses her face as her eyes widen a bit. Then, there's a glint of something.
''Koneko… You can call me that, too.'' Is her response. She seems a little caught off-guard. Hehe~ My bad, Koneko, but teasing is just so much fun.
''Of course.'' We share little smiles, my hand also grabs her arm, and a gentle squeeze is shared between us. ''Let's get this started, Koneko-san. We still have to get some rest; classes are around the corner, after all.''
I can see her frown at that. Did someone not study? I wonder~
Well, I'm pretty much in the same boat. ''We should study together, sometime.'' I extend an olive branch. With my busted Skills, studying would be a piece of cake.
Her frown disappears at that, and she nods. Then, there's a little glint in her eyes. ''Okay, hope you can keep up, Zatren-Senpai.''
Cheeky brat.
The only thing remaining in the cabin are two teenagers, putting some respect to the bodies of the wronged people. Even among the tragedy, a new bond is formed.
Oh, right. Our little spooder is there, too!
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Author's Note:
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JogglyJoeslime: Yes, there will be. Also, yes, Mobius, or kind of similar. Maybe.
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Danielbrito2415: I mean, I would've answered your comment, but since you were so impolite about it, I won't. Lol.
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The Immortal Lake Man: Yippieeee :D.
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Koncor the great: Thanks for the recommendations!
Don't worry, if I say Kiba's going to be a bro, he's going to be a bro! And we don't mistreat our bros, do we?
I was planning on making the dungeons slowly more difficult. I don't want the MC just universe jumping, but you will notice that, slowly but surely, the 'Dungeons' gain more things to them.
Also, no Waifu on Bro will get the 'side character' treatment, or the 'sex toy' one, either.
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Church21: Eh, that's fine. I know it's a tad unconventional. Also, don't say that about gingers! Not their fault god didn't give them a soul. Lol.
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Lamont: I was planning on them watching an anime, actually!
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michaelsyaloom9903: I thought about it, but I didn't want to practically copy the race from Mirlnir's work ''Optimistic Gamer''!
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SMB: Nahh, bro forgot how to read. That's crazyy. *Skull Emoji*
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fearwen: You're welcome!
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B127: Thanks for your comments! I will take your advice in mind and I hope you enjoy future chapters! :D
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Ah, yes. The 5k words chapter became a 6k words chapter. To the surprise of no one.
We have Zatren interacting with two white-haired girls! Where did I leave my bingo card?
Also, he pulling all them cheats to win that next chess game, fr fr.
Beeeg Spooder.
Yes, the log cabin, the dead girl with a red cape, and the wolf marks. It's a Red Riding Hood reference. (It's pretty obvious, but eh.)
Hope you enjoy and have a good sunday!
EDIT: Shit, I forgot to mention, school starts next chapter, and canon is getting real close. 1 or 2 chapters max, I think.