(Please leave comments :'3 and some constructive criticism to improve the story uwu)
CHAPTER 50 - Getting Used to an Annoying Girl
I took my books out of my locker and stored some extra things I found on the street. I came across a white rabbit keychain and a plushie of the same rabbit. Yuki doesn't know if it's from some anime, but she liked it, so since it was on the street, it's mine now… Well, Yuki's. I don't need or want it, so Yuki can keep it.
I think I'll keep the keychain and give it to Sumi. To build her trust in me, I need to treat her well and earn as much trust as possible with gifts. I'm not planning to make her fall for me; I'm not a creep or anything like that, which is why I thoroughly researched everything about friendships to avoid making mistakes. I don't want my actions to be misinterpreted and get labeled as a pervert.
I admit that in the past, I did some embarrassing things that earned me a certain reputation as a pervert. I sacrificed my first kiss and my virginity to capture legendary ghosts. I even had to kiss a man once to distract him and defeat him.
I've done things I'm not exactly proud of, but as long as I achieve my goal, the rest doesn't matter to me.
Oh, that reminds me of the time I had to disguise myself as a woman so a robot that wanted to kill me wouldn't detect me.
Anyway, I'd better stop thinking about that; now I need to deal with this problem.
"Come on, come on. Why aren't you answering me? That's rude, cutie. Someone needs to punish you."
Ugh… How many times will I have to save Sylphie? If she were like Naima, she'd hit the guy or at least insult him and move on. Sylphie's scared, so she just looks down and doesn't respond.
"Why don't we go to my place after school?"
I placed my hand on her head and stroked it. The guy, quite confused, turned to look at me.
"Huh? And who are you?"
I lifted my hair so he could see my eyes.
"Sexual harassment is forbidden. I recommend you head to your classroom."
"And what's it to you? Mind your own business."
"I see…"
I pulled a small notebook out of my backpack.
"Hmm… Done."
I noted down his characteristics; I'll investigate him later.
"Akito and you… Hmm… Yeah, you'll be easier."
"Huh? What? I don't get you, idiot."
"Enjoy school as much as you can; you'll be expelled soon."
"Are you trying to threaten me? Hahahahaha! You're dumber than I thought."
No need to stay here any longer. I walked away, and Sylphie started walking beside me.
"T-thank you for helping me."
"I've told you before, I won't always be there to help you. You need to ignore them and keep walking, and if they keep insisting, hit them."
"I know, but… I'm scared."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, you'll overcome that fear someday. No one changes overnight. Step by step."
Yuki sat on my shoulders and started laughing.
"Saik, Saik, he took a picture of Sylphie's butt while she was walking! I saw it! If we can get his phone, you can get him expelled!"
Sexual harassment is worse than school bullying. If they wanted to expel me for supposedly hitting Akito, making a scandal with those photos will definitely get him expelled.
Good job, Yuki. We'll take the next step during lunch.
"But I'll need help."
"Help?"
"Sorry, Sylphie, I was thinking out loud. It's nothing."
Sylphie won't be useful this time; I need someone who isn't afraid.
Ram… No, I don't want to owe her a favor; she'd end up taking advantage of me.
Evelyn? No, not her either. Since my memories were erased, I feel like I now see Evelyn as a prostitute. I suspected it before, but now I feel like I've confirmed it. Did I find out? Well, maybe my suspicions just grew. It doesn't matter. I won't ask her for a favor; I don't want to get involved with someone like that. I have a feeling it'd only give me headaches.
Hmm… What about Cristal? No, we're only friends in the game, not in real life, just like with Hanako. I can't ask them for a favor.
I'm out of options… No, I have one option left. And a perfect one.
•
•
Lunchtime arrived… Alright, Saik, I know you get a bit nervous around her, but you have to do it.
"Hey, Naima, can we talk for a minute?"
"Huh?"
She's looking at me like I'm a nuisance. Should I feel bad? Because I don't know how to feel about it. Should I be happy that she's looking at me?
"Tch. Look, just because we're partners on the island doesn't mean we're friends. Don't get confused."
"And who says I consider you a friend? I don't even know you. I just want to ask for a favor. After all, I spent over 10,000 positive points to ensure our comfort. Don't you think I at least deserve a favor? I'm even willing to pay you with 1,000 positive points if things go well, or a protection point. Whatever you want."
Good, Saik. You made it clear you don't see her as a friend either. You're not groveling to win her friendship; you're keeping your dignity.
Oh, she stopped looking at me with disgust and even stepped closer. The protection point must have caught her attention.
"You want me to help you expel someone?" she whispered.
She clearly doesn't want to miss this opportunity and even avoids others overhearing our conversation. Very smart, Naima; that way, you keep the information to yourself.
Sylphie's trustworthy, but she doesn't know how to act. Naima's perfect for this.
"Yeah. If things go well, the protection point is all yours, but I'm also open to positive points. Whatever you want."
"How sure are you that you can get him expelled?"
"If things go well, 100%."
Yuki told me he took the photo of Sylphie discreetly; no one noticed. If this were a trap, he would've been more obvious.
Yuki's spying on that guy right now, and since she hasn't returned, it means she hasn't found anything. It's not a trap, so I can move forward with the next step.
"So, are you interested?"
"Hmm… Alright, I'll help you. But you better make sure this works. I don't want to waste my time on something useless."
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
"And what do I have to do?"
"Pretend to be sexual friends."
"I'm out."
She tried to leave. Ugh, I should've phrased that better. I messed up.
"Just pretend, we won't actually be that. It's to get a pervert's attention."
I stood up and followed her. Ugh, am I really going to have to beg?
"Please, it's just part of a trap. It's not like we'd actually be that."
"Not interested."
"Fine, I'll ask Ram."
I turned around. I want Naima's help, but I won't humiliate myself by begging.
Though I doubt Ram would agree… Evelyn? Yeah, she'd be an obvious choice, but we don't get along, so it wouldn't work.
Ram or Sylphie… Sylphie would get too nervous pretending, and Ram's too proud; she wouldn't want to humiliate herself like that.
Should I ask a girl from another class?
I sat at my desk and pulled out my notebook. Without Naima, I'll have to modify my original plan. I tailored this plan to Naima's personality; it won't work the same with another girl.
"I want you to help me train."
"Train?"
I looked up to see Naima. Is she seriously asking me for a favor? Normally, I'd agree since helping her would move me closer to friendship with her, but I'll reject her. She didn't want to help me, so I won't help her.
"You've got a good body; you must train a lot. I want more muscle, I guess you get it."
"And what's in it for me? And don't tell me you'll pay me with a 'thank you.'"
"I'll help you with what you're planning, if you promise no one else will know."
"Alright, let's do it."
I extended my hand to seal the deal with a friendly handshake, but she just walked away.
"Don't act like we're friends."
Ugh… Why do I like being treated badly? I hope it's not a fetish.
My teenage self is acting weird. I really miss being a carefree little kid… Well, yeah, I had to watch my back to avoid getting killed, but I was happy with my parents. Being a teenager is more different than I imagined.
Anyway, changing the subject, she was planning to ask me for that from the start. She rejected me and planned to make me beg so she could ask for that, securing a protection point and my help with training.
Well, well, Naima, I think my opinion of you improves every day. You're very manipulative. If I weren't used to dealing with human malice, I wouldn't have noticed what you were planning. Playing hard to get to gain more than what's offered. Pretty smart of you. You're really growing on me. If I weren't planning to kill myself, I'd do everything possible to make you my future wife.
Today is Monday, September 29. The special test starts on Wednesday. The test will end on the 22nd. I'll have over half a month to make her fall for me, or at least get her to consider me a friend. Yuki says I'm handsome, but I won't use that. What's the point of having a girlfriend who only cared about my looks? No, I'll use my charms… But what charms? I'm boring and cold… Ugh, it'll be tough, but not impossible.
Plus, we'll also have classes and tests between classes. Our alone time will be greatly reduced, but at least we can collaborate and study together.
Step by step. Saik, remember your father's advice: "Always listen and pay attention when talking to a woman. Don't ignore hints. If they give you a hint, it means they like you. Get a girlfriend and bring her to dinner! Even a boyfriend, I don't care! Understand the hints, son!"
I never understood why he told me that out of the blue, but it was great advice, Dad. If I can get Naima to give me a hint, I'll have succeeded. I need to pay attention, even to the smallest details.
"You've been staring at your notebook for a while. What are you planning? What were you talking about with Naima?"
"It's private, Ram… Oh…"
A burger drenched in melted cheese?
"Where'd you get that burger?"
"They sell them in the cafeteria."
I immediately stood up and left the classroom. That burger smelled and looked so delicious. I'll buy two… No, three, I'll give one to Yuki… Oh.
As I turned left, I bumped into a girl. I was so distracted imagining the burger's taste that I didn't pay attention to my surroundings… Oh, it's Hanako.
"Sorry, Hanako, I was distracted."
"N-no worries," she said, rubbing her arm.
Did I hurt her? I sometimes forget how tough my body is.
"Where are you going?"
"To buy some cheeseburgers."
"I'll come with you! I wanted to try them too."
"S-Saik, didn't you bring lunch…? Oh… H-hi."
… Bloodlust? It was less than a second, but I felt it.
Does Hanako hate Sylphie?
Sylphie caught up to me and spoke.
"No, I didn't bring lunch today. I'm going to buy some cheeseburgers. Oh, by the way, this is Hanako; I play a game with her. Hanako, this is Sylphie, a friend."
Not really a friend, but at school, I have to pretend we're close to keep people from messing with her.
"N-nice to meet you."
Sylphie extended her hand, and Hanako shook it.
"Pleasure's mine, Sylphie!"
I'm out.
I continued on my way, but both of them started walking beside me… Ugh, I won't enjoy my burgers as much now.
"I've seen you two together a lot. Are you dating?"
"N-n-no, w-we're just friends!"
"And I'm not into romance. I'd rather stay single forever so I don't risk getting cheated on. I think reading too many drama novels really affected me."
"You don't want to date anyone because you're afraid of being cheated on?" Hanako said.
"Yeah. I'd rather avoid the risk and stay single. If I'm single, I don't have to support a wife or kids. More money for me, and with more money, I can have more fun. You know, go on vacations, visit places, etc."
"And… don't you want to have a family? A solitary life can be… you know… boring," Sylphie said.
"Hmm… Yeah… I guess so. I'd like to have a family like the one I had. Find a loyal wife and have one or two kids, but like I said, I'm scared of being cheated on. Maybe I'll change my mind about relationships in the future, but right now, I'm not interested. Plus, I've never fallen in love or liked a girl. I'm not gay, so it's not that. All the stuff about sex and kissing interests me, so I'm not the type who avoids that either. I think I just haven't found the right girl… or guy. I'm not into guys, but you never know what could happen in the future. Have you two ever been in love?"
"Yeah, once, but he turned out to be a complete jerk," Hanako said.
Ugh… Better not think about that.
"I-I… Uh… W-well… I've never been in love or liked anyone. I've never had time for that," Sylphie said.
Thankfully, we reached the cafeteria. Time to get my cheeseburgers.
I went to the cashier and pulled out my student card.
"Three cheeseburgers. Sylphie, Hanako, order what you want; I'm in a good mood today."
"Sorry, we're out."
"Oh…"
I'm not in such a good mood anymore.
"Hahahahaha! Poor thing, you didn't make it. Come on, I'll give you a bite if you say, 'Please, master, give me.'"
The guy I plan to expel is mocking me. Fate really wants me to get him expelled, huh?
"Tch. Shut up, idiot, Saik would never say that."
Ignoring Hanako, I sat next to the guy. I just have to say that to eat? Easy.
"Please, master, give me."
I snatched the burger and took a big bite.
"H-hey, idiot, why are you taking my burger?!"
Am I in paradise? Triple meat, so much cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato… All the ingredients dancing in my mouth. I'll make a ton of these at home. I hope they turn out just as delicious, though my hands are smeared with cheese.
"It was worth saying that, though I didn't know you were into guys too. Don't get me wrong, I only said it to get a bite of your burger; I'm not into you. I respect your sexual orientation, but I'm into women."
His friends started laughing, turning the guy red with embarrassment.
"Are you mocking me, idiot?!"
"You're the one who told me to call you master; I'm just clarifying my intentions. But if you keep giving me delicious food, you might win my heart. I'm an easy guy when it comes to food."
Oh, I think it was a bad idea to say that in front of Sylphie and Hanako.
"Thanks for the bite."
I left his burger on his plate.
"You think I'll let you off that easily?!"
"Oh… You won't give up on me? You have to let me go; I'm straight, sorry. I have to reject your feelings for me."
His friends laughed even harder, even Hanako, and a bit of Sylphie, though she's hiding it by covering her mouth with her hand.
… Am I saying something funny? This guy's trying to win me over, right? Wasn't that a hint? Maybe I just misinterpreted his words.
Dad, I did what you told me. Why did I fail?
"Tch. You'll pay for this."
He left… He left… Oh…
"Hey, you forgot your food. Are you giving it to me?"
"Do whatever you want, I don't care!"
"Thanks."
I took his burger and walked away with the girls.
"That was amazing, Saik! You humiliated him!" Hanako said, patting me on the back.
"I was just clarifying that I'm straight."
Why do they say I humiliated him? I don't get it.
"S-Saik, be careful with him. He might try to hit you."
"He'll try after I get him expelled, so I'm already prepared."
"Y-you're planning to expel him?!"
"Fufu. How cruel. I like that. I want to help you!"
"I don't need help, Hanako, but thanks."
I took a bite of my burger.
Yeah… I've got everything planned.
"That burger looks delicious. Give me, give me!"
"I think I'll make burgers like these at home."
Sorry, Yuki, but this one's mine. I earned it.
"You can cook, Saik?" Hanako said.
"Truth is, I'm an excellent cook. It took me years… Well, months, but months full of effort."
"I'd love to try your food! Would you invite me to dinner?"
"Oh, sure. I have plenty of food."
"Yay! I'll bring drinks."
… Wait… Doesn't that sound like a date? I need to keep my distance; I don't want Naima to think I'm in a relationship with someone.
Sylphie looked down. She probably feels left out. Ugh, Noel, I really regret that promise.
"Hey, Sylphie, want to have burgers too? I have enough ingredients for everyone."
"Huh? S-sure! T-thank you so much!"
… Bloodlust? Again… I need to be prepared.
•
•
Lunchtime ended, and I returned to my seat.
Alright… Time to hear what my lovely informant has to say.
"Yuki."
"Just as I thought, he's just an idiot. He doesn't have anything planned, so we can act without worries."
"Class?"
"He's in class 2-C."
… He's in second year? Then why does he act like he doesn't know me?
… Acting… Hmm… Why doesn't a second-year student know me? I'm pretty sure the student council president warned them about me. Why does he dare to challenge me? Did the president tell him to, or is he just a complete idiot?
… No, I shouldn't act without knowing more.
I could ask Yuki for more help, but I think it'll be more interesting if I improvise a bit.
I stood up from my seat and headed to the door. The teacher walked in, but I don't care.
I passed by her and left the classroom.
"Where are you going, Saik?"
"To expel someone."
I need to be prepared.
"Yuki, did his phone make a sound when he took the photo?"
"Yeah, but it was really quiet."
"Loud enough for me to hear?"
"I think… I think so. If you'd been paying attention, you probably would've heard it."
I see.
"And how did he take the photo?"
"He discreetly pulled it out of his pocket a bit and took it."
If I had turned around, he would've quickly put his phone away and pretended he didn't do anything. If I had accused him, someone else would've had enough time to delete those photos from another phone using the cloud account. He would've proven his innocence, and I'd look bad… I see.
"Yuki, don't stop following him."
"On it!"
She left.
I recently learned that someone can delete photos from their phone without even using it if they're uploaded to the cloud. Taking the photo of Sylphie was a trap, one I didn't fall for.
Now, alright, how can I get him expelled? I can't use his phone as evidence; someone else would delete the photos.
… No… I won't use ghosts; I'll do this on my own… Maybe… Yeah… I've got it.
"After all, I think the original plan will still go ahead."
But, just to be sure…
"Yuki, come back."
… Here she comes.
"Uwaaah! Kya!"
She crashed into me.
"Uwaaah! What was that?! My body just flew!"
"Sorry, but I need your help."
"Ahhhhh! Sometimes I forget you can control me at will! That was too rough!"
"Hey, Yuki, I want you to do something, but you need to be very, very careful. Got it?"
"For pastries, I'd even fight an alien barehanded. What do I need to do?"
"Take control of that guy's body."
I went to the garden and sat on a bench.
"Take control…? I don't know how to do that."
"I'll give you a bit of my power. You just need to pass your arm through his chest and say, 'I want to take this body.' You'll have two or three minutes, then you'll be ejected. He won't remember anything, so make sure to lie down and pretend to sleep. When you leave, he'll fall asleep."
"Wow. This'll be my first time taking a body! Awesome! What do I do once I have his body?"
"First, tell me, is his teacher a man or a woman?"
"Woman."
"Where does he sit?"
"At the back of the second row."
"Does he have girls in front of him and beside him?"
"Yeah."
"Perfect."
Couldn't be more perfect.
"Before taking his body, wait until he uses his phone. Memorize his password, then take his body."
"Got it!"
"And then you'll need to sexually harass the girls."
"Huh?"
•
•
Yuki left, and I'm lying on the bench, looking at the blue sky. I feel a gaze on me, and I recognize that gaze.
The president. She's probably wondering what I'm planning. Even the most unpredictable people can do predictable things. If the phone plan failed, that guy would do more stupid things to make me angry. If he hits me, I won't be able to accuse him, since he'd only hit me in a situation that favors him. I won't be able to record a video this time either, since they'd surely notice. Using a hidden camera in my clothes would be excessive, but I'm also sure they'd notice. The president is careful; she'd even use devices to detect hidden tech in my clothes. It sounds excessive, but she's the daughter of a car company president; she has plenty of money. Thinking she'd buy something like that to ensure my expulsion doesn't sound far-fetched.
But my plan is simpler, and I know that pervert will play along.
"Oh, I'm bored… 30, 31, 32. Ugh, counting bores me more."
"Done! And yeah, I didn't do anything stupid. I wrote as if it were you," Number 31 said, giving a thumbs-up.
I can't use the powers of the legendary ghosts, but I can still talk to them and bring them out of my body.
"Should I go back to the classroom? Yes or no?"
I have to talk like this; I don't know if the president can hear me with some device.
"Yes, they agreed to help you, but on the condition of a protection point for each. Well, Ludius agreed to help you for free, but I know you won't accept his help without giving him something."
Perfect.
Naima, thank you. Ludius, you're a good classmate… Well, I think that's all I have to say… Think… Whatever.
"I'm thirsty."
I got up from the bench and started walking toward where the president is. She didn't hide. I see. She's not even pretending she wasn't spying on me. Does she want to tell me something?
"Hi, Saik. How was your weekend?"
Well… I guess I got my face smashed again, considering I had to modify even my own memories.
Oh, right, I shouldn't think about that.
"Leaving aside that a bear almost killed me, I guess it was a pretty enjoyable weekend in my opinion, though I would've preferred staying home and sleeping. I had to sacrifice my weekend to get my classmates to study. How was your weekend? Did you manage to manipulate someone important into licking your shoes?"
"Fufu. Do you see me as a dictator?"
"Nope, but you're a manipulative person, and I don't need to investigate you to confirm it. You could even be manipulating me right now. I'd love to know what you're thinking. Are you one of those people who's always analyzing their surroundings and the people around them?"
"I'd say I just like knowing the chess pieces."
"And that confirms you're a manipulative person; you even see us as mere chess pieces you move to your convenience. Unfortunately, I'm not a piece; I'm a player. A player who can play the same way you do."
"I admit you're one of the few I can't fully read. In the special test, I want you to prove your words aren't exaggerations."
She extended her hand.
"My weekend was normal; I spent it reading and studying advanced books."
I got sleepy just imagining that's normal for her. Even though it's normal for me too, I think she enjoys it, and for me, it's torture.
I shook her hand.
"Let's make a bet. If I win, I want you to join the student council."
"No thanks, I'm 95% sure I'll lose against you. I'll use the special test just to get to know you better. I'm not naive enough to think I can beat you without knowing you."
"Well, well. So you decided to participate knowing that? Is it worth spending a protection point?"
"I have plenty of positive points, and spending them this way is totally worth it."
"I see. Fufu. I wasn't wrong about you. It almost makes me want to fail just to stay in school another year."
"Whatever, I need to get back to my classroom. I skipped a class just because I was sleepy."
"See you soon."
She waved goodbye with a smile and walked away.
… Well, well. I really like her. Smart, manipulative, and not naive at all. I love girls like her. Unfortunately, Naima's in my heart now, so I need to stop thinking about other girls.
Joking aside, the president is a dangerous opponent. During the special tests, I'll need to stay alert for any threats. On the island, I'll be safe; they'll monitor us, and I doubt the school is corrupt. No one will be able to leave the assigned area, so Naima and I will be safe. The chances of cheating are very, very low, so I think it's impossible for anyone to be expelled. I think only in the Capital is there that danger, but only for lazy students who don't want to work.
Since there are very few chances of expulsions, the school organized an additional special test to ensure expulsions. From what I saw, only me and a student from class 1-E are participating from first year, three students from second year, and five from third year.
The others don't interest me; only the president does, the representative of class 3-A.
Oh, I made it to my classroom just in time. I walked in and made eye contact with the teacher. She didn't say anything, so I returned to my seat and pulled out my notebook. Back to my school life.
•
•
(POV - Yuki)
"Say you love it! Say it!"
"Yes, I love it! You're so much better than my husband! Keep going, please!"
… I really don't know how to feel about this… Gross!!
I backed away and left the classroom… What kind of person watches porn in the classroom?! That guy's sick! I'll tell Saik to beat him up!
Ugh! So gross!
And even though he was using earphones, you could hear it a bit! Was I the only one who heard it because I was close, or did others hear it too? Whatever! That guy's sick! And he's into cheating. Only sick people get turned on by that!
"Saik, I want you to beat him up!"
Tch. I'd better wash my face… Oh, right, I can't touch anything… Hehe. I'll go spy on the girls. Maybe I'll find out something.
All the students are in class… Hmm… Yay! One class is at the pool… Wow… Wow! That girl's huge! Though she's pretty flat. How tall is she? 1.80? Maybe taller. I think Saik's 1.75, but they might be the same height… No, the girl's taller.
Wow… I wonder how tall I'd be if I hadn't died. My mom was 1.69. Would I be the same?
"You like that guy…? What's his name…? Saik? Seriously?"
Huh? Could it be…? This scenario… Is it possible…?!
"W-well… D-don't you think it's cool that he managed to get two third-year students expelled? And his hair… I-I know he doesn't comb it, but his hair looks so soft."
… A girl speaking well of Saik?! Ahhhhh! The end of the world is coming! This isn't a drill!
"Oh, your tastes are so weird, Paola."
"L-let's not talk about that! D-did you do the math homework?"
"Changing the subject because you're dying of embarrassment, huh? So why'd you tell me?"
"I-I… I want to be his friend! But I don't know how to approach him."
"I see… We'll talk about it later; the teacher's here."
… Oh… Oh… Ohhhhh! You can't leave me hanging like that! I need the full gossip!
Saik caught a tall girl's attention… How will he react? Knowing him, he won't care and will ignore her. Cruel, but it's the truth.
•
•
(POV - Saik)
I grabbed my stuff and left. I need to go to the library and play dumb for at least a few minutes.
"Saik! I didn't understand the last thing the teacher said. Can you help me?"
"Oh, sure, Sylphie. I was just heading to the library. Let's go."
I don't need to stay long; I'll explain it briefly, and I'm done.
•
•
While Saik and Sylphie were in the library reviewing the last class topic, Naima and Ludius were by the school exit, talking to each other… Or so it seemed, as they were only discussing the latest assignment. In other words, they were just killing time.
"Yeah, I want to ask Saik to explain that last part to me; I try, but it just doesn't stick in my head."
"Does he really teach well?"
"Pretty well. I think his mom taught him how to study. I heard his mom was a prodigy or something."
"I hope he's just as good at teaching training. I need to get rid of some extra fat."
"Don't you go to a gym?"
"I don't have money, you know that."
"Oh, right… How are your younger siblings doing?"
"Good, thanks… Oh, there he comes… Shit, I can't believe I'm doing this."
"You know my situation, so there's no risk of this getting out."
"Yeah, I know… Tch. I already told you no!"
The guy walked past them and moved away.
"Come on, the art room 1 is still empty; we need to take advantage. Doesn't it turn you on to do it at school?"
The guy's ear twitched at that last part, and he stopped.
Naima and Ludius were on the other side of the wall, so they kept acting, unaware if he was actually listening.
"Just five minutes. Admit it, you want it too."
"… You got protection?"
"Fufu. Let's go."
Ludius took her hand, and they started walking toward the school. They went inside, and the guy grinned lustfully.
"If I record them, I can blackmail her," he thought maliciously.
And so, he fell right into Saik's trap.
•
•
Ludius and Naima were sitting by the door of art room 1, waiting for the guy.
"Tch. Damn it, I hope this is worth it."
Ludius started clapping in a certain rhythm to make it sound like they were having sex, and Naima, full of embarrassment, pretended to moan.
"N-not so hard! They'll hear us!"
"Hehe. Your face is red," Ludius whispered.
"S-shut up! You better not tell anyone about this."
They kept pretending until the door suddenly opened.
"Got you, perverts…! Huh?"
The guy walked in, recording a video with his phone, but he didn't find what he expected.
Ludius kept clapping and smiled at the camera.
"Behind you."
The guy felt a chill and turned around.
Saik was behind him and kicked his legs. He took his phone, and the guy fell to the floor.
"Now let's see what this pervert's got."
•
•
(POV - Saik)
Well, well. It really worked. I hope he didn't notice the photos Yuki took.
"Give it back!"
He tried to get up, but Naima grabbed his arms and put her knee on his back.
"Shut up, your voice is annoying!"
… Did I just feel jealous? It's the first time I've felt that… Ugh, better not think about it.
I kept looking for the photos.
"Hmm… No, the photo of Sylphie isn't here, but I found a lot of his classmates, as well as… Oh… A lot of pornographic videos… Oh…"
This video is… Wow… This makes things easier.
The teacher approached me. She arrived just in time.
"Alright, I'm here. And you better have an explanation for this."
"They stole my phone! I demand you give it back!"
"This is your phone? You sure?" I said.
"Of course it's mine! It's mine! Give it to me!"
"I see… Teacher, this morning, I caught this guy taking inappropriate photos of Sylphie while she wasn't aware. I suspected he was a pervert by the way he looked at women, so I set this trap to see what's on his phone… And it's more disgusting than I imagined. See for yourself."
I handed her the phone, and the teacher started looking through the content.
"T-this is illegal! I'll sue you! I have my rights! You can't look through my phone!"
"T-this is… This girl can't be older than… I'm calling the police."
Yeah… You're sick.
This guy had two phones: the one he was going to use to trap me, and his private phone. Yuki confirmed it when she told me the phone he had was different from the one this morning. Thanks to that, we could proceed with the plan without changes, though I was surprised he had that illegal material… Ugh… No… I won't think about that. It's not worth remembering the past right now.
•
•
While the police took the guy away, I was looking at my phone. 27,158 points left after that purchase… Ugh, I feel poorer every day.
At least I managed to send a message to the president. It won't be so easy to expel me.
"Thanks for the protection point, Saik, but it really wasn't necessary."
"Hey, Ludius, you've been saying that for over five minutes. No, I'm not taking it back. It's payment. Naima got her payment, you got yours, a pedophile got expelled, and now the school's a better place. A happy ending for everyone… Well, except for me, who just lost 25,000 positive points."
Ugh, protection points are really expensive.
"Let's go, it's getting late," Ludius said.
"I've wasted enough time; I'm going home."
She left without saying goodbye. Ugh, so cold. I like it.
"I'm going to talk to a certain someone who's spying on us. See you tomorrow, Ludius."
"See you tomorrow."
The president's outside the school, watching me. I approached her, and she smiled.
"I should've known you'd figure out my trap. I admit I was a bit surprised."
"It didn't go as planned, but the result was the same."
Originally, I was going to threaten to expose the school on my social media account, saying the school protects sexual harassers, and I'd have the photos Yuki took as proof. The school would've had no choice but to expel him. But that wasn't necessary. That guy had a video that was far too illegal. Keeping that on his phone will guarantee him many years in jail. He's 18, I think. I heard they might try him as an adult.
"You planned for me to steal his phone, and someone else would delete Sylphie's photos from the cloud to make me look ridiculous, right?"
"Fufu. Yes, exactly what you said. Did you really see through that just by hearing the camera sound?"
"What kind of idiot would take a photo of a girl without turning off the sound?"
"Exactly. Thanks for expelling him for me."
"For you?"
"That pervert was a problem that needed to be dealt with."
"You used him to get me to expel him?"
"Either you looked ridiculous, or he was expelled. It was a win-win, though I admit I was really surprised by what you did. You're worthy of my attention."
"Did you know about the second phone?"
"Of course, it was pretty obvious someone like him would have two phones. The way you got his attention and lured him to an empty classroom to take his phone. Forcing him to use his more important phone… Wow. You really like taking risks, huh? If he had used the fake one, the scenario would've been different. How were you sure he'd use the main phone?"
"Would you keep your blackmail material on a secondary phone? Plus, considering you or someone else had his cloud account, he couldn't risk using that phone."
"That's why I promised him a protection point if he helped me make you look ridiculous. He gave me his cloud account, increasing the chances he'd use his main phone. You're welcome, by the way."
"… You know, you're more interesting than I thought."
"Fufu. Thanks. See you tomorrow, Saik."
She walked away and got into her car… She used that guy to get me to expel him… She knew I'd be capable of expelling him… Did she really foresee this outcome?
"I think you're starting to scare me, president."
Was it a good idea to challenge someone like her? I don't know.
(Epilogue)
I got home and placed some candies on my parents' small altar. I clasped my hands and closed my eyes.
"Please accept this offering."
I opened my eyes and sighed.
"I'm home."
Yuki will be here soon; I'd better start making dinner.
While preparing dinner, I couldn't help but think about what happened today… A pedophile in the school… It really… didn't affect me… I'm really not human, am I?
My dad wasn't a very masculine man; quite the opposite, he was considered cute and lovable. My mom was the opposite; she was beautiful, a walking beauty. But despite their appearances not being normal, their personalities were. They were normal people who felt empathy for others. I was raised by them. Why am I so cold and selfish? I don't know.
"But I'd better not dwell on that."
After an hour, dinner's ready. Burgers with melted cheese on top.
"Smells delicious, Saik!"
"Where were you?"
"Fufu. I found out a girl's got a crush on you! I was spying on her to learn more. She's in second year, class A."
"Oh, I'd rather stop getting involved with more people. Sylphie's enough."
My solitary school life is slowly disappearing. Ludius, Ram, Bell, Evelyn, Naok… More and more people are approaching me, and I'm getting tired.
And the only person I want to talk to ignores me. Naima… But on the island, I'll make my move. I'll make Naima fall for me with my limited personality, and if that's not enough, I'll use my looks. That'll be my ace up my sleeve, though I know it won't work on someone like Naima.
•
•
While Saik and Yuki enjoyed a delicious dinner, Hanako was watching Sylphie from a distance, a wide smile on her face.
"Yes… We're almost there."
She pulled a golden orb from her pocket and looked at it.
"Yes… 78%… Just a little more."
(Extra - Legendary Ghost Number 10, the Ghost of Trust)
(POV - Saik, 6 years old)
Fufu. I wonder if I can use the legendary ghosts to do a full swing on the swing. That'd be awesome!
The park is full of kids, and since it's a park far from my house, no one knows me! I can play with everyone without fear of being rejected for being weird.
I jumped and landed on the ground. Perfect landing! Now, alright…
"Why am I here?"
"You forgot?! The wielder of Legendary Ghost Number 10 is here; you need to find them!"
Oh, right, Number 1. Number 7 found them in this park. They said they were weak, so I shouldn't worry.
"Hey, kid, want some candy?"
Yuck. I don't like… candy… Ahhhhh! My mom warned me about perverts who lure kids with candy! I need to kill him!
"Accept, Saik."
"Sure, give me."
Number 1 told me to accept; they must have their reasons.
The man gave it to me, and I put it in my mouth… Oh…
"I'm holding the candy so it doesn't touch your mouth. Pretend to savor it."
I pretended to savor the candy, though I don't feel it in my mouth.
"Drugs, huh? Let me analyze it… Hmm… Yeah, I recognize it. Do what I'm about to tell you."
… Oh… Did he really try to drug me? This guy's as good as dead.
"It's delicious! Give me more, please!"
"Of course, come with me."
Yeah, I'll wipe that smile off your face soon, sicko.
He took me to his car.
"I have more at my house; it's close."
"Let's go!"
I got in his car, and he drove me to his house.
We went inside, and he immediately tried to hit me on the head. Number 1 and Number 4 came out of my body and grabbed his arms.
"Huh?! Ghosts?!"
"… I smell… blood. Stay here."
"Wait, stop!"
"Shut up."
Number 7 came out and covered his mouth.
"You'll die soon, you damn sicko."
I activated my Shadow form.
I entered a room… Oh.
"Hmmph!"
… Using the power of his legendary ghost to lure young kids and… And…
…
…
…
Are my eyes… crying? My legs are trembling with fear… Does this really happen?
"Why would God allow this?"
Adults should have sex with adults, not with… Not with young kids.
… This country is small… The world is huge… And right now, some innocent child is being violated by some sicko… The cruel reality scares me.
"Number 2, come out."
She came out of my body.
"What do you want…? Huh?!"
She fell to the floor and started crying too.
"W-who did this…? Was it you?!"
"The culprit's outside the room, being held by Number 1 and Number 4… Please, free the kids and call the police in an hour. Don't let them leave. I don't think I can stay here any longer."
I left the room and saw Number 4 mercilessly ripping the man's nails off. A rather satisfying sight for me.
"So, you like doing perverted things with little kids?"
"Saik, what do we do?" Number 1 said.
"Number 4, you can torture him for an hour, have fun. Number 1, make sure he keeps his mouth shut."
"Fufu. It'll be a pleasure," Number 4 said, shoving her thumb into the man's left eye, destroying it.
The man tries to scream, but he can't… It's really satisfying to watch.
"Hope you've got stuff for a sandwich."
I went to the kitchen and started vomiting… I can't get what I saw out of my head… I… Oh… I don't know what to think about this… What should I do?
"I don't want to keep thinking about this."
… If I keep thinking about these things, I won't be able to sleep peacefully… This happens all over the world, and I can't do anything to stop it… I just… I just have to accept reality.
Accept reality and move on with my life. I won't think about this anymore… I won't.
After that, Number 4 finished killing the man, and I absorbed Legendary Ghost Number 10.
"The police are coming… By the way, are you okay?" Number 2 said.
"Honestly… I don't know… This world is crueler than it seems."
"Says the one who killed a poor kid with Down syndrome. Don't try to act like you have feelings, monster."
"He died because he was weak. If you had taught him to protect himself, he'd still be alive."
"You didn't know him, shut up!"
"And you don't know me either, idiot! Do you think I enjoy this?! I don't! I'd rather be at home, sleeping or playing video games, than here!"
"Then go, go enjoy your damn childhood, idiot."
"… I can't. I just can't… Let's stop talking about this; the police are here."
The police entered the house and saw the man's body. I left a note on his body, which they read. I wrote what he did and why I killed him. I posed as the father of one of his victims.
I left through the door. They can't see me, so I'm safe.
I just want to get home and hug my parents… I just… I just need to see them to feel okay.
Ten legendary ghosts under my power, ninety to go.
(Author's Note: Sixth volume finished. Send your comments via my Twitter: @HectorAngelAlv2. Thanks for reading.)