**CHAPTER 52 - Second Special Test. Part 2.**
**(Pov - Saik.)**
Done... The first chapter is published. Now to wait for the hearts.
I'm pretty satisfied with the final result. Surely everyone will hate the protagonist's wife, and unlike the NTR stories out there on the internet, the protagonist *will* take revenge and won't accept his wife sleeping with another man.
I did my research on that topic to realistically portray the pain someone feels when betrayed by the person they loved, but the results were disgusting and disappointing. In most stories, the protagonist never finds out that his girlfriend or wife is cheating on him, and they even hide the fact that the baby the woman had belongs to another man, making the protagonist think it's his child. And when the protagonist does find out about the infidelity, he doesn't get angry—he gets *aroused*. Does that make any sense? Not at all. Even Number 31 told me that's just done to excite readers, but in real life, only idiots and losers would forgive infidelity.
What kind of person forgives infidelity and even asks to watch another man sleep with their wife? It's not just pathetic and disgusting—it's painfully embarrassing.
Personally, if that happens to me, if my girlfriend cheats on me with another man, I'd probably end up killing them both, but not before using my most repulsive legendary ghosts to publicly humiliate the man who stole my girlfriend.
Oh, that reminds me of the few stories where the protagonist *does* take revenge on their partner.
The realistic thing would be to abandon that woman and move on with your life. The less realistic but more satisfying option would be to expose the woman by posting videos of her infidelity, branding her as an easy woman. That's not realistic, though, since it would be a crime. Posting intimate videos of someone else is illegal, which brings me to the next unrealistic but equally satisfying revenge. If the protagonist is handsome, he could use his looks to win over the mother or sister of the man sleeping with his wife, or even the mother or sister of his wife. But if the protagonist is less endowed or unattractive, the only option is to end the relationship and move on.
NTR stories gave me so much secondhand embarrassment and confusion. In many scenes, it was painfully obvious that the woman was cheating on her boyfriend or husband, but he didn't notice. It's just stupid.
I compiled stories with protagonists who took revenge to study how they did it and replicate it. I suggested to Number 31 that since the protagonist is a man who will be faithful to his new love, we should add a new character—a handsome man who wins over the hearts of the important people in the hero's wives' lives and forms his own harem with their relatives, maybe even seducing some of the hero's wives and sleeping with them while the hero is busy training.
Number 31 liked the idea and added a character who's like the protagonist's son, created from his own blood, like a homunculus, and made him a perfect man capable of winning any heart.
This story is full of NTR scenes, but only with secondary characters. In the main storyline, it's just about how a Demon King and his maid fall in love. No NTR. Number 31 hates NTR, and honestly, I don't care much for it either—it just makes me cringe. Plus, I'm not at risk of being cheated on. If I get a girlfriend, I can use one of my legendary ghosts to detect if she kisses or sleeps with another man. If that happens, I'll kill the guy and end the relationship.
But personally, I don't think I'll ever be cheated on. Why? Because I'm in love with Naima, a girl who's unlikely to be blackmailed. I can protect her from blackmail. And if someone tries to assault her, I can save her too. The only way she could cheat on me is if she falls in love with another man. If that happens, I'd have to let her go—after all, it's her life, her choice.
Oh, I'm thinking about this when we're not even friends. If Naima sleeps with another man or gets a boyfriend, I have no right to complain since we're not even friends right now. That's why I need to work hard to win her heart. I'd really love to go on dates with her and experience that famous "teenage love." Walking to school together, eating together, going to the movies or out to eat, blah, blah, blah. Things that would bore me with anyone else, but with Naima, I'd do them happily.
And while I was lost in my thoughts, the president was reading the chapter I drew.
"Well, well. I'm impressed by how fast you draw, Saik."
"Once you master anatomy and your own style, drawing is easy."
I understand that this social media platform allows pornographic content, so I didn't censor the infidelity scenes with the wife. Number 31 designed the hero to be a classic isekai protagonist: shy, a bit cowardly, and handsome. I understand the last part isn't exactly classic, but it was added to make the protagonist feel inferior to the hero, fueling his hatred.
Number 31 took more than enough time to develop the romance between the protagonist and his maid. Five volumes of buildup, and in the sixth volume, the protagonist confesses to her. A sweet love confession when he rescues her. She became powerful thanks to the protagonist, who, due to certain events, decided to train her so she could protect herself and avoid death. She confronted the hero, who was about to kill the protagonist, who was on the brink of death. She was about to die, which intensified the protagonist's hatred for the hero, and thanks to that hatred boosting his power, he became ultra-mega-powerful and saved his beloved. He told her he loved her and didn't want to lose her. She said she loved him too, and they kissed passionately. The protagonist shared some of his power with her, and together they defeated the hero, who was condemned to be raped and tortured for eternity in hell, along with his 10 wives, 7 daughters, and 3 sons, while the protagonist started his new life with his beloved wife.
It ends with the birth of their baby, while the world was ruled by the protagonist's good friend, the Demon King.
A fatal ending for humans, a good ending for the protagonist.
"Hmm... Wow... This hero has a pretty sad backstory, huh? Is he supposed to be the villain? Considering he didn't know she was married, I can't hate him."
"The villain is supposed to be the protagonist himself. I'm not trying to make the hero seem like the villain."
Number 31 thought an arrogant and annoying hero was too predictable, so he made the hero a genuinely kind and good person.
"The artwork is pretty good, I'll admit. I really hated the protagonist's wife. I'm looking forward to the next chapter."
"Fufu! And what the wife does next is even worse! Hahahahaha!" said Number 31, emerging from me.
She's referring to when the wife sleeps with a king to gain support the hero needed, but he never found out, and she keeps sleeping with the king because he gives her expensive and rare items. In short, she's a character who only cares about money and power, which is why she abandoned her poor husband without hesitation.
"Thanks, but I won't be able to update since I'll be on the island. You can read the novel, but I don't know if you'll be able to use your phone where you are."
"There's a novel? Give me the link."
Number 31 wrote the novel on paper but digitized it in one night when I decided to draw it.
Oh, I hope I start earning money from this soon. I suspect my expenses will increase in the future; I need money.
I paid for school in advance for these three years, but I haven't considered extra expenses, like school trips. I got lucky this time, but I don't know if the other trips will be free.
"Hmm... Hey, Saik. What do your followers mean when they say you should post a shirtless picture again? Did you already post one?"
"Yeah, but I regretted it, so I deleted it."
"I see. That's a shame. The picture you have with Sylphie is really cute. You're pretty handsome when you style your hair."
"My heart belongs to video games and food, so don't fall for me."
"I'm forbidden from falling in love with anyone, so you're safe, don't worry."
Wow... I sense it's about some arranged marriage. It's very common among rich families. I know from personal experience.
The man who marries her will be very lucky. It's not hard for me to admit how amazing the president is, both as a student and as a person in general. Personally, if I hadn't been interested in Naima, I would've fallen for the president. She's much better than Naima in many ways, but I still prefer Naima. Love is so weird, huh? No wonder my parents were so mushy and lustful. I had to kill the disgusting perverted ghosts that entered the house at night to spy on my parents having sex.
With all the disgust in the world, I guarded the door to kill them and prevent them from watching my parents. I didn't hear them because I turned off my own hearing, but knowing they were having sex made me really uncomfortable.
Oh, I changed the subject. Imagining myself being mushy with Naima makes my heart race, and I get a little nervous. Is love changing me? This is the first time I've felt this way. I don't hate this feeling—on the contrary, I like it a lot.
Naima, will you ever fall in love with someone like me?
"Saik, want to play cards?" said Sylphie, who was behind me.
Oh, a card game... How do you play?
I looked Number 31 in the eyes, who was keeping an eye on the president.
"You don't know how to play cards? I'll teach you, darling!"
And as always, she knows my intentions just by looking at me.
I put my knees on the seat to play with Sylphie.
She was in front of me, sitting, looking at me. She tries to look away but forces herself not to.
"W-want to start?" she said, offering me the deck.
"I'll play too," said the president.
I started feeling the stares of the students on the bus. Yeah, I know what they're thinking. Why is the president playing with mere first-year students? From the stories I've heard, all the students who dared to challenge her have either been expelled or given up and are now her minions.
I'm currently the only student who's become a challenge for her. She's getting close to me to analyze me, and to do that, she needs to understand how I think and act.
I don't think the president is playing with us for fun.
...Chocolate? It smells like chocolate. Maybe...
Taking advantage of my hair covering my eyes, I glanced at Naima, who was talking with her friends while eating the chocolate I gave her.
She didn't throw it away... Wow... I feel really good about that.
"Saik, deal."
"Oh, right."
Naima... will you consider me a friend after the special test? I hope so.
"Oh, y-yes, here, Saik."
Sylphie took a sandwich out of her backpack.
"My mom made an extra one. W-want it?"
Why is she lying to me? She made the sandwich; I can tell.
Did she put poison or a laxative in it? Sylphie, I didn't expect this betrayal from you. Have you joined Akito's side?
When we get off the bus, I'll tell the teacher I want to switch classes. I need to analyze the contents to see if I'm right.
"Thank you so much. I'll take it gladly."
I took the sandwich... Oh... Our hands touched, and Sylphie quickly pulled hers away. Why did she get embarrassed? Is my hand dirty? It looks pretty clean to me.
Whatever... Hmm... I don't sense anything weird in the sandwich... No bad vibes.
Even though I can't use my legendary ghosts, my intuition has never failed me. It's a normal sandwich. Why did Sylphie lie?
Oh, women are so weird.
I dealt the cards from the deck and took a bite of the sandwich.
Wow, it's delicious. Double cheese, huh? And the amount of lettuce is perfect.
"Tell your mom I said thanks, Sylphie. The taste of homemade food made by a mom is something I've missed a lot, though it tastes a bit different from a mom's cooking, or at least it doesn't give me that vibe. Anyway, it's delicious. Thanks for sharing it with me."
"Thank you so much, Saik!"
Oh, Sylphie's smile is pretty adorable. I drew a... Oh, I didn't draw anything. Who stole my chocolate?
"Mmm? What's wrong, darling?"
Number 31 stole my chocolate and is eating it under the seat. Aren't there security cameras? Well, Number 31 may be a pervert and a sexual harasser, but she's not stupid at all. If she decided to steal my chocolate, it means there's no danger. Still, she left me without my only chocolate. All I have left is my emergency lollipop.
With all the pain in my fragile and sensitive heart, I took out the lollipop and offered it to Sylphie.
"Here."
"T-thanks."
Goodbye, lollipop that was probably going to be delicious. I'll miss you.
Well, I'll keep playing.
•
•
**(Pov - Yuki.)**
The wind in my face feels amazing! Is this what it's like to travel on top of a bus?! Awesome!
Yeah, I admit, I'd rather still be alive, but being a ghost isn't so bad! Well, it would be awful if I were a normal ghost who couldn't touch anything, but thanks to Saik, I can touch objects and eat delicious food! It's practically like I'm still alive, with the only downside being that living people can't see me.
I could even be a superhero! But considering that if I did that, they might discover Saik and take him away from me, I'll have to forget about being a vigilante hero.
Wait... I smell the sea! We're close! Yippee, my first boat trip!
I feel like a snooty rich girl. Hehe. I'm poor, but I'll travel for free!
Hmm... What's Saik doing? Knowing his antisocial side, he's probably sleeping or watching videos on his phone.
Let's see...
I stuck my head through the bus roof... Wow... Saik is playing cards with Sylphie and the president?! Who are you, and what have you done to my cute Saik?!
Joking aside, is Saik actually socializing?! The end of the world is near!
"That plan sounds too cruel; I don't think he deserves it."
Huh? A cruel plan?
The trio of idiots led by Naima is talking about a plan, but they're whispering. What are they planning?
I went down and started floating above them.
"Are you with me or not? Are you going to help me?" said Reiko.
You don't know how much I hate you, Reiko.
"I have nothing against him, so I won't help you," said Naima.
"Him"? Are they talking about Saik?!
"You seriously like him just because he gives you candy?" said Yesei.
Oh... They *are* talking about Saik! Damn them! My mom taught me self-defense when I was alive; they'll regret messing with my best friend...! Argh! That's right, I can't touch them! But one day, I'll punch them!
"He doesn't 'like' me, but I don't want to make an enemy out of him either. After what he did to two third-year students and the student he got expelled yesterday, it's clear how dangerous he can be. Didn't you read the group chat? Saik got a student expelled just by hearing a phone camera. I don't recommend doing that."
Naima, I still hate you with all my heart, but you're really smart! Saik isn't a genius when it comes to academics, but he's incredible at creating strategies with the few resources available to him! Plus, he has me, a beautiful ghost girl who can spy on his enemies and help him get his way! In short, we're invincible! No one will ever defeat Saik! Muahahahaha!
"I lost."
Huh?
Ignoring these idiots, I approached Saik.
"Fufu. That's my fifth win in a row, Saik. I thought you'd be an expert at a simple card game. Was what happened with Kirimo just luck? I doubt it."
"I haven't won because my chivalrous side prevents me from beating a lady, president. Even if I want to win, I'm so chivalrous I can't help but let myself lose."
"Are you seriously going with that excuse?"
"You don't believe me? Let's play another round. If I win, you'll give me that cupcake you have stashed in your backpack. I saw it when you put your phone away."
"And what do I get?"
"If you win, I'll join the student council. By the way, Sylphie, if you win, the president and I will owe you a favor. Deal?"
"Well, well. I'm in," said the president, smiling.
"Saik, are you sure?"
"I want that cupcake, so yeah, I'm sure."
"I hope you're not lying to me. Sylphie, you deal."
"Y-yes."
I got closer to Saik. I mean, this isn't normal. Why take such a big risk?
"Saik, are you sure? Were you really pretending not to know how to play?"
"Trap..."
Trap...? Oh, cheat. We're going to cheat!
"I think I'll add a trap to one of my stories... Oh, I'm getting distracted."
"Fufu. Want to cheat?"
"Yeah, I think that could work. Traps are pretty popular these days."
"I got the hint! Let's cheat!"
Hehe. Saik, you're a cheating genius!
Sylphie dealt the cards, and after swapping one of her cards, I told Saik what cards the president and Sylphie had.
Knowing his opponents' cards, Saik avoided the mistake of playing cards they needed, so the rest of the game was just about playing and holding onto the cards his opponents needed until the end.
Sylphie has a set of two down and still has six cards in hand. The president and Saik each have two sets down and three cards. The president has two fives and a six. Saik has two fours and a five. If Saik gets a four, he'll have to discard his five, and since Sylphie doesn't need it, the president will take it and be one card away from winning.
Saik avoided the mistake of discarding his five since he never needed it from the start, but now it's inevitable. Instead of losing, cheating just guaranteed he has the same chance of winning. Now it all depends on luck.
Sylphie draws a card, and it's... a four.
Sylphie doesn't need it, so Saik takes it, plays his fours, and discards the five. The president takes it, plays her cards, and discards the six. Now it's all up to luck.
Sylphie doesn't have a four or a five, so luck will decide the winner.
The game continues; there are five cards left in the deck.
It's the president's turn. She draws a card, and... it's a four! We won!
Phew, it came down to luck in the end.
"Well, well. I lost."
"Where's my prize?"
"Are you really going to take a cupcake from a poor girl who was looking forward to eating it and enjoying it with her friends?"
"You're a millionaire, so pity won't work. A bet's a bet. Pay up."
"Fufu. I really like that sadistic side of yours, Saik."
She took out the cupcake and handed it to Saik.
"Next time, don't be so chivalrous and play properly."
"Yes, madam."
"Ahem, ahem. Don't you think I deserve half the prize, accomplice?"
Wink, wink. Give it to me! It's a cupcake bought by a millionaire! It probably has gold as an ingredient!
"I'll save it for later."
"Thanks, Saik!"
I can't wait to taste it with all my being.
"Well, good night."
Huh? Did Saik put his head on the president's shoulder?
"You're pretty bold, huh, Saik?"
"I just need a pillow. Good night, president. Don't take advantage of me, or I'll report you for sexual harassment."
"I'm the one who should report you. Besides, don't fall asleep; we're almost there."
"Oh... Right... Well, I'll sleep on the cruise."
Are you seriously going to waste a cruise trip, Saik?!
Oh, right, Saik used to be rich; he's probably been on cruises before.
What were Saik's trips like? Did he meet weird ghosts? Are there ghost ships? So many possibilities. I need to know the answers!
"Saik, Saik, have you been on cruises before?! Are there ghost ships?! Have you seen amazing things on your trips thanks to your special power?! Tell me, tell me!"
"Now that I see the sea, I remember a story about a ghost ship my dad told me he saw on one of our family trips."
Ghost ships really exist?! I was joking!
"Was it a pirate ship?!"
"He said he saw a group of pirates, led by a pirate with a huge black beard and completely white, glowing eyes."
Ghost pirates?!
"So cool! I hope we can see them! Real pirates!"
It sounds so awesome!
"And do you believe in ghost pirates, Saik?" said the president.
Of course he believes in ghost pirates; he can see them!
"Not really, but it'd be cool to see one. Don't you think?"
"If they existed and I saw one, I'd probably end up dead. Pirates were known for their brutality."
"Yeah, true, they were dangerous... Very dangerous."
Ghost pirates... Ghost pirates!! If ghost pirates exist, do sea monsters exist too? I mean, ghosts exist, so it wouldn't be strange to imagine sea monsters do too.
Explorer Yuki will investigate the ocean floor! And I'm not afraid of any monster—I'm already dead, they can't kill or hurt me! Muahahaha!
...Oh... I forgot!
"President, it's your turn to deal."
"Saik, Saik, Naima and her friends are planning something to humiliate you! Give me the order, and I'll humiliate them for you!"
Saik shook his head. Why not?!
"They're our enemies; we need to strike first to gain the advantage, Captain Helmet Hair!"
He shook his head again. Argh! Saik, are you going to let...?! Wait... Saik's a guy who doesn't let himself be intimidated... He must have a plan! Sorry for doubting you, Captain Helmet Hair!
Just wait a bit longer, idiots! Saik will give you what you deserve!
•
•
"Well, well. Sister, I don't sense any energy from Saik. Our Goddess was right."
"Brother, what do we do? Follow orders?"
"Our Goddess wants him alive, so as long as we don't kill him, we won't get in trouble. Let's see how powerful he can be, even without using his legendary ghosts, sister."
"Should we use the Nature Golem, brother?"
"We'll use it, sister. Let's prepare it."
The twins were in the sky, watching the buses arrive at their destination.
They both nodded and vanished, leaving a threat hanging in the air.
•
•
When they got off the bus and saw the massive ship, Yuki was in shock.
"Mommy, Mommy! Look, a huge ship! Awesome!"
"Would you like to travel by ship, Yuki?"
"Yesh!"
"Maybe we'll go on a cruise to celebrate your 15th birthday."
"Yay! Thanks, Mommy!"
A very sweet but also sad memory flooded Yuki's mind as she saw the huge ship in front of her.
She wanted to cry but decided not to and kept smiling to avoid worrying her good friend.
"The ship is huge, Saik! Look, look, it even has a diving board! It probably has a pool! Exactly what you'd expect from a rich people's ship!"
Saik discreetly gave Yuki two pats on the head, and she looked at him curiously.
"Hiding your feelings isn't good, Yuki," Saik whispered.
Those words were enough to unleash Yuki's tears. She hugged him tightly, soaking Saik's shirt with her tears.
"My mom... Saik... Is my mom really a bad person?"
"I don't know."
Saik started walking, moving away from everyone while Yuki kept hugging him. He distanced himself so no one would see him whispering.
"Think about this. Maybe your mom was in that illegal business because she was being threatened, or maybe she wanted to give you a luxurious life she never had. One thing I'm sure of—she loved you when you were alive, and if she sees you again, even as a ghost, she'll still love you. You just need time to process the news... In a year, I'll take you to see your mom myself. Sound good?"
"What if she gets scared of me?"
"On the contrary, she'll probably think it's a miracle. She's lucky her daughter is a ghost. I wasn't so lucky with my parents—they went to paradise and didn't become ghosts. Don't waste the chance you have to see your mom, Yuki."
"Yeah... You're right... I'll show her how much I've grown!!"
"Well, only mentally. You're still an adorable little girl."
"Argh! I'm 15, I'm not a little girl!"
Yuki puffed out her cheeks, and Saik stroked them.
"You're adorable."
"S-stop treating me like a little girl!" she said, embarrassed, with a slight blush on her cheeks.
"Hey, idiot, come on, we need to gather; they're giving out our protection bracelets!! Stop wasting time and bring your butt over here!!" Naima shouted.
"Hey, Saik, don't let her humiliate you like that! Don't let her call you an idiot!"
Saik turned around and approached Naima.
"It doesn't matter."
•
•
**(Pov - Saik.)**
I joined Naima. From what I can see, everyone's with their respective partners. Ram and Sylphie are on the same team, so I won't worry about Sylphie. I highly doubt Ram wants to lose.
The teachers started handing out the protection bracelets. White bracelets. They're cute... Huh? Why did they give me a white one *and* a black one?
"What's the black one for?"
"You'll receive your instructions later."
Oh, it's probably about the extra special test I'll be facing. I see.
"You can put on the bracelets."
I put the bracelets on, one on each arm. Naima put hers on her left arm.
They're pretty comfortable, huh? Though I'm curious about the black bracelet. It has a small screen with the number 0. Is this a test to collect points or something?
"Pay attention! The next test will evaluate your...!"
Zzzzz. I'm bored. Here comes the classic teacher speech. Teamwork, blah, blah, blah. Effort is important because, blah, blah, blah.
I'd rather pinch Yuki's cheeks.
"Kya! That hurts! What are you doing?!"
So soft. Yuki's like a little cat; it's fun to tease her.
"For now, enjoy the cruise, which will last one day for students participating in the camp and Capital events. Those participating in the island events will get an extra day on the cruise."
More free food for me.
Now that I think about it, there's no one from second or third year here. Did they already board the ship? I got distracted talking to Yuki and didn't notice. Do they have a different test? I should've asked the president.
"That's not fair; we want an extra day on the cruise too!" said a random student whose name I'll probably never know, though I must admit his blond hair is nice.
"Those on the island will get an extra day on the cruise to compensate for the time they'll spend on an island," said one of the teachers.
"Come on, don't complain. At least we'll have a bathroom."
They both started laughing, and Naima couldn't help but smile.
"While they're struggling with work or tests to get food, we'll be enjoying the beach and a bathroom. It'll be a piece of cake. Don't you think, Helmet Hair?"
"Hey, only I can call him Helmet Hair!" said Yuki, who's face-to-face with Naima.
So close to her... I'm jealous.
"We'll also have to take tests and online classes, but yeah, it'll be relatively easier compared to the others."
At least for you. I'll have to face another special test and expel someone specific.
"Board the ship, and remember to follow the rules. We won't tolerate inappropriate behavior. The cabin lists will be sent to your emails; please check your cabins."
Let's see... I took out my phone and opened my email. How efficient, it's already here. I opened the list... Cabin number 34, with Jess from group 1-C, Kaeyko from group 1-A, and Slask... What a weird name. Slask from group 1-E. I only recognize Kaeyko from that list, though we've only talked once.
In other words, they're not acquaintances—they're strangers. They won't talk to me, and I won't talk to them. That means I'll be able to sleep without being bothered. I'll eat something and then go to sleep.
"Don't do anything stupid. I'm your partner in this test, so what you do affects me. Don't do anything dumb, or I'll hit you, got it?" said Naima, raising her fist.
Aggressive, huh? I like it.
"Yeah, don't worry, I won't do anything stupid, I promise. I just want to sleep. I don't think I'll do anything dumb on my way to bed."
"I hope not."
She left and boarded the ship with her friends.
But unfortunately, I couldn't keep my promise.
"You broke my leg, you damn savage!"
And I ended up in a situation where I'm now labeled as a woman-beater by the others.
As Reiko cried in pain, the students around me glared at me angrily, but I just yawned, not feeling bad about it.
"You're dumber than I thought, huh?"
**(Extra - Legendary Ghost Number 12, the Ghost of Depression.)**
**(Pov - Saik, 6 years old.)**
One day after obtaining legendary ghost number 11, I found my next target. Getting number 7 was the best thing that could've happened to me; thanks to her, I can find the owners of legendary ghosts with ease.
If any of the ghost hunters Number 1 mentioned before had found legendary ghost number 7, they could've tracked down the legendary ghosts they're so desperate to obtain.
Luckily, legendary ghost number 7 was on private property, making it hard to find. I really had... too much luck... Sometimes I think I'm having *too* much luck, but I'd rather not dwell on it.
Right in front of my eyes is the owner of legendary ghost number 12, praying at a shrine.
A very old woman, almost an elderly lady. Oh, this is the hard part of my job, but if I want to achieve my goal, I have to do it.
Number 4 came out of my body, took the knife I had hidden, and threw it, hitting her right behind the head. The woman's lifeless body fell to the ground... Wow, it really worked.
"The poison turned out better than I expected. I thought the instant effect was an exaggeration."
Quickly, I placed my hand on her back and captured legendary ghost number 12.
The side effects started kicking in, and my legs began to tremble.
"Hold on, Saik."
I know, Number 1, holding on is all I can do. After doing this 12 times, I'm getting used to the feeling, and considering my training is just as painful, getting used to pain is easier.
But I can't help crying. It hurts so much! But I can't show weakness... I have to be strong if I want to protect my parents.
"Saik, they're coming."
I immediately ran away from the scene without looking back.
"Who's...?"
"Don't talk, just keep running."
Why does he sound so worried? Who are we really escaping from?
Well, whatever. I got my twelfth legendary ghost. 12 legendary ghosts under my power, 88 to go.
•
•
"We lost the heat signature. The subject can change their body temperature and adapt to their surroundings."
"Our best agents lost the trail."
"The spiritual power confirms what we feared. Someone is capturing legendary ghosts, and they're succeeding."
The leader of the ghost hunter organization was looking at the woman's lifeless body. His gaze was filled with sadness, which turned into rage.
"Julia, for over 20 years, visited the shrine every day and prayed, hoping the gates of paradise would open for her to see her children again... But that subject not only stole her legendary ghost but also erased her soul... This... is unforgivable. It's unforgivable."
He walked away, a black aura surrounding him. Though it was smaller than Saik's, it was still significant.
"I'll take care of him."