CHAPTER 54 - Second Special Test. Part 4.
"That's all from me. It was a pleasure to have been your teacher."
As the teacher bid farewell to his students on the last day of classes, a 16-year-old Saik was playing with his phone, completely ignoring the teacher's words.
Everyone stood up to hug the teacher and say goodbye to him, as well as to their classmates, whom they might never see again after that day.
Saik also stood up, but to leave the classroom.
"Ugh, I hope the bus isn't full," he said tiredly.
"Saik, wait!"
A young Rossy caught up to him and started walking by his side.
"Why are you leaving so early? We're all going to celebrate the last day of classes. There'll be free food for you! Come on, idiot, I know you want to go; I can see it in your eyes."
"I don't want to; I'm in a bit of a hurry. The bus leaves in half an hour."
"The bus? Are you going on a trip?"
"Yeah, something like that."
"Yeah… I guess you need some time alone… Are you feeling okay now?"
"I don't feel bad or good, so that's a good thing. Bye."
"Yeah… Bye. See you in high school! Are you going to Orang school? If so, talk to me! I'm tired of having to force you to talk to me, you loner."
"You won't have to worry about that anymore. Bye."
"That's the spirit, idiot! I hope you get better!"
"Yeah… Whatever."
And Rossy didn't find out that Saik had moved until she started high school.
She searched and searched for Saik's name on the lists, but it wasn't there. She went to different high schools in the city, and the result was the same—he wasn't there.
When she went to his house, she discovered it had been sold to a friend of Saik's late father, who told her that Saik had moved to another city, but he didn't know where. And that left Rossy sad… until this day.
"Huh?"
While eating lunch at school, she noticed one of her friends had shared Saik's manga on social media. She immediately recognized the name.
"Saik?!"
She went to the account and saw Saik's latest post, which read: "I won't be able to upload drawings for three weeks due to school matters."
She immediately commented and waited for a reply, a reply that never came because Saik didn't check his phone again.
Tired of waiting, she started checking his personal information, and since Saik believed lying would get his account deleted, he had included all his details, including where he studies.
"He studies at… What? But that school is for geniuses. How did he get in?"
And so, another nuisance was approaching.
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
They're insulting me in the class group chat, though the idiot duo is also getting a lot of insults for trying to mess with me.
Honestly, my social life is pretty much nonexistent. Sylphie is the only girl who really talks to me because she considers me a friend and has no ulterior motives. Ugh, if only she were more useful to me. My social life is dead, and now that most of my classmates hate me, it'll be even worse, and they'll end up ignoring me… Thanks.
I was already fed up with dealing with annoying classmates who only approach me to help them study or give them homework. At the start of the school year, I planned to avoid connecting with anyone, but because of the situation with Iris, Sylphie, and Noel, my plan fell apart. By associating with Sylphie and protecting her, I came off as a good person, which led more people to seek my help. I'm done with that.
From today on, I'll focus only on myself. I won't help anyone. With Sylphie, Ludius, and Naima, I have no choice but to help them. I promised to always help and protect Sylphie, Ludius could be useful to me in the future, and I like Naima. But I'll only help those three and ignore everyone else, no matter what Ram asks of me.
I've had enough of this. I want to be normal and have a quiet life, but not all normal people are sociable—I know because I researched it online. There are people who don't enjoy others' company, and I'm one of those people. Even if I'm a friendless, lonely student, I'll still be a normal student, which means I'll have a normal, trouble-free school life. The president is my only problem, but thanks to the teacher, several ideas started forming in my mind to take her down from the shadows, though it'll be obvious I'm the one responsible.
Alright, I'd better stop thinking like this for now. My mother always wanted me to have friends, but, Mom, it's hard for me to be normal, especially since I'm still as lonely as ever. If I fulfill your dream of your beloved son having friends, I'll eventually get frustrated and end up killing them. I'd rather avoid killing innocents again and continue my normal life, without friends.
Though there's someone else in my class who's also seeking a normal life, just like me.
"Good morning, Yuno."
"Good morning, Saik," he said in a tired tone, then yawned.
I passed by him and continued on my way.
Yuno, a classmate. Officially the worst in the class, but I highly doubt that, honestly. There's something odd about him, but I don't know exactly what. Well, I won't deny that I don't care about his situation; I just find it interesting that he has the same cold look in his eyes as I do.
I may be an idiot with no talent for studying, but I'm a genius when it comes to human instincts. This guy is cold, quiet, and dangerous. I don't sense evil in him, but I don't sense kindness either. He's so strange that I'd like to get closer to learn more about him, but that would mean socializing, talking to him, blah, blah, blah. What a hassle. I'd rather just see him as a lazy guy like me, but unlike me, he can afford to be lazy. I had to give up laziness to be the best in the class. A sacrifice I'm willing to make to fulfill the dream of my dear mother, may she rest in peace.
My father also cared about my grades, but he was more concerned about my personality. He wanted me to be more sociable and all that. Unfortunately, I can't fulfill that part, but at least I'll fulfill the dream they both had—that I be a normal kid.
"Hey, hey. What do we have here?"
I wonder if Yuki is having fun with the pirates. I warned them that if they made Yuki cry or told her +18 stories, I'd send them to the hell of legendary ghost number 99, where all kinds of tortures happen, including being violated by fat, disgusting demons. It's a horrible place, so horrible that the first time I visited, I cried over everything happening around me. Women, men, and even the elderly were being violated by disgusting demons; others had their skin peeled off, some were being boiled in water like soup, and I also saw people eating themselves, cooking their own body parts they cut off with a knife in a pan. It was so disgusting that I vomited the delicious spaghetti my father had made. I was almost violated, but fortunately, number 31 saved me, and together we defeated legendary ghost number 99. I got my revenge by beating its face whenever I had spare time, making it clear that I was in charge, that I was its boss.
"Are you ignoring me? You're braver than I thought."
I told those pirates to sing and entertain Yuki. She's probably mocking them for singing all the time, and Rock must be dying of embarrassment, but she has no choice since I'm forcing her… Huh?
Did someone grab me by the neck?
"What's up?"
"Come on, Sad-Boy. Why don't we talk a bit? You seem like a fun guy. Not just anyone dares to ignore me."
Huh? "Not just anyone dares to ignore me"? Who do you think you are? You don't even give me the vibe of being dangerous to me, at least in terms of power. Could you be a dangerous enemy intellectually?
This guy looks foreign. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and pretty muscular. He's the only student I've seen with that physical appearance at school. As a fitness addict, he has my respect.
He's foreign, and considering the school's situation, he probably chose to study here because it seemed interesting. I chose this school because I thought it would make it easier to have a normal life, but I was very wrong. Unfortunately, I can't quit and study at a public school now, as that would leave a mark on my academic record, tarnishing my family's name.
Alright, what does he want from me?
"Sorry, I'm in a bit of a hurry. What do you need from me?"
"I just want to talk to you, tousled boy," he said, smiling.
"Did you fall in love with me? I'm sorry, I must reject your feelings; I don't like men."
"Fufu. You're funny, Saik. I like you. I just want to talk to you; I'd like to get to know you better. I'd like our classes to become allies. I know you'll like the deal I'm offering. Come on, I assure you I won't waste your time."
According to the English classes my mother forced me to take because we often visited foreign countries and I'd "get lost," "I like you" doesn't just mean "I'm attracted to you"; it means fondness. He's saying he finds me likable… or so I hope. Honestly, my English isn't great. I take words very literally and struggle to find other meanings.
Hmm… Honestly, getting to know him will help me figure out how to avoid him and pass my problems to Ram. I'll make it clear I'm not the class leader. I'm tired of everyone mistaking me for Ram or Saoto.
"Alright, but only 5 minutes."
"Thank you very much."
•
•
We went to a café on the ship, and each ordered our own drink. I got a slice of chocolate cake with a strawberry milkshake, and he just ordered a cup of coffee. He offered to pay, but I won't take advantage of his kindness either. Having more enemies will waste more of my time; I'd rather avoid unnecessary trouble. I have more than enough with the president.
He sat across from me and extended his hand.
"My name is Ethan Flowerk, a pleasure."
Flowerk… Flowers? Sounds weird.
"Saik, but I won't shake your hand; I'm eating."
"Do you eat with your hands?"
"… Well, yeah. I don't have psychic powers to pick up the spoon without my hands."
Though I could use legendary ghosts to feed me, but that's another matter.
He started laughing at me. Did I say something weird? I didn't make a joke this time.
"You're really funny, Saik. You're different from the Saik in the rumors. The rumors say you're a ruthless sadist, a woman-beater, and evil. But I can tell you're a calm and fun guy, though I highly doubt you'd act the same if I made you angry, right?"
Are the rumors about me that bad? Ugh, if my parents had heard those rumors, they'd probably punish me. It's obvious I'm not a… Well… Okay… The woman-beater part is partly true, as I wouldn't hesitate to hit a woman if she tried to hit me, but it's not like I do it because I enjoy it. I always defend myself, regardless of gender.
Ugh, the girls who bullied Sylphie probably spread those rumors about me. I'll get revenge on them later… No… Maybe… Yeah, I'll let Sylphie handle it.
"I'd only embarrass myself if I acted like that. Those rumors make no sense."
I took a sip of my milkshake.
"So… What do you want to talk about?"
"I'll get straight to my proposal since I don't want to waste your time. I want Classes B and E to form an alliance."
Well, well. I finally meet someone from Class E. From what I've heard, their class is a complete disaster in every sense of the word. It's pretty bold of him to ask for an alliance with Class B, considering their situation.
Honestly, I don't care much about class alliances; I'd even betray my own class if it meant Sylphie and I could advance to Class A together. I'm not trustworthy, so it's a bad idea to ask me for something like this, someone who even stole money from his father to buy drugs. I'm not proud of it, but it was necessary to weaken someone without them noticing and then kill them easily.
"An alliance, huh? That's a big deal…"
I took another sip.
"Well… Why are you telling me this and not Ram or Saoto, the class leaders? I'm tired of being mistaken for the class leader. I only care about my own well-being; I don't care about others. Now that I've made that clear, I'm leaving."
"Saoto doesn't interest me, and I haven't had enough time to learn more about that girl named Ram. You're someone cunning who achieves what he sets out to do. I need someone like you. I need you by my side, Saik."
"Sorry, but I'm too lazy. Bye."
"Before you go, I heard you're a fan of sweets. Allow me to give you a gift, as a token of friendship."
Does he really think he can bribe me with sweets?
Two students approached us and placed two briefcases on the table.
"I hope you like them."
They opened the briefcases. Oh, well, well. Chocolate bars from different brands. So many different languages… So varied…
"I got you a chocolate bar from the best brands in every country in the world. 154 chocolate bars, one for each current country. I also got you chocolate bars from the 41 countries that no longer exist after the fourth world war, though I recommend not eating those; they're more for decoration than food."
Do you really think you can buy me with sweets? Do you think my dignity would stoop so low for mere chocolates? Of course not. Saik won't be bought with simple chocolate bars. I may be many things: a slacker, a selfish guy, a boring kid with no social life, a dumb guy who only passed his exams by cheating, but I'm not someone easily bought.
"I'll see what I can do to convince Ram," I said while eating one of those chocolate bars.
… Yeah… Ugh… I guess I am easily bought.
"But I warn you, Ram is hard to fool. If you plan to use us, I might end up expelling you myself. It'll be a 50/50 cooperation. If we need your help, you'll give it without arguing, and vice versa."
"It's a deal, Saik!"
"Not so fast. You only bought me talking to Ram; you need to prove you're worth it. Prepare your best arguments to talk to her."
"I promise you won't regret this decision."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Can you throw in the briefcases too?"
"Of course. See you later, Saik. It was nice talking to you."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Bye."
I took the briefcases and walked away. Alright, I'll just talk to Ram about his offer and let her deal with him, though it's obvious she'll reject it, as I highly doubt Ram would agree to an alliance with the worst first-year class.
At least I got a ton of chocolate bars and two new briefcases. I can't take them to the island, but I can ask the teacher to hold onto them for me. I'll eat them little by little with Yuki.
I'll leave my briefcases in my cabin and head to the entertainment room.
I hope Yuki's having fun.
•
•
(Pov - Yuki.)
"🎶With two coins and a drop of rum, full speed ahead! The journey to the unknown has begun, don't fall behind!🎶"
So fun! Everyone's dying of embarrassment from singing! Hahahahahaha! I bet my allowance Saik threatened to destroy them if they didn't sing.
Aside from that, this ghost ship is amazing! They even have slaves! It's sad, but I won't play the saint pretending I feel bad for them. They're already dead, like everyone on this ship, so I don't care! Besides, the pirate leader told me that selling slaves used to be totally normal. I shouldn't judge someone for things from the past. The world was wilder back then.
… I can't take it anymore! I'm joining them!
I put on my pirate hat and eyepatch and stole a sword from one of these pirates.
"Come on, you filthy water sailors! The Kraken is in front of us! Get ready for the battle of your lives! Muahahaha!"
"The Kraken's back?!"
"Not again!"
"Everyone, get ready!"
Wow, what great actors, huh? It almost feels like they're actually scared. My congratulations… Huh?
Who's touching my back? It feels wet. Is someone drying their hands on my clothes?! How rude!
"Hey, don't dry your hands on my clo…! Huh?"
Is a giant tentacle t-touching me?
"Captain, we're all in position!"
"Hide your fear; we're already dead, we can't die again!"
S-something else is coming out of the water… Kya! A giant squid?! And it roared like a real monster!
"We meet again, you son of a bitch! This time, I'll win!"
Did the captain just jump at it without weapons?! That woman's crazy…! Huh? W-what?
"I'm more powerful than before!"
Did she just punch it with her bare fist?! And the Kraken actually looks hurt by that punch! This makes no sense!
"The minions are boarding the ship! Let's go!!"
Minions?
I turned around… Huh?! Humanoid squids?! Ahhhhhhhh! This makes no sense at all!
Kya! One's coming toward me! Come on, I'm not scared of you! My legs are shaking, but it's not from fear! Ahhhhhhhh…! Oh… Oh… Did it ignore me? All the weird squids are ignoring me… Oh… I should've known. Saik's behind this! How did he convince a… Oh, oh, oh, I remember now that Saik can control who can see me and who can't. They can't see me! I'm the perfect monster hunter!
"But I'd rather just watch."
I sat on the floor to watch the fight. I won't lie; the idea of killing someone, even if it's a monster, doesn't sit well with me. I'm a pacifist! If I don't get into trouble with anyone, I'll live safely. Though I died because I was murdered since my mother was the complete opposite of a pacifist.
Hmm… I wonder if I come from a family of expert assassins. My mother's in prison for killing over 40 people, and they suspect it was more. They caught her in a millionaire's mansion; she killed the entire family, their employees, and security guards. I wonder if she did it to avenge my death or something like that.
Whatever, I'm not interested in finding out right now. I'll enjoy my vacation peacefully and not think about the past!
"… Oh."
They're just acting. There's not even any blood. Saik forced them to do this, after all, huh? I don't know if I should feel flattered for being treated so well or mad for being treated like a little kid again! Seeing some blood wouldn't scare me…! Or so I think.
And Rock and the Kraken are still fighting… Well, at least seeing a sea monster is… interesting… Sea monster… That's right! It's the ghost of a monster! I thought only humans could become ghosts…! Wait… If the Kraken became a ghost, that means it was alive before… Real monsters exist!!
Ahhhhhhhh! So cool! I want to see a live one…! But not right now; the last thing I want is a sea monster attacking the ship and killing Saik. I'd rather wait. Maybe those monsters live in the unexplored depths of the sea. I'll research it when I have free time and we're on the island.
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
"That was fun! I'll tell my dad to buy me the console when I get home!"
Ugh, and I'll have to beg her to invite me to play at her house. I won't lie; sometimes I miss being rich and not worrying about money, but I can't complain about my current situation either. I have a furnished house and enough money to survive for one or two more years. I just need to get a part-time job to keep surviving. The last thing I want is for Yuki to go hungry.
"I hope you take pity on me and invite me to play, Cristal. I'll get the money to buy the console in one or two…"
"Months?"
"No."
"Years?"
"Two decades."
"Hahahaha! Don't be so pessimistic, Saik! You're the smartest guy I know! You'll get a good job without much trouble! Want me to get you a job at my dad's company?"
"No, thanks, I'll manage on my own."
Would Lalo give me a console if I contacted him…? Ugh, no, no, my normal life doesn't allow it. I'll have to survive with my current consoles.
Alright, I'd better head to my cabin to sleep.
"Hey, Sylphie, I might sleep for the rest of the trip. See you in three weeks. Don't let Ram take advantage of you, and hit anyone who tries to mess with you. See you."
"Y-Yeah. Take care, Saik! See you in three weeks!"
"Bye, Cristal."
"Connect tonight!"
"Yeah."
I walked away.
I hate this situation. Socializing really isn't for me. It stresses me out a lot. Playing with Cristal is different since we just play and don't talk much, but talking to Sylphie is starting to annoy me a lot. I know it's pretty cruel of me to think this way, but it's the truth.
"Come with us, Saik."
Oh, Rangel and Mark. And I sense malicious intentions. Interesting.
"Sure, let's go."
How far will they go?
•
•
(Pov - Cristal.)
I'll definitely convince my dad to buy me this console! I'll give my all on the island to make it easier to persuade him!
And I, being the good person I am with a heart so pure, will take pity on Saik and let him play with my console in exchange for some chores. Fufu.
Oh, speaking of Saik, he's talking to his friends… Wait… They look angry with him… Oh… That's right, Sylphie and Saik were talking about how Saik caused their class to lose class points by reporting two girls… And these are two guys… I-I think they're their boyfriends, and I suspect they're going to beat Saik up! They're taking him away; they're definitely going to a hidden spot to hit him! I have to do something about this!
Though… On one hand, I want to help Saik, but on the other, it's the perfect opportunity to make Class B lose more class points! From what I heard, Saik doesn't care about losing class points, so I can do this without feeling guilty! His attackers will get what they deserve, and I'll get what I want. Everyone wins!
Fufu. Don't worry, Saik, I'll get the evidence for you.
I started following them as stealthily as possible. Luckily, they don't seem to be paying attention to their surroundings. One of them is furious, and the other is smiling confidently. Saik looks… Well, he always has the same expression.
I'm following from a position where I can see their faces, but it's risky; I need to change my position. They turned a corner, and I quietly ran closer.
I made sure they weren't looking back with my phone's camera and followed again. Now I can only see their heads. Where are they going? They opened a door and started going down some stairs. What's down there? It's very… Oh, it's far from everyone; no one will hear him here. Pretty smart and cruel. Disgusting.
I waited a few seconds and went down the stairs too… Shit!
It's the laundry room, and there are over 20 students gathered in a circle, with Saik in the middle. I have to leave; they could see me from this position! They might do something to me if I get more involved.
Fortunately, I managed to record a bit without them noticing before leaving.
I went up the stairs, just enough to stay out of sight. I hope I can hear something.
"If you apologize to my girlfriend on your knees, we won't beat you up too badly."
T-They're going to beat him!
"… Oh… This… Who's your girlfriend? And who are you?"
"Yeah, sure, pretend you don't know me."
"Sorry, I usually forget idiots. If I forgot you, it means you're an idiot."
Hahahahahaha! Saik's still got his humor even in this situation!
"So, are we here to fight or talk? I'm in a hurry; my bed's waiting."
"Close the door."
Shit!
I quickly left the area and hid beside the door. I-I can't run farther. Please, don't turn around.
Someone came out and grabbed the door handle.
H-He's not looking at me. Keep it that way, don't turn.
He's closing it… He closed it! I'm safe! Now I have to wait. But I can't wait here!
No, Cristal, you need to gather evidence. When the beating stops, go down, record a bit, and run! You run every day, Cristal; you're faster than them, don't be afraid!
T-The punches are already starting! Saik, I'm so sorry, but this will benefit us both. Don't worry, if my class advances, I'll convince the president to let you join! Your class losing more points won't affect you.
…
…
…
The punches stopped; I don't hear anything anymore. How much time passed…? 20 minutes?! I have to hurry; Saik could die if he doesn't get medical attention. No one can withstand a beating that long!
I opened the door with my camera ready and went down the stairs. Got you, idiots!
"… Huh?"
"Oh, hey, Cristal. Are you recording?"
"S-Saik?"
T-This isn't possible… I mean, it should be impossible. I-It's impossible that Saik knocked them all out.
B-But… The blood on his body and face. The sweat on his face and body… His uniform covered in blood and sweat. His hair wet with sweat… He went in normal and now he's in this state. He must've fought hard.
His uniform is torn; his shirt is practically shredded, showing his… chest and abs… Why do I want to touch them?
Everyone's on the ground, with bloody noses and lips. Saik has a cut on his lip, but compared to the others, his damage is minimal. And I don't see other injuries on his body. D-Did he really beat them all?
… Huh? Why aren't I shaking? I'm terrified, absolutely terrified, but… I don't want to run away. Why do I want to stay here? Am I still in shock?
"Cristal…"
"Y-Yes?!"
Saik ran his hand through his hair, pushing it back, while looking at me with that cold stare… That stare I got so used to, but… But this time… This time it's different… He looks so… terrifying, but also… Handsome? And cool…
"I can't let you show that recording to anyone. Delete it."
"… What if I don't want to?"
Why did I say that?! Stupid, stupid! Why did I say that?! Have I gone crazy?!
"You don't want to?"
"I don't want to."
Don't provoke him, you idiottttt!
"Then I'll make you."
"You wouldn't dare. You wouldn't hit a poor innocent girl, I know that."
Why do I keep talking?! What's wrong with me?!
"But there are other methods."
H-He's coming closer, and I'm trying to back away. Why did I keep talking instead of running?! What's wrong with me?!
Huh? I hit the wall?! I can't back away anymore! Idiot, why didn't you run up the stairs?!
"This was self-defense, but I don't want to keep drawing attention."
S-Saik put his right hand against the wall, n-next to me. T-This situation… This position… This isn't a romance manga; he's trying to hurt me, you idiot! Don't get shy or embarrassed in this situation!! Cristal, why aren't you running?!
"Delete the video."
"I don't want to; you'll have to make me."
Idiottttt!!
"There are no witnesses; everyone's unconscious. I'm not as innocent as I seem. Don't make me use force."
"Even if you hit me, I'll never give you my phone's password, and the video's saved in the cloud. I win."
Why am I still provoking himmmmm?!
… Huh?
S-Saik put his hand on my chin.
"Bruises fade, but there's something much worse."
What?! Did he just kiss my ear?!
"Humiliation."
"H-Humiliation?"
He looked straight into my eyes… That cold stare, but at the same time, so cool and… fiery… It makes me feel so… weird.
H-He started caressing my right thigh. His hand feels so… strange.
I know I should scream and call for help, but… I don't want to… Why am I letting this happen?
"I could strip you, take pictures, and spread them around the school. I'd get expelled, but at least it'd ruin you. You can avoid it; just delete the video, and we'll forget this happened."
"I don't want to."
Ahhhhhhh!! This could've ended, you idiot!! Why do you keep being so stupiddddd?!
"Even if you rape me, I won't delete the video."
"Rape you, huh? Virginity is very important to a woman. I don't know if you're a virgin or not, but even if you say you won't delete the video if I rape you, I know you'll end up deleting it. No woman in the world wants to be raped."
H-His hand keeps moving up to my butt. It's the first time a man has touched my butt, and it feels so… good?
"This can end whenever you want; you don't have to suffer."
"I-I don't care, I won't delete it!"
"Alright…"
Huh? H-He's caressing my lips.
"I'll make you change your mind."
… H-He's kissing my neck?! I thought he'd kiss my lips, but he's kissing my neck! H-He's sucking and licking. I-If this keeps up, I'll end up doing something I'll regret.
M-My thighs are being massaged while he kisses my neck.
"N-No, stop."
"Will you delete the video?"
N-No… I-I'm a pure girl… I want to stay pure! I don't care how good this feels…! Nooooooo! It doesn't feel good! Ahhhhhhhh! I'm going crazy! What's wrong with me?!
I-I have to stop this… I don't want to be corrupted!!
"Alright, I won't show it to anyone, I promise!"
"Thank you very much."
He walked away… D-Did he really believe me? He's not doubting me?
… Why?
"Sorry about that, Cristal, but I really don't want to keep drawing attention."
"Y-You… You believe me that easily?"
"Well, yeah, you're an honest girl, Cristal. I trust you. I don't sense any malice in your heart. And, again, sorry for doing that; I was desperate. Consider it punishment for betraying your good gaming buddy. You wanted to gain class points for your class by sacrificing my body. An eye for an eye. Let's play tonight; I'll be online. Bye."
Saik left, and with him, my energy went too.
My legs stopped responding, and I fell to the floor… W-Why did I let him do all that to me?! I'm not like that… Why?
I took out my phone to watch the video… I paused it when Saik looked into my eyes… That face… That stare… Those mysterious eyes…
I feel so weird watching this…
"Saik… Who are you really?"
I don't know, but… I'm interested in getting to know you more… W-Wait…
I checked my neck with my phone's camera. Kya! He left hickeys! I need to put on makeup to hide them!
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
I didn't sense her presence following us… I didn't sense it… I'm really weakened. Ugh, well, at least I didn't have to kiss her or rape her. I want to give my first kiss and my first time to Naima, not her. Though… I have an erection. I really am a full-on teenager.
Ugh, I'd better go sleep. I need… to rest.
I lost my balance and fell to the floor. I took a good amount of hits, more than I remember. I dodged the most dangerous ones, but I couldn't avoid them all. My body's really sore. I hate being weak. Ugh, what happened before I lost my memories? I'd better stop thinking about it.
I slowly got up from the floor. I need to go to the… infirmary… My clothes are dirty… Ugh, what a waste.
I took off all my clothes, cleaned the blood off my body, and threw the clothes into the water, destroying the evidence.
I'm in my underwear… Who can I borrow a uniform from? I can't steal a uniform from one of the idiots who tried to beat me up since I think I got blood on all of them, and they could use the theft to accuse me. I'd rather avoid getting more involved with them.
"S-Saik, I think you should go to the infirmary."
"Oh, hey again, Cristal. Don't worry, I think I just need to rest."
I lost the strength in my legs again and nearly fell, but Cristal caught me and put my arm around her neck to help me stay upright.
"You have bruises on your back and chest, Saik. I'm surprised you could withstand all that damage. Come on, I'll take you to the infirmary."
"… Why are you still being nice to me? I threatened to rape you."
"Well… I also tried to take advantage of your situation."
"Don't compare gaining class points to a crime like rape."
"You gave me such simple options to avoid it, and I kept refusing. I think I'm partly to blame…"
I put my index finger on her lips, silencing her words.
"The victim is never to blame in a rape, got it?"
She nodded, and I removed my finger.
"I was desperate and did that, sorry… I just want to be a normal student; I don't want to keep drawing attention."
"… You'll draw attention if you go around the ship half-naked. I'll borrow a uniform from a classmate."
"Thank you so much. Could you go to my cabin? Kaeyko, my cabinmate, is a guy with a body similar to mine. Ask him for one of his uniforms, please."
"Sure, wait here."
"Thanks."
Cristal helped me sit down and ran off… Ugh… Damn it… I feel so weak… And I like it.
I'm weak, like a normal human. This feeling won't last long, but I'll enjoy it while it does.
"Well, well. Look, brother, he looks so pathetic."
"I totally agree, sister. Is this really the great Shadow? It's pretty disappointing to know he was beaten by mere students."
Ugh, damn it, more unnecessary trouble.
"Are you friends with the guy with tough skin?"
"Yuck, that idiot's a rude pervert; I don't like him at all."
"I agree with my sister; he's an idiot, but at least he's useful in his job."
Two gho… No… They're not ghosts, but they're not human either. I think they're a combination of a ghost and a body created through magic and technology… Like the capital sin of wrath. Same concept, different formula. These bodies are more powerful.
"So, you're here to kill me?"
"We'd love to, but our Goddess insists on waiting for you to change your mind. Sometimes I don't understand her intentions, but I promised to always obey her."
"Brother, can we at least hit him a little?"
"It's not right to hit someone who's defenseless, sister; that would just make us mere bullies, and we're not savages."
"Yeah, you're right, brother. Look, he's about to pass out."
"It's really sad to see a legend fall so low. Did Nancy really lose to him? Fate can be pretty unpredictable and cruel."
Nancy? Who's that?
… Huh?
He caressed my cheek.
"And we're living proof that life isn't fair to everyone. You have everything, even the perfect chance to become a true God and see your parents again, but you refuse to cooperate. You don't deserve the power you have."
"Would your parents approve of their son becoming an evil, murderous God? It wouldn't surprise me if their kids were as disgusting as the parents."
"Big words for someone struggling to stay awake. I'll admit, I respect that about you, your great effort."
My parents would hate me if I became an evil God… It's not worth seeing them again if they'll look at me with fear and disgust…
Ugh… I think… they're right… I'm about to pass out…
"Good night, Saik. We'll meet again."
They started turning to dust and dispersing, just as I lost consciousness.
•
•
Saik passed out, and the Goddess of ghosts smiled as she saw him unconscious.
"If I had more power, I could steal his legendary ghosts. What a shame. Just three more years. Just three years. Please, don't cause me unnecessary trouble, Saik. I want you by my side; I wouldn't like to have to kill a specimen as rare as you."