CHAPTER 44 - Little Vacation. Part 3.

(Pov - The Wooden Doll)

This is a story from over 300 years ago.

In an alternate world, a world where fantasy beings and magic exist, there was a girl named "The First Princess, Celestia Beleez Roalkon." A true princess whose beauty had no comparison. She lived surrounded by luxury; everyone treated her as if she were a true goddess, and that got to her head. She treated everyone with coldness and executed people who spoke ill of her. During her short life, she was secretly despised by millions of people. Thousands died because of her whims.

And just like in a classic world with fantasy beings, there were dangers. A true Demon King.

And like a good cliché story, the princess's kingdom summoned a hero from another world, but that hero couldn't be bothered to do what they asked and killed the princess, who tried to threaten him.

And, at the moment of her death, due to all the accumulated hatred she had in her body, her soul underwent a radical change. All the hatred people felt towards her transformed into negative energy, and when her soul left her body, that energy was absorbed. That soul couldn't become a ghost because the negative energy was too much, and her humanity disappeared. The soul merged with the princess's most important object.

"A simple wooden doll."

Hatred can cause more harm than one can imagine.

That princess had it all. Money, a good social position, and beauty, but she lost everything because of her foolishness. She lost everything because she was arrogant and believed herself to be superior to others.

I will never forget what you told me: "All people are equally important in the eyes of God." It doesn't matter the color of our skin, our social status, or our religion; all people are equal. That's why I can't hate Saik. Hating someone who is just like me doesn't make sense.

"But that doesn't mean I can't kill him."

Hating someone simply for doing what's necessary to achieve their goals doesn't make sense, but I also have my own objective.

"To see Shadow dead."

And to obtain the legendary ghost number 98, the ghost of life.

"Two completely different people sharing a fake body. It's uncomfortable... Oh, and the voices of all those dead people won't stop bothering me."

But that will soon change.

•

•

(Pov- Saik.)

Bell, Naok, and Ludius are playing video games in the bathroom, enjoying the Jacuzzi.

I'm just in the pool in the bathroom, enjoying the water while finishing the first chapter of my manga attempt. I called it: "It's Never Too Late to Find True Love." Number 31 simply called it: "The Prostitute Finds Love," so even though my title is bad, hers was worse. The name is temporary, I know it's not attractive, I'll change it later. For now, I'll leave it like this.

In the first chapter, the story of the prostitute and her reasons for selling her body is revealed. And after her story, the story of the man and his reasons for being unhappy is revealed. His childhood friend and first girlfriend betrayed him with his best friend. His wife divorced him because she got tired of the relationship. His dream is to have a family because he was an orphan and a loner, that's why he wants to have a family, to know what it feels like to have his own family and feel loved.

The first chapter ends with the two of them exchanging glances while their faces were blushing.

Ah, how beautiful love is... Or at least that's what I'd like to think. I'm just copying what number 31 wrote. I know nothing about romance, so I don't know if this is romantic.

For me, romance is simply being attracted to a woman, but that's all I know. I know nothing about hugs, kisses, or the famous flowers. If I ever have a girlfriend, I'll research more about it.

I'm done. Wow, I finished the first chapter in a very short time. I understand that manga artists take much longer, whole weeks. Well, my drawing isn't very professional, but it's quite enjoyable. I hope it doesn't raise suspicions, although I doubt it.

I simply draw what I imagine and follow the imaginary lines. It's not that difficult once I imagine them. Well, it also helps that my brain is used to using my hands for precise movements, so drawing is not that difficult for me once I get used to it.

Well, time to publish it on my account.

40 pages. 18 for each of the two main characters, and 4 for their destined encounter.

Publish. Well, now we wait. I hope Evelyn doesn't realize that I based the appearance of the prostitute character on her.

"Hehe. You've really grown up, haven't you? You've stopped being a little boy and now you're a full-fledged man. I love your new body, Saik."

... Ah, first number 31, and now Maria. Why do stalkers and perverts fall in love with me? Am I that unlucky with women?

"If you touch me or keep looking at me, I'll eliminate you, and you know I'm not joking."

"Boooo. How boring. Yuki told me that she sometimes bathes with you. Why can't I?"

"Yuki is like my little sister, you're just a stalker."

"Sister complex? I didn't expect that from you."

"Go away."

"Ah, sometimes I wish you were more fun, or at least a bit perverted. Breakfast is ready, Nergio wants to have breakfast with you."

She caressed my chest and floated away.

"Hehe. Goodbye."

She went through the wall... Damn perverted ghosts.

But being a little perverted doesn't sound bad at all. Why do I say that? Normal students are very interested in sex and the opposite gender due to their teenage hormones. If I want to be normal, I have to be a little perverted and interested in sex. I already feel attracted to Naima, I just need to feel attracted to sex.

For me, sex is just a "insert and remove" thing. When I lost my virginity, I couldn't enjoy it much. I admit that I liked it a little because it was a new experience for me, but I'm sure that if I do it again, I will like it more. But until then, I will continue to think that it's just a "insert and remove" thing.

"Hey, Saik."

Naok spoke to me and approached... naked... Is this normal? I didn't know it was normal to get naked in front of your friends... Ah, that's why Yuki doesn't mind taking a bath with me. Seeing your friends naked is very normal. Ah, I still have a lot to learn.

"Hehe. How was your night with Sylphie?" Naok asked.

"Did you use protection?" Bell asked.

"And when did you come back? We didn't see you enter," Ludius asked.

What are they talking about? From their strange questions, I think they believe I went out with Sylphie last night and did inappropriate things. Why do they think that?

"Eh? What are you talking about?"

"Don't play innocent. You didn't come to sleep."

"Ah, I see. That's why you think I went out with Sylphie. I never left the bathroom."

"Never?!"

Did that surprise them? I had to finish the first chapter, and I didn't want to disturb them while they were talking about girls... Or so I thought they would. They were talking about video games and spent almost the whole night playing video games. A boys' sleepover is more different than I imagined.

"I had to finish the first chapter of my manga. It was worth not sleeping. Would you like to read it? I posted it on my account."

"You're too weird, Saik, but I admire your dedication," Ludius said.

I got out of the pool and stretched my arms.

"Let's have breakfast."

Naok and Bell are looking at me in the eyes, but Ludius is looking at something else. Is he comparing sizes? I read on the internet that guys do that, so it's very normal. I won't look at their members mainly because I don't want to.

I think my member is of a good size... I suppose. Number 31 told me it's a good size. My body has adapted a lot to my power of seeing ghosts and improved it. In number 31's words, my body improved in all aspects because my soul became almost perfect. It's a gift from the Gods to people whose souls are perfect or nearly perfect. I assumed that was good, so I didn't investigate further.

I would feel a little embarrassed being naked in front of someone, but since it's considered normal, I don't feel anything.

I took a towel and dried my hands and body. I wrapped the towel around my body and took my digital tablet and computer.

I left the bathroom, and we changed clothes.

Dry and with new clothes, they sent me a friend request on this social network, and I accepted it because they are people I know in real life.

"Wow, Saik, you have almost 8,000 followers," Naok said.

"And your drawings are very good too. You have a lot of talent," Ludius said.

That last one offended me, but I won't say anything.

"Cough, cough. As an anime critic, I'll give you my opinion on the first chapter after I read it," Bell said.

Although I don't care about your opinion, the story belongs to number 31, she will care more about your opinion than I do. I just want to make money. Sylphie told me I could gain more followers with this. With more followers, I'll be able to find people who want to hire my services and give me money. If this works, I won't need to get a part-time job.

The three of them are reading the chapter while I just go devour the sweets they left by the bed. They didn't take the opportunity to steal the sweets, so I'll take this golden opportunity and steal them for myself. Free sweets should not be wasted.

I opened the jar and took one. It feels a bit strange. Is it chocolate...? Oh, it's not a sweet. From the wrapper and its shape, I think it's a condom. Why is there a jar of condoms? They just disappoint me.

I put the condom back in the jar and, disappointed, took a chocolate bar out of my bag.

"Damn, the protagonist's life was really sad. It's cliché, but I admit I liked his backstory," Naok said.

"And the drawing is quite good too. I think this will become popular, Saik," Ludius said.

"As long as you don't add a harem, it'll be fine. That would ruin the romance," Bell said.

The harem will be for the romantic comedy of the ghost girl and the boy who can see ghosts. Number 31 wrote different endings for that story.

"Well, don't forget to share, please."

"Of course."

Well, I already have my first readers... Ah, a message from Sylphie.

[Are you awake? We'll come down for breakfast. Will you come?]

I haven't even slept.

[Yes, I'm awake. We'll come down in a minute.]

I put away my phone.

"The girls are already coming down for breakfast. Let's go."

"You gave the protagonist a good voice, huh? Will you make him a singer?" Ludius said.

"Maybe yes, maybe no. I can't give spoilers."

And because number 31 forbade me from giving spoilers.

•

•

We went down to the hotel dining room, and elegance could be sensed in the air. So many refined people, eating with more than one utensil. Ah, and the meals are more elegant but in small portions. I won't get full with food like this.

Mmm... We're getting looks. Oh, look, an actress. I recognized her because I watched her latest movie. I'm not a fan, but it's interesting to see her in person.

So many people here. And everyone, absolutely everyone, is a millionaire. No wonder we're getting looks; our clothes are neither elegant nor from important brands. I buy cheap clothes, as long as they're black, I buy whatever. I'm just wearing a small black vest and nothing underneath. My chest and abdomen are fully exposed since I plan to go to the beach. I'm wearing pants, but underneath, I have shorts on.

The others are wearing simple clothes, except Naok, who's not wearing a shirt because he's going to swim later.

We don't look like millionaires because we're not, that's why we attract so much attention.

"Awesome, it's Selena Nice! Will she get mad if I ask for an autograph?" Bell said.

"It's better not to do it. Let's avoid bothering people."

We could get into trouble, and I prefer to avoid that.

Sylphie and the others are waiting for us to eat... Ah, Ram is wearing a skirt, but she's not wearing a blouse. She's wearing some kind of tight bra. And since she's flat-chested, it makes her look somewhat adorable, but not hot... Or so I think.

Evelyn is wearing her swimsuit, catching the attention of Bell and Naok. Ludius is a true gentleman and is not looking at her inappropriately. Well done, Ludius. We should show respect to a woman, especially in such an elegant place. Normally, I wouldn't care, but... Well, who am I kidding? I don't care about anything. If they want to lustfully look at Evelyn, let them, it doesn't bother me.

The only thing I care about and want to do right now is eat all that delicious food. Nergio knows perfectly well that I don't care about presentation or how elegant the food is. As long as it's delicious and fills me up, I'll be satisfied.

"Good morning."

We greeted each other, and I sat next to Nergio and Ram. I didn't wait for the others and started eating a delicious pizza.

"A student from class 1-E got expelled."

Ignoring what she said, I kept eating. I don't care about the situation of other classes.

"That puts that class at a great disadvantage, so we shouldn't worry. We should worry about Class A, Tanya's class."

"Come on, Ram, don't be so boring. We're on vacation! Enjoy the vacation and stop thinking about school. We're in Class B, that's a big advantage," Naok said.

"We're only in Class B because Saik got a perfect score of 100. Oh, and also because, thanks to him, we got the 100 class points from the special exam. We can't rely so much on Saik. If we only depend on him, the rest of us won't progress and will be useless.

I agree with that. Don't count on me, please. I don't want to help anyone study; I just want to enjoy the rest of my school life.

"Yuno almost got expelled; he barely escaped. Bell, Evelyn, you're also on thin ice. Don't let your guard down."

"Yes, Mom," Evelyn said, clearly annoyed.

"I don't like being told what to do by a girl who looks like she's in elementary school, but I'll do my best," Bell said.

Elementary school? I don't think so. Yes, she's flat, but I'd say she looks like a girl around 13 years old.

Ram reminds me too much of Yuki, but they're completely different... Huh?

"Look at this, Saik. Photos from my vacation."

Using that excuse, he placed his phone behind "her," so no one would suspect we're looking at something invisible.

A kind of black mist appeared on the table and slowly took shape. The wooden doll.

"Hello, Shadow. How does it feel to return to this place? Very nostalgic, isn't it? This is where you defeated the famous serial killer and rapist: 'The Night Ghost.' A stupid name, by the way."

Yes, I agree with that. That name is stupid.

"Ah, what do you want now? Sorry, I'm getting messages. Look, this is a photo of the famous pyramids."

"What do I want? Nothing in particular."

The wooden doll understood the hint. Speaking this way will make us seem normal.

"I just want the legendary ghost number 98, that's all."

I won't give it to her. I prefer to fight.

"I know you won't give it to me, that's why I want to give you a warning. Sooner or later, I'll come for you, so make the most of the time you have left."

She started floating, and her face is inches away from mine.

"You will have the same fate as Hercules, the hero you killed in such a cowardly and pathetic way that it's funny."

I took out my phone and started typing.

"Hmm... I think I'll add an idiot who thinks he's a hero to my story. A so-called hero who won't have the courage to take a life. An idiot who thinks everyone has goodness or that everyone can become a good person. A smiling idiot. A true idiot who believes he's a hero to satisfy a stupid fantasy."

"Strong words for someone who begged that supposed idiot on your knees not to kill you."

She disappeared, and I put away my phone.

"Saik, can we talk alone?"

"Later, my schedule is full. After breakfast, I'll go to the beach, and then I'll visit the crater."

"Please."

"...Ah, fine."

I took a slice of pizza and got up.

"I'll be back in a few minutes."

Nergio stood up, and I followed him. Ah, I can't even have a peaceful breakfast. That wooden doll has the audacity to tell me she wants one of my legendary ghosts, despite being so weak. I can eliminate her even without using "that," so I'm not too worried.

Nergio and I entered the elevator. He's trembling, but I remain calm.

The elevator reached its destination, and we stepped out.

It closed, and immediately Nergio shouted.

"Is this for real?! Master, that wooden doll has so much negative energy that I almost cried in fear when I saw her! Is she really just a minion of the Ghost Goddess?"

"Are you so surprised to see her?"

Well, after facing legendary ghost number 70, I got too used to fighting beings capable of destroying entire cities. If I had to compare the wooden doll, I'd say she has the same power as Hercules.

Talking about that idiot, that wooden doll got angry when I insulted that so-called hero. Did she know him? I understand that Hercules had no family or loved ones. Well, I don't care.

"M-Master, you seem very calm. Do you have a plan to defeat her?!"

"Not really, but she's not that powerful either. I think you could defeat her."

"M-Me? I can defeat her?"

"But it won't be necessary. She wants to kill me. If she tries to kill me, I'll eliminate her. Don't worry, I can defeat her."

"Yes... Alright, I'll trust you, master. But please, be very careful. Her negative energy is not normal. She must have some absorption ability."

"You can't absorb negative energy when you're a ghost. Not even I can. She obtained that energy when she was alive."

"When she was alive...? She must have been hated by millions of people. How much pain did she cause?"

That amount is not normal. Negative energy is absorbed by our bodies when we harm another innocent person or by the hatred others feel towards us. The wooden doll had too much negative energy. A whole world must have hated her.

In the third and fourth world wars, there were people who earned the hatred of the whole world because of their actions, but they were all men, no women.

The same in the first and second world wars. Hitler became such a powerful ghost because of all his negative energy, but he was captured by the Ghostbusters organization. It was very amusing to see him imprisoned, treated like an animal.

But Hitler, despite being hated by the whole world, his negative energy only made him as powerful as a low-level legendary ghost, even inferior. The wooden doll has so much negative energy that it made her equally as powerful as Hercules, the former holder of legendary ghost number 68. She must have been hated by billions of people. Even today, in a world suffering from overpopulation, there aren't enough people to generate all that negative energy. That's why Nergio is so scared. She is a great mystery. Who was she when she was alive and how did she manage to obtain all that energy?

For the first time in a long time, I'm interested in a ghost, but I prefer to keep my life normal, so I won't investigate further.

"And what do you plan to do, master?"

"I'll go to the beach with Naok and the others, and later, around one o'clock, I'll go to the crater with Sylphie. Mmm... Hey, Nergio, even though it wasn't caused by a meteorite, is it correct to call it a crater? I understand that craters are holes caused only by meteorites."

"I was referring to what you'll do with that wooden doll, master. Oh, by the way, you have a very beautiful girlfriend, master. I wish you the best of luck in your relationship."

"Eh? I don't have a girlfriend."

"No? And what about that girl named Sylphie?"

"She's just a classmate. I'm not interested in having her as a girlfriend."

"Then, why are you taking her to the crater?"

"Why? What do you mean?"

"Don't you know that couples go to that crater because they think it brings them luck in their relationships?"

... Ah... Oh... I forgot how stupid humans can be. Do they believe that nonsense? How did it originate?

I'd rather avoid misunderstandings with Sylphie. I don't want to give her false hope. My heart already belongs to Naima... Well, I just like her.

I need to invite a third person. Who? The others already have plans to go to the aquarium.

Nergio is a businessman, he can't accompany me... Mmm... Ah... I've got it.

I'm not the leader of the Shadow Paradise, but I think I can use their members.

"Nergio, I need you to lend me two of your members. A girl or a boy of my age, and if they have a younger brother or sister, even better."

"Mmm... I think only a pair of siblings meets those requirements. I'll call them. What do you need them for?"

"I'll say that they were patients of my mother and that they're also going to the crater. I suppose the crater rumor is only for couples going without any other company. If they accompany us, I'll indirectly make it clear that I only want to see the crater and have no other intentions."

"I see... Alright, I'll call them, master. But won't you have any problems with your identity?"

"They have a curse, so I'm not worried."

"Thank you for your trust, master!"

"And make sure they act normal, that they don't treat me as if I were someone superior."

"Don't worry, I'll tell them."

I know very well the power of curses in this family, I'll be fine. And if Nergio trusts, I'll trust. He may seem like an idiot, but he isn't. He has proven himself worthy of my trust.

•

•

(Pov- Kaeyko.)

Well... This is... weird. Am I dreaming, by any chance?

I just woke up, and the first thing I see is some kind of monster sleeping on the floor next to me. I'll be honest, I think I almost had a heart attack, but after a few minutes of being scared and wanting to cry, I calmed down and started thinking about the situation more clearly.

On the floor, asleep, there's some kind of dog-like creature, but smaller, about the size of a mouse. If it's so small, why did it scare me so much? Because of its small white horns, its blood-red fur, its completely black eyes, and a black aura surrounds it! It even sleeps with its eyes open. It's so strange...

It's so small that it would be cute if it were just a normal dog and not a demonic one. It looks like some kind of Chihuahua dog. They say Chihuahuas are demonic, but I didn't think it was so literal.

Well... Ah... Yes, I'm still afraid to get up, I don't want to wake it up. Normally, I would think it's just a dog in a really good costume, but it looks so real, even that sinister aura is moving, it's not some costume.

I need to ask for help. Oh, but before that, I'll take a photo. I don't want them to call me crazy or a liar.

I unplugged the charger and opened the camera on my phone.

The flash is turned off, and my phone is on silent mode. It won't discover me. The last thing I want is for it to wake up and kill me. That dog doesn't seem peaceful.

I wish it were a dream, but I'm feeling pain, I've pinched myself many times, this is real.

Alright... Ready, I took the photo.

I looked at the photo to check the quality... Huh?

This must be a joke.

Now it turns out that this dog can't be seen in phone cameras.

I took a video to confirm it... No, it can't be seen.

Ah, loneliness has driven me crazy.

... Ah... The dog yawned and got up. I'll die a virgin and alone. Well, honestly, I didn't even have much desire to continue living, but I didn't want to die either. I enjoy my solitude a lot, and my friends online are nice. I was starting to enjoy my life.

I didn't even finish the video game I bought. Damn... Family... Well, I was going to say that I forgive them and will miss them, but they hurt me a lot. I won't miss them, I'll just miss my father and my grandmother a little.

It's staring into my eyes. I wonder if it will grow in size to kill me or slowly devour me.

... Oh, it started barking and spinning in circles. Is it summoning something? I hope it's not calling its mom... It started floating and approached me. Alright, confirmed, it's a demon. I'm a dead man.

It's in front of me and opened its mouth. Will it breathe fire to cook me or eat my face?

I'm so scared that I can't move. I'm trying my hardest not to scream or cry. If I'm going to die, I'll die with honor.

No, wait, I'll fight back! I won't die so easily.

... Huh?

When I felt its tongue, I was about to hit it, but I stopped when I noticed its tail wagging too much. It's licking my face... I think it's... happy?

"Ah... Um... Do you have a name?"

The dog didn't answer me, or at least I think so, it's just barking.

"W-won't you kill me?"

It's sticking out its tongue... Is it thirsty...? Wait... Is it behaving like a real dog?

... Is it really a dog? Could it be the spirit of a dog?

"Ah... W-well... I have a hamburger patty. Do you eat that?"

It barked again.

"I'll take that as a yes."

I got out of bed, and the dog followed me. Without wasting time, I cooked the hamburger patty and placed it on a plate on the floor. It started eating while its tail wagged too much... Is it really just a dog's spirit?

"So... Well, I suppose you can't talk... Ah... Well... I don't know what to do with you."

I confirmed that it's harmless (at least for now), but I don't know why I can see it or why it's here.

What are you really, dog?

•

•

(Pov- Saik.)

Well, here we are at the beach. The sun, the sand beneath my feet, and the smell of the sea make me feel peaceful. I have a wooden doll behind me, but I won't pay much attention to that matter and will enjoy my little vacation.

I took off my pants, I have shorts underneath, so it's fine.

I'll lay down on the sand and fall asleep while the others play... Or at least, that's what I wanted to do.

Naok got into trouble with some tourists. Ah, how bothersome. I'll let them beat him up... Ah... Oh, interesting, he's defending some girls. How chivalrous, Naok.

Ah, Naok threw the first punch, but it was returned. Such easy punches to dodge, but Naok doesn't have my inhuman reflexes. Ah, they're beating him on the ground. If this continues, the police will come and ruin our vacation. Honestly, I'd prefer to avoid that.

I approached them and yawned.

I don't like drawing attention to myself, but I won't allow them to beat up a fellow classmate. With this, Naok will owe me a favor.

Besides, if I let them continue beating him, Sylphie will be even more frightened than she already is.

Oh, Bell got involved in the fight and... They're breaking his face.

Ah, that was disappointing.

"Hey, could you stop beating up my classmates? I don't want to break your faces."

One of them stood in front of me, and I raised my gaze slightly to look him in the eyes. This man is very tall and muscular. It's no surprise that they defeated Bell and Naok so easily.

"What? Are you going to try too...?"

I delivered a strong knee strike to his groin.

Two punches to the face, right on the nose, and a final punch to the stomach. Two seconds, perfect.

He fell to his knees, and his nose wouldn't stop bleeding.

"Tears in your eyes, huh? I even made you cry..."

I stepped aside and dodged a punch that his friend threw at me.

I grabbed his arm, kicked his legs, and he fell to the ground.

I put my foot on his back and began to slowly bend his arm. He tried to get up, but the pain prevented him from doing so.

If I keep bending it, it will break at any moment, and his tears confirm it, along with his cry of pain.

"Will you leave us alone?"

"Y-yes."

"Perfect."

I let go of him and walked away, intending to lay down and fall asleep, but Naok grabbed me by the body and lifted me up.

"That was amazing, Saik! I didn't know you could fight."

"Please, don't get into trouble. I'm tired."

... Where's Evelyn...? Ah, she's walking away from the beach with an older, chubby man... Suspicious.

Well, I don't care. I suspected she was that kind of woman.

I distanced myself from Naok and sat under the umbrella we set up. Ah, I think I'll eat something to relax. Ludius is swimming, and Bell and Naok are flirting with the girls they defended. Claiming their rewards, huh?

Where's Ram?

"Smart and knows how to fight. A rare but interesting combination."

Ah, she's next to me. I didn't notice. Or maybe I did notice, but since I don't care, my brain ignored her.

"When you're born a loner, you have to adapt to survive. Many have tried to mock or hit me, you know, typical bullying. I'm not foolish enough to let it happen and always defended myself."

"Oh, I see. Quite aggressive since you were young, huh?"

"I'd rather be considered aggressive than an easy target."

"I like that side of you."

"I have to reject your love, I'm not interested in romance."

Sylphie, who was approaching me, heard that. I hope she understood the hint.

"I don't like you in that way, idiot. I mean your manner of being. Your personality. A guy who takes risks and ignores what people say about you. Shall we play?"

She pulled out a chess set from her bag. Ah... I know the rules, but I haven't played in a long time.

"Ah, sure."

"Saik, take this."

Sylphie offered me a lemon drink.

"For me?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

I took the drink, and Sylphie sat next to me.

"I've set up the pieces. White starts."

That sounded racist, but I don't care.

She moved the horse first. Well, well. Commonly you start with a pawn first.

I make my move with a pawn.

"How long have you been playing, Saik?" Sylphie asked.

"I never play. This is one of the few times I've played."

"I see... And do you know the rules?"

"Regarding the moves, yes."

"Would you teach me how to play?"

Ah, what a bother. But I have to accept if I don't want her to feel like a nuisance.

"Sure, alright... Wait, I think I forgot something at the hotel. I'll be back in a few minutes."

I walked away. I have to confirm something.

After a couple of minutes, I arrived at a restaurant, and next to the restaurant, there's an alley.

At the end, there's Evelyn, having sex with that fat man. She has a lot of money between her breasts. A prostitute, huh? I had my suspicions, but this confirms it. Evelyn isn't 16 or 15 years old; she's 18. Why is a girl her age in the first year? Surely her parents forced her to go back to school to leave her life as a prostitute behind, but she couldn't leave that life behind. She prefers money.

A prostitute in my class, huh?

Honestly, I don't care what she does with her body, so I won't say anything.

"Mmm... I think in the future I'll request her services."

"Ahhhhhhh!!"

Number 31 appeared in front of me and grabbed my shirt, furious. She's taking advantage of the freedom I give her to go out without permission, huh? Should I punish her?

"Do you want to have sex with a prostitute instead of me, a pure girl?!"

A pure girl? But you're the farthest thing from purity that I know.

"You're not even pure, and I wasn't planning to have sex with her. I want to learn how to draw naked women, you know, their poses and proportions. Having her as a reference is a good idea."

"Then you don't need her! Look at me!"

Number 31 undressed. Ah, she's an exhibitionist again, although I admit her heart-shaped mole on her right nipple is cute. I wonder if it's a natural mole.

"Touch me!"

She put my hands on her buttocks. Well, it's softer and bigger than I remembered. I like this softness, although not really that much. It's a buttock, it's full of bacteria. In that place is the anus, and disgusting things come out of there, like feces and gases. Should I like buttocks? I read on the internet that breasts and buttocks are very popular among men. Ah, my species is so strange.

"I'm much better than her!"

"You're angry, huh? Is this what they call jealousy?"

"Of course, I'm jealous!!"

Jealous of a prostitute. Ah... Believe me, number 31, I would never have sex with a prostitute for two reasons. Number 1: They could have sexually transmitted diseases. Number 2: If I wanted to have sex, I would have it with you, number 31. Although I don't feel the need for sex yet. I prefer to wait and have sex with a girlfriend.

Ah, the fat man already ejaculated... Ah... His member is small. No wonder Evelyn wasn't moaning; she's probably used to having huge members inside her. But I read on the internet that 11 centimeters are enough to satisfy a woman. Was I deceived by the internet again?

"Let's just go."

I won't think about those kinds of things; my mother would scold me if she knew.

I started walking, and number 31 put her buttocks on my face. Ah, better not say anything.

"I'm all you need! My buttocks are big!"

"Yes, yes, I'll draw you later. I'll continue... I'll continue..."

I feel eyes on me... And I know one of those looks... Hatred, resentment, a broken heart... Ah, is this for real?

"Number 31, do you want me to have sex with you again?"

"Huh? What?"

Number 31 hugged me tightly.

"Will you accept me now?!"

"No, but I need your help. I'm even willing to pay you with my body for your help."

"What should I do?!"

"Kiss number 74."

"Huh?"

"Maybe you should also have sex with her."

"What?!"

•

•

I returned to Sylphie and the others. I see Naok and Bell looking depressed, so they were probably rejected. Well, saving women doesn't guarantee that you'll make them fall in love.

I sat next to them.

"S-Saik, I read the first chapter of your manga. The artwork is really good, and you finished it in less than a day! Y-You're amazing!"

"Thank you, Sylphie."

"I already shared it! I'm sure it will become popular."

I hope so, I need the money. Yuki's food doesn't pay for itself.

And so, I spent 30 minutes playing with Ram, and then I played with Sylphie. Ram completely defeated me, but at least I managed to defeat Sylphie.

After that, we swam a bit and played volleyball. They never let me rest, so I'm very sleepy. This having supposed friends thing is exhausting. I prefer loneliness a thousand times over.

Ah, where could Yuki be? She must be with Maria. I hope she doesn't fill her head with strange ideas.

•

•

On the rooftop of a building, Faye and the wooden doll watch the crater together.

"When?"

"In an hour."

"... Are you sure this will work?"

"It will work. I'm 98% sure."

"And 2% against us."

"Scared? Don't you want to retrieve number 74?"

"If I didn't want to retrieve her, I wouldn't be here. I'll go to my position."

He walked away, and the wooden doll clapped once.

"Let the games begin."

Her negative energy started to leave her body and transformed in a grotesque way. Arms, eyes, hands, noses, even sexual organs started to emerge from her body.

"Chimera mode... 100%."

(Extra - The legendary ghost number 5, the ghost of silence.)

(Pov - Saik, 6 years old.)

Elementary school is so boring, and even more so because I have to endure her.

"Come on, Saik, smile, don't be boring! Hahahaha!"

Rossy, my classmate, never stops bothering me. If only she wasn't my mother's friend's daughter, I would have already punched her to leave me alone.

She pinches my cheeks to force me to smile. I really want to hit her, but if I do, my mother will get angry with me. You're so lucky, Rossy.

"Leave me alone."

"Hehe. Are you embarrassed? How adorable! Hahahaha...! Kyaa!"

She tripped because she was distracted. Ah, karma, so satisfying.

Her skirt is lifted up, and I can see her underwear... Ah, number 4, why do you activate without my permission...? Or did my anger activate it? I have to keep the powers of the legendary ghosts under control.

That fall and her visible underwear are not a coincidence.

"Strawberry-patterned underwear, huh?"

It matches well with her red hair with black streaks.

"You p-pervert!"

And she slapped me. It hurt, but I'll pretend that... Ah, yes, it did hurt!

"Why are you hitting me, crazy girl?!"

"Because you're a pervert!"

"Is it my fault that you tripped?"

Technically, it was my fault, but she doesn't know that.

"But nobody forced you to look at my underwear!"

I was just curious, that's all. My mother told me that I should never look at women in a perverted way because it would make them uncomfortable, so I did it to make her uncomfortable, but I didn't think she would get angry!

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, strawberry."

"I-Idiot!"

And she hit me again. Damn crazy girl!

After arguing with her as usual, I continued on my way to my next target: the legendary ghost number 5, the ghost of silence. From what I heard from number 4, the man I killed had planned to capture number 5. He found him when he attended a relative's funeral but had the misfortune of confronting me, so he died without attempting to capture him. That's what he gets for being too confident.

At least he saved me the trouble of looking for him.

The ghost of silence is very weak, as his power basically consists of hiding sound, that's it. Fighting him will be like fighting a regular ghost. I'll go in my normal form to take him by surprise.

But I didn't count on one annoyance.

"Hey, hey, where are we going?"

"And why are you following me? This is harassment."

"Come on, don't be boring, Saik. Let's play video games! You have many, don't be mean to your cute friend."

Friend? What a strange way to call enemies.

"I'm going to the cemetery."

"T-to the cemetery?"

Fufu. She's getting scared.

"Scared, cutie? Is the little strawberry afraid of a cemetery?"

"I'm not afraid of a stupid cemetery! Let's go!"

Ah, I wanted to go alone. Damned meddler.

Why does she always follow and bother me? Am I such an easy target? I need to do something about it.

•

•

We arrived at the cemetery and entered. The story of this cemetery is... sad? I suppose, I don't know. I think it's just interesting, not sad. Here lie the ashes of the victims of the Third and Fourth World Wars. Starting from the Fourth World War, organ donation ceased to be voluntary and became mandatory for all the deceased. Organs are removed from the corpses, and their remains are burned. The reason for that is because, during the Third World War, the enemy countries created some sort of zombies. They were destroyed, but to prevent any zombie apocalypse, the corpses are burned. Better safe than sorry. It's unknown if any trace of that virus is still in the air.

I don't like visiting cemeteries because I have to tolerate all these people.

"Oh, what a cute boy! He looks a lot like my grandson."

"I wish I could touch his cheeks."

Calm down, old ladies, make way, I'm looking for someone else.

According to Number 4, Number 5 is hiding behind a tombstone, sleeping. I just have to wake them up.

I took a black marker out of my pocket and wrote the number 4 on the palm of my hand.

"Do you believe in ghosts, Rossy?"

"Of course not! Only idiots would believe in ghosts."

"Ah, I see. It's just that you have one behind you."

"Do you think I'll fall for that...?"

I activated the ghost of the old lady who was touching her hair, and she got scared.

I deactivated it. That should be enough to scare her.

"What's wrong? Why are your eyes teary?"

"Uwaaaah! I want to leave!"

She took my hand and started running.

"I want to go home!"

"W-wait, don't run so...!"

She tripped, still having remnants of Number 4's power. Damn it.

We fell to the ground.

Ah, my chest hurts.

Ah, no wonder, Rossy fell on top of me, and her head is on my chest. You're heavy, crazy! Get off!

"I told you not to run."

She looked up, and our eyes met.

"Saik... I..."

"Get off, you crazy, you're heavy!"

"Hmmmh! Who are you calling fat?!"

"I just said you were heavy!"

She lifted me off the ground and started shaking me. Uwaaaah! Damn crazy!

"I'm trying to create the perfect atmosphere, and you ruin it!"

What does she mean by that? She's definitely lost her mind... Ah...

A fat man crashed into a tree. The legendary ghost Number 5. Number 4 is smashing his face.

Ah, she broke it. You went too far!

"Do you only know how to ruin things, idiot?!"

"Watch out!"

I pushed her and prevented the tree from falling on us. If you die, my mother will blame me. If it were up to me, I'd leave you under this tree.

"You almost got crushed, you idiot!"

"T-the only idiot here is you, idiot! I didn't need your help, weirdo!"

Number 4 placed Number 5 on my feet, unconscious.

"Hahahaha! Your power is incredible, Saik! Hahahaha!"

She returned to my body, and I sat on the ground.

"I don't think I managed to dodge it."

I closed my eyes and absorbed the legendary ghost Number 5. Small wounds appeared on my left arm, and I opened my eyes. It's safe to open them now; I deactivated that.

"Y-you're losing blood!"

"Ah, yes... Can you go get help?"

"Wait for me! D-don't you dare die, you idiot!"

She ran off, and I approached the tree.

"Number 4, do it."

"This will hurt."

Number 4 took my arm and lifted the tree slightly with their great strength.

They let the full weight of the tree fall on my arm, worsening my wounds.

I'm feeling intense pain, but I can't attract attention. I have to endure the pain and not scream.

She lifted the tree again, and I withdrew my arm.

"There you go, master. If they investigate, the tree will be the only culprit."

"Th... thanks."

I lost all my energy and fell to the ground.

5 legendary ghosts under my power, 95 to go.