CHAPTER 69.5 - A New Friend
(Pov - Ángel.)
"Phew! This is exactly what I needed on this hot day! A nice ice pop!"
"Nah, I've had better."
"Tastes good to me."
The three of us chilling on the beach, licking our ice pops, with the sound of the sea in the background.
Yeah, I like it. It's nice.
And it's adorable watching Slim lick her ice pop, considering her tiny size.
It's been a year since we escaped the demonic kingdom, and our lives have turned out to be pretty… peaceful.
The only issues we've had were with the heroes, but Slim took them all down, and we're known as the most powerful S-rank adventurer, even though I'm not an adventurer. I never joined a guild. If I became an adventurer, I'd be forced to work for the country, and I'd rather avoid any country trying to take advantage of me. I'm still neutral on the war issue—after all, there's no point worrying about it. The demons are destined to lose, and everything will reset when that happens, so it's not worth wasting time on.
Today, we're celebrating a year since our escape. We threw a little party with alcohol, food, and… prostitutes, though those are for Slim. They'll come tonight. For now, we're just drinking and enjoying the view.
Slim is the same as always, but Sol has changed a lot. She used to be pretty cold and reserved, but now she treats us well, like real friends, and that makes me really happy… Happy… Real happiness? Yeah, real happiness.
Anyway, the important thing is that our journey is moving forward without any issues.
This is our third country. We've got… 98 left? I think this world has 101 countries.
Will the war last long enough for us to visit every country? Hopefully. I won't worry about it—Slim has the power to keep the reset from affecting us, so we're not stressing over it.
"Let's go swimming!"
"No thanks, maybe later."
"Same, I don't feel like swimming yet," Sol said.
"Oh… Heh. Don't worry, I got the hint. Good luck!" Slim said, winking.
She flew off to the sea.
… What hint? Sometimes I don't get Slim.
"So… Hey, Ángel."
"Yeah?"
"Your thoughts… You know… The suicidal ones, are they still on your mind?"
… Well…
Now that I think about it, I've been so calm and having fun with Sol and Slim that I completely forgot about my suicidal side.
Do I still want to kill myself? I… don't know.
Now I have Slim, and I could even add Sol. I have two friends; I'm not alone, and I think I'm starting to enjoy life.
I think I am leaving my suicidal thoughts behind, but… they're still there.
It's hard to stop thinking about what happened to me, all the pain I felt, but I know perfectly well that I need to focus on my present and future. Dwelling on my past will only bring me pain.
Sol and Slim have become the light in my life, so as long as I have them by my side, I think I'll be happy.
"It's hard to explain, Sol. It's been a complicated few months, full of emotional ups and downs. Though the dark thoughts still visit me sometimes, I've learned to deal with them differently."
Sol looks me in the eyes, her expression full of concern. Did I say something wrong?
"Ángel, I understand it's a long and difficult process. But I want to make sure you're okay. What's helped you stay strong and keep moving forward? For me, Slim and especially you have helped me enjoy my life—a life I thought would never have meaning again. That's why I want to help you with all my being."
Especially me? Why? I don't recall doing anything specific. Maybe it's because she talks to me more than Slim.
Slim's a good person, but her personality might feel uncomfortable for someone like Sol.
Ugh… I take a deep breath and sigh.
It's pretty nostalgic thinking about the past, the fun and happy moments I've had with Slim and Sol, especially with Slim, the girl who gave me freedom.
"Slim was my savior. She showed me the light when I only saw darkness. Though I thought about suicide at first, I didn't do it thanks to her. Since then, her unconditional support and our friendship have given me the strength to face my inner demons. Thanks to her presence, I still want to live."
Sol nods.
"Slim may be a perverted sexual harasser, but she's a good friend in her own way. I'm glad you found someone to help you move forward. And I'm here too, Ángel, to support you with anything you need."
… Wow. Why's she getting so sentimental?
Not that I'm complaining. It feels nice to have someone care about me. It makes me feel… weird… What's this feeling in my chest? Gratitude? Whatever it is, I'm enjoying it. I'd love to feel it all the time.
"I know, Sol, and I appreciate it. Your presence in my life has been an unexpected gift. Though our pasts are different, I know we've both suffered and faced trauma. That's bonded us in a special way, I guess."
Huh?
What? She took my hand? Why?
And the feeling in my chest is growing. What's happening to me? I don't understand.
… Is she gently stroking my hand?
I… don't understand anything.
"Ángel, I can't change what's happened, but I want to be with you on this healing journey. If you ever need to talk or just someone to listen, I'll be here."
…
…
…
Wow… I still don't understand what's happening, but it makes me feel… happy… It makes me happy that Sol is willing to listen and help me overcome my emotional and existential struggles.
Sol… makes me happy?
… Am I squeezing her hand? I unconsciously squeezed her hand gently.
Why do I feel so weird?
"Thanks, Sol. Your support and understanding mean a lot to me. Sometimes words can't express what I feel, but I want you to know your presence gives me hope and strength to keep going."
Did I just say what I'm feeling?
"Ángel, it doesn't matter how long it takes to fully overcome those dark thoughts. What matters is that you're fighting, day by day, and that shows your resilience and courage."
What's resilience? Sounds important.
"You're right, Sol. Every day is a step toward healing and building a better future. I appreciate your support and the trust you've placed in me."
Huh? Where'd those fancy words come from? Why am I acting so weird?
Wow… Sol's smiling at me.
"Ángel, we're travel companions in this life, facing our demons and finding ways to be happy. If you ever need a reminder that you're not alone, just look at me."
Our demons, and she's a demon. That's funny and ironic.
"Thanks, Sol. Together, we'll keep moving forward, overcoming our struggles and finding peace in this chaotic world."
Hey, Ángel, seriously, what are you saying?
The words are just coming out of my mouth.
"I'm with you, Ángel. I'll always be here to remind you that you're valuable and deserve to be loved and enjoy life."
"Yeah… Thank you so much, Sol."
She looked at me and leaned closer.
Huh? Why's she closing her eyes? What's she trying to do?
I don't understand anything.
"Hey…"
"Uwaaah!!"
Huh?
Something fell in front of us.
"Tsk. Who ruined the mood?"
Mood? What's she talking about?
"Ouch, that hurt. Oh, hey, bro! Long time no see!"
The Shield Hero?
I don't sense hostility from him, just… happiness?
"Heh. Did I ruin the romantic mood? Sorry, my friend! It was his fault! We'll talk later… Uwaaah!"
A demon burst out of the ground and tried to hit him, but the Shield Hero created a shield under his feet, avoiding the blow, though he went flying from the impact.
Wow… Should I help him?
"Should we help him?"
"Tsk. Let that idiot handle his own problems. Besides, I don't think he needs help."
"Well, if you say so."
•
•
(Pov - Kevs.)
Ugh… That was…
Weird?
More like disappointing. This chapter kinda bored me. The only interesting part was that romantic moment between Sol and Ángel, and the Shield Hero's appearance. Did she fall for him? Doesn't she care about her tradition of losing her virginity to a virgin anymore?
I hope it gets more interesting.
So far, it's just about friendship and trying to enjoy life, but that doesn't interest me. Where are the epic battles against demons or evil gods?! The princess has positioned Ángel as an incredible god, but I don't see any of that in this story!
Ugh… Calm down, Kevs, it'll show up eventually. Little by little.
"Heh. Look, idiot. That Saik guy and that girl are eating together, side by side. They're definitely a couple."
"I think Saik already has a girlfriend, and it's not her—it's a girl named Sylphie. Why are you interested in Saik? Is he suspicious of being the hero Ángel?"
"His soul is pretty normal, so I doubt it. I'm not interested in him specifically; I'm interested in his relationship with that girl."
"Huh?"
The princess is interested in that? Why?
Think, Kevs, think. Why would someone like the princess be interested in Saik's relationship with that girl?
…
…
…
Ugh, I give up. I can't think of anything. I'll just ask her directly.
"Princess, why are you interested in their relationship?"
"Have you heard of clichés?"
"Clichés?"
"Yeah. In this world, people know what they mean, but most people here have experienced some cliché in their lives. Childhood friends who fall in love, childhood friends who end their friendship because the girl fell for another guy, a childhood friend you thought was a guy but turned out to be a girl, school romance, harems, cheating."
"Ouch, that last one happened to me twice."
"Exactly! And why do you think that happened? It's got nothing to do with being a fat, ugly guy."
Ouch.
"Well… I don't know. Bad luck?"
"Yes and no. It's because of this world's main characteristic. This is the world of clichés! That's why no one finds the clichés they go through weird—humans in this world are adapted to experiencing them."
… Huh?
I've heard the princess talk about alternate worlds and all that, I know they exist and are different from each other, but… is this world really different because of clichés? That sounds so weird.
But if the princess says it, it must be true.
So, my ex-girlfriends cheated on me, and my friends stopped talking to me because I'm doomed to suffer bad clichés like those? A-And I was randomly chosen to be the elves' servant… Arghhh!! Why did I get stuck with the bad clichés?! It's not fair!!
"Man, my luck sucks."
"That's why I'm watching them, to understand exactly how clichés work. That girl tripped over nothing, and Saik grabbed her hand, stopping her fall. A classic romantic cliché scenario."
"And… why?"
"It'll be useful in the future."
"If you say so, but I'll repeat: she's not Saik's girlfriend. They're probably just friends."
"That means his girlfriend isn't destined to be his girlfriend. I'm pretty sure that girl is Saik's destined love interest."
Destined love interest?
Ugh, I wonder if I'll ever meet my destined love interest. I've suffered enough, God, send me a girl who loves me with all her heart! One who's not crazy, please.
"Hey, leave him alone!"
T-That voice. Uwaaah! No, Vanessa, don't do it!
Vanessa stormed onto the rooftop! Idiot, get out of here, the princess could kill you since there are no witnesses!
School, why don't you put security cameras up here?!
"W-Wait, Vanessa, don't do anything stupid!"
"She's using you as a chair! I won't let her keep humiliating you!"
"Tsk. What a nuisance."
Y-Yeah, the princess is using me as a chair… As usual.
I definitely don't see the princess as a woman, because having her huge butt on my back just makes me feel like trash with no human rights.
Kevs, we're going crazy!
I know!
"V-Vanessa, get out of here, please."
"I won't!"
She's getting closer, and the princess is starting to get mad!
Come on, Kevs, think of something! Think, think!
We made up that the princess is a violent delinquent to keep idiots from talking to her or flirting with her, but Vanessa's ignoring that and coming toward us! Think, Kevs!
Come on, Kevs, come on… Violent delinquent… Ugh, I'm gonna regret this.
"Princess, kick me in the stomach, please," I whispered.
"With pleasure!"
The princess stood up and kicked me, knocking the air out of me. Arghhh! I knew I'd regret this! I can't breathe!
"Kevs! You're dead!"
"Let's see you try!"
I got up as fast as I could and took Vanessa's punch to the face, meant for the princess, while the princess punched my back, meant for Vanessa.
An attack from the front and the back! Arghhh! The things I do to keep you from getting killed!
"S-Sorry, Kevs!"
"Heh. Nice sandwich."
"V-Vanessa, I… I made a mistake, and I'm her slave to keep her from revealing my secret."
"Secret?"
"Yeah, that's why I'm begging you not to do anything. You and I are done; don't get involved in my life again. Please, I'm begging you. Leave and don't talk to me again."
"Heh. You're not as dumb as I thought," the princess said.
Uwaaah! Why'd she kick my legs?! That fall hurt! Ow, my poor arm! Princess, you're…!
Noooo! Don't insult her in your mind, or it'll be worse, Kevs!
S-She put her foot on my head. Goodbye, last shred of dignity!
"If you keep bothering us, bitch, I'll reveal his secret and send him to the hospital. This is your last warning."
"K-Kevs…"
Seeing her with teary eyes makes me feel so guilty. She really cares about me, and knowing that fills me with sadness and helplessness.
I'm so sorry, Vanessa, but it's for your own good. I really want to be your friend again, and seeing your tears confirms you didn't cheat on me. I even want to be your boyfriend again, but we can't even be friends. I'm so sorry, Vanessa. I'm really sorry.
"Vanessa, I… I hate you with all my heart."
"Huh?"
"I can't trust you again. I want to believe you didn't cheat on me, but the evidence was clear—you cheated. I hate you, Vanessa, and I don't want to talk to you ever again. Even now, I'm suffering because of you."
"B-But…"
"I hate you, you easy slut! Get out of here! Go with that hot guy from Class A! Be another one of his girlfriends!"
Arghhh! Don't cry, Kevs, don't cry, keep pretending to hate her and be angry! She's buying it!
S-She's crying so much. I'm so sorry, Vanessa!
"I never want to see you again!"
"Wow, where'd that come from? I liked it."
"Get out of here, bitch."
Ow, the princess is kicking me again! What'd I do now?!
"Learn to respect me, insect!"
"I called Vanessa a bitch, not you!"
I hear footsteps running.
Vanessa ran off the rooftop.
… Kevs.
Hold on, I'm recovering from the emotional damage.
… Done?
Yeah. What's up?
We lost Vanessa forever, didn't we?
Probably.
She really cared about us and wanted to help us.
Yeah, she still loved us.
… Kevs.
Yeah?
I think we're gonna develop depression.
Most likely, but it was worth it.
Yeah, it was. She's safe now.
We sacrificed a friendship and romance with her to save her life.
Yeah, it was for the best.
"It was worth it."
Goodbye, Vanessa. Be happy… Uwaaah! Don't put your foot on my face!
"You're not as useless as I thought, insect."
"T-Thanks."
I guess… Oh, I can see her…
Noooo! Idiot, what did you do?!
I covered my eyes immediately. It was an accident! I saw the princess's underwear! Which, by the way, is cute pink and…
Idiot, you're making it worse!
"Well, well. You saw them, didn't you?"
"It was an accident!"
"But you did it. Face or fingers?"
"Ugh… Fingers."
I put my hand on the ground.
T-This is gonna hurt.
The princess jumped to crush my fingers with her shoes. I curse my own existence and luck!
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
"Arghhh!! My dignity and fingers!!"
Was someone fighting on the rooftop? I heard screams.
Well, whatever, it doesn't affect me.
"Wow. You've got over 50,000 views. Your novel must be really good, Saik."
"Thanks."
Though I didn't write it—it was Number 31.
Yesei's more interesting than I thought. While we talked, I realized a lot about her personality and how she is.
Yesei's pretty introverted with people she doesn't know when she's not with her friends, meaning she feels more comfortable with people close to her, which lets her express herself more freely.
But that side of her is pretty bad since she lets people like Reiko influence her. Reiko probably suggested humiliating Sylphie, and Yesei just went along with it.
Ugh, she's got a weak mind. I hope I can help her with that. She won't be useful if she doesn't act like Naima, and Naima's more aggressive, not a weak girl.
"Hey, isn't the protagonist a bit too childish?" I said after finishing the first chapter of her novel.
Her most popular novel is about a guy who, after his childhood friend fell for another guy, tried to kill himself but was saved by an alien woman. Basically a romantic comedy between a guy and an alien woman.
"Childish? Why do you say that?"
"He never told his childhood friend how he felt; he always treated her as a friend and vice versa. Why'd he get mad when she told him she got a boyfriend? She has her own life; she decides who to be with. Being her childhood friend doesn't give him the right to criticize her choices. It's pretty childish of him, don't you think? I hope he matures."
"You really don't feel bad for the protagonist?"
"Why should I?"
"The love of his life fell for another guy."
"Then that means he wasn't her true love."
For example, if Naima gets a boyfriend, I'd feel bad, but I'd accept it because I don't control her life. If I tried to ruin her romance to be with her, I'd just be living a lie, knowing I was only her second choice. The best thing would be to accept her decision and move on with my life.
It's not worth fighting for someone who didn't choose you first. That wouldn't be love.
"Yeah, I see why you might think that. The protagonist can seem childish in his lack of emotional communication, but I think that's what makes his character so human and real. Sometimes people are scared to express their feelings and hide them out of fear of rejection or changing the relationship's dynamic. The protagonist might've been trapped in that insecurity, unable to take emotional risks."
"But that doesn't justify his reaction when she told him about her boyfriend. He should be happy for her, right? If he cared about her so much, he should be happy she's happy. Getting mad just because she's happy with someone else only shows the protagonist only cares about his own happiness and doesn't value others."
"You're right that his initial reaction was selfish and overblown. I think in that moment, his negative emotions and built-up frustration exploded. He felt betrayed because he expected her to return his feelings. His anger was an emotional response to that disappointment. As the story progresses, you'll see how both characters evolve and face their fears and insecurities. It's a personal growth journey for both. The protagonist learns to respect others' feelings, and the girl… Well, that's spoilers, so I won't say."
"I guess I'll have to keep reading to understand the characters' emotional journey and how the plot develops. Maybe there's more depth to the novel than I initially thought."
"… Hey, Saik, you're calmer and more emotional than I imagined."
"I'm a calm guy, though I don't think I'm emotional."
"I think you are; you're pretty emotional, and that side of you is cute. You should show it more often. Here I thought you were a wild monster."
"Wild monster? Why?"
"Because of how you act with others."
"I just prefer worrying about myself over others."
"I see… So… are you really planning to expel Reiko?"
"Yeah. You gonna try to stop me?"
"Can I?"
"No, but you can try if you want, though you'll just waste your time."
Keeping Reiko in class will be a constant pain in the ass since Sylphie won't feel comfortable, and if she's not comfortable, she won't want to distance herself from me, making efforts to make her independent pointless.
If I want Sylphie to be an independent girl, I need to expel Reiko from the class. Yesei's a girl who can be saved, so I don't plan to expel her, though I hope she doesn't do anything stupid.
In fact, I think I like Yesei more than Sylphie. Yesei's more serious and easier to talk to.
"I'd like to try, but I don't have what it takes to stop you. Not even Ram could."
"If you don't try, you'll never know if you really couldn't stop me. If you give up without trying, you'll never know if you were actually capable."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
The bell. Ugh, time to head back to the classroom.
"I hope they've cleaned up already."
"Me too."
We got up from the ground and brushed the dust off our uniforms.
"No need to say it, but don't tell Naima what we're doing, please."
"Don't worry, I won't."
"Thanks."
Good, I got the help I needed, but… why do I feel so weird doing this? This is strange.
I don't know, I feel… How can I describe it? I feel really comfortable with her, like I'm talking to someone similar to me. Is this the effect Yesei has on people? She's a girl who adapts to acting like the people around her, but I didn't feel like she was pretending to be like me. I thought she only did that with her friends, and I highly doubt she considers me a friend.
Is that her real personality? If so, why does she pretend to be someone she's not? Is she afraid of being seen as boring because she likes writing and reading?
Ugh, well, only she knows her reasons.
•
•
Classes ended, and I left school.
I've got a certain goal in mind, but I'll do it later. First, I'll stop by to see Iris and check how she's doing at work. The ghost I left watching her didn't warn me of any danger, so I think she's fine.
I got to the store and walked in.
"Oh, master, you're back," said Legendary Ghost Number 36, the Mirror Ghost.
The ghost of an old woman, with the right half of her body completely black.
She returned to my body, and I headed to the counter.
"Good afternoon, Saik! How'd it go on the island? I thought it'd end on Wednesday. Everyone back already?"
"Good afternoon, Iris. No, I failed the test and came back early. Sylphie's still at camp, so I guess she's doing well. How've you been?"
"Oh… That's a shame. I thought you'd pass."
"Just bad luck. Well, I'll be back soon; gonna grab my sweets."
I walked away from her, straight to the sweets. I missed them so much.
"I want those white chocolates, Saik!"
Ugh, Yuki. Was she following me, or did she just know I'd be here?
"Still mad?"
"I'm still worried about your decision, but I don't think I can change your mind. I'll try to understand you while I try to convince you to fall for someone else."
"At least you're honest."
Let's see. I'll take these… And these… Oh, these too.
Alright, alright… Done, I can't carry any more in my arms.
"We having a feast tonight?!"
"Of course."
I missed sweets so much, I'm planning to eat as many as I can.
I set the sweets on the counter.
"Y-You buying all these, Saik?"
"Yeah, please."
"Heh. You shouldn't eat so many sweets, young man."
And you shouldn't butt into other people's conversations, old man… Ugh, damn it.
"Thanks for the advice. I won't take it, but thanks."
I opened my backpack and started packing the sweets Iris was ringing up, ignoring the old man next to me.
"You're my granddaughter's boyfriend, right?"
"Boyfriend?!"
Hey, Iris, I'm the one who should be shocked, not you. Like grandmother, like granddaughter, huh?
"Could he be Sylphie's grandpa?" Yuki said.
"I don't have a girlfriend, so you're mistaking me."
"You're not Hanako's boyfriend?"
"Oh, Hanako. The one with the same hairstyle as me?"
"That's her."
"We're just friends, so don't worry."
"And you don't like her?"
"Not really."
"But she'd be a better girlfriend than crazy Naima!" Yuki said.
I finished packing the sweets and pulled out my wallet to pay.
"Don't worry, young man, I'll pay for what you bought."
"I'll take you up on that. Iris, call me if this old man doesn't pay you."
"S-Sure," Iris said, confused, not expecting me to accept.
"Hahahahaha! This old man's a good guy! He's trying to buy you off to date Hanako! See, Saik?! Dating Hanako has way more benefits than dating Naima!"
This old man's loaded. After all, he's the leader of the ghost-hunting organization. I can let him pay without feeling bad.
And, Yuki, dating Hanako has more negatives than positives, so no, it doesn't have tons of benefits.
I left the store, ready to head out, but a girl I haven't seen in a while stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
"Hey, Saik."
"Uh… Hey… Sayu?"
"At least you still remember my name."
"Well… Bye."
I tried to leave, but she grabbed my arm, trying to stop me, but it was just an attempt.
I kept walking, dragging Sayu, who was pulling and pulling hard to stop me, but she couldn't.
"Hey, hey, when a cute girl grabs your arm, you're supposed to stop, not keep walking! Don't you have any common sense?!"
"Hahahahaha! So cute! She's trying to pull you and can't! Hahahahaha!"
Ugh, what a hassle.
"I need to talk to you! Come with me!"
"I don't have a girlfriend, but I like someone else. Sorry, I can't return your feelings."
"Stop saying stupid shit and get in the car!"
"A kidnapping? I see. I'm warning you, I'd rather die than give you my money."
"Shut up and get in!"
A car pulled up beside us.
"Saik, activate my body, I'll buy you time to escape!"
Don't worry, Yuki, I don't think that's necessary.
Whatever they've got planned, it'll backfire. If they didn't figure out my identity before, they definitely won't now that I'm weaker.
"What's in it for me if I go with you? You giving me food?"
"We'll give you sweets!"
"What, are you a pedophile? You think I'm that easy to buy?"
"Well, considering you're already in the car, yeah, you're pretty easy."
Ugh… I hate being such an easy guy to convince.
Yuki sat on my lap, and Sayu got in the car.
"Saik, if they try to kill you, activate my body to help you fight!"
I don't think it'll come to that, but I'll take you up on it if I need to.
The old man got in, and the car started moving.
I've got Sayu on my right and the old man on my left.
Ugh… It's been a while, old man. Honestly, I didn't miss you.
"So… you gonna rape me after giving me the sweets? So I can bite my tongue now and die."
"How long are you gonna keep pretending, Shadow?"
"Shadow? My name's Saik, old man."
"Walking through places without security cameras was our first clue, but considering the places you visited, we thought it was a coincidence. But now that Hanako was visited by Shadow on the island, we confirmed your identity. Did you really think doing that would make you less suspicious?"
"… Uh… Well… I definitely don't understand anything."
Did my master plan fall apart because it was too perfect?
"No need to keep pretending. The reason we kept looking for you is because we need your help. The capital sin of wrath is back. Didn't Number 31 tell you anything about that?" Sayu said.
No, because I told her not to tell me anything about that stuff. Let Lalo handle it. If he did it once, he can do it again… Well, though I helped him a lot in that fight.
"Guys, I'm uncomfortable. Are we on a hidden camera show?"
"Saik, what are they talking about?" Yuki said.
"You defeated it once; I'm sure you can do it again."
"I have my doubts about you, but if my grandpa trusts your power, then I'll trust you."
"You guys are weird, you know?"
"You've changed, Shadow. You used to only capture legendary ghosts and kill when it was necessary to capture legendary ghosts, but now that you have your legendary ghosts, you keep killing. Why? Did power corrupt you? What happened to that little kid who risked his life to save the world?"
"Oh, I get it, you're otakus. Look, old man, it's cute that you humor your granddaughter, but this is over the top."
"Arghhh! I'm sick of your attitude!"
… Ugh… You went too far this time… idiot…
"S-Saik!!" Yuki screamed, her eyes full of tears.
"W-What?" Sayu said, confused and scared.
"Did we get it wrong?" the old man said.
"Y-You're… crazy…"
D-Damn it. Number 31, absorb all the legendary ghosts and get out of my body. If I'm gonna die, I'll make sure to give the legendary ghosts to Sumi. Number 31, give the legendary ghosts to Sumi little by little.
She left my body along with my legendary ghosts. I made sure to fully control their actions because, knowing her personality, she'd lose control and try to attack them. I'm not taking that risk—Sumi needs the legendary ghosts.
… I'm losing too much blood…
"Noooo! Saik, Saik, don't die!"
Yuki hugs me.
I'm sorry, Yuki, my life ends here.
I'm going to hell, I know… Ugh… I hope you're happy, Yuki.
"Mom… Dad… I did my… best…"
But I failed… I failed. I wasn't the normal person I dreamed of being. I didn't graduate as the top student… I couldn't keep my promise.
I'm so sorry… I'm sorry…
"I'm… sorry…"
•
•
Sayu stabbed Saik in the chest with a knife to force him to activate his spiritual power, but she failed and ended up stabbing Saik right in the heart.
With her eyes full of regretful tears, Saik lost consciousness, and Yuki, filled with rage, tried to attack Sayu.
"I'll kill you…!! Uwaaah!"
She flew out of the car, heading toward Saik's house.
"W-What?!"
Sayu pulled out the knife and dropped it on the floor.
"H-He wasn't Shadow?"
"No, he wasn't. His heart was destroyed without any resistance… Ugh, let's burn his body and…"
"Hahahahaha!! Another mistake? 'Que raro, ¿eh?' (How strange, huh?) Hahahahaha!!"
Everything around them turned black, and the car stopped.
They got out of the car to investigate.
"Grandpa, are we under attack?"
"This power is…"
"'Hola, parientes!' (Hello, relatives) How you doing? Killing innocents as usual, huh? What a surprise. Hahahahaha!"
"Lalo García."
"Lalo García? The capital sin of pride?! Grandpa, was Lalo close to Shadow?"
"Not that I know of."
"Who's Shadow? Whatever, doesn't matter. 'Bueno, par de pendejos, respondan mi puta pregunta.' (Alright, you pair of dumbasses, answer my damn question)"
A massive amount of electric bolts started rising from the ground, slowly taking the shape of Lalo García, who kept a friendly smile on his face, but his fury was palpable, making Sayu tremble with fear.
One final bolt formed his mustache, and he crossed his arms.
"Why'd you kill "al hijo de mi compa Naik, que en paz descanse" (my buddy Naik's son, may he rest in peace)?"
"He was suspected of being Shadow," the old man said, pulling his granddaughter behind him to protect her.
"Who?"
"Shadow, the possessor of the legendary ghosts."
"Oh, right, I heard about that, but I thought Legendary Ghost Number 100 wasn't a threat anymore. Let's say Saik is Shadow. Why'd you need him? And let's say, because I don't think he is—look at him, he's stone-cold, and no legendary ghost came out."
"Yeah, I admit we made a mistake."
"'Que novedad (What a surprise).'"
"Lalo, the capital sin of wrath is back."
"'Lo sé (I know),' I'm already dealing with it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna try to revive him."
Lalo García walked past them to revive Saik.
"But… All the evidence pointed to him being Shadow. Where did we go wrong?" Sayu said.
"Shadow this, Shadow that. Blah, blah, blah. You foreigners are such crybabies. Stop relying on Shadow so much and improve what you've already got."
He picked up Saik in his arms and took him out of the car.
"Stop wasting time and use it to improve. 'Adiós.'"
He gave a smile and vanished with Saik.
Everything returned to normal, leaving Sayu and her grandpa alone.
"Who's Naik?"
"That's the name of Saik's father. Was he close to Lalo?"