Returning from Tokyo, Yuuna was trying to calm an angry Asahi down over the treatment he received from the landlady where he previously lived with Shio.
"I can't believe that lady treated you like that, you didn't say anything to her.
"It's okay… She waited for me with the late rent… she may be a little hateful, but she's not a bad person.
"Leave the past in the past Asahi, now just look to the future where you live together.
"All thanks to your generosity, Mr. Javier.
"Ehehe, you'll make me blush if you praise me so sincerely.
"It's the least I can offer. He helped me by offering me the job. He's also thinking about my children and their future… I don't know how to repay him."
Still unable to get used to the genuine, pure sincerity toward him that tickled his heart, Colorado Javier coughs and says to Yuuna.
"There's no need to thank me anymore… as long as you do a good job around the house, you can pay me back… By the way, Asahi, are you interested in practicing any martial arts?"
"Martial art, what for?
"I'll put you in a club to train, you just have to choose the one you like best.
"I don't like to hurt.
Remembering the constant abuse he received from his father, Asahi's body twitched at the memory. Hugging Yuuna, he saw that she remembered that time of bitterness, noticing the fear on her face.
Javier, seeing how Asahi reacted, proposes something, while chasing him.
"Martial arts are not for attacking, but for defending, and knowing that you would tell me that, how about Jiu-Jitsu.
"As I said… I don't want to practice martial arts that hurt others.
"Listen first, Ju-Jitsu is a martial art that does not require attacks, this art was designed to protect, disarm and use the opponent's strength to your advantage, with simple movements you can beat anyone at your feet.
".... I'll think about it.
Nodding into Yuuna's chest, she slowly rubs his head, calming him down.
Javier, having nothing to say to the scene between mother and son, continued driving until he reached the front of the mansion's gate, where Yami was waiting, who didn't wait long to open the door and sit in the passenger seat.
"Asahi brings Shio to the living room, I'll start giving her lessons and Yuuna can prepare some light late night snacks.
"Mn, I'll have it ready, let me take these clothes to the room.
Getting out of the vehicle, Asahi and Yuuna watched them disappear with the few things they had brought in a suitcase, while Javier stared at Yami's feet where two bodies emerged from his shadow.
"Good job Yami, you earned a reward of....
Seeing her impatient like a child to open the present, Javier announced with joy.
"Five tubs of ice cream.
"Nniomcoidsnciundicnsokjaopmximio!
Even though he didn't understand what Yami was saying, Javier didn't have to decipher her language, since just seeing her drooling over the ice cream made it obvious what she was thinking, but Javier knew very well that she needed to control herself.
"You can eat a tub of ice cream for two days.
He said touching Yami's forehead with his finger.
"Grirjrkfndid.
"I don't care about your complaints, if I leave them all to you, you're capable of committing them in a single day.
"Firgkfjdvsibsbks.
Not liking the restriction, he kicked the ground several times, showing his dissatisfaction.
But ignoring this, Javier bent down and checked the bodies.
"Yami, I'm happy that you've fulfilled my mission, but don't you think it would be more decent and healthy not to smash a human's head into pieces, if you're going to kill him by ripping out his heart anyway?
"....[I did it because it was too noisy to tear off his arm, the other one didn't give me the strength and p,,, I hit his head with my fist, I didn't think he was so weak, being men like the teacher].
Not knowing when he had taken the cell phone from his pants, Yami, who still did not know how to control a cell phone, could not delete a letter before changing its content.
Javier, ignoring that signal, took his cell phone from Yami's hands and handed her his notebook and pencil that were lying in the kitchen.
[I don't think it's a good idea to give Yami a cell phone. She's still a toddler, and I don't want her to get bogged down with new information. She's already had enough from what she watches on TV.]
Thinking these thoughts, Javier squatted down again, thinking and staring at the lifeless body with a frown, before his hand grabbed something, invisible to mortal eyes.
"Being close to my Holy Land's barrier, their souls haven't completely disappeared, but only residues remain. Furthermore, they've been exposed for several hours to your cloudiness, which prevents me from wearing them down, but this is better than nothing…
Lighting a small pink flame on his finger, Javier watched the tiny sparks gathering in its flame before it went out and he sighed.
"Mmmm, they weren't good people, but who am I to blame their actions, when they are tied to other gods.
Sweeping his arm, the bodies disappeared, he looked at Yami before starting to walk to the mansion.
"I have the location of their lair, I don't know their names, since they call each other by code names even when they are alone. From what I could obtain it was little, but valuable information... It is time to obtain information about the ranking system of this world, but I feel uncomfortable believing that this is their true cultivation, oh it could be because I am not a resident of this world, well we will see later, it is not true Yami... Aaaaah.
Javier was dejected when he saw that Yami wasn't paying attention to him, because she was thinking about other things, specifically her ice cream.
Entering the study room where Asahi, Shio and Yuuna were already, with no sight of Rinka and Sayaka.
"Yami, we have to make an unexpected visit later, don't fall asleep.
[Where?]
"I'll tell you later.
Nodding, Yami retreats to the kitchen to eat his treat, staying with the Kobe family.
"Let's start with Shio first.
"Yes Ojii-Nii-san!
"I like your enthusiasm, so first the Japanese alphabet.
While watching the excited Shio with her notebook open on the table, Javier makes the whiteboard appear on the other side of the table and begins to write, where Shio does not take her eyes off.
"What beautiful handwriting Ojii-Nii-San, I can write like that too.
"Of course, so let's start by first knowing that the Japanese alphabet consists of three systems.
"In three, what is that?
"Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji. The first one will be Hirama, which I will teach you these days. I will leave you homework for tomorrow so that you can learn while we are gone. Yuuna will have to sit next to him and check if he is doing it correctly.
"I'll make sure Shio does his homework.
"Okay, let's start with five letters; A, I, U, E, O…
Excited to learn, pleased to see her animated spirit, he began teaching her for half an hour. Shio asked questions about the first 10 of the 46 letters of the Japanese alphabet, raising her hand each time she finished one. Satisfied with the feeling some passionate teachers feel, Javier looked at Shio writing, and at another table, Yuuna and Asahi, surprised by Shio's concentration.
"That's it for today, Shio remember to repeat the 10 hiramas you learned today, repeat one side for each hirama, if you have any questions you don't know ask Yuuna.
"I'm going to start practicing Hiragana now, sensei Ojii-Nii-San.
Laughing at her and knowing that she's now grown up with what she calls him, Javier begins erasing the board and images he'd made appear so Shio could understand the meaning of some words. Returning to Asahi, who was writing down what was written in her notebook, he sees Shio running off to another table to practice alone.
"Okay Asahi, as I told you, I'll teach you math. Let's reinforce addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, basic operations like integers and decimals, as well as arranging numbers.
"Accommodate?.
"Yes, it's simple, in every mathematical operation, the largest number goes on top and the smallest goes on the bottom, of course the sum is different, but it still has a rule, like this example: (45+2).
"The order is important. If a teacher gives you the number 45 on the bottom and 2 on the top, you should always remember that the number 2 is always on the right and never on the left. The result of this calculation is: (45 + 2 = 47)."
"Now let's continue with these ten additions, by the way Asahi you know how to check the result.
"...
Looking at Yuuna for a moment, Asahi shook her head, Javier understanding set another exercise.
"(98+234= 332), this is the result but to check if it is done correctly, we add again, now (234+98= 332), and this is the check.
"Huh? It's not the same, you just change the position of the numbers.
"Let me tell you something, no matter how many checks you make, it'll give you the same result. This is the simplest check, and you don't have to rack your brains over sums. Now, go ahead and solve the other problems."
"Yeah.
Starting Asahi's first lessons, Javier would check every operation he did, while the two were in front of the blackboard, Yuuna would take out a notebook and review what she had once learned.
1:03 AM
{Saturday, April 20, 2028}
Asleep, the mansion's lights off, the vehicle turns on its headlights and begins to roll toward the exit without anyone noticing.
Driving along the empty highway, Yami and Javier listened to music on the radio while the night breeze blew against their faces. No one spoke or made a fuss, and they reached their destination after driving for fifteen minutes.
"Ugggg, driving at night is certainly different than during the day... Ehehehe, that Alvarado was always afraid of traveling at night, look what he was missing.
Speaking to himself while remembering an old friend from work as a truck driver, Javier looked at Yami who had written in his notebook.
[What do we come to do in these places, master?]
"Ahh, we just came to return what you forgot to pick up and as payment you'll tell us some super delicious information.
Tilting his head to one side, Yami still didn't understand what Javier meant.
Walking without hearing any humans nearby, apart from the barking dogs and fighting cats, Javier entered a residential area, sensing dozens of cautious glances at his arrival.
[Security seems to be good, there are runes protecting several apartments in the highest places, if they are attacked they will still be able to hold out a bit to call for reinforcements]
Having that thought, noticing nothing but cautious, yet neutral glances, Yami and Javier passed one of the high-rise buildings with a [Moon] sign, before entering a dead end.
"This seems to be the place.
In a good mood, he barely made it a few inches from the wall before his finger hit various parts of it without any result.
"Hmm.
[What an interesting method they have. They must have been an expert in the field of formations, to hide such a treasure. But I have no interest whatsoever. We just opened the entrance.]
Javier realized that what he had in front of him was not so simple, and that the only mechanism was a test left by an expert, who understood himself like a spider web for ten kilometers around.
Gathering some pale pink fire on his finger, Javier began tapping different parts of the wall in spots.
"Pressure points of the body, first… let's go with the stomach, shoulder, inner thigh, pinky finger, and neck.
Systematically hitting the pressure points of the body that were visible to the cultivator's eye.
Crack!
A small noise is heard, the wall disappears and stairs leading downwards appear, illuminated by stones.
"It's similar, but to a lesser degree, follow me Yami, don't stay behind no matter what you see.
"Gryu.
Responding in their own way, they walked down the stairs for a minute, before a new world opened up before them both.
"Hey, look at the number of people, it looks like a festival.
"...
"Let's walk around a little Yami.
Holding Yami's hand, Javier, happy for more than one reason, walked through the crowd of people browsing the stalls on one side. Javier soon realized how things are done: if something interests you, buy it; if not, walk right past it.
"Yami, look at these earrings, don't you think they would look very good on you?
[Aqualina Earring], [Cloud Orchid], [Cocytus Anklet], [Green Silk Glove]
Javier, more than usual excited, wandered around each stall looking at women's accessories, whether bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces, headbands, glasses, or bows.
"MOImodfinimismc.
"Mmm, maybe you like this bracelet, I also think it's pretty, with its sea green color.
[I'm tired.]
"Tired, but what you're talking about, we've only just seen a part of it.
"....
Yami, seeing herself tired by Javier's excessive enthusiasm, put her hand in the pocket where Javier kept his cell phone and showed him the time.
"Eeeeh, it's 2:45, time flies so fast.
"Wow, what a beauty.
"Which clan will he be from?
"A maid… suits her well.
"Gege, I wish he would step on me.
"Beautiful.
Hearing the murmurs of the people for the first time since his excessive enthusiasm began, Javier smiled proudly while still holding Yami's warm hand, before continuing to walk and giving Yami a few small glances.
Straight, waterfall-like hair falling to her waist, strands of hair covering her forehead and her fine, mustard-colored eyelashes, cyan and black heterochromia eyes that seemed as naive as a child's and as cunning as a snake, long eyelashes, a thin chin, a pointed nose, pearly-white skin, and long limbs. Javier, captivated by Yami's peerless beauty, his heart beat so hard it seemed to burst out of his chest.
"Grrr."
"N-nothing happens, let's look at this stand, Yami.
Barely able to come up with an excuse, Javier felt his face burning. Shame or something else, not even the hentai god knew what he was doing yet.
Having visited dozens of stalls, he saw the same behavior: a simple red cloth on the floor and the products on top with a name and a fixed price.
There was also another type of stall, which was the one that sold various products, from medicinal plants, animals found in specific areas, clothing made from monster materials, another shop that bought and sold animal materials, armory, and more.
[Flame Bracelet: Envelops the wearer in a protective flame, one use.] [36 Blue-Green Crystals]
[Veil Ring: Increases speed.] [ 45 Purple Blue Crystals]
[Fireball Pearl: Sends out fire attacks.] [100 Purple Crystal]
Javier still didn't quite understand the currency they used, so he decided it was time to get down to business.
Leaving the post, Yami followed Javier out of the crowd, reaching buildings that touched the roof of the place.
[Hidden from the Light]
With no one at the front desk, Javier took the elevator to the 23rd floor, where it stopped.
"If I'm not mistaken, it's at this door.
Arriving at a steel door, Javier and Yami didn't knock or say anything; they just stared at the door like a staring contest.
Clad!
"Come in.
Said the calm voice that came after the steel door opened.
Entering the Mantis Guard, with no signs of nervousness the steel door closed again as Yami entered.
With only a light from a spotlight hanging from the ceiling illuminating a pool table and a thickset man without an arm, he drank alcohol without realizing his paleness or maybe he noticed and continued drinking until the glass was empty, stopping immediately he said.
"I want to know how you got here? And why are you here?"
"I just came to deliver the men you left behind, and information I want to get.
"What do you want to know? But let me tell you that no one but me knows the information about the clients who hire me.
"I already knew it, for the same reason no one knows the other's name, only their nickname.
"If you knew, why did you come?
"Information, I want all information, from the most important families or clans of Japan, their enemies, I want to know the monetary system, the farming system they follow, how many races there are, and if there is any other area like this, I want details, of each thing mentioned and of course I will pay you well.
Incredulous, the leader Mantiz, with his one hand, pours himself a drink and drinks it, before hitting the table several times with his finger to snap his fingers and the lights turn on.
"You know, bullets are useless to me.
"Hee, who says bullets are normal.
"Oh, I understand. And what do you say about my deal?"
"It's not a bad deal…
Waiting for the Mantiz leader to think of something, Javier looked around, counting thirty men with assault rifles pointed, before looking at Yami standing behind him, with a calm expression.
"...give him a chair.
Without further ado, a man brought two chairs and Yami and Javier sat down on the other side of the pool table.
"Payment first.
"Agreed, but you'll have to tell me what currency they use here.
Nodding, the Mantis leader puts his hand in one of the holes in the pool table and throws it to Javier, who catches it, the object that was oval-shaped like a blue-green quail's egg.
"I can sense some energy within this crystal, but it's cloudy like muddy water.
"It's one of the lowest-grade crystals, and the common currency. There are five currencies: Black Blue Crystal, Greenish Blue, Purple Blue, Sapphire Blue, and Celestial Blue.
"Blue-black crystal is the lowest; you'll find it everywhere, but not many want it. Then there's the Blue-green crystal; it's a hundred black crystals, you get a greenish crystal, it's the most used. Then there's the Purple crystal; it has fewer impurities and is smaller, almost the size of a marble. You can absorb its pure magic within it, and it also serves as currency. Above its purity are the Sapphire crystal and Celestial crystal. Unlike the others, they have different dimensions. The largest confirmed was on the island of Hawaii thirty years ago, the size of a bowling ball.
"Mmm, I understand Sapphire crystal and Celestil crystal, please continue.
Finishing writing in a notebook, Javier, with a smile from ear to ear, waited for the leader Mantiz to continue, ignoring the fact that he looked at him like a weirdo.
"Since you know the price, I'll charge you five Purple Crystals.
"Five… which is one hundred dark blue crystals, gives one greenish Crystal, that is, one thousand greenish crystals, for one purple crystal, that is correct.
"You agree to the price.
"Okay, but I still owe you for this occasion, but don't worry, I'll pay you before Sunday, you know where I live anyway.
Hearing groans of frustration, leader Mantiz still maintained a neutral stance in response to Javier's response.
".... It's okay, I have nothing to lose either way.
"Oh, I like that way of thinking, I like it hahahaha.
Enjoying Javier alone, leader Mantiz signaled with his hand and one of the men went off somewhere and brought the map of Japan and some photos of cities.
"This information isn't secret, but no one gives it to you without anything in return. As you might understand, there are several sites like this one.
"Aren't they the same?"
"No, this place is called 'Box,' and the reason it's called that is because nothing leaves, it's only stored. This 'Box' is for lower-grade resources. While you can find everything, you'll only find common items in the different areas, finding many natural treasures. The nearest high-level area is Kyoto, where you'll only find slaves and exotic animals. A single purchase can cost thousands of Celestial Crystals."
"Slaves had not been banned since the 19th century.
"Outside, not here, it's a valuable resource that has many benefits. Moving on to the other point, Sapporo has many ice-element items among other valuable resources. In Nagasaki, you'll find another one, but this one sells unique plants and insects, and anything else you might want…
"Let's continue, I'll tell you about the families that influence Japan:
Ryuto Family: Controls all the crystal sources that exist in Japan and has a good relationship with the Asai, to the point that several children have become engaged in the past.
Asai Family: They are the creators of pills and weapons for magicians, they are a family that like the Ryuto, their fourth daughter is engaged to the son of the Ryuto, it has been speculated that this child does not have mana, but is good at family business.
Torita Family: Modern weapons manufacturers and competitors of the Asai, their current family head has been replaced by a new one, nothing is known but it is said that he was the one who ordered the murder of the previous boss along with his wife and two daughters, taking control of the family.
Yukino Family: Former allies of the Torito, their relationship broke down in the last generation, but before the usurpation the two leaders were friends and the old relationship was being repaired, but now they are enemies.
Radiant Family: Buying and selling slaves I don't have to say more than it is tangled with all the families, the only thing different from all of them is that this family has more enemies than allies.
Okobe Family: They are an ancient family of tamers, they have their tamer school all over Japan.
Negima Family: Like the Okobe, they are an ancient pure-blood family, they are magicians by nature and are the backbone of Japan.
The Light family: It cannot be said family, since it is a combination of the other families, it was created after World War II, its function is simple, it is to intercept enemies who want to harm Japan.
"If you tell me, then it's no secret to the nation that there are more organizations of this kind.
"Yes, China, Korea, Russia, England, Germany, Egypt, the United States and Peru, but I don't know what they are all are the force apart from some, our Japanese organization is called Golden Fish.
"Money ready, underworld families ready, markets ready, by the way, do you know something about an auction in five to four months?
"The slave auction will be held in four months, the one you're talking about will be sponsored by the Radiant family and if the main family is in charge it won't be simple, slaves will be brought in from different countries and ours with hundreds or thousands of powerful people buying slaves with great value.
"Tell me about the magicians.
"To talk about magicians… look at this.
Closing his eyes, his hand slowly extends, a small purple flame appearing in the middle of his palm. Javier, observing closely, makes notes in his notebook.
"I see, this flame has properties of steam, and how it relates.
"Humans or any race, are born as a flame, depending on the type and quality they are divided into supports and magicians, Arcane
Nodding at Leader Mantiz's explanation, Javier turns the page.
"Please continue.
"Apollo's are: Blue = Water, Cyan = Nature, Black = Darkness and White = Cloud.
The attack ones: Yellow=Thunder, Green=Wind, Gold=Light, Red=Fire.
There are also several more flames: such as Brown=Time, Purple=Cloud, Greenish Blue=Aurora.
"Those are the few examples I can give you, since guys who have a combined fire are rare, and speaking from personal experience, I haven't met anyone yet.
[It seems these guys don't know that the fire they project is a part of a person's soul. This is strange, with just a look he could tell, and this information should already be circulating among the Gods of this planet, what is going on?]
"Now following the system of an Arcane mage begins…
Dividing into Ten Arcane Modus, each Modus has Ten levels; [Beginning, Color, Union, Core, Elemental, Resonance, Armor, Mantle, Spirit, Familiar].
And with each completed Arcane Modus there is a Secret Modus, most Arcane mages can only complete a single level of the five, or none at all, as the reward for completing a level is multiplied by the quality of the magic within the mage. These are: [sub Rupture, Sub Pull, Sub Root, Sub Cloud, Sub Water, Sub Sound, Sub Growth, Sub Wind, Sub Ripen, Sub Whistle].
[I don't know, but this system seems weirder and weirder to me, like vomiting]
"I understand well, about races.
"The hidden races are the beast race, the snake race, the demon race, the mermaid race, and there are also those who live in unique areas like the Snow women, the fairies in the forests, and the scorpion men who live in the desert.
"I see, I see, one more thing, there are bloodlines.
"No, I've never known about that blood lineage thing.
Nodding several times, Javier asked him a few more questions, finishing writing in his notebook, closing it and simply standing up.
"My business here is over, I am returning to you the subordinates you left behind.
Dad!.
As the lifeless bodies fell onto the table, a heavy atmosphere filled with blood spilled over Javier. Yami, who had fallen asleep while waiting, got up, and everyone lowered their heads, avoiding her presence.
"Hee, they're afraid of her, well I can't blame them, hehe, if they fight her at best they'll come out with their bodies intact, at worst they won't have a body.
Leaving those words, Javier took the hand of a half-asleep Yami who was massaging her eyes.
"Leader Matiz.
Speaking of one of the most trusted men, he had common features, the only difference would be that the corner of his eyebrow was slightly sunken, as if there was no bone.
"21, report from our client.
"They have left the Area.
"What do we do, leader Mantiz?"
Saying this to the bodies of his two headless former comrades, Leader Mantiz looked at the bodies.
"Boss, that guy is dangerous. He uses a pocket dimension, and the maids… always obey that man. How could he take such a dangerous job?"
"Our brother 02 is right, Chief, we respect him and we know the strength he has after fifteen years together, but this time he led us to the mouth of a feather-tailed puma.
"Shut up, I have paid for my mistake… my arm and two brothers.
Standing up, even with the discontent palpitating in the air, the leader Mantiz knelt down and removed the top button of the two men's shirts.
"Burn them, and bring their ashes, I will go stabilize my arcane energy.
"Understood, boss… Let's help me carry it."
Leaving on the 2nd, along with several other companions, the mantis leader retreated to the rear, where a simple bed lay. He sat in the lotus position and began to stabilize his arcane energy.