CHAPTER 23 - A… Special Exam? Part 3
I have a protection point, and according to the information I gathered, a protection point is one of the hardest things to obtain. They can be bought for 25,000 points, earned through certain special tests, or, of course, by getting someone expelled. It's tough to get one, but not too tough—at least not for someone like me who isn't afraid of betting. Earning positive points through tasks and exams wouldn't be enough. I made the right choice.
And the best part? I can use it on others. If Sylphie is at risk of expulsion, I'll give it to her.
Honestly, I doubt I'll get expelled. I'm not foolish enough to bet all my points without being sure of my victory, and I'll cheat on exams, so I'm not worried about that either.
But better safe than sorry. I'll make sure Sylphie isn't expelled by keeping the protection point. That would be the best option—it ensures I'm safe, and so is she. A school as weird as this one is unpredictable.
Hmm… Oh, I could also sell it for 20,000 positive points and use the points I have to move up to Class A… No, better not. That wouldn't be as fun.
I want a normal school life, and I'll enjoy it without taking shortcuts.
…Wait… That's right… Normal… Guys my age are supposed to be interested in getting a girlfriend. Should I get one?
I have a chance with Sylphie, but… honestly, I'm not interested in a relationship with her. If I'm going to get a girlfriend, I'd want someone with a strong personality who won't betray me. Someone who doesn't hesitate to do what it takes to win and move forward.
Sylphie is shy and cowardly. I don't think I'd be interested in someone like her.
Oh… It's only my second week of classes. I'll think about getting a girlfriend later.
It's not important, so I can ignore it for now.
"Saik, are we going home, or are you staying longer?" Yuki said, standing on my head.
What's she looking at? She's using her hands like binoculars. I don't see anything. I guess she's just bored and looking for something interesting.
"Hmm… I think I'll head home. I was going to check out the soccer and basketball teams, but I'll do it tomorrow. I'm hungry—I haven't eaten."
"Let's eat cake!"
Then we'll eat cake.
My second week of classes is going pretty well. I was the first first-year to get another student expelled, and it was a third-year. Being the top first-year student and the first to earn thousands of positive points? Yeah, I'm doing great.
I'm not proud of myself since I achieved it by cheating, but that doesn't mean it doesn't feel good. My family's name is slowly regaining the prestige I made it lose.
"Saik, Saik, look!"
Who are you pointing at?
Oh, I see. An overweight kid, crying… So what? Bullying exists everywhere. If he doesn't stand up for himself, it's his fault he keeps suffering. It's not hard to raise your fists and fight back.
"He's probably another victim of that Kirimo guy!"
Who…? Well, well.
"W-What?" Yuki said, shocked.
I'll admit, it's kind of cute. A girl caught up to him and is kissing him while they hold hands.
"W-Wow, he has a girlfriend. Look, Saik, even that ugly kid has a girlfriend, and you don't! Aren't you embarrassed?"
I kept walking. Appearance has nothing to do with love. Falling for beauty wouldn't be love—it'd be lust.
"Who's Kirimo?" I whispered.
"He's the school bully! He beats up anyone just for fun! Uwaaah! There, there he is!" she said, pointing at a huge guy who's got his arms around the necks of two other boys.
They're walking like they're buddies, but it's clear the other two are scared.
"He's taking them somewhere to beat them up! Help them, Saik!"
It doesn't involve me or affect me, so no, I won't do anything. Sorry, Yuki, but I'm going home. I don't want to get into unnecessary trouble fighting someone else's battles.
"I'm not rich anymore. If I get involved and make him mad, I could end up in a trash bag," I said, so she wouldn't keep insisting.
"Oh, t-that's true! Rich people scare me…! But I'll investigate him—maybe we can find something to use against him."
Do what you want. But yeah, you're right—investigating him could be a good idea. I'll keep an eye on him; maybe I'll get something useful out of it. I need more positive points.
…Ah, what a hassle.
As I left the school, I could feel several eyes on me, and I have a feeling they'll be annoying.
"Hey, you. We want to talk."
I ignored the stares and kept walking.
Cake again? It's getting a bit repetitive… Hmm… I think I'll make pasta. Red pasta with grated cheese and ground beef. My mouth's watering.
"Fufu. Looks like you've got some guts, kid."
But it'll take an hour or more to make. What could we eat in the meantime? Just cake…? What? Ah, what a hassle.
A girl and a guy grabbed my arms.
"Bullying?!" Yuki said, worried.
I doubt it. We're in front of the school, and it's a private one. No one's dumb enough to try bullying someone right outside the school. It happens in public schools, but here, where reputation is everything, I doubt they'd do something as stupid as school bullying. Even that guy from earlier knew to take his victims somewhere else.
"Oh… Were you talking to me?"
A girl stepped in front of me, the one I assume is the leader.
She has this authoritarian leader aura, bordering on dictator. I knew someone like her in the past. People like that are dangerous, but nothing I can't handle.
Wow. And she's got strong arms. She has the figure of a beautiful girl, but her arms are toned and defined. Slim, but strong. Her abs must be chiseled… Wow. Interesting.
Though her short red hair doesn't seem that cute to me.
Is this what they call a tomboy? Is that the term? I forgot.
She's flat-chested but beautiful. She has her charm.
What do they want from me?
"You're the one who got that third-year expelled, right?" she said… stroking my chin with her fingers.
Why is she stroking my chin? I don't get it.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Fufu. I see."
She got way too close to my face. For someone so masculine, she smells really nice. I wonder what women use to smell so good. Just perfume?
"Why don't you join my class? I'm willing to gather the points needed to get you in."
"Hahahahaha! Come on, come on, make your bids! How much are you willing to pay for the Yuki-Saik team?!" Yuki said, puffing out her chest with pride.
Don't play along with her.
"What class?"
"I'm in Class D, but we'll be Class A soon."
She says it with such confidence, without a hint of doubt. Is she that sure? What's her plan to make it happen? Honestly, I don't care. I'll do things my way, without following anyone's orders. Besides, she's the kind of authoritarian girl who wants to be above everyone else—I can see it in her eyes. She wants to dominate me, keep me under her control, but I won't let her.
"Oh, I see. Hmm… It's a tempting offer, but I don't want to. I don't like taking orders from others."
"Are you sure? Think it over carefully."
"Why should I? You're not offering me anything."
"Exactly! What's in it for me?!" Yuki said.
Don't stay quiet, Saik.
"You think I'll join your class just because a pretty girl asks me to? I'm not that easy, sweetheart."
"What do you want?" she said, crossing her arms.
"What do I want…?"
"Nothing sexual."
You clarify that right away, huh? Are you so used to getting sexual requests? You don't stoop that low to achieve your goals. Considering this is a school matter, you're doing the right thing. It's not worth sacrificing your body and dignity for something so trivial.
"I'm not interested in that stuff, don't worry. Hmm… What do I want…? Honestly, I don't want anything in particular… No, nothing. Sorry, but I have a date with my food. Bye."
"Let him go."
They released me, and I kept walking.
Well, I've met the leader of Class D.
Is she the class president? Whatever, I don't care.
I'll admit she's cute and charming… Oh, I forgot to offer her a candy.
Oh well, I'll give her one later.
"I have a feeling she'll be trouble for us in the future," Yuki said, stroking her chin.
She will be, no doubt about it. That girl has eyes full of determination and malice. A girl capable of using dirty tricks to get what she wants. A girl who wants to be above everyone else.
And the most interesting part is, I feel like she can pull it off. What kind of life has she had to be like this?
"Hehe. School's getting interesting. The first enemies to defeat are showing up!"
Calm down, it's just a school, not a fantasy or fighting manga.
A school that forces students to compete… Ah, why is this school so weird? Why do millionaires send their kids here? Why does it have such a strange system?
Yeah, I'm too lazy to investigate. I'd rather figure it out as I go.
"Saik!"
I recognize that voice. It's not someone dangerous, so I doubt they'll bother me.
Cristal started walking beside me.
"Is it true what I heard? You got a third-year expelled?"
"Well, it was his fault. I didn't force him to bet all his points."
"I-Incredible. That was amazing! You beat a third-year! I wouldn't dare do what you did. Though I feel bad for him—he was about to graduate."
Feeling pity for others is a clear sign of weakness. It just makes us look weak.
"Yeah… Pity."
"Changing the subject, do you have time to play today?!"
"Hmm… I think so."
I can make some free time between study hours. Relaxing is important for studying to be more effective.
"Yeah, I have time."
"Perfect! Text me when you're ready. Bye!"
She ran off, pretty fast for a normal human.
Well, well. A girl with too much energy? I probably shouldn't give her candy.
"Fufu. Saik, even with your messy hair, you're quite a ladies' man. Several girls are interested in you."
"No, Yuki. Don't confuse friendship and kindness with love. Cristal just sees me as a guy she plays video games with."
"And the girl from earlier?"
"She's just someone trying to take advantage of me."
"And Ram?"
"She's crazy. She's just a girl who wants to be the best. She only wants to surpass me, that's all."
"…And Sylphie?"
Ah, I wish I could say no to that one too.
"She's a weird girl who's attracted to a guy she barely knows because she can't tell the difference between friendship and love."
"So you admit she's in love with you!"
"As I told Noel, I'm not interested in her. I'm not interested in any girl… Yuki, stop trying to pair me with someone. That's never going to happen—I'm not interested in that."
I'm only interested in women with strong, aggressive personalities. Women I know will push through no matter the circumstances. Women who won't give up.
Women who won't betray me.
Sylphie is the complete opposite of what I want in a woman. The girl from Class D is closer to that, but she's focused on having the best class, and that's a hassle.
"Booo. I forgot how cold you are."
Sorry for having my own tastes.
We turn a corner and witness something quite interesting.
"Hey, cutie, wanna grab a drink with us?"
"Don't play hard to get."
Oh, two older men are trying to flirt with Naima, a classmate. Are they drunk? Are they seriously hitting on a minor in this area? I wouldn't be surprised if the police are already on their way.
Wow. Naima's glare is intimidating. She's not scared or nervous? What's she feeling?
Hmm… Will she be weak-willed and go with them? Or will she reject them?
"You're annoying and disgusting. Bye."
Well, well. What a great response.
She kept walking, and one of the men grabbed her arm.
"Where do you think you're going?!" the man shouted, but it didn't intimidate Naima.
"Help her!" Yuki said, scared.
No, she doesn't need my help. She definitely doesn't need it—I can see it in her cold, cruel glare.
"Don't play hard to get, cutie…! Hnngh!"
She kicked him in the groin and punched him in the face, leaving him on the ground.
Slim arms, but hiding a lot of strength. Interesting.
Oh, that was pretty good. Too good.
Huh? This feeling… Well, well.
"I told you not to touch me."
The other guy's bigger… Yeah… Maybe… I should write something in my notebook when I get home.
I approached them, and the man got even angrier because Naima pulled out her phone and tried to leave, ignoring him.
"You damn bitch!"
He tried to hit her, but I grabbed his arm with my hand and squeezed hard, stopping his fist.
"Tch! Don't you—!"
I kicked his legs, and he fell to the ground.
His face hit the pavement hard. Yeah, that must've hurt.
"Huh?" Yuki said, unable to believe what she was seeing.
Confirmed, he's drunk. He passed out and is peeing himself.
"Gross!" Yuki said, covering her nose and eyes.
"She's a minor, so don't bother her," I said, knowing he's unconscious.
Normal people wouldn't notice that so quickly—I don't want to raise suspicions.
I kept walking and didn't give it any more thought.
"Saik, that girl's glare is scary. I think she's mad."
"I didn't need your help, idiot!"
I hurt your pride, huh? Or rather, you wanted to hit him, and I stole your chance.
I turned to look at her. Her expression is one of disgust, like she's looking at a pathetic insect. That expression is… cute.
Interesting.
"And who helped you? I just took the chance to hit a pervert."
I ignored her and kept walking.
That girl's glare can be terrifying—I even got a chill looking at her.
"She seriously got mad because you helped her? Ungrateful!" Yuki said, sticking out her tongue.
I'll never change my mind—women are scary and weird.
I'll never understand them.
•
•
(Pov - 89.)
No leads on Shadow's whereabouts.
Shadow's voice and that kid named Saik's are different—they're not the same. We ran every kind of test to find any modifications, but nothing. Everything points to it being his real voice. But if he managed to alter it and we couldn't detect even a slight change, that would mean he's reached a level we haven't yet. Are we that far behind?
With all the tests we conducted, we concluded that this kid named Saik isn't Shadow. I still suspect he fooled us somehow, but Saik's parents died in a simple car accident. Someone like Shadow could've easily avoided it or saved his parents from fatal injuries. Did he really let his parents die to protect his identity? Shadow is someone who'll do anything to protect himself and achieve his goals, so I wouldn't doubt he's capable of that. But we're talking about Shadow—he can do anything without raising suspicion. And considering Saik is now showing his great academic potential, something he didn't do before, it only means he wants to honor his parents' memory by becoming the best student.
Saik was a mediocre student, and that brought shame to his family. Becoming the top student is the perfect way to honor their memory and repair the damage he caused. That kid loved his parents dearly—I highly doubt he let them die.
If Saik had seen the ghosts, his heart rate would've changed even slightly, but there was no change. He really didn't see them. Even Shadow would've been a little surprised seeing them.
The girl who left him in my care went to the same school as Saik, but they were in different classes. And according to the investigation results, she hated Saik. He was bullied by her. If he were Shadow, why is he helping her? That makes no sense.
The Shadow I know doesn't feel pity for anyone. He's someone willing to leave innocent people to die just to chase after an ordinary ghost.
Shadow and Saik are very different… He's definitely not Shadow.
But the investigation won't stop. Shadow is in this city—I'm sure of it.
Continuing the investigation might provoke his wrath, but it's a necessary risk. We don't have the power to defeat the capital sin of wrath, and the capital sin of pride ignores us.
"Have you talked to 91, 90?"
"No positive results."
"Tch. That kid…"
"Oh, poor thing!" said a certain girl I'm sick of hearing.
The legendary ghost number 31 appeared in front of me, laughing.
"Hahaha! Good luck finding Shadow. I'll give you a hint—it's up to you whether to believe me or not. Shadow went on a trip."
"A trip?"
"Maybe to another city or another country, I won't tell you. But let me tell you something—he's out of your reach. Don't try to find him; that'll only lead to deaths."
"Shadow isn't a…"
…No… He'd do anything to get rid of what he finds annoying.
"Oh. Why'd you stop? Trying to say he's not a killer? Yeah, I'll admit, I killed most of the people in that criminal organization, but I did it on Shadow's orders. And he killed too. If he killed so many people just because he found one important person in that organization annoying, do you think he won't kill everyone here if you keep bothering him? He already gave you a chance to stop looking for him—don't waste it, old man."
She disappeared.
It's true. He killed all those people without issue, without being detected, without leaving a trace. And knowing him, he won't hesitate to kill us if we keep bothering him… Should I stop the investigation?
I… I don't know.
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
French fries, homemade burgers, and orange soda. A great meal to eat while playing video games with Yuki. I was going to make red pasta with ground beef, but Yuki craved burgers, so I made burgers. I'm a good big brother, aren't I?
"Saik, help me, the zombies are cornering me!"
"I'm out of bullets—I need more."
"With the axe! They're gonna k—! They killed me! Thanks for nothing! Hmph!"
She pouted. How childish. Not that I'm complaining—it's actually adorable.
She bit into her burger, and her anger turned to pleasure.
"It's so delicious!"
The secret's in the grease. How lucky you are to eat so much and not gain weight, Yuki. Being a ghost isn't so bad, though it's only good for ghosts with friends who have my power. The rest are doomed to suffer.
Well, back to gaming.
"I'm back, love."
Oh, that voice in my head is her. By her tone, nothing bad happened, so I can relax.
"I need to wash my face."
I paused the game and went to the bathroom.
Number 31 appeared in front of me and hugged me.
"I missed you so much, darling!" she said, rubbing my nipples with her fingers.
I miss when she treated me like a friend and not a sex toy.
"Ah, you're crazy. What happened?"
"They're protecting her and all that. She's safe—no need to worry."
"And the surveillance?"
"I told them what you said, but you need to kill one of them if they keep investigating."
"Oh, I see."
They must be desperate if they're continuing the investigation. I'll die soon, so I don't care what happens to this world.
"You have permission to kill one, but make it someone without a family or the most evil one. Only do it if they keep investigating."
A small warning should be enough. If I do something worse, it could backfire—I don't want to inspire them to keep investigating; it would just ruin my normal life more.
"Huh? I have to stay there?! I don't want to, I don't—!"
I stroked her cheek and started kissing her. This should be enough to put her in a good mood, which will make her perform better.
After five seconds, I pulled my lips away.
"Huh?"
"Satisfied?"
"W-Well… A little… Maybe another kiss could convince me," she said, her voice trembling as her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling us closer.
Ah…
I kissed her again. I don't know how to kiss, so I just go along with it. She moves her lips in a weird way, and I feel her tongue in my mouth.
Her hands in my hair, pressing so I can't escape.
Is this a very adult kiss? It feels like she's desperately sucking my lips, leaving them covered in her saliva. I should feel disgusted, but I don't. I feel weird. What should I be feeling? Arousal? I don't know.
Huh? She's wrapping her legs around me too? I feel like a real teenager. I've seen couples doing this.
Well, almost a teenager. She's a ghost, so it doesn't count. I'm still a lip virgin… No, I think I have kissed someone on the lips, but not like this. I kissed by pressing my lips together, not with tongue or a full kiss. Just an innocent peck. So yeah, I still haven't given my real first kiss.
Who did I kiss on the lips? It was a little girl, but I don't remember her name. I was six when it happened. Hmm… Hana… Hana… I think it was something else.
Ah, my memory's as bad as my eyesight.
…It's been 20 seconds—that should be enough.
I tried to pull my lips away, but since she refused to let go and squeezed me tighter with her arms and legs, I didn't let her keep touching me, and she passed through my body. Yuki isn't the only ghost I can prevent from touching me.
"Don't take advantage of the situation."
"You were delicious, my love! Hehe. Your lips taste like burgers."
And yours taste like… nothing. Just lips. Though they were soft and warm.
"Alright, now do what I told you."
"I'll do my best!"
She said goodbye with a kiss on my cheek and disappeared.
"Ah, I have complete control over her. Why don't I just force her to do it…? Well… She's been loyal and helps without complaining… Ah… Whatever."
My most loyal and reliable legendary ghost.
•
•
(Flashback.)
How did I meet Number 31?
I was using the Shadow identity to hunt legendary ghosts. Why? I was just bored, and it sounded like an interesting challenge. Plus, if I caught all of them, a god would grant me a wish. Or so I thought, since a legendary ghost told me that.
I had already caught 30 of the 100 ghosts.
My next target was 31, but she was… weird.
"What an adorable kid!"
She was too fast and strong. She was nearly impossible for me to catch. I couldn't defeat her, so I became her friend.
I gave up and approached her. She saw me as a cute kid, so it wasn't hard. Over time, I earned her friendship.
When other ghost hunters tried to catch her, I helped her defeat them. Those small actions brought us closer, and we ended up spending almost all our time together.
After a year, her friendship turned into love.
I lied to her, saying I was 17 but looked like a kid because of a curse.
She believed me because my personality was very different from a young child's. I was very mature because I was forced to stop thinking like a kid if I wanted to keep breathing.
She fell in love with me, and I told her I only saw her as a friend. I don't know exactly what she saw in me. My personality was always boring, so I doubt it was that. My power? She was more powerful. Because I was her first friend in a long time? Considering what happened with Sylphie, yeah, it's very likely she confused love with friendship.
She flirted with me and made sexual advances, thinking I was a teenager.
"I don't remember anything from when I was alive, so I don't know if I died a virgin or not. But as a ghost, I'm a virgin. Why don't we lose our virginity together, darling?"
"No, thanks. I only see you as a friend."
"Can't we have sex as friends? Let's strengthen our friendship!"
"Where did you hear that nonsense?"
"Sometimes I go to hotels to spy on couples having sex."
"Pervert."
"N-No, I'm not a pervert! I'm just researching what couples do!"
"Pervert."
"I'm not…! Anyway, as I was saying, while I was spying, I saw two guys having sex. Before they did it, they said they were strengthening their friendship."
"…Let me guess. You only spy on guys?"
"W-Well… Oops."
"Pervert."
"I-I can't help it! Relationships between guys are so exciting to me…! Hmph?"
I didn't let her finish and started kissing her. I didn't want to stoop so low, but it was the perfect opportunity.
"S-Saik?"
"It's fine, let's do it."
And so, I lost my virginity at the tender age of seven with Number 31. She thought I was of legal age, so I don't blame her for feeling disgusted when she found out my real age.
I used the legendary ghost Number 3, the ghost of illusions.
He/she can create illusions, but I enhanced their illusions with my own power to make them feel more real. I took on the appearance of a 20-year-old guy with that illusion and had sex with Number 31.
After four hours, we were done.
She was exhausted and had her guard down, so I took the chance to take control of her, finally capturing Number 31.
I absorbed her into my body and sighed, wiping the sweat off my face with a towel.
"It was a good plan, though it took a long time."
Number 31 appeared in front of me, furious.
"You captured me?!"
"Yeah. Sorry, but I need your speed to catch the other legendary ghosts."
"And why didn't you just ask for my help?!"
"…Oh… Would you have helped me?"
"Of course I would've, we're friends, idiot!"
"Oh… Oops?"
"Saik!!"
Over time, she forgave me and has always helped me.
She's a good companion—I can trust her. But I'm not in love with her. I just can't take her seriously with that stalker personality.
I want a girl with a strong, aggressive personality, not a girl who sexually harasses me.
•
•
(Pov - Yuki.)
I'm washing the dishes while Saik is playing that game with that girl named Cristal.
It's fair since he cooked, so I won't complain.
Ah… I'll never understand Saik's personality. He can be an idiot, but he can figure out people's intentions just by talking to them briefly.
He's weird… A good kind of weird, but still weird.
I wish I knew about his past. What made him like this? I don't think he's this cold for no reason.
Something must've changed him.
"Ah… Better not think about it."
Saik forbade me from asking about his past, so I'd better not bother him with that.
…Wait.
Now that I think about it, Saik was the only one who answered a question correctly on the entrance exam.
If we cheated by copying, how could Saik have answered correctly…? Maybe… he knew the right answer?
That's… true… He asked me for the answers to questions he didn't know, but he also answered some without cheating. I think he answered two without asking me.
He was able to answer such a hard question? How?
…If I ask Saik, will he answer…? Ah, better not ask him anything. If Saik were smart, he wouldn't need me. Saik has shown he doesn't want friends. He asked for my help because he's not smart. Maybe it was a coincidence that he knew that answer.
Better not overthink it.
"I'm done!" I said, shaking my hands through his soft hair.
"There's paper in the kitchen."
"I know, but I like messing with you. Hehe."
"I'll get revenge later."
I sat next to Saik and yawned.
Ah… I'm so sleepy.
I think I need to sleep.
…Fufu. I'll take this chance to try to make Saik nervous.
"I'm sleepy. Can I use your lap as a pillow? Thanks."
I put my head on his lap.
"I didn't even say yes."
"Huh? C-Can't I use your lap as a pillow?"
Use Saik's weakness—cuteness. He won't say no if I make an adorable pout. I'm a genius! Muahahaha!
"I just ask that you respect personal space, but it's fine—it doesn't bother me."
Fufu. I knew it… Huh?! What?!
Why is he stroking my head?!
"Sleep, don't worry. I'll wake you when dinner's ready."
"Y-Yes… T-Thanks…"
Uwaaah! You were supposed to get nervous, not me!
That's not fair!
…Though… I feel protected when I'm this close to him… Saik… W-Wow… Since he's not wearing a shirt because it's hot, I'm really close to his abs. Such a cute six-pack. Awesome, I want to touch them. He looks so strong. And he's sweating a bit from the heat, which makes him look… so attractive… A strong, sweaty body… His body odor… It smells… weird… It smells like man… Am I getting turned on?! No, Yuki, don't touch his body—he'll feel uncomfortable…! And his hand… His hand… feels… so nice…
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
Wow, she fell asleep really fast.
"Six-pack…" she said in her sleep, stroking my abs.
Six-pack? What's that?
Oh, she looks so adorable when she sleeps. Wow, I just realized I feel like a big brother with his little sister.
A sister… I always wanted a younger sibling who could also see ghosts, so I wouldn't be the only weird one in the family.
Where does my ghost-seeing gift come from? Did I inherit it from one of my grandparents? I'll never know since they're all dead.
Knock knock
Two simple knocks on the door. That's odd. People usually knock three times.
Who's visiting me? A salesperson?
I'm not opening it—I don't want to wake Yuki.
Knock knock
I'm not opening it. I'm having a nice family moment with Yuki—they're not going to ruin it.
"Don't you hear me, idiot?!"
Huh? That voice… Seriously?
Ah, so annoying. I can't even have peace in my own home.
[Someone's at the door, sorry.]
I sent the message to Cristal and quit the game.
Carefully, I placed Yuki's head on the couch and opened the door.
"Why did it take you so long…?! And why aren't you wearing a shirt, idiot?!"
"Sorry about that, Saik."
"What do you want, Ram? Hey, Saoto."
"Hey."
A predictable duo. Ram, the smart girl, and Saoto, the class president. Ah, so annoying.
"We want to negotiate with you about the points. We talked to the teacher, and you're still in time to—"
I silenced him with a shake of my head. No, no, no. I earned them, they're mine, and I decide what to do with them. You don't get to tell me what to do.
"You're not taking my protection point. If you want points, bet with other students and win."
I was about to close the door, but Saoto, the last person I expected, put his foot in the way to stop it.
"Then at least let's make a deal. If a classmate ever gets expelled, can we count on your help to use your point to prevent it? We could even use that protection point to avoid an expulsion at the end of the semester."
…
…
…
Too much kindness. So much it just makes me feel pity.
Ah, this guy really is a good person, but he's too good. That makes him annoying.
"How did you find my house?"
"Our methods are secret," Ram said, her eyes fixed on my body, poking my hard abs with her index finger.
Hmm… I doubt the teacher gave them my address. Sylphie doesn't know where I live. They didn't follow me either—I would've noticed.
"Sorry, as class president, I have everyone's numbers and addresses for emergencies."
"…I never expected that kind of corruption from you, Saoto."
I misjudged him—he's got a bit of malice. You're not as bad as I thought.
"Whatever. The protection point I have is for my own benefit. If you want it, it'll cost you 20,000 positive points. You'll save 5,000. Start saving."
"But—"
I put my index finger to his lips to silence him. I don't get to enjoy free time every day, and I'm not going to waste it talking about school stuff outside of school hours. I don't care about others' well-being, and I'm not interested in what he has to say.
"Saoto, I know you want to help everyone feel safe, but we also have to protect ourselves. Being selfish is essential to survive. If you're just here to convince me to help or something like that, you're wasting your time."
Ah, Ram's staring at me too much, and her finger's moved up to my chest. Is she getting turned on by my body? I feel violated.
"Hey, my eyes are up here."
"How does a slacker like you have this body?"
I had to survive, so physical training was essential. If my body was weak, I would've died for sure.
"Ah… Listen, I also want to get to Class A. I'll help with special tests and all that, but when it comes to individual tests, I'm not helping anyone. The protection point is mine—I'm not giving it to anyone."
"And Sylphie? Would you give it to her?" Ram said.
"Hmm… 50/50. I don't think she'll need it, but if she does, I'll give it to her. She's a friend, after all."
"…I see… Let's go, Saoto."
"Please think it over, Saik. You're indispensable to the class, and… we heard someone from Class D wants you in their class," Saoto said.
"Oh… Don't worry, they didn't offer me anything valuable. They probably thought I'd switch classes just because a cute girl asked me to, but I don't care about that… Well, sorry, I was gaming, so I'm out."
Without waiting, I closed the door and sat back down.
I put Yuki's head back on my lap and opened the game on my phone.
"I hope Cristal managed to beat that Goblin King without me."
[You're just in time, Saik! Help me land the final blow!]
Well, I made it in time, though that message was quick. She's got fast fingers.