This morning when I woke up, I found a letter on top of my table. I picked it up and read it. It's from Kurumi
[I need to go back to the Mount Olympus to give my report. Zeus wants to discuss with the other Gods how we should proceed from now since the human we need is now a reincarnated devil. PS. I left my black lace lingerie under your pillow in case you need it.]
I'll just pretend I didn't read the last part. I start preparing to go to school. Do I still need to go to school? I already found the target. I guess I can just skip class.
When I go down, I thought that I would find Baa-chan like usual, but there's no one. I wonder what happened to Baa-chan. I hope she's okay. I want to visit her, but I need to meet with Glasses no.1. In the end, I decided to just go to school.
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When I reached school, I immediately went to the student council office. But when I climb the stairs to the second floor, I already found Glasses No.1 staring at students below. Is she trying to find someone? I looked left and right. No sign of Idiot no.1. Good.
"Good morning, Glass, I mean Sitri-san. I have a question regarding this school club? I want to join one, but I don't know what kind of clubs are in here."
[You got 25 points]
She doesn't believe me.
"Morning Marcellus. This academy has Kendo club, Tennis club, Drama club, and Track and Field Club. What's with the sudden interest?"
For a school this big they don't have many clubs. And her question, rather than curiosity it's more like she's cautious.
I stared at the students below and sigh.
"I find this school life is boring, so I was thinking that by joining a club I can get rid of this boredom" This is not a lie. It's boring studying something I'm not interested in. I prefer to study how to defeat a gargantuan.
"Yeah, I noticed that. You're always sleeping during class, after all." How the hell did she know that? My 'sleeping with eyes open' technique has no flaw after all.
"I don't know what you are talking about. I never sleep in class."
[You Got 5 points]
"You might not realize this, but when you sleep, there's this little snot bubble coming out of your nose."
I facepalmed my face trying to hold back my scream. Seriously!? Ahhh... I feel so humiliated. I want to disappear now. Help me, Thanos-sama.
Ah, I somehow can hear Thanos said 'Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.'
" Pfu..Haha.."
I looked at Glasses no.1. She's covering her mouth, trying to hold back her laughter. How dare she laughed at my misery. I will have my revenge one day. Just you wait.
Then I heard a commotion from the first floor. I looked down and found Idiot no.2 with his friend's bickering. I still can't accept that he's the one who will receive my power.
*twitch*
My ear just twitched when I heard Idiot no.2 asked his friends a question.
"Have you guys ever seen real breast?"
What kind of question is that? *Shiver* Ahh... I just remembered something awful. Kurumi once asked me to massage her, after she's done stalking a target.
She said that her shoulder feels stiff. But then she blindfolded me and warned me not to remove the blindfold. If I remove it, she will shoot me.
She guided my hand, not to her shoulders but to.....her chest. I don't know why, but her nipples are already erect. Just what happened to her when she's stalking the target? I start massaging her breasts gently. Even if she blindfolded me, I could still hear her voice. An erotic one, I must say. But this is unfair. I helped her, but I'm not allowed to see. Ohohoho, this won't do my lady. You need to reward me appropriately. I shook my head, trying to remove the blindfold. Surprisingly I managed to remove it with no effort.
I was expecting to found an erotic Kurumi, but the reality is cruel. What I saw is Zafkiel muzzle pointed at me. She shot me, and I lost consciousness. And when I woke up, I found Kurumi holding something. All I can say is I lost my men's pride at that time.
"cellus...Marcellus!"
"Oh, Glasses no.1. Where am I?"
"At school. Did you just called me Glasses no.1?" She glares hard at me. Like a predator ready to pounce its prey. I seriously need to stop my daydreaming habit.
" No, I didn't. You must have heard it wrong."
[You Got 1 Point]
"You better not calling Tsubaki Glasses no.2"
" No no no. Trust me. I never call her Glasses no.2."
[You Got 1 Point]
" Do you want me to start calling you snot bubble? If you don't want to, stop calling people with weird nicknames."
No, please don't call me that. I will become hikikomori, you know. I won't be able to come out and just eat cup ramen every day. That is worse than death, so I refuse.
"Fine, I will stop calling people with nicknames. I promise"
"Good. I allow you to use my first name. Then if you want to join a club, you can find me after school at the student council room."
"Fine. I will visit the student council room later."
I turn my back, happy that I'm finally done with this conversation. But reality sure is cruel. I saw Red ha...I mean Rias, approaching us. She smiled and waved her hand a little. Better hurry. I don't need another headache on this beautiful morning.
I walked past her in a hurry without looking at her.
"Good day, Rias" Sona greeted her
"Good day, Sona."
"And a good day to you too snot bubble-kun."
"Pfft...AHahahahahaha." Sona starts laughing when Rias mentioned my nickname.
"I HATE YOUUUUUUUU..."
I ran away from this cursed place. This must be my karma for giving people weird nickname. Sorry fedora-man
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Done with her laugh, Sona wiped her eyes. She finds it amusing to tease Rhodes. She, herself doesn't know why.
"That was rather mean Rias."
"I know. But when I looked at his face, I got this irresistible urge to tease him. Beside it was you who came up with that nickname." Rias chuckled when she imagines Rhodes annoyed face.
"I can't help it. When I saw his sleeping face with eyes opened wide, I just got this perfect nickname. Anyway, I see that you have a new member in your peerage."
"Well, I got myself a new silly little brother."
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After I escaped from school, I removed my school uniform and changed to casual clothes and put my uniform inside my school bag. Then I took a train to Tokyo. Tokyo is the busiest city of Japan. So busy that not many people know there's a black market in there. The location of the black market is underground, right below the Tokyo Tower. People or tourist can use a lift to access the famous observation deck on top. But there's a secret lift to go down. Behind the building, there's a warehouse guarded by one big bald macho.
"Password?" The guard asked me while sharpening his machete.
"Keanu Reeves"
"Sorry, your password is incorrect."
"Incorrect"
The guard moves away and opens the warehouse door politely.
"Welcome, sir. Please enjoy your stay. Ah, Sir, you're visiting The Merchant, right? Can you tell him that his order will arrive tomorrow?"
"Sure, oh yeah, here, some takoyaki for you." I gave him some takoyaki I bought on the way. I entered the warehouse, and it starts going down.
*DING*
When the door opened, I was welcomed by another macho guard. He took out a fingerprint scanner. I put my thumb on it, and it starts scanning.
[Welcome Mr. Strawberry Shortcake]
Strawberry shortcake is my alias in this place. Never tell anyone your real name. The first rule to surviving in the black market. I strolled while looking around. Sometimes you can find something unexpected in this kind of place. Like a chicken alarm that pierces your head.
I reached a small store. I opened the door and found The Merchant.
"Welcome, stranger. Come to sell monster crystals?" I never understand why he always calls me a stranger. Not only me but every customer is 'stranger.' And he's a big fish despite his appearance. His store is a unique one. He never sells a specific item. Instead, he sells and buys exotic and rare products that target wealthy people.
"Yeah 500 crystals." I threw him a small bag. Then he pours the content inside a box. Numbers 500 were shown on top of the box.
"Right amount as always, stranger." Of course, the amount is correct. I spend the night counting it manually, one by one.
" The guard at the entrance told me that your order would arrive tomorrow."
" I see. Thank you, stranger" He then pulls out his phone and starts typing. When he's done, my phone starts to vibrate. I receive notification that The Merchant just transferred ¥1,000,000 to my bank account. Of course, there's someone from the black market who work at the bank to hide this kind of transaction.
I said my goodbye and left the store. Next stop ammo shop. I visit a specialist store 'From Dusk Till Dawn.' Another unique store. Other than its name, people said that this store comes from another universe just like its owner. This shop sells all type of bullet, with or without magic.
I entered the shop, and the shopkeeper greeted me.
"Ah, Mr. Strawberry, here for another magic bullet?" he asked with his eyes closed as usual. I wonder how he can work like that.
"Yeah, the usual." He went to back store to prepare my order. I sit down and read some magazine I found on the top of the table. It looks like Keanu Reeves will appear in a new game 'Cyberpunk 2077'.
" Here's your order. One hundred cartridges of .45 ACP for each fire, earth, and dark. One hundred cartridges of .40 S&W for wind, water, and light. Total of 600 cartridges, ¥900,000. You want me to send it to your place? Free delivery, of course."
"Yep send it to my place, please. Here's my new address." I gave him my new apartment location. I transfer the money to his account and leave the store. 600 cartridges. That should be enough for eight days night hunting monsters.
¥100,000 left. Next, I visited Prof. Shou house to upgrade my guns. He's a doctor specializing in body modification. But somehow he also knows how to use monster crystal. Only mages who have learned how to bend the law of the world can understand monster crystal. So Prof. Shou must be a former mage or something like that. Well, it doesn't matter who or what he is as long as he can upgrade my weapon.
"Strawberry, perfect timing. I was practicing on giving human an extra limb. If you want a third or fourth arm, I can give it to you for free."
"No, thanks. I don't think I can fight with four arms."
"Your loss. So...what are you waiting for. Give me your guns. I have many customers today."
He asked me like this is some kind of robbery. And customers? Seriously? Some people want an extra limb. Wow.
I pulled out my silver briefcase from my school bag. Yeah, I don't fill my bag with schools stuff. Got problem with that? I opened my silver briefcase, and there they are — my beautiful guns. Without my guns, I can only hunt monsters with my fists. So I really treasure them.
"I never tired of looking at your guns. You are very lucky, Rhodes. There are not many weapons in this world that can get stronger by using a crystal, like your guns. And you are lucky I know how to use the crystal for cheap. Normal mages will charge you more than 1 million."
"Whatever you say, prof. Here's the crystal" I gave him a small bag with 1000 crystals inside. I also transferred ¥500,000 to his account.
"Entertain me a little bit, will you. Well, you should receive your upgraded guns tomorrow."
I left Prof. Shou house and return to the surface. Looking at the time, when I reached school the class should be done. I took a train and returned to Kuoh Academy.
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When I arrived at Kuoh City. I entered a public restroom and wore my school uniform. Then I ran towards Kuoh Academy. I entered the school building and walked towards the student council room. I knocked twice and heard a response
"Come in."
I open the door and get inside. I was expecting to find another warm welcome like before. But not this time, I guess. Everyone is sitting either on the sofa or chair, drinking tea. Except for Sona. She's glaring at me. Super duper mega glaring. (is that even a word?)
"Where have you been Rhodes. It's only the second days you attend this school. And you already dare ditching school." Wow, she's scary. She's the type that kills with a glare. I bet she can make hounds ran away with her glare.
"Sona didn't i-" Suddenly a male student stand up
"Oi, who allowed you to use kaichou first name?" This guy interrupted my explanation like he's the one in charge. I think his name is Sanji.
"It's okay Saji. I'm the one who told him to use my first name."
"What!? But..but..." Oh, It's not Sanji but Saji.
"You hear that Idio-"
*GLARE*
"I mean....Sorry, what's your family name again?" I asked Saji. I never try to remember someone name, until now.
"Haahh...Genshirou. Genshirou Saji. Just call me Saji. I prefer my first name." Saji took a step back and sat down.
"Okay, as I explained this morning. I feel like school life is boring, so I skipped class," I explained while making an exhausted face.
"Then tell me, if you are not at school today, where have you been?" Sona asked while drinking her tea.
"Public library."
[You Got 1 Point]
"Said the one who is always sleeping in class" Tch. She's not an easy opponent.
"Sweets Land"
[You Got 1 Point]
" It's in France, not in Japan." Wait, it exists? I need to visit France later.
"Akihabara"
[You Got 30 points]
"Well everyone has their hobby I guess" Yes, finally.
"So what club you decided to join?"
"The ORC. Or the Occult Research Club."
"..."
Woah, suddenly everyone's start glaring at me. It feels awkward being stared like this.
"And why do you want to join the ORC?"
"I'm interested in occult things that's all."
"...I'll bring you to ORC place. There you can speak directly with the leader."
Sona stood up and left the room. I followed after her. During our walk, she doesn't say anything.
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"The black-winged man you saw yesterday was a fallen angel."
Right now, Rias is explaining about the devil and other supernatural beings to her new peerage member, Hyoudou Issei.
" Once angels serving God, They have been cast down to the underworld due to their sinful nature. They're trying to manipulate humans and destroy devils. Since ancient times-"
*Knock Knock*
In the middle of Rias explanation, someone knocked on the door. Akeno stood up and opened the door.
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"Ara, what are you doing here Sona. And why do you bring Marcellus-kun here?" This ponytail devil, if I'm not wrong, her name is Akeno. Yeah, she reminds me of Kurumi.
"I need to speak with Rias about a potential new member for your club," Sona answered. Her voice was filled with seriousness.
Akeno closed the door. And after a while, she opens the door again and let us in. Inside I found five devils excluding Sona. Rias, Akeno, Issei, Kiba, (I always heard the girls saying his name like some kind of idol, so I already knew about him) and lastly the petite devil. I still don't know her name.
Sona grabs Rias hand and pulls her towards the back room. Okay, Rhodes you can do it. Remember your training.
"Sup everyone. Some of you may already know about me but allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rhodes Marcellus from class 3-C. I'm a new student here. I like sweets and desserts. My favorite is the strawberry shortcake. I might cause trouble in the future, but I hope we can be good friends." Yeaahhhh. That's what I'm talking about. A perfect self-introduction. A perfect score 10/10.
"You sound different Marcellus-kun. I remembered you introduced yourself in front of the class and just froze like a statue. Fufufu~" Akeno laughed a little.
"I was nervous back then. This time I come prepared. And please call me Rhodes."
"Ara ara, is that so. I just remembered that I never introduced myself. You always disappear during the break, after all. My name is Himejima Akeno. Glad to make your acquaintance Rhodes." I'm sorry I always disappear. I was searching for a hole to scream. Then everyone stands up.
"My name is Kiba Yuuto. A second year. It's nice to meet you too Rhodes" Oohh a handsome male. No wonder the girls are so crazy about him
"...Toujou Koneko...The first year" She just nods her head.
"Ah, you're the one who helped me before. Thank you. It's not much but, here 'Dandy Choco.'" I gave her famous chocolate, 'Dandy Choco.' It was supposed to be famous around the male consumer. 'Because you can be dandy' the ad said. But somehow it became well-known around the female. Koneko took the chocolate and stared at it happily.
"You are the one I bumped into yesterday. You ran before I finished my introduction, so I will reintroduce myself. My name is Hyoudou Issei. My goal is to become Harem King." Yes, I remember how you almost made me drop my macaroons. And what an embarrassing introduction. Does he have no shame?
"And my name is Rias Gremory" Rias and Sona show up from backroom.
"Seems like you're done with introductions. I heard from Sona that you want to join my club, the Occult Research Club. Can I ask why?" She asked me.
"Of course because I'm interested in occult stuff," I answered proudly.
"I'm sorry Rhodes, you can't join ORC with that kind of spirit. You don't have enough passion in the occult" She flatly rejected me.
"I..I..see..sorry to waste your time." I bow my head and leave the clubroom.
I walked away, thinking about why my approach failed me to join ORC. Is my confidence not enough? The television said that man confidence could solve any kind of problems. At a time like this, Kurumi will devise some sort of plan. She's the brain after all. But since she's not here, I'm stuck.
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After Rias finished explained things to Issei. About the supernatural world such as sacred gear, Yuuma is a fallen angel, etc.etc. Rias and Sona were having a conversation outside ORC clubroom.
"You sure it's the right choice not to let him join your peerage Rias," Sona asked Rias who's playing with her hair.
"I'm sure, Sona. It's different from Issei. I don't feel any kind of power from him. I'm not sure he can survive in our world, Sona. I don't want to drag human to our world, only to let him get killed later. Human has suffered enough during the Great War." Rias answered while looking up at the night sky
"That's right. Because of humans, we have experienced many things. Things we can't find in the underworld. But I must disagree with one thing, Rias. I believe Rhodes can survive in our world. That's why, no hard feeling when he joins my peerage okay." Sona starts walking, leaving Rias alone.
Because I have no idea what to do, I decided to follow Issei on his night job, protecting him just in case another fallen angel appeared. Riding his bike, Issei starts pedaling towards his destination, while I followed him by jumping from one roof to another. I was feeling disappointed when Issei first job is to playing around debating who's stronger in Drago-M Ball manga. I was hoping to learn something new about the devil, but I guess I asked too much from Idiot no.2.
I followed him again when he leaves the client house. Then my body feels weird — a barrier. Look like following Issei is the correct choice. Another fallen angel. Time to save princess peach...But wait a minute...is helping him the right action? If I help Issei fighting this fallen angel, will that make him stronger? No. My goal is to make Issei strong enough to hold my power. He needs to win this fight himself. I will just make sure he doesn't die.
"How strange. I don't seem to have the wrong person. I, Calawana, was ordered to remove all trace. She killed you, so why are you still alive?"
The fallen angel called Calawana spread her black wings and summoned a light spear. You better dodge it this time Issei. Don't want to have another hole in your stomach like before. Calawana threw her spear.
What the hell Issei. Don't just freeze like that. Tch. It looks like I need to give him a push. I use 20 points to strengthen my body. I punch, and a gust of wind pushes Issei out of the way. He's safe for now. C'mon Issei fight back. Activate your sacred gear. Arrrgghhhh... it irritated me watching someone fight like that.
"A sudden gust of wind!? Impossible!!" Calawana starts to look around. Better hide.
"Grant me POWER" I heard Issei screamed and a there's a green light covered his body. Then something appeared on his left hand. He threw a punch with his left hand towards Calawana.
Issei managed to....ripped her clothes. No damage at all. Well better than nothing, I guess. At least he can activate his sacred gear now.
"I should notify her first, and then kill you" Calawana turned around and flew away. I'm glad she decided to retreat. If she chooses to continue fighting, I might need to help Issei directly. And that's not good for his growth.
I continued following Issei until he reached ORC clubroom. Phew, the escort mission is a pain in the ass. I need to go home and ask Kurumi to find me information about Issei sacred gear....Oh yeah, Kurumi is not here.
Shit, I don't want to admit it, but I already miss her. Oh yeah, she said she left her lingerie under my pillow. Maybe I can use that....Nah, let's not. I still have my dignity to protect.