บท 32: Jokes on you

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I sat in my office, flipping through the stack of documents on my desk. Paperwork, of all things. I never thought I'd be dealing with this kind of mundane crap. It was all for later purposes, ensuring the kids had what they needed and keeping Paradise running smoothly.

The sound of a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I looked up, irritated. "Come in," I said, my voice carrying the weight of my annoyance.

Yui, Sumire's assistant and one of the Cursed Children, walked in with an innocent look on her face. "Someone wants to meet you at the gate," she reported, her eyes wide and earnest.

I sighed, pushing the documents aside. What now? "Fine. Lead the way," I said, standing up. Yui nodded and turned, and I followed her out of the office.

As we walked, I couldn't help but think about how far we'd come. The kids were safe, and they were getting stronger. But there was always something, always someone trying to disrupt what we'd built.

We reached the entrance to Paradise, and there she was—Miori, standing in some ridiculous disguise. What the hell does she want now? Before I could say anything, she tackled me in a hug.

"I came to play!" she said, clinging to my arm.

Great. Just what I needed. I was about to push her off when I remembered she was a major supporter of Paradise's construction. If she wanted to waste my time, so be it. At least for now.

The kids were staring at us, their eyes filled with jealousy. I could practically feel their questions burning into my back. Ignoring them, I focused on Miori. "What's your real purpose here?" I asked, my voice flat.

She giggled, looking up at me with those mischievous eyes. "I just missed you. Is that so wrong?"

I stared at her for a good ten seconds, hoping she'd crack. But she didn't budge. Just my luck. I smirked. "You're playing with fire," I warned.

Miori thought I was taunting her, but I noticed the kids' gazes changing. They were starting to see her as a threat. Not my problem. If she wanted to play around, she'd have to deal with the consequences.

"Alright," I said, deciding to let her in. "Follow me. I'll give you a tour."

As we walked through Paradise, Miori clung to my arm, asking questions and making comments about everything she saw. The kids were still watching us, their eyes filled with curiosity and something else. Jealousy, maybe.

"Your construction here is amazing," Miori said, looking around. "You've really made a difference."

I shrugged. "It's what needed to be done," I replied, not really interested in her flattery.

She looked at me, her eyes sparkling. "You're always so serious. Don't you ever relax?"

I snorted. "This is me relaxed," I said. "Got a problem with that?"

She giggled again, clearly enjoying herself. "Not at all. I like this side of you."

We continued the tour, with Miori chattering away and me mostly grunting in response. She didn't seem to mind my lack of enthusiasm, which was a relief. The kids, meanwhile, were still watching us closely. They'd probably start gossiping the moment we were out of earshot.

"What's your plan for the future?" Miori asked suddenly, catching me off guard.

I glanced at her. "Same as always. Keep the kids safe. Make sure they have what they need. Deal with anyone who tries to mess with us."

She nodded, looking thoughtful. "And what about you? What do you need?"

I stopped walking and turned to face her. "What I need is for people to stop asking me stupid questions," I said bluntly.

Miori laughed, not the least bit offended. "Alright, alright. No more questions."

We finished the tour, and I could tell she was impressed. Good. Maybe now she'd stop asking so many damn questions.

As we made our way back to the entrance, I couldn't help but think about how different things were now. Paradise was thriving, and the kids were stronger than ever. But there was always more to do, more threats to face. And I'd be ready for them.

Miori gave my arm one last squeeze before letting go. "Thanks for the tour, Accelerator. It was... enlightening."

"Yeah, sure," I muttered. "Just don't make a habit of dropping by unannounced."

She smiled, a sly look in her eyes. "No promises."

I watched her leave, my mind already shifting back to the tasks at hand. The kids needed me, and I wouldn't let anything get in the way of their safety. Not Miori, not the Gastreas, not anyone.

After Miori finally left, I hoped to get a bit of peace. But of course, life had other plans. As I made my way back to the office, Yui appeared again, looking a bit nervous.

"Big Brother, there's someone else at the gate," she said hesitantly.

I sighed. "Who is it this time?"

"It's... Kagetane Hiruko and his daughter," she replied.

Great. Just great. More trouble. But fine, I was generous enough to give him an audience. "Lead the way," I said, following her to the entrance.

Kagetane and his daughter were waiting, looking as smug as ever. Kagetane clapped his hands together in mock applause as I approached. "Ah, Accelerator! It's nice to meet you again" he said, his voice dripping with insincerity.

"Get to the point," I said flatly. "What do you want?"

"Straight to business, I see," Kagetane replied, unfazed. "I wanted to discuss the plight of the Cursed Children."

I crossed my arms, already bored. "Spit it out."

Kagetane's eyes gleamed behind his mask. "Humans treat the Cursed Children with such cruelty. They are oppressed, feared, and despised. Don't you think it's time for a change?"

"And what do you suggest?" I asked, though I already had an inkling where this was going.

Kagetane smiled, his voice taking on a more persuasive tone. "We should eliminate the oppressors. Let the Cursed Children rule, free from the tyranny of humans. They deserve a world where they can thrive, unshackled by hatred and fear."

I stared at him, unimpressed. "And you think you can make that happen? By wiping out all humanity?"

"Precisely," he said, his confidence unwavering. "With your power and mine, we could create a new world order."

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound harsh and mocking. "You really think I need help from someone like you? You're delusional."

Kagetane's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "Walk with me," he suggested, gesturing towards the path that led through Paradise. "Let me explain further."

Reluctantly, I started walking with him, his daughter trailing behind us. "Fine. Talk."

Kagetane took a deep breath, clearly gathering his thoughts. "You see, Accelerator, the world as it is now is broken. The Cursed Children are treated as monsters, yet they have the potential to be so much more. They could lead humanity to a new age, one where their abilities are celebrated, not feared."

I listened, my expression blank. "And your solution is to kill all the humans? Brilliant plan."

"It's not just about killing," Kagetane continued, his voice growing more passionate. "It's about creating a society where the strong are not oppressed by the weak. Where those with power are free to use it without being shackled by fear and prejudice."

We walked in silence for a moment, his words hanging in the air. I had to admit, he had a point about the way the Cursed Children were treated. But his solution was insane.

"You think you can convince me to join you by spewing this idealistic garbage?" I finally said, shaking my head. "I believe in one thing—myself. I don't need your help. You're just a weak bastard looking for an ally to validate your twisted ideas."

Kagetane's confidence turned to desperation. "You misunderstand! Together, we could—"

"Could what? Destroy everything and then what? Watch the world burn? I'm not interested in your emo crusade," I cut him off, my patience wearing thin.

His daughter, silent until now, stepped forward, her eyes pleading. "Please, consider—"

I raised a hand to silence her. "No. I'm done with this conversation. Piss off and stop fucking around."

Kagetane's mask hid his expression, but I could sense his frustration. "You're making a mistake, Accelerator. This world will never accept the Cursed Children. They will always be outcasts."

"And yet, here we are," I replied, gesturing to the children playing in Paradise. "They have a home. They have a future. I don't need to destroy the world to give them that."

He stared at me for a long moment, and I could see the gears turning in his mind. Finally, he sighed, a sound of defeat. "Very well. But remember my words, Accelerator. When the world turns on you, don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, I signaled to Yui, who stepped forward. With a clap of her hands, she activated her Blood Art. Kagetane and his daughter disappeared, teleported out of Paradise.

I stood there for a moment, feeling a mix of irritation and relief. Twisted proposals from broken individuals like Kagetane weren't going to sway me. I was already making good progress with the children, creating a sanctuary where they could live and grow. Why should I degrade myself by aligning with someone like him?

As I walked back to my office, my mind drifted, unbidden, to Shinobu and Mitsuri. The two of them were obviously interested in me back in the previous world, and I wasn't dense enough to miss it. Sadly, my mission there was completed quickly, leaving no chance to develop anything... Not that I'd acknowledge wanting to get chummy with others. The current relationship I had with Sumire was purely one of convenience, she lusted for my knowledge, and I got her body in return. A perfect trade for a frustrated esper like me.

Despite myself, I hesitated. Maybe, just maybe, there was something more I could have had with them. I reluctantly decided to talk to my system, something I avoided unless absolutely necessary.

"Hey, system," I muttered under my breath. "Is it possible to return to the previous world I came from?"

The system panel appeared, its text cold and mechanical.

[Notice! It is possible for the host to return to the previous world if the host manages to obtain a space and time-based ability in the future.]

I stared at the panel with a mix of irritation and sarcasm. "Well, aren't you responsive this time? Usually, you're as quiet as a damn grave."

The system, as expected, didn't reply to my jibe, and the panel disappeared. I clicked my tongue, filing the information away for later. Right now, I had other things to focus on.

Returning to my office, I barely had time to sit down before the door opened, and Kisara walked in. I sighed loudly, feeling like my day couldn't get any worse.

"What now?" I grumbled, not even looking up.

Kisara, looking unusually serious, walked over to my desk. "I have bad news," she said without preamble.

I groaned inwardly. Of course, there was more bad news. "Hah, again?" I said, leaning back in my chair.

"The current leader of the Tokyo District has dropped a plan to kill the monstrosity who created Paradise," she reported, her eyes meeting mine.

That got my attention. "And how do you know about this confidential information?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kisara smirked. "No one has any idea about my connection with you. It pays to be underestimated."

I couldn't help but agree. "You're really useful, you know that?" I said, tapping my fingers on the desk. "So, what exactly do they plan to do?"

She hesitated, her expression troubled. "I'm not entirely sure, but they seem desperate. They see you as a threat, Accelerator. They'll stop at nothing to destroy what you've built here."

I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing. "Let them come," I said coldly. "I look forward to seeing what they can do."

Kisara nodded, though she still looked worried. "Just be careful. They're not going to play fair."

"I never expected them to," I replied. "But don't worry. I've got it under control."

She stood there for a moment, as if wanting to say more, but then she just nodded and left the room. I watched her go, my mind already shifting gears.

I had known from the start that the people in power wouldn't accept what I was doing. They saw me and the Cursed Children as threats, something to be eliminated. But that was fine. I had never cared for their approval. All that mattered was keeping the children safe and ensuring they had a future.

As I leaned back in my chair, I couldn't help but think about the challenges ahead. The fight to protect the Cursed Children was far from over, but I would face it head-on, with all the strength and determination I possessed. Anyone who tried to disrupt what I had built would regret it.

I stared out the window, my mind already racing with plans and strategies. The leader of the Tokyo District wanted a fight? Fine. I'd give them one they'd never forget. And I'd do it on my terms, in my way.

For now, though, there was work to be done. I picked up the documents on my desk, my resolve hardening. The children depended on me, and I wouldn't let them down. The world could burn for all I care.

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