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Chapter - 2: Chat Group
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I shake my head a couple of times, trying to chase away these thoughts about things that go beyond my abilities. Knowledge and deeper information are privileges I currently don't possess.
It seems I'll just have to go along and comply… I really hate it when things get so mysterious. I frown as I descend the stairs, heading towards my classroom, and observe the people around me.
I enjoy watching those around me, trying to figure out what they're thinking. It's always been a pastime of mine, something that reflects my calculating side, the part that tends to anticipate every situation and prepare in advance.
I open the classroom door and, without hesitation, head to my seat, ignoring the surprised look from the teacher and my classmates. After a brief moment, the teacher resumes the lesson, although I notice that Sagiri, sitting not far from me, seems relieved to see me.
I look at her for a moment, and she, surprised by my gaze, blushes on her cheeks, then huffs and mutters something like, "Idiot."
I don't linger on her reaction; my interest now shifts to my phone, where the Chat Room demands my attention with a new notification that I can't help but glance at immediately.
[Do you want to connect the Chat Room to this device?]
This message pops up as soon as I pick up the phone, giving me a better understanding of the Chat Room: it seems it can connect to multiple devices, though the limit is currently unknown to me.
This way, I won't look like a weirdo staring off into space, so I select "yes," and the Chat Room app installs immediately on my phone. I open it, and the Chat Room interface appears, organized and vivid, with various icons flashing before my eyes.
I tried to change my name, but with clearly little success as it seemed the option was somehow blocked by the system, which annoyed me since I couldn't do whatever the hell I wanted.
Well, in a way, who would actually use their real name in a shady chat? I nod in satisfaction before checking a detail in the top left called "Chat Points."
[0 Chat Points]
[Chat Points are the main currency of the Chat Room. With them, members can buy items from the Chat Room's shop or even upgrade their own abilities.]
I nod at the explanation and check the shop. It's completely empty, with nothing inside. Perhaps a condition is needed to activate it. I tilt my head, pondering the various possibilities.
I set aside the useless thoughts and choose the abilities option, which brings up five options before me.
[Total Body Reinforcement: Level ???... Cost: 10,000,000 points]
[Thousand Magic (Proto Idea)]... Cost: ??? points]
[Proto Keravnos]... Cost: ??? points]
[Khvarenah (Halo of The Supreme Ruler)]... Cost: ??? points]
[Avesta (Another Cosmology)]... Cost: %&$£ points]
One of my eyebrows twitches at the absurd point requirement just to further enhance my body. And then there were my other abilities (Trump Cards)... each with an incomprehensible cost, so high it didn't even fully display on the system screen.
"Okay, this is all completely useless to me," I muttered, scrolling through the list once more as if hoping to find an option that would truly surprise me. But it was all over-the-top and, frankly, redundant.
In the end, though, it wasn't really important. After all, I already possessed power beyond imagination, and these abilities didn't genuinely need any upgrades to make a difference.
I'd already reached a level of strength and capability that rendered any enhancement unnecessary: they were powers so high that pushing further would be like adding gold to an already perfect crown.
I close the abilities window and notice an icon next to the point counter. I click it and read:
[Daily Check-in: 69 Chat Points]
I watch my points increase; it was a sort of daily points lottery… The limit is 100, apparently. I nod, my hand on my chin, as various thoughts race through my mind.
It was fairly clear that the Chat Room would probably provide missions to accumulate points, because with the daily check-in alone, it would take hundreds or even thousands of years to gather enough for any upgrade.
After checking the chat group again, I sighed. "...Why do I have to deal with this system?" I murmured, looking up at the clear sky outside the window.
The calm air was a pleasant contrast to everything happening in the chat group and to what was going on in my boring class, which had long since faded into the background.
Just then, my teacher's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Saigou, can you answer this question?" His expression was that of someone aiming to embarrass their student.
I slowly turned toward the board, where he pointed at a complex math equation that looked straight out of a Japanese first-year high school program.
Before he even finished explaining, I had already calculated the answer. With a calm tone and a hint of nonchalance, I said, "The answer is 12."
The teacher remained silent for a moment, probably surprised at the speed of my response. He stared at me with a puzzled expression before nodding slowly, with evident reluctance. "Correct… well done, Saigou… Just try to pay more attention during class."
"Sure, whatever gets you up in the morning, old man," I said, ignoring his lecture as I returned my gaze to the window with a slight smile.
I had noticed Sagiri watching me with a pout. As soon as she realized it, she quickly turned away with a small huff, and I could see a faint blush, which brought an amused smile to my face.
After that brief pause, I returned to the chat screen, which had remained silent for almost half an hour. Then, finally, the first message appeared, giving me several things to think about.
[Governor of Fallen-Angel: Oh, finally, the last member!]
[Queen of Nightmares: Finally, I was tired of waiting.]
[(Admin) Yandere for Senpai: I'm happy to see we're all finally here in this group (* ^ ω ^)]
[Simp for Emilia: Wait a moment! Is no one really commenting on the nickname he was given by the Chat Group?]
"..."
[Governor of Fallen-Angel: No]
[Queen of Nightmares: +1]
[(Admin) Yandere for Senpai: +1]
[Good Spider: +1]
[Simp for Emilia: @Good Spider I get the others, but weren't you the one who stayed silent most of the time? Since when are you so expressive?...]
[Good Spider: I'm just shy... And luckily, Sakura told me about the portable chat feature. Now I can express my thoughts without any trouble. You can't imagine how hard it really is to type with spider legs!]
[(Admin) Yandere for Senpai: Don't worry about something so trivial. And since I'm the group admin, I'm glad I could help you.]
[Good Spider: Sakura (づ。◕‿‿◕。)づ]
[Queen of Nightmares: Seems normal to me. After all, I'm a Demon Lord too. But to be honest, I'm wondering why I don't have the same nickname… though I must say I prefer 'Queen of Nightmares.']
[Governor of Fallen-Angel: Maybe because the Chat Group deemed you weaker and thus unworthy (¬‿¬)]
[Queen of Nightmares: I doubt it. And if by any chance that were true, I'm still certainly stronger than an insolent crow like you.]
[Governor of Fallen-Angel: Oh, really low blow… Seems like there's no respect left for an old guy like me ( ˘︹˘ ) ]
I watched the messages appearing on the screen, confused. They'd really given me the nickname "Demon Lord"? Not that it was wrong, but it wasn't exactly right either.
Leaving that point for the future, luckily, the Chat Group nicknames were recognizable enough for me to figure out their true identities.
Azazel from DxD's world was somewhat similar to the one I currently inhabited, but far more dangerous... at least if you ignored all those ridiculous "boob power" antics that happened to the protagonist.
Honestly, he was one of the best characters you could encounter in that world: not a huge pain, which was already a great advantage, considering I wouldn't have to deal with that group of heirs eager to bring me into their "slave" circle – or "Peerage," as they liked to call it, thinking it was a family.
I'd read many stories in my life, but few painted humans so disdainfully. Humans were shown either as weak, ready to be crushed by any supernatural creature, or as psychotic with desires for mass extermination.
It was truly a universe I didn't like, and frankly, I hoped to have nothing to do with it. I wasn't interested in all the erotic women that world had to offer.
As for the "Queen of Nightmares," only two people came to mind, but after her messages and introduction as Demon Lord, it was clear it could only be one: Luminous Valentine.
In a way, I felt relieved, given I was now part of this group and hoping for some fun. It wouldn't have been so if the other members were too weak compared to me.
Luminous wasn't the strongest, not compared to others in her world or nearby dimensions, but at least she was a good starting point, and I didn't mind that.
Yandere for Senpai—I'd had some doubts until she was called Sakura. Things became much clearer for me as to who she was.
Sakura Matou, the tragic protagonist who was submerged in a pit of insects and contaminated, only to be violated by her brother under that old bastard's orders to break her and take control of her body, allowing him to keep living.
I honestly didn't know if it was a good thing for her to be the administrator, given she eventually becomes the Shadow, but at least in this way, she might be able to save herself from her personal hell without waiting for some hero to rescue her.
Really... the Fate/Type-Moon universe is utter chaos with all the tragic absurdities that happen there, as if the Ultimate Ones trying to destroy humans before they ruin the planet weren't enough.
At least in that universe, the girls weren't just beautiful but also incredibly strong—a mix I appreciated in more ways than one.
Leaving all that aside, I couldn't help but wonder what a fight between me and the Spider would be like. I'd probably win if I went all out; she wasn't an opponent that could beat me.
As for Simp for Emilia, his identity was obvious. I didn't even have to think much: there was only one person who would get a nickname like that, which honestly made me chuckle.
Subaru from Re: Zero.
He was the most "normal" member, but at least I had a companion around my own age, which was a plus in his favor. If that wasn't enough, he was the only other human in this group, so it was clear he'd have my support.
From the chat messages, it seemed like he was still at the beginning of the story, so I could only watch his actions and see if, with this system on his side, he'd decide to ask for help before things spiraled out of control.
I wouldn't mind giving him some advice if he really wanted to keep running with his head down, because honestly I really liked his character, he really showed the tenacity of a human being.
Finally, the last but certainly not the least important member: "Good Spider." Honestly, she had been the hardest member to figure out, even by the end of the conversation, given that I didn't have much information to work with.
But after a quick and careful analysis of my memories and some thought, I was left with only one name: Kumoko, a.k.a. Wakaba Hiro.
She came from that series where an entire class is reincarnated in another world as various races that would then battle each other due to their differing goals. From what I recalled, it had something to do with a world that was on the verge of collapse unless something was done to stop it.
I didn't yet know if it was a good thing that she was in our group, considering she was practically a toy for a malevolent god who did things purely for amusement.
But in the end, it was very similar to Luminous' universe, so it was pointless to complain too much. At least this way, I could have more fun than I initially expected.
In a way, it was quite a balanced group, likely intentionally set up by the Chat Group to ensure we could complete the missions we would be assigned in the future.
--------------
Marvel: I'm Spider-Man in this Damn Reincarnation: 3 advanced chapters
Osmosian Sorcerer?: 3 advanced chapters
Son of Li Qiye?: 3 advanced chapters
patreon.com/Demon_King22
Chapter - 12: New Mask - Chapter - 13: A Dragon Rises - Chapter - 14: Symbionte
Chapter - 16: Demon Sorcerers - Chapter - 17: Onmyoji - Chapter - 18: The Power of Bao
Chapter - 7: Hobby - Chapter - 8: New Hunt - Chapter - 9: Past unknown
On the other hand, if you want to see something specific in the next chapters, or even just have some good advice for the story as a whole, I am always willing to read a comment if it is constructive criticism.
If you see any mistakes, I would be grateful if you would point them out to me, so that I can correct them when I have some spare time, and make the story as complete as possible for myself and especially for you.
To facilitate a clearer understanding, I've retained pictures of the respective characters. Your feedback is always valued, and if you have any suggestions for the upcoming chapter, please feel free to comment—I'll be sure to respond as usual.
Please leave a review if you like the story.
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Like it ? Add to library!
---------
Chapter - 3: Yuragi-sou
----------
Sakura Matou POV
[Ding!]
[Demon Lord joined the chat!]
The new notification made me flinch slightly: the nickname chosen by the chat for the new member was quite intimidating, very different from the usual ones, which often seemed more like jokes or ways to tease the members.
Even my own nickname had an ironic tone, practically broadcasting my obvious obsession with Senpai to everyone—but that... that was another story.
Ever since that notification had appeared, an unsettling sense of familiarity lingered around me, like a cold shiver running down my spine, impossible to ignore.
I kept wondering what it could mean, but no answer seemed satisfying.
That mysterious blue screen had appeared suddenly, like a spark in the darkness, right when I was once again drowning in the pit of insects that consumed my sanity. All I could do was cling to thoughts of my Senpai to endure it.
I couldn't forget the words that had pushed me to accept the invitation:
Do you want to keep living as a tool? No? Then accept this invitation and change your destiny, so you can live free and happy with the person you love!
I knew accepting meant crossing into the unknown, but that promise of freedom was too tempting to let slip through my fingers, especially when it was right within my grasp.
I couldn't help but recall how, the moment I accepted, I was greeted by a series of flashing messages telling me I had become the administrator of a Dimensional Chat Group.
Only a few days later would I fully understand what I had agreed to. It allowed me to communicate with people from different universes, opening the doors to extraordinary possibilities, but also to responsibilities I had yet to comprehend.
[Congratulations, all invitations have been successfully accepted...]
"So there won't be any new members for now," I muttered quietly, as my mind wandered between doubts and curiosity, since honestly, I couldn't fully grasp the main goal of this Chat.
Suddenly, another message appeared before me:
[As the administrator of the Chat Group, you will receive a package of privileges as all members have accepted the invitations you sent!]
[• A random ability or item from other worlds, which will immediately be compatible with the administrator's energy system since this is the first time they are receiving a power from the chat group]
"A starting package?" As I stared at the screen, stunned, it seemed like something really important. "Might as well give it a try..." I murmured, my heart pounding with a certain expectation.
Could this really be my chance? This "bonus" could give me the necessary advantage to survive, maybe even a way that would allow me to be useful and not just a burden to others.
I hesitated for a moment, reflecting on these options. Powers from other worlds were intriguing, but there was the risk of not being able to utilize them without paying the proper price. On the other hand, something already compatible could be immediately useful to me.
[The gift has been sent. Open it now.]
With a surge of excitement, I clicked on "Open." A red box appeared before me, floating for a moment in the air before exploding into a shower of bright fireworks.
I covered my eyes, startled by the intensity, and when I reopened them, I saw another system notification before my eyes:
[Congratulations, Administrator, you have obtained: The Cursed Technique: Ten Shadows Technique]
A flood of information began to overwhelm my mind. I could feel pieces of knowledge pushing their way inside me, as if someone else's understanding was merging with my consciousness.
I looked down, lost in my thoughts, now it was all clear, as if I had always known how to use this new source of energy along with this cursed technique.
Cursed Energy? From the information in my mind, it was clear that cursed energy is born from negativity and suffering... To be more precise, it is formed from our negative emotions, and the more we understand suffering/cursed energy, the closer we come to freeing ourselves from it and its limitations.
An impulse drove me to immediately test the power I had just acquired. I raised my hand before me, watching as a dark purple flame began to envelop my fist. I was surprised by how natural it felt to manipulate it.
The energy swirled around my hand with the ease of a breath, as if it had always been a part of me. It seemed that I even had a certain talent for handling this energy, which didn't surprise me considering everything I had endured up until now.
"Divine Dogs," I said, forming the hand sign necessary, as I had learned from the knowledge passed down by the technique. To my surprise, I saw two figures emerge from my shadow: two dogs, one black and one white, staring at me with intense eyes.
They seemed even larger than I remembered from the fragments of memory the technique had given me. That was a good thing, right? I wasn't sure, but as I looked at those imposing dogs, I felt protected, as if they were there to support and defend me.
Without thinking too much, I knelt down and reached out to them. Perhaps sensing my intentions, the divine dogs cautiously approached me, and then, almost in response, began licking my face.
I couldn't help but giggle, surprised by their sweetness, and a genuine smile appeared on my lips as I gently stroked them, for they were simply too cute not to.
It had been a long time since I'd felt such simple joy, and as I watched them, for a moment I felt almost normal, like an ordinary girl. But that thought lasted only an instant, before the reality of my life pulled me back.
[Interlude]
Saigou Homura POV
"We're home!" Sagiri and I said in unison as we entered a large hot spring inn.
Yuragi-sou is practically an abandoned place, since most people believe it is haunted by a vile ghost that scares off any potential tenants, except for us, as we weren't ordinary beings.
To be clearer, I found myself living in the place where, according to a certain anime, the protagonist was supposed to reside, as it was an affordable and cheap place. However, with my arrival, it seemed like things had changed, but I still didn't know how much, since he was important enough for the world's plot.
Although I didn't remember exactly my past life, I was pretty sure that the last thing I would have ever imagined was finding myself in a world that wasn't so different from one out of an ecchi and harem anime.
However, in a way, it was better this way. I could honestly end up in much worse situations, as at least here there was a bit of "action" in its own way, and that would spare me from deadly boredom.
"What, you're back already? Dinner isn't ready yet," said a girl, no older than thirteen, who appeared in front of us as soon as we entered the inn.
She had brown bobbed hair and light brown eyes tinged with amber. She wore an orange kimono with a white apron over it, giving her the appearance of a little housewife, if not for her young, delicate face.
In reality, she was much older than she looked, practically a "loli" with a youthful appearance. She was the innkeeper of Yuragi-sou, and her name was Chitose Nakai—someone you'd never want to make angry if you wanted to continue living in peace.
[Picture ---> Chitose Nakai]
"Sagiri has done nothing but bother me about the lessons I keep skipping. So we made a bet on who would get home first," I replied in a detached tone, scrolling through a selfie I had just taken on my phone.
"And I won," she said triumphantly, looking at me with a satisfied smile. "Now you won't be able to skip lessons for your own pleasure or boredom!"
"Sorry, my dear ninja, but I'm afraid I won," I countered, showing a slight smile of defiance.
She froze, confused, and before she could protest, I showed her the phone with the picture: a clear image of my foot beyond the threshold of the entrance, just a few seconds before she arrived.
She narrowed her eyes, suspicious, and crossed her arms with a skeptical look. "When would you have had the time to take a picture, then?"
I simply smiled, amused, and answered calmly, "For someone like me, who moves at cosmic speed three, it was easy to do."
Her gaze hardened, and I could almost see her gritting her teeth in frustration. "Cosmic speed three, huh?" she repeated, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You're still messing with me, aren't you?"
I shrugged indifferently. "Not my fault you got beaten. Maybe you should put more effort into your 'chuuma ninja' training."
She shook her head, muttering something about my insolence, but in the end, she had no choice but to accept defeat, though reluctantly. Unfortunately for her, I wasn't finished teasing her yet.
"So, since I won, I get to choose what you do, right, Sagiri?" I said with a satisfied smile that spread across my lips, already relishing the moment.
"Nothing perverted!" she snapped back, her face reddening with embarrassment. She instinctively covered her generous chest with her arms, unaware that, in doing so, she only drew more of my attention to her.
"But look, I didn't say anything perverted," I replied with an ironic tone, watching her as she covered herself. "If that's the first thing that comes to your mind, then maybe I was right. You're the one with the mischievous thoughts, huh, Sagiri~?"
Her eyes widened as she realized my implication, and the blush deepened as she clenched her fists. "Saigou Homura!" she shouted furiously, pulling out two kunai from her sleeves, glaring at me with a look that promised trouble. "You'll pay for insulting me like that!" She seemed determined to back up her words with action.
I stood still, a provocative smile on my face, as if nothing could touch me. But before Saigiri could act, I felt two delicate arms wrap around me from behind and a familiar weight on my head. A cheerful laugh rang out above me.
"Yahoo~ Looks like you two are having fun as usual!" exclaimed a lively voice, and immediately I felt a warm embrace at my back. "I have to admit, you're really cute together!"
Looking up, I saw a slender, graceful figure watching us with eyes sparkling with amusement. Her long pink hair was tousled in a charming way, framing her soft features and mischievous gaze.
Her deep, lively green eyes held a small diamond-shaped symbol on her forehead, which immediately reminded me of a certain mature woman with blonde hair who liked to gamble.
She was wearing a large T-shirt that fell softly over her body, leaving her large breasts and black bra on display, and wearing nothing to cover her panties, which inevitably drew my gaze.
I realized I had been staring at her a bit too long and quickly looked away, clearing my throat. "Yo, Nonko. How was work today?" I tried to steer the conversation back to safer ground.
[Picture ---> Arahabaki Nonko]
She flashed a mischievous smile, leaning against me with her usual nonchalant attitude, letting her body radiate an almost natural sensuality. "Oh, you know... I need a bit of inspiration for my next manga," she said with a tone full of innuendo, looking at me with a sly grin.
"I'm sure you'll manage, after all, you're amazing at your work," I replied, keeping a neutral expression and deliberately ignoring her attempt to tease me. I noticed that my unamused attitude caused her to pout slightly, but I didn't let myself get caught up in it.
"Don't let that pervert go!" Sagiri interrupted, barging into the conversation angrily. She gripped her kunai tightly in her hands, and her threatening gaze was fixed directly on me. "Today, he's going to face a punishment for his behavior!"
Nonko, watching the scene with amusement, stepped closer with a sly grin. "Oh, I didn't think you were into kinks like that, Sagiri," she said with a broad smile.
"N-N-No, that's not it!" Sagiri stammered, her face turning bright red all the way to her ears. Her embarrassment was so obvious that her determination seemed to evaporate in an instant, and her warrior-like demeanor crumbled in the face of the teasing.
I seized the opportunity to tease her further. "I knew it, you were aiming for my virginity, Sagiri!" I exclaimed, pretending to be shocked and theatrically placing a hand over my chest.
"V-V-I'm telling you, it's not like that!" Sagiri shouted, flustered and even more embarrassed.
Suddenly, another voice was heard from behind Nonko. "Yaya is back," announced a girl with short green hair, stepping forward with a curious smile. She had golden, gleaming eyes that resembled those of a cat, and she watched the scene with clear interest.
She wore a purple long-sleeved sweatshirt, purple sexy shorts that clearly showed the biggest caretteristics which was her big round bubbly ass.
[Picture ---> Yaya Fushiguro]
Yaya approached me with feline steps and a relaxed gaze, coming within inches of my face and leaning slightly forward. She looked at me with those golden, sparkling eyes, clearly expecting something. After a moment, I realized: she wanted me to pet her head, just like you would a cat.
As I began to do so, she closed her eyes and started purring, a low, continuous sound that resonated in the silence. For some reason, the purring awakened thoughts in me that weren't exactly pure, but I tried to ignore them, maintaining my composure.
"Yaya, where's Yuuna?" I asked, trying to distract myself from those thoughts. But just then, I felt a very strong spiritual presence quickly approaching. I had all the time to react, but I chose to stay still, knowing exactly who it was.
A moment later, I was shoved forcefully and found myself on the ground. In front of me appeared a girl, her expression visibly flustered, or at least she was trying to look that way, unaware that it only made her more adorable.
Yuuna had long white hair that fell gently around her, framing her ethereal face, while her red eyes fixed on me with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. She was wearing her usual yukata from the hot springs, an outfit that seemed designed to accentuate her seductive curves, giving her an irresistible aura that reminded me of a true succubus.
[Picture ---> Yunohana Yuuna]
"Saigou... Why did you leave me alone this morning?" Yuuna snapped with a sad tone. "You promised we would go to school together."
I sighed, remembering what had happened that morning. "Yuuna, when I woke up, you were already back in my bed, curled up in a rather compromising position," I replied, rolling my eyes at the absurdity of the situation. "That's why, as punishment, I left you here to play with Yaya."
Yuuna lowered her gaze, clearly upset. "I'm sorry, Saigou... I didn't mean to put you in a difficult situation," she mumbled, nervously wringing her hands in front of her.
Her guilty expression was disarming. "It's fine," I finally said, accepting her apology with a light smile. "But next time, try to behave better."
Meanwhile, Yaya kept purring, comfortably resting on me, completely unaware of the tension in the air. Nonko, on the other hand, watched the scene with an amused smile before bursting into laughter. "Ah, Homura, look at you! Surrounded by girls wherever you turn... tough life, huh?" she said with a sarcastic tone, clearly teasing me.
Yeah, this is my new life... as the protagonist of a harem, I thought sarcastically, trying not to be overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation.
----------
Marvel: I'm Spider-Man in this Damn Reincarnation: 3 advanced chapters
Osmosian Sorcerer?: 3 advanced chapters
Son of Li Qiye?: 3 advanced chapters
patreon.com/Demon_King22
Chapter - 13: A Dragon Rises - Chapter - 14: Symbionte - Chapter - 15: White Tiger
Chapter - 16: Demon Sorcerers - Chapter - 17: Onmyoji - Chapter - 18: The Power of Bao
Chapter - 7: Hobby - Chapter - 8: New Hunt - Chapter - 9: Past unknown
On the other hand, if you want to see something specific in the next chapters, or even just have some good advice for the story as a whole, I am always willing to read a comment if it is constructive criticism.
If you see any mistakes, I would be grateful if you would point them out to me, so that I can correct them when I have some spare time, and make the story as complete as possible for myself and especially for you.
To facilitate a clearer understanding, I've retained pictures of the respective characters. Your feedback is always valued, and if you have any suggestions for the upcoming chapter, please feel free to comment—I'll be sure to respond as usual.
Please leave a review if you like the story.
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Like it ? Add to library!
--------
Chapter - 4: Shadow
--------
"Welcome back, everyone!" Chitose exclaimed with a bright smile, emerging from the kitchen carrying trays laden with food. "Dinner is ready, please help yourselves!"
I took a seat, the delicious aroma of the dishes already making my mouth water. The table was a feast for the eyes: grilled fish, steaming bowls of rice, fresh vegetables, and a variety of side dishes.
I couldn't help but smile. Staying at this inn had turned out to be an excellent decision, if only for the food. Chitose's cooking was simply divine—I couldn't imagine living without it anymore.
The chatter around the table created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a feeling I couldn't quite grasp. I was fairly certain that even in my previous life, I had never experienced anything quite like it.
Nonko was already drinking sake, raising her cup in a toast to no one in particular. Sagiri ate with her usual composure, though her strict demeanor softened slightly as she savored each bite. It was genuinely entertaining to watch.
Yaya was feeding a massive white cat behind her, a creature so large it seemed almost supernatural. Yuuna, hovering slightly above her chair, beamed at everyone, clearly delighted by the company.
I found myself observing them one by one.
Nonko, a descendant of the legendary Oni Shuten-douji, possessed strength and endurance of mythical proportions. As the daughter of one of the country's most powerful families, she carried an air of confidence that masked a power capable of placing her easily at the top of this world.
Sagiri, a ninja from the Chuuma clan—a group of kunoichi specializing in combating youkai and other supernatural forces—was deeply committed to maintaining peace and order in Japan.
Yaya, a girl chosen by the Cat God as its host, had a bond with her divine companion that was a delight to witness. It was clear to me that their relationship went far beyond the mere acquisition of power.
Chitose, a Zashiki Warashi, could manipulate both fortune and misfortune. Yet, despite her nature, she welcomed everyone with a warm smile, creating an inviting atmosphere in the inn.
And then there was Yuuna, a spirit bound by spiritual energy so powerful it exceeded the limitations of her condition. Despite her ethereal nature, which could cause her to vanish at any moment, she was full of life, her enthusiasm contagious to everyone around her.
This unlikely group, each unique and powerful in their own right, had somehow come together to form a bizarre but comforting family.
As I leaned back, a sense of peace settled over me. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
I couldn't help but feel strangely at ease among them, even though my presence here wasn't entirely my choice. Still, I was growing accustomed to this place—and I liked it.
As usual, it was Nonko who broke the silence first. She leaned back in her chair, twirling her sake cup between her fingers. "Hey, Saigou-kun~ There's something I've been wanting to ask you for a while."
Her tone was playful, but her eyes narrowed slightly, and her demeanor turned serious. "You... what exactly are you?"
The question froze the room, halting everyone's actions.
All their gazes fell on me, brimming with curiosity. Not that I had any intention of hiding myself, but unlike them, I was making an effort not to reveal my abilities. I knew that if the truth ever came out, both humans and even gods would likely despair.
Nonko's smile faded, replaced by an unexpectedly serious expression. "You're not... human, are you?"
The atmosphere immediately grew heavy. My shadow, faint in the dim light, began to move unnaturally. Two crimson-red eyes materialized within it, gleaming faintly like a reflection in a dark mirror of what dwelled inside me.
It wasn't a companion or an ally. It was a part of me.
Before I could respond, Nonko burst into laughter, shattering the tension that had enveloped the room. "Ahaha~ I'm kidding! Just kidding! Don't make such serious faces~"
But I noticed her hand trembling slightly as she lifted her cup to drink. A bead of sweat slid down her temple. I knew she had sensed something—the danger lurking beneath the surface I presented.
"Well, as expected, you're quite direct," I said with a disarming smile. "In the end, I anticipated a question like this. The answer is simple... I'm 100% human. I'm just a little special, but the reasons are rather complicated to explain."
Yuuna tilted her head, her usual enthusiasm replaced with evident concern. "Saigou, does that mean you're dangerous?"
Sagiri's gaze grew sharper. "If you're a threat, know that we of the Chuuma Ninjas won't hesitate to eliminate you."
"Relax, my dear perverted ninja," I replied, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm not here to cause trouble. In fact, I have no interest in fighting anyone, least of all you."
Nonko sighed in relief, but her eyes remained curious. "You're really interesting, Saigou-kun. I could write an entire manga about you... You don't mind if I keep digging a bit, do you?" she said with a mischievous smile.
"Go ahead," I replied, leaning back to let the tension pass.
Yaya, completely unaware of the drama that had just unfolded, tugged at my sleeve. "Saigou... more petting," she asked softly, her golden eyes full of expectation.
I smiled, gently petting her hair. Her purring filled the room again, a sound so innocent that it sharply contrasted with the heaviness of the conversation that had just taken place.
Dinner continued, and the tension gradually faded. Laughter returned, and the group resumed their usual jokes. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that this conversation was just the beginning.
I glanced at my shadow, where ruby-colored eyes flickered for an instant before disappearing into nothingness. I sighed deeply, as a single thought crossed my mind: Stupid lizard.
The dinner continued peacefully, with a light and relaxed atmosphere. Each of us spoke casually, trying to get to know each other better. Voices and laughter filled the room, creating a sense of warmth that contrasted with the evening's coolness.
Even Sagiri, despite her evident distrust towards me, didn't hold back from participating in the conversation. However, her eyes remained watchful, observing every movement I made and every word I spoke.
It was clear she was trying to gather information without being too obvious, maintaining a cordial demeanor with the others. I didn't mind, and in a way, it gave me more opportunities to tease her.
Nonko, on the other hand, eventually succumbed to the call of sake. She lifted her cup with a sly smile, sipping the drink slowly. "Ahh, nothing beats sake after a long day!" she exclaimed, satisfied.
Chitose, however, gently scolded her. "Nonko-san, you shouldn't overdo it. You know it makes it harder to come up with ideas for your manga if your mind isn't clear."
Nonko burst into laughter, waving her hand dismissively. "Don't worry, Chitose-chan~ Inspiration always comes, with or without sake!"
Meanwhile, Yuuna and Yaya had gotten caught up in an impromptu game. Yuuna floated in the air, trying to grab an object that Yaya tossed to her with an amused smile. Yaya's large cat seemed to watch the scene curiously, lazily flicking its tail.
Chitose and I simply watched them have fun. Her calm and gentle expression was almost contagious, and for a moment, I found myself truly relaxing. "Is it always like this here?" I asked, breaking the silence between us.
Chitose nodded with a smile. "Yes, more or less. Yuragi-sou is a place where anyone can feel at home, no matter what they are or where they come from."
Those words hit me harder than I wanted to admit. Home. A word that had lost its meaning for me a long time ago, since my memories were gone, and all I had left were some fleeting sensations.
As the evening continued, I decided it was time to retreat to my room. I nodded my head to the others in farewell and made my way down the corridor. My room was right next to the one where Yuuna was bound, a detail I couldn't ignore even if I wanted to, considering she had a habit of sneaking into my bed.
I opened the door and entered my new temporary dwelling. It was simple but cozy, with a futon neatly placed in the center of the room and a window that overlooked the hot springs.
I sat down on the futon, letting out a long sigh.
I remained seated in silence for a few minutes, allowing the sounds of laughter and chatter to fade as the night advanced. The room was enveloped in a peaceful atmosphere, only interrupted by the faint crackle of the lantern.
I watched the shadow cast against the wall. It seemed to distort slightly, almost as if it were alive. A sensation that always made me uneasy, but one I had grown accustomed to since coming to this world.
I decided to ignore it and focus on something that could help me clear my mind: checking the chat group since I didn't want any unpleasant surprises—I'd already had enough of those for my taste.
[(Admin) Yandere for Senpai @Demon Lord: You might be confused by everything going on, but I've written an explanation that could help you understand your situation better. Also, if you want, you could introduce yourself to get familiar with us, since you're the newest member to join the chat group.]
I sighed. Did I really need to do this? But in the end, I decided to indulge her, considering she seemed genuinely committed to being a good admin, and she was probably doing it mostly as a way to distract herself from what was happening around her.
[Demon Lord: Alright, since I'm already forced to accept the invitation, I might as well see the upside of all this, though I'm not sure what that is since this situation is…]
[Governor of Fallen-Angel: Oh, you were forced? Interesting. So you didn't voluntarily join the Chat Group? And can I ask what they offered you for my personal curiosity? Ah, I haven't introduced myself yet, I'm Azazel, the one from the Bible to be clearer. Nice to meet you.]
I stared at the message for a few seconds, realizing that he was probably trying to gather information from me to figure out how this system worked. And since he was a scientist, I couldn't say I wasn't expecting that from him.
[Demon Lord: My name is Saigou. As for this Chat Group, they offered me everything: power, spells, advanced techniques, legendary weapons... and even a harem.]
A long silence followed my message. I expected an immediate reaction, perhaps curiosity or even envy, but all I received was a digital void. I started to wonder if I had said something wrong.
Then, finally, someone broke the quiet.
[Simp for Emilia: Wait a minute, that's not fair! What kind of treatment is this? I joined just because they said they'd help me reduce the number of my deaths! (╬ Ò﹏Ó)]
[Good Spider: Come on Subaru, it's not the end of the world (◕‿◕✿)]
[Simp for Emilia: Not the end of the world? Really? Well, maybe not for you, but for me, it's literally always the end of the world every time I die! You don't understand how stressful it is for me!]
[(Admin) Yandere for Senpai: Erm... I'm sure that if you put in some effort, you'll reach your goal... Maybe (⊃。•́‿•̀。)⊃]
[Queen of Nightmares: Pathetic. I have more important things to do than listen to a human complain about their insignificant problems.]
[Queen of Nightmares is Offline]
[Simp for Emilia: You're not helping! It's like talking to Ram: a constant mockery and zero empathy with her sharp tongue.]
[(Admin)Yandere for Senpai: Well, at least Ram is honest, right? I'm sure she's doing it for your own good, or at least I think so.]
[Good Spider: Or maybe you should take it with more philosophy. Think positively! Every death makes you stronger! (。•̀ᴗ-)✧]
[Simp for Emilia: Sigh. You know what? Forget it. Talking to you guys is pointless! I'm going to go get some comfort from my Emilia-chan!]
[Simp for Emilia is Offline]
[Good Spider: No Subaru, don't go to the dark side!]
[(Admin) Yandere for Senpai: I don't think she can hear you…]
[Good Spider: Ah, right. Anyway, I'm going back to leveling up a bit so I can evolve, because I don't want to get eaten and die a second time. See you around, guys!]
[Good Spider is Offline]
[(Admin) Yandere for Senpai: I'm going too, I have some things to take care of…]
I smiled faintly, shaking my head. The dynamics among the Chat members were definitely… interesting. I wasn't sure what to expect in the future, but one thing was clear: I wouldn't get bored.
[Governor of Fallen-Angel: Oh, very interesting. Thank you for the information, it's always useful. Being a scientist, if you ever need anything from me, don't hesitate to ask.]
[Demon Lord: I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Azazel.]
[Governor of Fallen-Angel: You're welcome. Well, I'm going back to my experiments. If you need anything, you know where to find me.]
[Governor of Fallen-Angel is Offline]
I closed the chat window on my phone, letting out a sigh. Azazel seemed like someone you could trust, pragmatic and direct. Definitely a useful figure for the future.
I lay back on the futon, crossing my arms behind my head as I stared at the ceiling. It had been a long day, full of interesting interactions, but now I could finally relax.
"Let's see what tomorrow brings," I murmured to myself, closing my eyes. For now, peace was all I needed.
...
..
.
A few hours passed. The Chat Room remained strangely silent, a sharp contrast to how it had been earlier. Then, suddenly, a new notification appeared on my phone that left me speechless, as I hadn't expected it to be displayed this way.
[The Chat Room informs that the member Simp for Emilia is dead]
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Marvel: I'm Spider-Man in this Damn Reincarnation: 3 advanced chapters
Osmosian Sorcerer?: 3 advanced chapters
Son of Li Qiye?: 3 advanced chapters
patreon.com/Demon_King22
Chapter - 14: Symbionte - Chapter - 15: White Tiger
Chapter - 17: Onmyoji - Chapter - 18: The Power of Bao
Chapter - 7: Hobby - Chapter - 8: New Hunt - Chapter - 9: Past unknown
On the other hand, if you want to see something specific in the next chapters, or even just have some good advice for the story as a whole, I am always willing to read a comment if it is constructive criticism.
If you see any mistakes, I would be grateful if you would point them out to me, so that I can correct them when I have some spare time, and make the story as complete as possible for myself and especially for you.
To facilitate a clearer understanding, I've retained pictures of the respective characters. Your feedback is always valued, and if you have any suggestions for the upcoming chapter, please feel free to comment—I'll be sure to respond as usual.
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