From the shadows of the mortal world... your gaze has awakened something.
Do you dare to keep reading the scriptures of this forbidden novel?
Then listen well, curious soul.
I have opened a digital temple on Ko-fi.
With a simple offering of $1, you will help me summon sacred illustrations:
authentic portraits of the beings that inhabit this story.
But every pact deserves a reward:
The faithful will receive personalized, unique images... and perhaps, a secret reserved only for the chosen ones.
[Make your offering here]
https://ko-fi.com/gremory0zero
-----------
—How pretty, come here precious, uaaaaa. How cute, what do I call her Javier-kun?—.
-Empress-.
—Empress? What an ugly name for such a pretty kitty.
Rrrrr meow
—Ehehehe, what a lovely little thing we have here, the only bad thing is that your owner gave you such an ugly name—.
—Shio thinks the same as Onee-chan—.
I totally agree with Rei who took the Empress in her arms.
—You two don't know anything and you're criticizing—.
—... Hmph, what is there to know, if you are bad at naming things—.
—Onee-chan is right, daddy changes the kitten's name, it's not nice—.
—Do you know why he called her Empress?—.
—Ha, you'll come up with a new story.
—What a new story. He called her Empress because she was reincarnated as a cat. The truth is, she was of the human race, coming from a lineage of Emperors. When her father and mother died from poisoning, her brothers and sisters began plotting against each other. To make a long story short, the fools died from their own plots; the last of the rival siblings killed each other.
The first prince was beheaded by his fifth brother, but he died on the way back from poisoning. The first prince's sword was discovered to be poisoned. The fifteenth princess was the only survivor of the imperial patricide, as she was still young and had lived in exile, but at the age of 20, she became the unique and unforgettable Empe...—.
—Yes, if you stop making things up when they aren't true.
—Daddy, daddy, tell me later.
—Ehehe, see, you should be like Shio if she is interested in knowing the past of why I named her Empress, by the way Polaris was a General who fought in the three plains, eight deserts and four mountains, the only achievement she could not get in her life was the sea, she always lost the maritime wars—.
Disconnection from the deceptive story that Shio was caught in, just like the door-to-door salesmen did.
—Daddy, tell me about the Empress and how Polaris met.
—Okay, but it will be one to sleep in—.
-Okay-.
Feliz runs out to where Yuuna was talking with Chisato and Urara.
—Look, just act like a father in front of that girl.
Rei said in a mocking and sarcastic tone.
—Is there a problem with me being his father?—
—None… Seriously, you won't accept the scholarship if we talk to—.
—Rei-sempai already told you, I prefer to go at my own pace and enjoy the time I have.
Not letting him finish speaking, Rei only heard Javier's refusal and a strange look like the one she would see in the eyes of her grandparents who had lived.
—... I won't press the matter any further. But tell me, Javier—.
-What thing?-.
"I understand you have a lot of money to spend, but you should save more for yourself. While I'm glad you're helping us selflessly, I can't just sit back and do nothing."
—You mean the drone, the boards, and the processor—.
Rei nodded as she stroked the Empress's furry ears, making Javier look enviously at the little kitten snuggled up in someone else's arm.
—I've already got everything planned. I've secured my money invested in banks with fixed-interest deposits. I'm also invested in the stock market: American, European, and Asian. I have no problem with that. I also want to invest elsewhere, but I'm not sure how things will turn out; I could lose a lot of money.
—Then don't do it. If you see that it's dangerous and you're going to lose money, you don't earn anything, don't do it... I've heard from my dad that the stock market is very volatile. Aren't you afraid that you'll lose the money you've put in?
"I'm confident. Most of my money is invested in ETFs, with a track record of profits behind them. But I think I'll stick with my risky investment."
—Do whatever you want, in the end it's your money, you'll know how to spend it, but don't cry afterwards if you lose everything.
—Ehehe, I won't cry, at least I won't worry about that money, since I know it's a risk—.
—Mmm… And what would you invest in, if I may ask…!—
Spinning, moving from side to side, Javier's finger kept pointing at her, dropping the Empress who ran away.
-You're crazy-.
Overwhelmed by mixed feelings, Rei stomped her foot on the tile.
—Y-you crazy—.
—Ahahaha, I wouldn't call myself crazy, but rather a long-term investor.
—An investor would realize that… ahhhh, sometimes I think it's not worth reasoning with you, since you would do it anyway.
—How rude of you, you'll make my little heart suffer with your distrust, Rei-sempai—.
—Hmph, I wouldn't believe you if you were crying less now that you have a smile on that punch-happy face.
—Ahahaha!—.
—Stop laughing, idiot... you see everyone see us—.
—Come on, Rei-sempai, you can't help it when you make me laugh.
Frustrated, not knowing how to handle Javier's random behavior that made him unpredictable, Rei looked at the others who were chatting and without thinking much about it, she went to find them and told them what Javier wanted to do.
—Guys, don't look at me like that... you're making me feel guilty about something and I haven't done anything yet—.
—Kohai, what are you really trying to do, and how do you plan to involve us?—.
Mizuho asked with a serious face.
—Thanks for asking, Mari-chan…. ehehe, don't be angry, Mizuho-sempai, she said it with affection.
"Stop wasting our time, Javier-kun, and say what you have to say."
Inheriting his parents' seriousness, Arisa, with an intense look, Javier expressed what was on his mind.
"I want to create a laboratory here for you. I'll buy the materials and instruments you need to continue developing your skills and knowledge… As you've noticed, this place is huge. I can clear out some of the dozens of rooms to set everything up. That's my intention, and that's how you'll be involved."
—I'm sorry, but I won't accept your offer, Javier.
—I think the same as Jumpei, it's not because we don't believe in your words, but it will feel more like a burden than a help—.
Kunihiko said as he followed Jumpei.
"I like things easy, but I think the same way they do. I'd rather earn my keep with my skills than have something in advance, which would lose motivation."
—Come on, Rei, this conversation is over.—
Having nothing to say, Rei didn't even look at Javier a second time, instead, she followed Arisa to the table where they were all chatting.
Hearing the laughter accompanied by momentary applause, Javier looked for a moment at the stars that swarmed by, giving him a small taste of the vast world outside that is still chained to him.
—What a rejection, it's the most resounding one I've ever seen in my life.
—... I wouldn't call it rejection, but more...—.
-Beginning-.
—Mmm, that's the way it goes, but it's more like pride.
—...Splendid unpolished jewels—.
—Yes, those guys didn't realize their talent, but a few of us realized that true talent isn't born with it, but rather what you hone with effort and dedication.
-Very sure-.
Ryuto and Javier agreed that they were experienced leaders who endured the benefits and hardships of their work. With a nod, Javier followed Ryuto to the stone seat where Yuuko sat next to Yami, and Lola sat behind them.
—What are they doing?—.
—He's showing me the different battle suits for an Arcane Mage—.
He answered, but without turning to see Javier who sat next to him and Ryuto next to Yuuko.
—Battle suits come in five grades: Blood, Human, Underworld, Heaven, and Deity. However, due to the decline of Arcane energy, many techniques and magic have been lost to history or can no longer be performed, so the karmic yawns only include: Blood, Human, and Underworld.
—Karmic Yawn, is that what they call battle suits?—.
"I know the name isn't formidable, but once you learn it, you'll know why. Blood is the only one that can be traded thanks to the alternative materials that could be found. Human can only be purchased upon request, which is regulated by the eight golden fish. In the Underworld, there are only a few, and they have been passed down through generations. Only a few arcane tailors can fix it, so you can imagine if it gets damaged."
Letting out a wry chuckle at the thought of how those who call themselves the eight Golden Fish don't have enough equipment and had to reuse.
—You think like—.
—No, thank you, Yuuka-san, now I have a reference. I'll leave you to get on with your business.
Without giving Javier time to continue, Yami said, "I'll continue." Like the wind that belonged to no one, the freest and most unrestricted, he went off to chat with the mothers and fathers.
—Your girlfriend Yami is very peculiar, just like you—.
—Seriously… This Karmic yawn, besides the obvious, has more functions—.
—It is a minimum requirement to have a Human rank Karmic Yawn to enter any dungeon inside or outside of Japan. You have to understand that it is not only enough to have a decent level as an Arcane Mage, but also to be able to withstand the stress it inflicts on the human body, for example, a Blood rank, is made with fibers from a plant called Forensic Eye Tail, these grow in corpse swamps, in addition to that material turning the tendons of some warrior-grade arcane beasts into threads.
—And those of human rank, do they use the same materials or change something?
—To make a human-rank one, 50% of the tendons of a General-rank arcane beast are used, while the other 50% is used as a cloth synthesized from the arcane energy of the one who will be using it.—
Gaining a better understanding of some basic things that weren't explained in the encyclopedia given by the Ryuto clan, Yuuko, without mincing words, didn't look at Javier, but into the distance where trees swarmed and the glow of lamps barely illuminated the dark sky.
—You said you needed materials to craft an item that would gather the arcane energy of your shrine.
—I want a fallen rhino antenna—.
—...There's no need to search, I keep in my personal vault a pair of Rhinoceros antennas that fell from when I went on the Mediterranean expedition last year. I'll give it to you first thing tomorrow morning.—
—I'll have it ready when I get back from the Exodus Dungeon.—
Settling the matter of Ryuto with Yuuko who is giving the material for Ryuto to be an arcane mage, Javier waited for Yuuko to ask what was bothering him.
—I heard you've detained the Radiant Tetsuo—.
—What! When did that happen?
"You've become careless, Ryuto. You of all people should know that in the information war, the slowest person is eaten. By now, the head of the Radiant clan, Hotaru Radiant, should have already come to a conclusion, but he won't budge from investigating the continued rapprochement with the Ryuto clan and your involvement in the Exodus dungeon. Is he alive?"
"I'm alive and kicking. I haven't laid a single finger on him or any of my people. I understand that the day the Exodus Dungeon opens, all the major clans will gather together. I plan to speak with the Radiant Clan Chief to resolve these misunderstandings."
Looking strangely at Javier, who seemed not to understand how capable the Radiant clan is.
"If you've already thought about it, I have nothing to say. As for the arranged marriage with my younger sister, I'll discuss the matter with my father, as well as the wedding ring, but you must give me something to convince him. My word will be worthless without action."
—You want land—.
Bewildered that this was the first time someone dared to offer land to an Asai who has the delicacies, riches, power and comforts, but Yuuko Asai laughed as if she had heard the best joke in the world, making Lola and Ryuto smile at her laughing like a young girl her age.
—...I'm sorry, but this is the first time anyone has offered me something like this in my life.
—If you're happy, why hold back? Although I can already imagine it must have been jewels, silk fabrics, culinary delicacies.
—Tomorrow Lola will bring the Fallen Rhino Antenna—.
Javier nodded, and the three chatted about the food, with Lola writing down the ingredients and the concession in a notebook.
Returning to the table where the matter had been somewhat hushed up as they were resting.
—Mm? Where are Shio, Yuuna and Asahi?—.
—Yuuna-san led them to her room, she was nodding off.
Rinka replied while chatting with Mizuho's mom, Fuyuki, about fashion.
—You must be tired after having fun all day. By the way, Kaku, he exercises.
—Not much, since I started working it hasn't been much, why do you ask?—.
—How about we get together and play a game of soccer or baseball?
—I love the idea, when will we do it—.
—Ahaha, when he's a little fitter, or he'll bite the dust, because he'll look like a squashed rat.
—A lot of words for a young man. For your information, I was the forward for my team when I was in high school and college.
—Oh, so he must have had quite a few girls after him.
—Ahaha, of course, let me tell you, in high school, on a Sunday or Monday, a girl from, !...—.
—My condolences—.
Javier said before standing up and leaving Kaku petrified, while a hand gently touched his shoulder and cheek.
—My love, could you tell me about this high school adventure too?
—N-no, why? I don't even remember what happened anymore...—.
Turning a deaf ear to the cracking voice and the kind voice, Javier sat next to Kagome who was drinking some water.
—Kagome-san, you were also a gamer in your youth—.
—!... No, I wasn't good at sports, I was more the type who liked to lock myself in the library.
—Hmm, but I'm sure on sports days, he tried a little harder to avoid being last in class.
—Oh, that's true.
—I see, let me guess, at sports festivals, you ran the hundred meters, borrowed objects or relay competitions—.
—It has something to say about what I chose in my high school past.
—No, nothing… but, since he was the typical library boy, he probably spent most of his time with the librarian.
—!... Nonsense, the library is a space of wisdom compressed into books throughout history. Thinking about romance in it is foolish, Akiko-chan would think the same—.
—Love, we can talk about this Akiko—.
Kagome, who could feel a dagger stabbing her back, turned around and said with a serious face.
—My love, she was just an unattainable love in my youth that is in the past, now I only have you—.
—... I love you too and I'm glad you think so... But tell me, who is Akiko? You've never mentioned her.
Shaken, as he knows that Urara had a sharp temper that very few know about.
Kagome turned her gaze to see the culprit, but she no longer saw him, instead, he was next to Jiro, as if nothing had happened.
—That's incredible, I've never been in a competition like that.
"There's nothing incredible about participating in a cycling competition. Why don't you enter one? I guarantee you'll get strong legs, that's how I met Oishi."
—Hahaha, I'm fine with the chicken legs I have—.
—Puff, ahahaha, chicken legs—.
Oishi laughed with delight upon hearing Javier, and Jiro also let out a laugh.
—If that's what you want, who am I to bother you...? Aren't you going to ask my love?—
—?!, ahaha, they caught me—.
—You're too naughty, look at how those two are now, I even feel sorry for them, not Jiro-kun—.
—No comment—.
—Between soccer and baseball, which is better?
—Mmm, baseball. How much do you want to play?—
—How about a weekend when they're free?—
—We could go tomorrow, it just so happens they're having a neighborhood competition.
—It's impossible for me, I have some commitments tomorrow and on Monday I'll go to Rei-sempai's house to give free rein to our imagination to improve the Drone—.
—Hey, you'll come to our house on Monday, Javier-kun.
Kaku breathed a sigh of relief upon being freed from Chisato. Rei, Arisa, Mizuho, Jumpei, and Kunihiko, who had been talking about seminars and had been in the dark, were all taken aback when they heard Javier mentioned coming on Monday.
—That's right, on Monday I want to go into more depth on some topics, including the budget that will be spent.
—Wait, Javier, I thought we already talked about that.
Standing up abruptly, causing the chair to fall, Javier saw that Arisa was not easily fooled, realizing what he was trying to do.
"Arisa-senpai, that's settled. What I'm talking about are the expenses we'll incur to build the drone, for example, travel expenses for the various seminars, specialized books, and instruments. I don't think the club's allowance will cover that, and the monthly payments you have or work won't be enough."
-Wait-.
Oyuki interrupted, not looking at all happy.
—I said something wrong—.
—Kunihiko has a mother who can help him with his expenses—.
—I'm clear on that, Oyuki-san. What I mean is, I have some books stashed away that might be useful. I bought them to kill boredom and as a reference for something that intrigued me. If you don't mind, I'd like to introduce you. What you'd have to spend on are the seminars. I'm also planning to purchase a 3D printer, a lithography machine for chip creation, among other things.
Sinking into silence, her mouth agape as she listened, as if she were buying candy in a store, Mizuho woke from her stupor, slammed her open palm on the table, and pointed her finger at Javier.
—Liar, you're saying all that because we rejected your proposal! I'm sure there are no orders and you don't have any books.
—But what are you saying, Mari-chan, I would never do that. If you want, I can ask Ryuto to confirm it, since I asked him yesterday, and I can take the books to my library so you can check them out before you leave, or if you want, we can go right now.
Confident and sure of what he was doing, Mizuho, Rei, Arisa, Jumpei and Kunihiko could not contradict or object, but they still had to check if everything he said was true.
—I can see you still don't believe me, I'm sure you won't believe me even if Ryuto tells you the shopping is done, so why don't we go to my library?—.
Standing up and without giving them time to speak, he grabbed Rei and Mizuho by the wrists, dragging them.
—Hey, wait! Stop!...—.
—Stop dragging me to whoever you're talking to, Mari-chan!—.
—We can't stay behind—.
—We're going too—.
—Ahhh, this kohai always takes us at his own pace—.
Watching his children follow Javier to catch up with him, Yasu Fujiwara, with his arms crossed, giggled and shook his head, saying.
—That boy caught our children—.
—In addition to being sociable and communicative, he is very good at communicating.
—Yami-san, was Javier-kun always like this?—.
Chisato asked Yami who was talking to Sayaka.
—No, from a very young age, Javier was more passive in personal interactions; he took his time getting along, but once he got to know the other person, he behaved as you see. When I was 17, I was in a train accident. I was traveling with my parents. I don't know if you've heard about the Edinburgh train accident.
—I think I heard that.
Yasu said, scratching his chin.
—I heard something about that on the news too. If I remember correctly, they said it was an electronic mechanism failure. Why was that?
—We were told it was caused by a solar flare that affected the electrical system, causing the train to accelerate and overturn on a sharp curve… Because of that accident, I lost my parents and was left disabled for a time.
Everyone was surprised by the unexpected news, including Sayaka, Rinka who returned to the table, Yuuko, Ryuto and Lola, who were not surprised when they heard it, since they had investigated everything about her.
—For several months I had a terrible time. Javier's parents, Mrs. Kyoko, and my godfather Arvel helped me by staying with them. They handled all the paperwork and the ceremony, which I honestly don't even remember. And as they say, true friends are only seen in difficult times. Many of them didn't even come to visit me, a few barely visited, and the only one who was with me was Javier…—
Telling them with a soft voice, a lovelorn smile and caramel eyes remembering those days, the women, like teenage girls, were enchanted by the story and the men said nothing, but nodded proudly at how he won Yami's affection.
—...and that's how we became boyfriend and girlfriend, ehehehe—.
—How cute!—. x4
—I wish I had lived such a romantic story during my youth—.
—And what am I?—
"You're my husband, but you don't give me gifts, you don't spoil me, and you forget our dates. At least I want a little more attention. But forgetful and all, I still love you, darling."
He said and without further ado, Chisato kissed Kaku with a passionate kiss, making Urara blush, becoming shy, since she was not very expressive in public.
—Phew, hehehe, it was a lovely love story, don't you believe it, darling?
—It was lovely, I won't be able to do many of those things anymore because of my back injury.
—Moo, honey, what are you saying? I don't need you to change anything. You're perfect the way you are, ehehe. Today I'm going to wear those tights you like.
—Rrrrr—.
Showing her mischief, she hung on Jiro's arm, making those small but soft breasts wrap around him, and of course, Oishi, upon hearing that seductive growl, was enchanted by what they would do when they got home.
-... My life-.
Urara whispered with rosy cheeks and affectionate eyes for Kagome to take the initiative, who stiffened at being in front of everyone and an atmosphere that was turning syrupy.
—Rinrin-chan, it's better if we go get some air, here it is—.
—I think so too, Saya-chan—.
They both said, standing up and observing that one, or rather two, couples were a little more uncomfortable.
One of them was of Oyuki and Yasu who were eating sweets and talking about trivial things that ended up being stagnated by the atmosphere that surrounded them, but they didn't take their eyes off each other, teasing each other as they ate the different chocolates.
The other couple was Ryuto and Yuuko who felt inhibited by the adult atmosphere surrounding them and Lola's incessant gaze, which did not leave them alone, but their hands under the table joined together.
—We're back! I thought they were really going to be a little more thorough, but they took everything they were interested in and that's how they rejected me early.
—Shut up, Javier, who's to blame for these great, fascinating, and wonderful books gathering dust? If you don't want them, you can give them away.
—Uaaah, do you hear yourself Rei-sempai?—
—Hmph, I know how I sound and I'm fine with them—.
—Now, now, you two, don't start fighting again. Javier, you should be more considerate when buying books if you're not going to use them, at least donate or sell them.
Arisa said with both hands carrying two plastic bags full of books.
—Huh, I wish I had a few more.
—That's bordering on greedy Mari-chan—.
—Look, who's talking Kunihiko-kun with three bags full, I wish I had more strength in my arms—.
—No, no, Mari-chan, you look excellent just like that.
—Who said you should call me Mari-chan? Hmph, I'll be waiting for the books you told me you were going to give me.
-When!-.
—How clever—.
—She's the club's loan shark for a reason; she doesn't waste anything.
—You are the ones who settle for so little, look at Jumpei and then criticize—.
Looking at Jumpei, who was carrying four bags in each hand, with his pockets filled with a book and a rapturous look, imagining himself reading already.
—I wouldn't be as bold as Junpei-kun—.
Rei said with reluctant discouragement, as she didn't have the same scruples as Mizuho and Jumpei.
—What's wrong with everyone?—
Javier asked, noticing the exaggerated atmosphere; Kaku had Chisato's lipstick around her mouth, casting mischievous glances. Urara and Kagome, though their sporadic glances didn't seem to be doing anything, and the fact that they were holding hands suggested something else was going on in the room. Oishi and Jiro, unlike the other couples who remained modest, Oishi had sat on his lap while whispering in his ear, and Jiro was massaging his thigh, slightly penetrating his shorts.
—Mom, Dad, what are you doing in public?!—.
I shout in embarrassment at the couple who didn't even flinch at Mizuho.
—Ara, what's wrong with it? We're husband and wife, it's normal to have moments like this.
-What happened after I left?-.
Bewildered as he never thought he would be, Javier looked at his friend and girlfriend who were red-faced as they realized what he had done under the table.
He also saw Sayaka and Rinka who had moved away and Lola who, although she tried to look calm, her ears were red and when she caught Javier's eye, she looked away sadly.
—W-well it was a nice meeting, but I'm tired of work, do you think so too, Yasu-kun?—
—You're right, Yuki-san, I also need to rest after so much work—.