CHAPTER 23 - A... Special Exam? Part 3.

I have a protection point, and according to the information I obtained, the protection point is one of the hardest things to get. You can buy them for 25,000 points, get them in some special exams, and, of course, by expelling someone. It’s hard to get, but not too much, at least not for people like me who aren’t afraid to take risks. Earning positive points through tasks and exams wouldn’t be enough. I made the right decision.

And the best part is, I can use it on others. If Sylphie is at risk of expulsion, I’ll give it to her.

Honestly, I doubt I’ll get expelled. I’m not dumb enough to bet all my points without being sure of my victory, and I’ll cheat on exams, so I’m not worried about that either.

But it’s better to be safe than sorry. I’ll make sure Sylphie isn’t expelled by keeping the protection point. That would be best, ensuring I’m safe and she is too. A weird school like this is unpredictable.

Hmm... Ah, I could also sell it for 20,000 positive points and use the positive points I have to move up to Class A... No, better not. That wouldn’t be as fun.

I want a normal school life, and I’ll enjoy it without shortcuts.

... Wait... That’s right... Normal... Guys my age are supposed to be interested in having a girlfriend. Should I get one?

I have a chance with Sylphie, but... Honestly, I’m not interested in having a relationship with her. If I’m going to get a girlfriend, at least I want her to have a strong personality and not betray me. Someone who wouldn’t hesitate to do something to win and move forward.

Sylphie is shy and cowardly. I don’t think I’d be interested in someone like her.

Ah... It’s only my second week of classes, I’ll think about how to get a girlfriend later.

It’s not important, so I can ignore it for now.

“Saik, are we going home or are you staying longer?” said Yuki, standing above my head.

What is she looking at? She’s using her hands like binoculars. I don’t see anything. I guess she’s just bored and looking for something interesting.

“Hmm... I think I’ll go. I was thinking of watching the soccer and basketball teams, but I’ll do it tomorrow. I’m hungry, I haven’t eaten.”

“Let’s go eat cake!”

Then we’ll eat cake.

My second week of classes is going pretty well. I was the first first-year student to expel someone, and it was a third-year student. Being the best first-year student and the first to get thousands of positive points. Yes, I’m doing very well.

I’m not proud of myself because I did it by cheating, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel good. My family’s surname is gradually regaining the prestige I made them lose.

“Saik, Saik, look.”

Who are you pointing at?

Ah, I see. An overweight boy, crying... So what? Bullying exists everywhere. If he doesn’t defend himself, it’s his fault he keeps suffering. It’s not hard to raise your fists and defend yourself.

“He must have been a victim of that Kirimo guy too!”

Who...? Well, well.

“W-what?” said Yuki, in shock.

I admit it’s kind of cute. A girl caught up to him and is kissing that boy while holding hands.

“W-wow, he has a girlfriend. Look, Saik, even that ugly guy has a girlfriend and you don’t! Aren’t you embarrassed?!”

I kept walking. Appearance has nothing to do with love. Falling in love with beauty wouldn’t be love, it would be lust.

“Who is Kirimo?” I whispered.

“He’s the school bully. He beats anyone up just for fun! Uwaaaah! There, there he is!” she said, pointing to a huge guy, who’s got two other guys in a headlock.

They walk as if they’re good friends, but clearly, they’re scared.

“He’s going to take them away to beat them up! Help them, Saik!”

It doesn’t involve or affect me, so no, I won’t do anything. Sorry, Yuki, but I’m going home. I don’t want to get into unnecessary trouble fighting others’ battles.

“I’m no longer wealthy, if I get involved and make him angry, I could end up in a trash bag,” I said, to stop her from insisting.

“Oh, y-you’re right! Rich people scare me...! But I’ll investigate, maybe he has something we could use against him.”

Do whatever you want. But yes, you’re right, investigating him could be a good idea. I’ll keep an eye on him, maybe I’ll get something good. I need more positive points.

... Ugh, what a bother.

Leaving school, I could feel several eyes on me, and I feel like they’re going to be annoying.

“Hey, you. We want to talk to you.”

I ignored the stares and kept walking.

Cake again? It’s a bit repetitive... Hmm... I think I’ll make pasta. A red pasta, with grated cheese on top and ground meat. I’m salivating.

“Fufu. It seems you’ve got guts, boy.”

But it’ll take me an hour or more to make it. What could we eat in the meantime? Just cake...? What? Ugh, what a bother.

A girl and a boy took me by the arms.

“Bullying?!” said Yuki, worried.

I don’t think so, we’re in front of the school, which is private. No one is dumb enough to try to bully someone in front of the school. In public schools, yes, but here, in a place where reputation is everything, I doubt they’d do something as stupid as bullying. Even the guy from before knows that, he took his victims far from here.

“Ah... Were you talking to me?”

A girl stood in front of me, who I assume is the leader.

She has that authoritative, bordering on dictatorial aura. I met someone like her in the past. People like that are dangerous, but nothing I can’t handle.

Wow. And she has strong arms. She has the figure of a beautiful girl, but her arms are strong and defined. Slim, but strong. Her abdomen must be toned... Wow. Interesting.

Though her short red hair doesn’t seem that cute to me.

Is this what they call a Tomboy? Is that the term? I forgot.

She’s very flat, but beautiful. She has her charm.

What do they want from me?

“You were the one who expelled that third-year student, right?” she said... caressing my chin with her fingers.

Why is she caressing my chin? I don’t get it.

“Yes. Why?”

“Fufu. I see.”

She got too close to my face. For someone so masculine, she smells quite nice. I wonder what women use to smell so good. Just perfume?

“Why don’t you join my class? I’m willing to get the points necessary for you to join.”

“Hahahahahaha! Come on, come on, make your offers! How much are you willing to pay to get Team Yuki-Saik!” said Yuki, puffing out her chest with pride.

Don’t encourage her.

“What class?”

“I’m in Class D, but soon we’ll be Class A.”

She says it with a lot of confidence, without fear of being wrong. Is she that sure? What does she plan to do to achieve it? Honestly, I don’t care. I’ll do things on my own, without obeying anyone. Besides, this is the type of authoritarian girl who wants to be above others, I can see it in her eyes. She wants to dominate me, to have me under her control, but I won’t allow it.

“Ah, I see. Hmm... It’s a tempting offer, but I don’t want to. I don’t like taking orders from other people.”

“Are you sure? Think it over.”

“Why should I think it over? You’re not offering me anything.”

“Exactly! And the benefits?!” said Yuki.

Don’t stay silent, Saik.

“Do you think I’ll join your class just because a beautiful girl asks me? I’m not that easy, sweetie.”

“What do you want?” she said, crossing her arms.

“What do I want...?”

“Nothing sexual.”

You clarify that immediately, huh? Are you that used to receiving sexual requests? You don’t stoop that low to achieve your goals. Considering it’s a school matter, you’re doing the right thing. It’s not worth sacrificing your body and dignity for something so insignificant.

“I’m not interested in those topics, don’t worry. Hmm... What do I want...? Honestly, I don’t want anything in particular... No, nothing. Sorry, but I have a date with my food. Goodbye.”

“Let him go.”

They let go of me, and I continued on my way.

Well, I’ve met the leader of Class D.

Could she be the president of her class? Well, I don’t care.

I have to admit she’s cute and adorable... Ah, I forgot to offer her a candy.

Ah, it doesn’t matter, I’ll give her one later.

“I have a feeling she’ll be a danger to us in the future,” said Yuki, stroking her chin.

There is no doubt about it. That girl has eyes full of determination and malice. A girl capable of using dirty tricks to get what she wants. A girl who wants to be above everyone.

And the most interesting thing is that I feel she can achieve it. What kind of life has she had to become like this?

"Hehe. The school is getting interesting. The first enemies to defeat are already appearing!"

Relax, it's just a school, not a fantasy or fighting manga.

A school that forces students to compete... Ah, why is this school so weird? Why do millionaires send their children here? Why does it have such a strange system?

Yes, I’m too lazy to investigate. I'd rather find out as I go along.

"Saik!"

I recognize that voice. It's not someone dangerous, so I doubt she'll cause me any trouble.

Cristal started walking next to me.

"Is it true what I heard? Did you expel a third-year student?"

"Well, it was his fault, I didn't force him to bet all his points."

"I-incredible. That was amazing! You defeated a third-year student! I wouldn’t dare to do what you did. Although I feel sorry for him, he was about to graduate."

Feeling sorry for others is a clear sign of weakness. That just makes us look weak.

"Yes... pity."

"Changing the subject, do you have time to play today?"

"Mmm... I think so."

I can make some free time between study hours. Relaxation is important for effective studying.

"Yes, I have time."

"Perfect! Send me a message when you're ready. Bye!"

She ran off, pretty fast for a normal human.

Well, well. A girl with too much energy? I guess I shouldn’t give her sweets.

"Hehe. Saik, despite not combing your hair, you’re quite the charmer. Several girls are interested in you."

"No, Yuki. Don’t confuse friendship and kindness with love. Cristal just sees me as a guy who plays a video game with her."

"And the girl from before?"

"Just someone trying to take advantage of me."

"And Ram?"

"She’s crazy. She just wants to be the best. She just wants to surpass me, that’s all."

"...And Sylphie?"

Ah, I wish I could say no too.

"She’s a strange girl who feels attracted to a guy she barely knows because she can’t differentiate friendship from love."

"So you admit she’s in love with you!"

"As I told Noel, I’m not interested in her. I’m not interested in any girl... Yuki, stop trying to pair me with someone, that’s never going to happen, I’m not interested in that."

I’m only interested in women with strong personalities. Women who I know will move forward despite the circumstances. Women who don’t give up.

Women who won’t betray me.

Sylphie is the opposite of what I want in a woman. The girl from class D is closer to that, but she’s focused on having the best class, and that’s a hassle.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Boo. I forgot how cold you are."

Sorry for having my own tastes.

We turned a corner and witnessed something quite interesting.

"Hey, pretty, don’t you want to join us for a drink?"

"Don’t play hard to get."

Ah, two older men are trying to flirt with Naima, a classmate. Are they drunk? Are they seriously flirting with a minor in this area? I don’t doubt the police are already on their way.

Wow. Naima's gaze is intimidating. She’s not scared or nervous? What is she feeling?

Mmm... Will she be weak-minded and go with them? Or will she reject them?

"You’re annoying and disgusting. Goodbye."

Well, well. What a good response.

She continued on her way, and one of the men grabbed her arm.

"Where do you think you’re going?!" the man yelled, but he failed to intimidate Naima.

"Help her!" said Yuki, scared.

No, she doesn’t need my help. She definitely doesn’t need it, I can see it in her cruel and cold eyes.

"Don’t play hard to get, pretty...! Ugh!"

She kicked him in the groin and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground.

Thin arms, but they hide a lot of strength. Interesting.

Ah, that was pretty good. Very good.

Huh? This feeling... Well, well.

"I told you not to touch me."

The other one is bigger... Yes... Maybe... I need to write something in my notebook when I get home.

I approached them, and the man got even angrier because Naima took out her smartphone and tried to leave, ignoring him completely.

"Fucking bitch!"

He tried to hit her, but I grabbed his arm with my hand and squeezed it tightly, stopping his punch.

"Tsk. Don’t you dare...!"

I kicked his legs, and he fell to the ground.

His face hit the ground hard. Yes, that must have hurt.

"Huh?" said Yuki, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Confirmed, he’s drunk. He fell asleep and is now peeing himself.

"Gross!" said Yuki, covering her nose and eyes.

"She’s underage, so don’t bother her," I said, knowing he was asleep.

Normal people wouldn’t realize that so quickly, I don’t want to raise suspicions.

I continued on my way, not giving it any more importance.

"Saik, that girl’s gaze is scary. I think she’s angry."

"I didn’t need your help, idiot!"

I hurt your pride, huh? Or rather, you wanted to hit him and I stole it from you.

I turned to look at her. Her expression is one of disdain, as if she were looking at a miserable insect. That expression is... cute.

Interesting.

"And who helped you? I just took the opportunity to hit a pervert."

I ignored her and continued on my way.

That girl’s gaze can be scary, I even felt a shiver when I saw it.

"Did she really get furious for receiving help? Ungrateful!" said Yuki, sticking out her tongue.

I’ll never change my mind, women are scary and strange.

I will never understand them.

•

•

(Pov- 89.)

No clues about Shadow's location.

Shadow's voice and that boy named Saik’s voice are different, they are not the same. We did all kinds of tests to find any modification, but nothing. Everything indicates that it’s his real voice. But if he managed to modify it and we couldn’t find even a slight modification, that would only mean he reached a level we have not yet achieved. Are we that stuck?

With all the tests we did, we concluded that the boy named Saik is not Shadow. I still suspect he managed to deceive us somehow, but Saik's parents died in a simple car accident. Someone like Shadow could have easily prevented it or saved his parents, avoiding fatal injuries. Did he really let his parents die to protect his identity? Shadow is a being who does anything to protect himself and achieve his goals, so I wouldn’t doubt he’s capable of that. But we are talking about Shadow, he can do anything without raising suspicions. And considering Saik is showing great potential academically, something he didn’t do before, it only means he wants to honor his parents' memory by becoming the best student.

Saik was a mediocre student, and that made him a disgrace to his family. Being the best student is the perfect way to honor their memory, repairing the damage he caused. That boy loved his parents very much, I highly doubt he let them die.

If Saik had seen the ghosts, his heart rate would have changed at least a little, but there were no changes. He really didn’t see them. Even Shadow would be a little surprised to see them.

The girl who left him in my care attended the same school as Saik, but they were in different classes. And according to the investigation results, she hated Saik. He was bullied by her. If he were Shadow, why is he helping her? That doesn’t make any sense.

The Shadow I know doesn’t feel pity for anyone. He’s someone who’s willing to leave innocent people to die just to go after a common ghost.

Shadow and Saik are very different... He is definitely not Shadow.

But the investigation won’t stop, Shadow is in that city, I’m sure of it.

Continuing to investigate could provoke his fury, but it’s a necessary risk. We don’t have the power to defeat the sin of wrath, and the sin of pride ignores us.

"Have you talked to 91, 90?"

"No positive results."

"Tsk. That boy..."

"Oh, poor thing!" said a certain girl, who I’m sick of hearing.

The legendary ghost number 31 appeared in front of me, laughing.

"Hahahaha! Good luck finding Shadow. I’ll give you a hint, it’s up to you whether to believe me or not. Shadow went on a trip."

"On a trip?"

"Maybe to another city or another country, I won’t tell you. But let me tell you one thing, he’s out of your reach. Don’t try to find him, that will only bring deaths."

"Shadow is not a..."

... No... He would do anything to get rid of what he considers annoying.

"Oh. Why did you stop? Trying to say he’s not a killer? Yes, I admit, I killed most of the people in that criminal organization, but I did it under Shadow’s orders. And he killed too. If he killed so many people just because he found someone important in that organization annoying, do you think he won’t kill everyone here if you keep bothering him? He already gave you a chance to stop looking for him, don’t waste it, old man."

She disappeared.

It’s true. He killed all those people without problems, without being detected, without leaving a trace. And knowing him, he won’t hesitate to kill us if we keep bothering him... Should I stop the investigation?

I... I don’t know.

•

•

(Pov- Saik.)

French fries, homemade burgers, and orange soda. A good meal to eat while playing video games with Yuki. I was thinking of making some red pasta with ground beef, but Yuki felt like having burgers, so I gave her burgers. I’m a good older brother, right?

"Saik, help me, the zombies are cornering me!"

"I ran out of bullets, I need more."

"Use the axe! They’re going to...! They killed me! Thanks for nothing! Hmph!"

She pouted. How childish you are. It’s not a complaint, actually, I find it adorable.

She bit into her burger, and her anger turned into pleasure.

"This is so delicious!"

The secret is in the fat. You're so lucky to be able to eat a lot and not gain weight, Yuki. Being a ghost isn't so bad, though it's only good for ghosts with friends with my power. The others are doomed to suffer.

Well, back to playing.

"I'm home, love."

Ah, that voice in my head is hers. Judging by her tone, nothing bad has happened, so I can relax.

"I need to wash my face."

I paused the game and went to the bathroom.

Number 31 appeared in front of me and hugged me.

"I missed you so much, darling!" she said, while rubbing my nipples with her fingers.

I miss when she treated me like a friend and not a sex toy.

"Ah, you're crazy. What happened?"

"She's being protected and all that. She's safe, nothing to worry about."

"And the surveillance?"

"I told them what you said, but you have to kill a member if they keep investigating."

"Ah, I see."

They must be desperate if they're continuing the investigation. I'll die soon, so I don't care what happens to this world.

"You have permission to kill one, but make sure it's someone without a family or the most evil one. Only do that if they keep investigating."

A small warning should be enough. If I do something worse, it could backfire; I don't want to inspire them to keep investigating, it would only ruin my normal life more.

"What? I have to stay in that place?! I don't want to, I don...!"

I caressed her cheek and started kissing her. This should be enough to put her in a good mood, and that will make her performance better.

After 5 seconds, I pulled my lips away.

"Huh?"

"Satisfied?"

"W-well... A-a little... M-maybe another kiss would convince me," she said, with a trembling voice, while her arms wrapped around my neck, bringing us even closer.

Ah...

I kissed her again. I don't know how to kiss, so I just go along with it. She moves her lips in a rather strange way, and I feel her tongue inside my mouth.

Her hands in my hair, pressing so I can't escape.

Is this a very adult kiss? I feel her sucking my lips desperately, leaving my lips covered with her saliva. I should feel disgusted, but I don't. I feel strange. What should I be feeling? Excitement? I don't know.

What? Is she hugging me with her legs too? I feel like a real teenager. I've seen many couples doing this.

Well, almost a teenager. She's a ghost, so it doesn't count. I'm still a lip virgin... No, I think I've kissed someone on the mouth, but not like this. I kissed someone with just my lips, but not with tongue or a full kiss. It was just an innocent kiss on the lips. So, yes, I still haven't had my real first kiss.

Who did I kiss on the lips? It was a little girl, but I don't remember her name. I was 6 years old when I did it. Mmm... Hana... Hana... I think it was something else.

Ah, my memory is as bad as my eyesight.

... 20 seconds have passed, that should be enough.

I tried to pull my lips away, but since she refused to let go and hugged me tighter with her arms and legs, I didn't let her keep touching me and she passed through my body. Yuki isn't the only ghost I can prevent from touching me.

"Don't take advantage of the situation."

"You were delicious, my love! Hehe. Your lips taste like burger."

And yours taste like... nothing. Just lips. Although they were soft and warm.

"Okay, now do what I told you."

"I'll do my best!"

She said goodbye, giving me a kiss on the cheek, and disappeared.

"Ah, I have complete control over her. Why don't I just force her to do it...? Well... She's been loyal and helps me without complaining... Ah... Whatever."

My most loyal and reliable legendary ghost.

•

•

(Back in time.)

How did I meet number 31?

I used the identity of Shadow to hunt legendary ghosts. Why? I was simply bored and it sounded like an interesting challenge. Plus, if I managed to catch them all, a God was going to grant me a wish. Or so I thought, because a legendary ghost told me that.

I had already caught 30 out of the 100 ghosts.

My next target was 31, but she was... strange.

"What an adorable boy!"

She was too fast and strong. She was very hard to catch, almost impossible for me. I couldn't defeat her, so I became her friend.

I gave up and approached her. She considered me an adorable boy, so it wasn't hard. Over time, I earned her friendship.

When other ghost hunters tried to catch her, I helped her defeat them. Those little actions brought us closer, and we ended up spending almost all our time together.

After a year, her friendship turned into love.

I lied to her, saying I was 17 years old but had the appearance of a child because of a curse.

She believed me because my personality was very different from a small child’s. I was very mature because I was forced to stop thinking like a child if I wanted to keep breathing.

She fell in love with me, and I told her I only saw her as a friend. I don't exactly know what she saw in me. My personality was always boring, so I doubt it was because of that. For my power? She was more powerful. For being her first friend in a long time? Considering the same thing happened with Sylphie, yes, it's very possible she confused love with friendship.

She flirted with me and made sexual advances, thinking I was a teenager.

"I don't remember anything from when I was alive, so I don't know if I died a virgin or not. But as a ghost, I'm a virgin. Why don't we lose our virginity together, darling?"

"No, thanks. I only consider you a friend."

"Can't we have sex as friends? Let's strengthen our friendship!"

"Where did you hear that nonsense?"

"Sometimes I go to hotels to spy on couples having sex."

"Pervert."

"N-no, I'm not a pervert! I'm just researching what couples do!"

"Pervert."

"No, I'm not...! Well, as I was saying, when I was spying, I saw two men having sex. Before doing it, they said they were strengthening their friendship."

"... Let me guess. You only spy on men?"

"W-well... Oops."

"Pervert."

"I-I can't help it! Relationships between men are very exciting for me...! Hmm?"

I didn't let her finish talking and started kissing her. I didn't want to stoop so low, but it was the perfect opportunity.

"S-Saik?"

"It's okay, let's do it."

And so, I lost my virginity at the young age of 7 with number 31. She thought I was of age, so I don't blame her for feeling disgusted when she discovered my true age.

I used the legendary ghost number 3, the ghost of illusion.

He/she can create illusions, but I enhanced their illusions with my own power to make them feel more real. I took on the appearance of a 20-year-old boy with that illusion and had sex with number 31.

After 4 hours, we finished.

She was very exhausted and let her guard down, so I took the opportunity to take control of her, finally capturing number 31.

I absorbed her with my body and sighed while wiping the sweat off my face with a towel.

"It was a good plan, though it took me a long time."

Number 31 appeared furious in front of me.

"You captured me?!"

"Yes. I'm sorry, but I need your speed to capture the other legendary ghosts."

"And why didn't you just ask for my help?!"

"... Uh... Would you have agreed to help me?"

"Of course, I would have, we’re friends, you idiot!"

"Uh... Oops?"

"Saik!!"

Over time she forgave me and has always helped me.

She's a good companion; I can trust her. But I'm not in love with her. I simply can't take her seriously with that stalker personality.

I want a girl with a strong and aggressive personality, not a girl who sexually harasses me.

•

•

(Pov- Yuki.)

I’m washing the dishes while Saik is playing that game with that girl named Cristal.

It’s only fair, since he cooked, so I won’t complain.

Ah... I will never understand Saik’s personality. He can be an idiot, but he can figure out people’s intentions just by talking to them for a short time.

He’s strange... a good kind of strange, but still strange.

I wish I knew his past. What made him this way? I don’t think he has that cold personality for no reason.

Something must have changed him.

"Ah... I better not think about that."

Saik forbade me from asking about his past, so I better not bother him about it.

... Wait.

Now that I remember, Saik was the only one who answered a question correctly on the entrance exam.

If we cheated by copying, how could Saik have answered correctly...? Maybe... did he know the right answer?

It’s... true... He asked me for the answers to the questions he didn’t know, but he also answered questions without cheating. I think he answered two without asking me.

Was he able to answer such a difficult question? How?

... If I ask Saik, will he answer...? Ah, I better not ask him anything. If Saik were smart, he wouldn’t need me. Saik has shown that he doesn’t want friends. He asked me for help because he’s not smart. Maybe it was a coincidence that he knew that answer.

I better not think too much about it.

"I’m done!"- I said, wiping my hands on his soft hair.

"There’s paper in the kitchen."

"I know, but I like bothering you. Hehe."

"I’ll get you back later."

I sat down next to Saik and yawned.

Ah... I’m so sleepy.

I think I need to sleep.

... Fufu. I’ll take advantage and try to make Saik nervous.

"I’m sleepy. Can I use your lap as a pillow? Thanks."

I put my head on his lap.

"I didn’t even say yes."

"Eh? C-can’t I use your lap as a pillow?"

Using Saik’s weakness, cuteness. He won’t say no if I make an adorable pout. I’m a genius! Mwahahaha!

"Just respect my personal space, but it’s fine, I don’t mind."

Fufu. I knew it... Eh? What?!

Why is he stroking my head?!

"Sleep, don’t worry. I’ll wake you up when dinner is ready."

"Y-yes... T-thank you..."

Uwaaah! You’re the one who’s supposed to get nervous, not me!

It’s not fair!

... Although... I feel protected when I’m this close to him... Saik... W-wow... Since he’s not wearing a shirt because it’s hot, I’m very close to his abdomen. Such a nice six-pack. G-great, I want to touch them. He looks so strong. And he’s sweating a bit from the heat, which makes him look... so attractive... A strong, sweaty body... His body odor... S-smells... weird... Smells like a man... Am I getting aroused?! No, Yuki, don’t touch his body, he’ll feel uncomfortable...! And his hand... His hand... feels... so good...

•

•

(Pov- Saik.)

Wow, she fell asleep so quickly.

"Six-pack..."- She said, asleep, while caressing my abdomen.

Six-pack? What is that?

Ah, she looks so adorable when she sleeps. Wow, I just realized that I look like an older brother with his little sister.

A sister... I always wanted to have a younger brother who could also see ghosts, so I wouldn’t be the only weirdo in the family.

Where does my gift to see ghosts come from? Did I inherit it from one of my grandparents? I’ll never know because they’re all dead.

~Knock knock~

Two simple knocks on the door. How strange. Usually, it’s three knocks.

Who could be visiting me? Is it a salesperson?

I won’t open it, I don’t want Yuki to wake up.

~Knock knock~

I won’t open it. I’m having a nice family moment with Yuki, I won’t let them ruin it.

"Can’t you hear me, idiot?!"

Eh? That voice... Really?

Ah, how annoying. I don’t even have peace in my own home.

[Someone’s knocking on the door, sorry.]

I sent the message to Cristal and exited the game.

Carefully, I placed Yuki’s head on the couch and opened the door.

"Why did you take so long...?! And why aren’t you wearing a shirt, idiot?!"

"Sorry about that, Saik."

"What do you want, Ram? Hello, Saoto."

"Hello."

A predictable combination. Ram, the smart girl, and Saoto, the class president. Ah, how annoying.

"We want to negotiate with you about the points. We talked to the teacher, and you still have time to..."

I silenced him with a shake of my head, signaling no. No, no, no. I earned them, they’re mine, and I decide what I want to do. You don’t command me.

"You won’t take my protection point. If you want points, bet with other students and win."

I was about to close the door, but Saoto, the one I least expected, put his foot in to prevent the door from closing.

"Then, at least let’s reach an agreement. If any classmate is ever expelled, can we count on your help and use your point to prevent their expulsion? We could even use that protection point to prevent an expulsion at the end of the semester."

...

...

...

Too much kindness. So much that it only makes me feel pity.

Ah, this guy is really a good person, but he’s too good. That makes him annoying.

"How did you find my house?"

"Our methods are secret."- Said Ram, her gaze fixed on my body and touching my hard abdomen with her index finger.

Mmm... I doubt the teacher gave them my location. Sylphie doesn’t know where I live. They didn’t follow me either, I would have noticed.

"Sorry, as class president, I have everyone’s numbers and addresses for emergencies."

"... I never expected that corruption from you, Saoto."

I guess I misjudged him, he does have some malice. You’re not as bad as I thought.

"Anyway. The protection point I have, I’ll use it for my own benefit. If you want it, it will cost you 20,000 positive points. You’ll save 5,000. Start saving."

"But..."

I put my index finger on his lips, to silence him. Not every day I can afford to have some free time, and I won’t waste it talking about school matters outside of school hours. I don’t care about others’ well-being, I’m not interested in what he wants to say.

"Saoto, I know you want to help everyone, so they feel safe, but we also need to protect ourselves. Being selfish is essential for survival. If you just came to convince me to help or something like that, you’re wasting your time."

Ah, Ram is staring too much, and her finger has already moved up to my chest. Is she getting aroused by my body? I feel raped.

"Hey, my eyes are up here."

"How is it possible that a lazy guy like you has this body?"

I had to survive, so physical training was essential. If my body was weak, I definitely would have died.

"Ah... Listen, I also want to get to class A. I’ll help with special exams and all that, but when it comes to individual exams, I won’t help anyone. The protection point is mine, I won’t give it to anyone."

"What about Sylphie? Would you give it to her?"- Said Ram.

"Mmm... 50/50. I don’t think she’ll need it, but if she does, I’ll give it to her. After all, she’s a friend."

"... I see... Let’s go, Saoto."

"Please, think it over, Saik. You’re indispensable for the class and... We heard that someone from class D wants you in their class."- Said Saoto.

"Ah... Don’t worry, they didn’t offer anything valuable. They probably thought I would change classes just because a pretty girl asked me, but I don’t care about that... Well, sorry, I was playing, so I’ll go back to it."

Without waiting any longer, I closed the door and sat down again.

I placed Yuki’s head on my lap and opened the game on my smartphone.

"I hope Cristal managed to defeat that Goblin King without me."

[You’re just in time, Saik! Help me deliver the final blow!]

Well, I made it in time, though that message was quick. She has fast fingers.