Makima stepped into Lynvale, her golden eyes scanning her surroundings with calculated precision. The streets were crowded, but the atmosphere was suffocating, weighed down by despair. She moved through the city, her expression blank as she absorbed the oppressive energy around her.
The signs of struggle were everywhere. Weathered faces, empty eyes, and broken spirits.
As she turned down a street, a commotion caught her attention. Her gaze shifted to a nearby alley, where two law enforcement officers loomed over a man lying on the ground. His face was bruised, and desperation clung to his every word.
“Im sorry! Im sorry! My son is just—!” -the man pleaded before an officer struck him hard across the face
“Shut up, you filthy animal!” -the officer barked, his voice filled with contempt
He kicked the man, who doubled over, clutching his side.
“Youll learn to never steal again!”
Tears streaked the mans face as he gasped.
“B-but... my son is hungry…”
Another kick landed, silencing his weak protests.
Makimas eyes lingered on the scene for a moment before she turned away, expressionless.
'Poverty? Strange. From the citys exterior, i wouldnt have guessed this.'
She walked on, her thoughts churning. The more she explored Lynvale, the clearer the picture became. The entire city was suffocating under the weight of hardship. Yet, this was not chaos. It was a system. A carefully maintained hierarchy designed to crush the weak.
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Many hours later, as twilight descended, Makima entered an inn. The smell of ale and stale wood greeted her as she approached the counter.
The innkeeper, a portly man with a welcoming demeanor, greeted her with a smile.
“Good evening, miss! Are you looking for a room for the night?”
“Yes.” -she replied, her tone neutral
“How much for a night?”
“For one night, its 10 gold. But if youd like to stay two, its 18.” -the innkeeper said cheerfully
Makima leaned slightly closer, her golden eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
“What do you think about letting me stay for free tonight?”
The innkeeper raised an eyebrow, clearly perplexed.
“Well, i—”
Before he could finish, Makima reached across the counter and lightly placed her hand on his wrist. Her power coursed through him, and his expression shifted from confusion to utter compliance.
“Yes, of course!” -the innkeeper said enthusiastically
“A room for free, no problem at all!”
He handed her a key. Makima took it with a faint smile and walked away.
The moment she was out of sight, the innkeeper stumbled, shaking his head as if emerging from a fog.
“Wha—? What just happened?” -he muttered, bewildered
___
Makima entered her room, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. She surveyed her temporary refuge: a modest space with a single bed, a small desk, and a washbasin. It would suffice.
After freshening up , she laid down, pulling the thin blanket over herself, her golden eyes fixed on the ceiling. The weight of her thoughts pressed down on her like a physical burden.
'How can I create a perfect world here?' -she wondered, her frustration growing
'This world is different in many ways... and theres no Chainsaw Man. So i cant use his power to erase.'
She rolled onto her side, her fingers gripping the blanket tightly. For a fleeting moment, a shadow of irritation crossed her face.
'I need to learn more about this world.' -she resolved
'There must be another way.'
Her grip relaxed as she exhaled deeply, forcing herself to calm down. Closing her eyes, she let her thoughts fade.
The city of Lynvale continued to churn outside, steeped in misery, but for now, Makima rested. Tomorrow would bring new opportunities to observe, manipulate, and learn.