Cherreads

Chapter 58 - Saturday, April 27 (Walk finished)

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.

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-----------

While Javier, Ryuto, Makoto, Asahi, Sekai, Setsuna, and Hikari were in the middle of a dodgeball fight in the zero-gravity machine, Yami, Shio, and Yuuna were having lunch at an Italian restaurant.

—W-Who are you?! What do you want with us?!—.

Nervous at being surrounded by men in suits who showed no emotion, creating a gloomy atmosphere. They were the Berserkers.

Stepping aside the Berserkers of the Radiant clan, a handsome man in a gray suit makes his appearance.

"You groveling bitches know the trouble you've brought me, the Radiant Clan. But not today. This time, I'll take charge personally with my best slaves, and I'll enjoy watching you suffer, breaking your limbs."

Terrified, her face draining of color, Yuuna's teeth chattering. Shio, who was at her side, looked at the Berserkers without fear, even though she heard threatening words from the handsome man who was damaging her image with his humor.

—My husband entrusted me with taking them alive, to do business with you.

Speaking in his voice in front of Yuuna and the rest, Yami caressed the small hand that was squeezing the hem of her skirt, not even blinking, staring firmly at his attackers.

—Business, ahahaha, don't fuck with me! Thanks to you, you have no idea the humiliation I suffered from that man. Because of shit like you, my family despises me, for the losses I've suffered, disowning you as their son. But no more, I will never be a coward, and I will show it to everyone who dares to bare their fangs... break their limbs!—

—...—.

—... W-When did this arrive?—.

Radiant Tetsuo, also known by his nickname Spider, is the eighth brother of the Radiant clan leader. He is unable to take power in the clan because of his five older brothers and two older sisters, and ten more siblings behind him.

With zero chance of taking a piece of his clan's influence, Tetsuo sought independence, as his other option was to kill all the older brothers, but he knew better than anyone that his talent would only take him so far.

Leaving the Radiant Clan at the age of 22, with 24 Berserkers being the general rule whenever a legitimate Radiant son would leave the clan, he would take the undead guard or Berserker to show the world that they were not easy to intimidate, but now Tetsuo had lost them all, coming crawling to his family to ask for a new guard but with one condition.

--------

Yami, who didn't care what happened to those who dared to raise their hands against his family in his presence, watched with a wintery gaze as the 24 Berserkers and Tetsuo tried to fight in vain to continue being swallowed by the miasma.

—Damn! What is this?! Berserker, destroy this and advance!—.

Tetsuo, who dared to point his finger at Yami, the undead arcane mages gathered their abundant and thick arcane energy into his arm. Displaying armor that glowed with arcane energy, the carvings on the arcane metal had the appearance of insects.

Yami, who wasn't even paying attention, his gaze was on Tetsuo, who was still confident that he could get out of the situation, for which he lost his pride in front of his father and the elders of the Radiant clan.

'Dry blow'

Sounding like a blade had split his fist, the blows that should have had enough force to split mountains and dry up rivers were stopped by a thin layer of dark mist. The Berserkers, obeying the order, even though their arms were held by the mist, dislocated their arm and shoulder bone specifically to use as a nail, but none of it worked; they were absorbed into the mist without a trace.

—W-w-what the hell just happened?... you-you monster, you know what will happen if something happens to me...—.

—Your shrieks are hurting my ears. The buzzing of flies would sound better than what's coming out of you.

Demonstrating a strong character, his eyes were as tempered as glaciers, which did not waver and remained impassive in the face of death.

—Mou-monster… Once the clan finds out what they've done, they'd rather be dead!!—.

—... Your shouting is spoiling the food.

He declared as the fork flipped the pasta and brought it to his mouth. Yami, who no longer wanted to hear it, was made to disappear by the mist, returning everything to calm.

—Yuuna, you better eat it now while it's hot, or it'll spoil when it's cold. You too, Shio, finish eating.

—Y-Yes, Yami onee-chan—.

—... What did you do? —.

Shio was obedient, even though she was scared by what had happened and the threats that a seven-year-old girl shouldn't hear, but Yami's presence alone calmed the anxiety she was experiencing. The only one who couldn't calm down was Yuuna, who was pale from what had happened before her eyes.

—They're locked somewhere else, once we get to the mansion, my husband will fix it—.

—?!... Are you the wife Mr. Javier mentioned… Does that mean you're a Goddess?—.

"I don't know... You'd better finish lunch and don't think or worry, as long as you're under my husband's protection, nothing will happen to you."

—... Ehehehe—.

—Why are you laughing?—.

—Mr. Javier has already told me something similar. I'm starting to understand a little.

If it had been Yuuna from a month ago, she would never have laughed after what happened; she would have most likely fainted from low blood pressure. This proved that Yuuna's mentality was changing.

Rin, Rin, Rin

—Mm?... Rinka says she's coming with Sayaka—.

—Shall we order for them?—

—Leave it like that, when they arrive they'll order whatever they like, for now let's keep eating—.

-Yeah-.

—Mommy, I want more juice—.

—Here you go—.

Serving the lemonade that accentuated the lasagna Shio was eating, Yami continued eating his Vongole pasta, his mind constantly irritated by something.

-Why does everyone keep repeating the same words?-.

--------

In the urban center of Azumi City, where a cluster of medium-sized residential buildings stood out, they provided a perfect cover for unaffiliated people, mercenaries, and arcane mages to rest and conduct business.

{In the Leon tail building} {3:32 PM}

—They finished packing and disposing of evidence—.

—All done, everyone is waiting for you, Leader Mantiz—.

-Come on-.

Leaving the room, leaving behind furniture and a bed, along with his briefcase. Looking at those who will accompany him to the same hell, mixed with new faces.

—You'll have time to get to know the new members, if only their ambition isn't big enough to kill you.

No one had the courage to make a joke to ease the atmosphere of fear that gripped the guts, simply by recalling what they experienced that night. Only a couple of men who decided to join Mantiz's mercenary group didn't know what was happening, but what they did know were the bodies of several members who died under mysterious conditions.

—As agreed, we will move to our new base at the master's request… Let's go—.

Hard to swallow for a person like Mantiz who was an alpha who couldn't stand having someone on top of him.

—Tch, the day has finally arrived—.

—Ahh, if we think positively, our future can't be better than ever—.

—You say that, but we're no worse than slaves. We won't be able to refuse anything, even if it's suicidal.

—So what would you do?—.

—What are you talking about 22?—.

—If you were the master of that place, what would you do if it was a mercenary group and they found out?—.

—I wouldn't hesitate to kill them.

—See, 15, I wasn't wrong when I said our future couldn't be better. At least we'll enjoy a privileged position we never imagined, just like the descendants of the clans.

"How much longer will they keep the secrecy about where we're going? I always thought the Mantiz mercenaries were a reclusive group, unaffiliated with any organization."

—You'll know, don't despair 33… You'll soon find out and, if you're lucky, you'll be privileged—.

Maintaining a secrecy that was endured with nervousness and fear, the new members continued to investigate only to realize that everyone was talking non-stop.

-------

At the Katsura residence, Kotonoha looked at herself in the full-length mirror in her room, looking at different types of clothes to discard and throw them into the pile that had grown with the passing of the minutes.

Knock, knock.

—Mm, it doesn't suit me either—.

Knock, knock.

—It doesn't suit me either.

'Open the door'

—Onee-chan, I'm calling you!... Onee-chan, what are you doing?—.

—Kokoro, how many times have I told you not to come into my room?—.

—What's wrong with that, we're sisters?—.

—That has nothing to do with whether we're sisters or not, who gave you permission to come in?—.

—Oka-san sent for me to call you—.

—And why don't you knock on the door?—.

—I knocked, but you didn't answer… What are you doing?—

-Nothing-.

—Suspicious—.

Kotonoha, more reserved than Kokoro in dress and behavior, Kokoro smiled in understanding.

—A boy—.

—You're wrong!—.

—Where am I wrong? Onee-chan is so old-fashioned. Look at those clothes, they cover you like a nun, you'll never catch a guy that way.

—That has nothing to do with you, I'm just going to the library.

—Library? Liar, if you went to the library you would never spend so much time looking at the clothes you were going to wear.

—You don't care what I do, get out of my room!—.

—Suspicious, totally suspicious... Right, Oka-san says to get ready to go out, Oto-san will take us out to eat—.

—...I'm coming down—.

Leaving Kokoro, who until the last minute remained looking at Kotonoha, closed the door.

—Now what do I do, I haven't decided, mmm, it's here and it's for tomorrow and it's for now—.

Not knowing that she would never reach a decision, even though there were hours left until the next day's meeting, Kotonoha did not let the clothes on her bed be seen.

In the living room, Kokoro saw her mother Manami checking the tablet for work and told her.

—Kotonoha is interested in a boy—.

—That's right, Oka-san, her bed is full of clothes, she's definitely on a date, and it's probably with the guy from the other day.

—Do you mean yesterday when she came all wet from going to the sea?—

—Yes, Oka-san, you have to ask him.

—You're right, I'll go talk to her now.—

For better or worse, Manami went to Kotonoha's room having a little mother-daughter chat, but that's another story.

--------

At the Lytol complex, Javier, Asahi, Makoto, Setsuna, Hikari, Sekai, and Ryuto are resting on some seats not far from the zero gravity room.

—Gu, uaa, I feel bad—.

—My head is spinning—.

—That's what happens to them for playing so much, they should control themselves, they're not children.

—Who's to blame?—

—How can you continue as if nothing happened?...—.

—Javier isn't human, wu—.

Hikari, Sekai and Makoto, feeling nauseous and wanting to vomit, looked scoldingly at Javier, who remained as fit as a lettuce without any discomfort.

—Ahhh, kids today can't stand anything. In my time, we rode on trailer tires downhill. Right, Javier-san?

—Very true, Ryuto-san, what memories, jojojo—.

—There they go again with their antics…—.

Sekai said frustratedly, leaning on Hikari to keep from falling.

—You are the only ones to blame, I do exercises every morning.

—Well, I practice in my yard every morning, so I don't have any problems with motion sickness.

—... I do an hour of exercises in my room, although I have some nausea thanks to the pill, I'm not like you—.

"Setsuna, traitor."

"What other option should we go for?"

—W-wait Asahi, let us rest a little longer—.

—You're so weak, Makoto… By the way, Javier, you'll be fine.

—Mm?—.

—Because of the barbecue, it's not tonight.—

—Oh, that's it, no problem. I'd already left the meat seasoning and everything. I cleaned the place before going to sleep, and that's it. Just a few minor things left, but nothing that can't be done in a couple of hours. Remember to come back at seven-thirty.

—Take it for granted—.

—What are you two talking about?—.

Setsuna, who heard the conversation between Ryuto and Javier, watched them for a response.

Rin, Rin, Rin

—Sorry, I have to take a call.—

Moving away from Javier, Setsuna looks at Ryuto.

-... That?".

—What's this barbecue?—.

—Oh, by the way, that's great. Javier invited me to his house for dinner for the celebration, because I helped him sell a property in England. Plus, on Monday, Javier will have to travel to England for the signing and delivery, so he'll be busy all of Golden Week. Are you interested in coming to the celebration?

—No, but thank you.

Retreating, Setsuna leaves Ryuto to approach Sekai who was still feeling somewhat ill. Looking at Setsuna, Ryuto thought.

-I don't know if he's interested in Javier or just curious, but Setsuna moves closer and further away from Javier every day, their relationship is like a magnet-.

-------

(Hi, Mari-sempai, how are you? I'm already preparing everything for tonight's barbecue. I hope they don't tell me at the last minute that they won't come.)

(No, ah, Javier, wait, you'll drop my cell phone, you'll damage it!)

Turning away from the ear, the cell phone, upon hearing, shout Mizuho Fuyuki (Nickname: Mari).

(Don't worry, it's not damaged… Hello, Javier, are you there?)

(But what a pleasant surprise, I didn't think about talking to Rei-sempai on the phone, you know your voice is just as beautiful as hearing it in person)

(Yeah, yeah, stop flattering me, you won't get anything in return, Kohai)

(Ehehe, seriously, call me. Are you going to cancel the barbecue?)

(You're wrong, even more so tonight we are celebrating)

(Oh, I hear you much more cheerful than the day before yesterday, what happened to cheer Rei-sempai up).

(Well… hehe, they gave us a scholarship)

(Congratulations)

(Thank you)

(But as it happens, Mari-sempai told me that they hadn't won any prizes)

(Ahaha, that really happened, but today the CEO of Akikaze Corporation himself came, you don't know how surprised I was)

(As clueless as ever when something catches your eye)

(Don't talk about it, Arisa)

Hearing the giggles of several people after listening to Arisa Imawaga, Rei's childhood friend.

(If they are all together, then it means that the entire club received a scholarship)

(Yeah)

(What great news you've given me. Barbecue will taste different when it serves a different purpose. By the way, what is the Akikaze Corporation?)

(It's a company that assembles and designs aircraft, and has an extensive aviation catalog. But what caught my attention the most was its software! You may not know this, but the Akikaze Corporation was responsible for the operating system you're now holding. Kurumiko Toga was responsible for such wonderful art!...)

Hearing noise on the other end of the line, Chizato's voice spoke.

(Sorry, Javier, but my daughter gets a little carried away when it comes to her topics of interest)

(Ah, Chisato-san no, it doesn't bother me, because, as I hear her, she is more than happy to hear that Rei-sempai's efforts are recognized)

(Hehe, that tongue of yours makes many girls fall in love with you)

(Gladness isn't enough to please girls. By the way, read what you signed. Some companies have hidden clauses that can be detrimental to seniors.)

Listening once again to a short silence, Kaku Star's voice sounded.

(You're very perceptive, Javier, but you don't have to worry. I checked everything and there's nothing that could harm my daughter and her friends.)

(Oh, Mr. Kaku is there too)

(Of course this is my house!)

(Ahahaha, that's good to hear. By the way, he's coming to the grill tonight.)

(No, we won't go, it's better if the kids go to celebrate, it's their achievement)

(Don't say that, Mr. Kaku, come on, we have to stay late tonight, I'll buy alcohol)

(Hmph, I have no choice but to go if you insist so much)

Laughing at how easy Kaku was, the voices of everyone in the club could be heard in the background.

(My parents can too)

(Mine too)

(My father, if he can go)

(My mother is the one who will be able to go)

With the support of Rei's parents, Arisa, Mari, Kunihiko and Hikaru, they accepted.

(Okay, I'll see you at seven thirty. Talk to you later.)

Putting away his phone, he turns around and the first thing he sees is Setsuna looking at him with a small smile on her lips.

—A woman?—.

-Hey?-.

—I understand, a woman—.

—Hey, hey—.

Not understanding what was happening, Javier saw Setsuna's small back meeting with the Hikari.

-I don't know what's going on anymore, that cute smile of Setsuna's made me break out in a cold sweat... wait, in the end of Summer Days, Setsuna and her mother dressed as dominatrixes to 'correct' her adoption of sex-.

—That wouldn't be bad—.

—Wouldn't that be bad, Javier?—.

—...R-ryuto...don't s-scare me like that, you almost gave me a heart attack—.

—What's going on, did something happen?—.

—No, nothing… I see you're finally okay. Last ride and we'll be off, where you want to go next.

—We already went rock climbing and tennis, and you guys went ping pong and bowling.

-Tennis...-.

—Is something wrong?—.

Setsuna asked, narrowing her eyes at the mischievous smile on Javier's face as she imagined him wearing a tennis player's uniform.

—N-nothing... What do you say we go to the skating rink?—.

Turning their gaze to Javier, who indicated the next target, several hesitated.

—But I've never ice skated—.

Reluctantly, Makoto refused.

—I haven't skated either. But I'm in.

Encouraged, Hikari agreed.

—I've never been to an ice rink, but I know how to skate.

Accepting Ryuto.

Those left were Sekai, Setsuna and Asahi.

-Go-.

The answer was simple, Asahi accepted.

—Well, I'm going too, and you, Setsuna—.

—I'll go—.

—Six against one decided, we'll go to the skating rink—.

Not one to deny everyone's decision, Hikari took it upon herself to tease Makoto for being the only one not to go.

-----

—Uagh! I'm falling, I'm falling!... Ahhh, thanks, Javier—.

-You are welcome-.

Helping out at the skating rink, Javier assisted them while teaching them the basics.

—Come on, Sekai has to use her hips, just like riding a bike. Once you get the hang of it, it'll all be easy.

—Says the person who has no problems—.

—I don't have any problems because I've already fallen many times—.

—Mmm, hey, by the way, they're not fighting anymore—.

—We never were, Setsuna lets herself be carried away by my words, look at how she looks at us, that killing gaze that if it had a form would stab me—.

—The only reason he doesn't come closer is because he's afraid of falling and you, how long are you going to hug me, stop provoking Setsuna—.

Hands on her waist, breath on her neck, sharing the warmth, Sekai, like a healthy young woman, felt shy about the touch on her body without crossing the line of perversion.

Setsuna, unable to bear it any longer, pushes herself against the protective fence.

—... Hmm, ah, uh, eh, a, a little more, almost...—.

All shaky, barely keeping her balance, Setsuna stood upright with her arms outstretched for stability.

—Setsuna, don't rush, you might hurt yourself—.

—...—.

—Hehehehehe—.

One on each arm, Sekai could only laugh briefly, while Setsuna felt Javier's hand on her waist.

Her cheeks turning white, Setsuna pinched his hand tightly, and as if nothing had happened, Javier continued skating.

—It's time to put into practice what we've been taught—.

—Hey! No, wait!

Abruptly, Sekai was pushed out of Javier's protection by himself and began to slide.

—Sekai Hip! Lower your hips a little, like I taught you, and as if you were sliding, move your feet little by little.

—That's easy for you to say, fool!—.

—Don't shout, just calm down, breathe deeply... that lowers your hips a little... Mm, bend your knees a little... now push one foot forward and the other back... you'll see that it's not difficult—.

Moving like a worm, Sekai was able to reach the safety fence. Smiling at Sekai's ice skating achievement, she turned her attention to Setsuna.

—Now, Kiyoura, follow my instructions—.

—Hgh, don't suddenly whisper in my ear—.

Warning with a whisper, Javier, ignoring Setsuna's warning, continued whispering into her ear, along with his hand moving around her small waist, adjusting the position. Setsuna, blushing up to her ears, shy, could only endure the shameless touch.

-It's not unpleasant, but I feel weird, I want to stop it, but I want it to continue-.

—Your turn, Setsuna, don't fall—.

—Huh?... aaaa, I-I'm falling!—.

—You're not falling, just remember what happened just now—.

Blushing at Javier's obvious provocation, Setsuna gives a pointed look, but Javier lifts his shoulder, giving her a disinterested look.

------

—Haaa, it's already five o'clock, time went by so fast—.

—Hehehe, but I had a lot of fun skating.

—Hmm, I've never skated before, thanks to Javier my falls were less... The two he had are all red—.

—N-nothing, nothing's wrong—.

—Hmph, it's okay—.

Denying Sekai and Setsuna, Hikari didn't ask why. Asahi, who was sitting in the passenger seat of the taxi, let out a sigh at the obvious.

-This day wasn't bad-.

With that thought Asahi fell asleep, leaving behind the voices of Sekai and Hikari talking.

Dropping everyone off in front of their homes, Javier, along with a half-asleep Asahi, stops in front of a sports center.

—They seem to be here, Asahi wake up or you'll kiss the ground if you keep this up—.

—... I-I'm awake, huaa—.

Yawning from sleep, the two go inside and look around to find them.

—Daddy! Onii-chan!—.

—... Shio—.

Feeling a push on his waist, Javier strokes Shio's hair and behind her comes Rinka.

—Rinka-chan, hello, what are you buying?—.

—Javier Onii-chan, you're finally here, look at this—.

Showing in his hand a black Hakama and in the other a black Boken.

—You bought the Aikido uniform, but why the black wooden sword?—.

—The Aikido sensei will teach us how to use them for disarmament and practice.

—Daddy, daddy, look what Shio bought—.

He showed a backpack ornament.

—Oh, let me see, wow, what a cute little bear, Shio—.

—True, hehehe—.

Happy to be pampered, Shio winced with happiness as she stroked his hair.

—Onii-chan, are you okay? You seem sleepy.

—Ah, hm, I'm fine—.

Barely staying awake, Javier leans over, carrying Asahi on his back.

—Fu, fu, fu—.

Hearing Asahi's calm breathing, Javier placed his index finger on his lips.

—Shuu, hehehe—.

Having fun, Shio ran back the way he came.

—This is the first time I've seen Asahi-kun so tired, it seems like he did have fun.

—From the moment we left until we arrived here. How did you do at the club today? No one intimidated you.

Listening to what Rinka did, they walked over to where the other girls were.

—Yami, Yuuna, hello... Where is Sayaka?—.

—Mr. Javier... Asahi... I'm glad, look how tired he is, you can put him here—.

—Don't worry, it hardly weighs anything, and there's no reason not to have fun when we have a good time... Yami?—.

Having no idea of Yami's behavior, he began to smell it, to write a few small words of miasma.

(You smell bad).

—?! I sweat a lot, but I don't think I smell that bad. Rinka-chan, do you think I smell bad?

—... you smell like sweat, but nothing else—.

—Daddy smells good—.

—I don't think Mr. Javier smells bad.

Listening to the female opinions, Javier looked at Yami who was the only one frowning and five steps away.

(You smell like the sewer, you need to take a shower urgently)

—So much so… Yami, Yami, why do you move away when I get close?

(You stink, also, don't repeat my name for no reason)

—You arrived, Javier—.

Sayaka said as she opened the curtain.

—... Yes, what did you buy?—.

—A Hakama and a bamboo sword to practice at home, as well as other training supplies—.

Hanging a dark blue Hakama on his arm, Javier nodded, as money was not an issue to worry about.

—I'll wait for you here, Shio, what else did you buy?—

—Mommy bought me coloring books, puzzles too, two backpacks too... shoes... hmm, glitter!!—.

—Sparkle? What's that?

He said looking at Yuuna.

—It's a lipstick for dryness, it curdles because women's lipstick is drier and Shio wanted to try it... that's why—.

—It's understandable, a girl Shio's age, I want to try everything adults do, from shoes that are too big to makeup, hahaha, I'd like to see her like that—.

Laughing at the thought of Shio dressing like an adult, they all laughed at the thought of them having done that at one point or imagining the innocent Shio doing it.

(Master, what you asked for is saved)

—Now that you mention it, I'm sorry, Yuuna, those men scared you.

—Uh..., no, don't worry..., although I won't say I wasn't scared, but Yami took care of everything, but what happened to them?, they disappeared—.

—They're in a quiet place, I'll have to solve that problem later.

—W-what will you do?—.

Yuuna knowing that Javier was not only a good person, but also someone who has blood on his hands, even though he was a God.

—Don't be scared, it's nothing, although well, if it puts my family in danger, that's another story.

Stunned by Javier's comment, Yuuna and Sayaka and Rinka were also surprised. The word "family" was a powerful word, full of warmth, without deception, and safe from the dangers outside.

—I'm going to leave Asahi in the car, I'll wait for you girls—.

—Daddy, I'm going with you—.

Leaving with Asahi leaning on her back, Shio took Javier's shirt and they walked together.

-Family-.

—Mmm, family—.

—It sounds strange coming from Javier's mouth.

(Why strange?)

Not understanding where Sayaka's comment was coming from, Yami tilted his head while holding the note in his hand.

—Javier Onii-chan, he must have had a normal family, so I think it's normal for him to be a family, since we live under the same roof—.

—But Rinka-chan, you didn't have a normal family—.

—Normal, but not at all safe, because no one noticed what was happening to me.

—And Sayaka...—.

—You don't have to stop for me, I don't have a family, nor security, nor was it welcoming, unlike Rinrin-chan who still thinks about her family, but Yuuna-san from what you told me, your family was normal like any other in the world, just bad decisions were made at that point in your life—.

—Yes—.

Thoughtful, Yuuna couldn't help but think what would have happened if she had been late to school that day. She wouldn't have met him or gone through such suffering, much less had Asahi or Shio.

He denied that thought.

—... I suffered and the journey was painful. I lost my parents, but I wouldn't trade my children to save myself from that past.

Smiling and sincere in her decision, Sayaka said nothing and took her things.

—... Don't take it the wrong way, Yuuna-san, Saya-chan has suffered more than both of them combined, you can't blame her for resenting the word Family—.

—I never thought of it that way, Rinka-chan, you don't have anything to buy anymore—.

—No, come on, Yami, Yuuna-san—.

After making multiple payments, everyone left, Javier was waiting in the driver's seat, Shio and Asahi were sleeping together in the back seat.

—They fell asleep—.

—I barely put Asahi in when Shio fell asleep. And before I forget, we have guests tonight, but don't worry, Yuuna will be fine. I want Rinka and Sayaka ready for tonight. Don't forget to always collect arcane energy from the environment.

—Yes, Javier Onii-chan—.

-I understand-.

—... Excuse me, Mr. Javier—.

—Something's wrong, Yuuna—.

—I want to learn too—.

-That!-.

—You can't, Yuuna-san!! Javier is a perverted sadist; you'll die if you do.—

—I'll ignore that comment of yours, Sayaka, Yuuna because you want to do it—.

—I-I can't—.

—It's not that you can't, but there will be pain in the process.

—Nothing compares to childbirth—.

—Hahahaha, you might be right. I'll teach you tomorrow.

-Yeah-.

While Yuuna was happy to be able to train with everyone, in Rinka and Sayaka's eyes it was like voluntary suicide, as the pain couldn't compare to childbirth. Something Sayaka and Rinka were familiar with.

—Yami? Why don't you come in?

(I'll go alone, I can't stand the smell of the sewer you emanate. I'll fill the bathtub with something to take that smell away.)

After writing on the front windshield, Yami walked until he entered a dark alley. Javier, who had briefly stopped sensing Yami's presence, soon felt it inside the mansion.

—Ahhh—.

Dejected, he started the vehicle straight to the mansion, without anyone mentioning what Yami said.

—Javier Onii-chan, when will you put the lights on the road, it's already getting dark and this road is scary—.

—Rinka-chan is right, Mr. Javier, it doesn't matter when you say a forest is safe; at dusk, one gets scared.

—Javier, why don't you just buy this land?—

—!—.

Making him jump in his seat, Javier, unable to believe what he heard, looked in the rearview mirror.

—What? You don't say you have a lot of money. If it takes them so long, wouldn't it be better to buy land they won't use and do it the way you want?

—Let's talk about this in the future—.

—Ehehe, you're such a spendthrift, Saya-chan.

—You're always the calmest and most thrifty one, but I didn't think you'd like to waste money without thinking about the future.

—You two, stop bothering us! Besides, I'm sure Javier thinks you're nothing more than a drop in the ocean.

Sayaka said with red cheeks, crossing her arms as she heard Rinka and Yuuna laughing.

—Daddy, daddy—.

—Mm, tell me Shio—.

—There are people up ahead—.

Pointing towards the entrance, where three black vans were waiting.

—A-are those men again?—.

Scared, Yuuna asked, pulling Shio into her arms.

—No, they are my new employees—.

Smiling, Javier did not stop walking.

Stepping aside, Javier reached the gate where the window behind the pickup truck was just beginning to open.

—Yo, Mantiz, come in for now—.

—We're in your care and I have a couple of new recruits.

—No problem, remember to seal your pressure points so what happened last time doesn't happen again.

Javier pretended not to understand, since he knew that several men from Mantiz's group had died, but for him that was not important because it was his own greed that killed them.

Javier's vehicle entered first, soon followed by the three pickup trucks, closing the gate as the last one crossed.

—Asahi, wake up, we're here, you need to take a shower and eat something—.

—Mmm, I'm going…—.

Sleepy, Asahi was joined by Shio who had recovered after a short nap.

—Remember, all three of you, to be ready for the barbecue. Yuuna, before you go get ready, go to the terrace and leave all the meat on the counter, so it'll be fresh when I come back after I change.

-Immediately-.

Seeing Yuuna, Rinka and Sayaka enter, Javier turns around and looks at Mantiz's group, formed, at the same time, he sees the undead mages, or rather, Berserker, in a separate row distinguishing themselves.

—So those are the three new members… Ahahaha, you don't have to be so scared, it's not like I'm going to kill you for no reason, of course if you reveal yourself to the world or have thoughts of betrayal, you should already know your destiny, which you occupy now—.

Smiling like an innocent child, Mantiz and everyone else with him felt a chill run all over their bodies.

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