Kuoh Academy.
I woke up at noon, and because the house was very quiet due to the Servants working, I went to the Academy. After all, I hadn't been fired yet. And now I was sitting in the medical room, drinking coffee and occasionally helping the incoming students.
It was summer vacation, and even considering this fact, the Academy was not empty. The hobby groups were still active, as was the Student Council, and teachers held extra classes for those who were falling behind or wanted to be better prepared for university. I, on the other hand, was thinking about my unusual situation while I was off work.
The reaction to Rias was completely similar to what Akeno had caused. And that raises questions. Okay, if it were an isolated incident, but it wasn't. The whole point of the problem is that the source of the sensation was not the mind or the body, but the soul itself.
Yes, all souls are pure on a conceptual level, however my case is a bit special. Since I have memories of a past life, the 'clothes' of my soul have not been removed. It's like putting new data on a disk without erasing the old data. And in theory, one could speculate that I once had a fear of relationships or intimacy, however that doesn't add up to my situation.
I have no problem with Tia or Morgana, only Rias and Akeno. It is only their display of intimacy that makes me uncomfortable, which I find odd.
To me, they were nothing more than anime characters. That is, I basically couldn't interact with them on such a level that it would imprint on my soul. Such a possibility simply doesn't exist.
On the other hand, you can see a clear connection between Rias and Akeno, as they both belong to the same group. It could be a clue to what my past life has been like, but... I don't really care about it, honestly. What matters now is the present and possible future, but not the past. If something comes out on its own? Fine, but not otherwise.
The next moment, I felt something soft in the number of two placed on my head, and my nose immediately smelled the odor of sulfur, sweetness, and very high quality women's perfume. My eyebrow twitched as I knew exactly who was behind my back and what exactly was now resting on my head.
- "What are you doing here? Don't you have something to do?" I asked and pushed her away with a shake of my head.
- "I have time for you, Romani Archaman," Rizevim smiled and sat down on the bunk, "You seem pensive. Is it related to Sirzechs's sister?"
What? Was she following me the other day? But I didn't see anyone.
- "You're stalking me. Can't you be a little more civilized?"
- "Oh? So, I'm right?" She ignored me, "What's bothering you? The embrace of a mere girl? If you want, I can eliminate her for you. I promise that no one will think of your involvement on principle."
My eyebrow twitched.
Yeah. What else would you expect from the current Rizevim. I'm sure if I asked her to blow up the capital of the Underworld, she'd do it in a heartbeat.
- "That doesn't elevate you in my eyes," I said, to which she made a pouty, girlish face, "Why did you come? I don't think you would risk taking my time for nothing and making me feel bad about myself."
- "You're right about that," Rizevim nodded, "The Chaos Brigade is planning to use a certain vixen to open a rift in Space between dimensions. And since you're so close to her, I thought I should warn you."
- "That's an interesting choice of words," I grinned. "There are several factions in the Brigade, all acting in isolation and with their own agendas, aren't there? I doubt they're all interested in what comes out of this Yasaka situation."
- "Hee hee, spot on," she giggled, "The Hero Faction. Cao Cao has already redeployed to Kyoto and is now preparing for action. And the last time I saw him, he managed to amuse me."
- "What do you mean?"
- "At one of the meetings, I very subtly hinted that if anyone even tried to swing in your direction or use you, they would instantly become my enemies, with only death awaiting them. Not everyone understood the message, but Cao Cao was not among that number, so he tried to act stealthily. His assurance that I know nothing amused me greatly."
- "You mean the Brigade knows about my situation with Yasaka?" I raised an eyebrow.
- "Of course, they do. We have enough bargaining chips to keep that kind of information close at hand," she said, to which I grinned, "Where was I? Oh, yes. Aside from that, I also found the implications of his long ago encounter with you amusing."
Hmm? The aftermath of the meeting? I remember I only took the Sacred Gear away from Hercules and had a few words of endearment about his actions, but nothing else. I mean, what could have happened to make Rizevim find it amusing.
- "Whatever happened during your meeting, Cao Cao turned to Hades for help. He cut off his hands and replaced them with others imbued with the energy of Tartarus. Because of this, True Longinus' aura became very interesting, and that's not all. The boy doesn't even realize that he's now Hades' puppet to be used as he pleases," Rizevim explained and chuckled, "Isn't that funny? He talks loudly about the power of humanity, yet he uses the powers of the gods."
Heh. So, this reaction was because True Longinus didn't want to harm me? I guess that's how Cao Cao wants to bypass this rule to kill me for sure.
Honestly, it's really funny. Not the best example, but still, if we take Gil, he, a true believer in humanity, rebelled against the gods, disregarding their goals and their imposed purpose. What Cao Cao is doing makes him look like a resentful child unwilling to accept the rules of the game he himself is playing.
- "Well, I couldn't agree more," I shrugged, to which Rizevim smiled cheerfully, "Is that all you had to say?"
- "Yes, that's it," she nodded and looked at me expectantly, "So, do I deserve something as a reward? After all, you're taking care of a fox."
- "No, you didn't. I assumed Cao Cao would pull something like this, so it's not really new," I said, and Rizevim's face filled with sadness, "And you don't care about me taking care of Yasaka? Given your behavior, I find it very strange."
- "Well, come on," she grinned, "She will meet her end even if I have no part in it. After all, a chicken will never fly higher than an eagle."
With that, she waved goodbye and disappeared in a flash of the magic circle. I shrugged and looked out the window.
Rizevim is arrogant, yes, but she is also free, something the vast majority of creatures cannot achieve. She is not constrained by the bounds of law or morality, only her own desire. Now she is very... human, as strange as that may sound. Everyone dreams of such freedom, but not everyone gets it.
- "And she's a very interesting person, don't you think?"
A familiar voice sounded in the office, and when I heard it, I couldn't help but let out a long, tired sigh.
- "What do you want, Zelretch?" I asked, not looking away from the window, "If it's another trip to another world, I'm against it. My duty to you is closed."
At this time, I'd just prefer to rest and finish my business, along the lines of visiting Heaven. Going to the other world comes with conditions, because it would require me to find a very powerful mana source for the Servants, since Ophis is busy right now, and resolve the issue with Tia.
In addition, in a very short period of time in the past world, I have become a god. And even after taking countermeasures, I have no idea why I continue to be one now. I'm perfectly fine with being human, and surprises like this are something I'd really like to avoid.
In short, too many variables, for no reason at all in visiting another world. I had a duty behind me that time, but that's not the case now.
- "Oh? Can't I just check up on my colleague?" He said with a dose of amusement.
- "You? No," I rubbed my temples and looked at him, "Why are you here?"
- "We're even, you're right about that, but what if visiting another world would benefit you? In that case would you agree?"
At those words I froze and looked at him doubtfully.
- "Hm?"
-0-
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