VOLUME 6 BEGINNING
Thank you for continuing to read! I'd greatly appreciate your feedback. This is a school-based novel, so it won't always feature fighting arcs—I hope you understand.
Characters:
Saik: A boy whose life hasn't been easy, largely due to his own choices. Unlike his more cheerful and expressive younger self, who would even cry in fear, the current Saik is stoic and rarely shows emotion. The last time he genuinely cried was at his parents' funeral. He has the ability to see ghosts and controls legendary ghosts he captured himself. He defeated Legendary Ghost Number 100, saving the world. His current goal is to live a normal school life and graduate as the top student.
Yuki: A ghost girl murdered by a man for unknown reasons. She's Saik's only friend and wants to help him achieve his goals, though her over-helping sometimes makes Saik uncomfortable. She's outgoing now, but as a living girl, she was lonely.
Alvanem Rosa Family: One of the world's most powerful families, both in strength and wealth. They maintain a high public status to avoid suspicion of their true mission: protecting the world. They are guardians of instermarplasmeal reality. While ghost hunters deal with ghosts, they eliminate monsters from other dimensions. The family has 15 members, including matriarch Rosemary's grandchildren. It once had 18, but three died fighting the wielder of Legendary Ghost Number 58. They're supported by hundreds worldwide, though these allies have less than 2% of the family's power, so the family personally fights when needed.
Nergio Alvanem Rosa: A businessman who secretly slays monsters and fantasy beings. His job lets him travel globally to fulfill his mission: protecting the world. He sees Saik as his master, admiring Saik's superior power. He has an 11-year-old son and is a widower.
María: Nergio's sister. She's strong-willed and a bit crude but acts kind and submissive around Saik—a mistake, as Saik is only attracted to women with strong, unwavering personalities who don't change to please others.
Rosemary: Matriarch of the Alvanem Rosa family. She manipulates information to keep the family's actions secret. Even the ghost-hunting organization doesn't know the Alvanem Rosas can see ghosts. She respects Saik but fears him, avoiding any conflict.
The Wooden Doll: A ghost corrupted by negative energy. She admired Hercules and wants Saik dead for killing him. She's spent years planning his demise and has no intention of losing.
CHAPTER 47 - Hercules. Part 1.
(Pov- Yuki.)
Shadow… Wow… That guy looks so cool in that black outfit…! Wait… Shadow?
"María, didn't you say Shadow was dead?"
"She probably said that because she still hates me. You'll never let go of that grudge, huh?" Shadow said.
Wow… His voice is so… masculine. He really feels like an anime character!
"Tch. Yuki, we need to go. I'll take you somewhere safe."
"Huh? Why? He already destroyed the doll."
"No, this isn't over yet. Let's go."
"Oh, okay. Let's go."
I glanced back at Shadow one last time… Is he a real demon hunter? How does he fight…?
Huh? I-Is he… smiling at me?
"Don't worry, little girl, everything'll be fine."
"…Yeah, thanks."
I hurried away with María… He smiled… Wow… His mouth reminded me of Saik, but he smiled—something Saik would never do… But why do I feel weird?
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
Well, I doubt Yuki suspects me. María doesn't hate me, Saik, but she pretends to hate Shadow—that should be enough. And I faked a smile. Saik never smiles, so Yuki shouldn't connect me to Shadow.
Right now, my legendary ghosts are fighting the wooden doll's monsters. I've got two minutes left.
"So, how long are you gonna keep pretending?"
"Hehe… Haha… Ha… Hahahahahaha!!"
Black vapor rose from the doll's remains, forming a humanoid shape. So much negative energy… Did she cause that much harm when alive?
That human form… I don't recognize her.
"Seriously? 'I'll never let you hurt her.' Seriously?! Hahahahahaha! The great Shadow cares about someone else?! The selfish Shadow's willing to fight at a disadvantage just to protect his friend? This has to be a joke. The Shadow I know would let babies die without a shred of remorse… Did your stupid parents' deaths really change you?"
"Considering their academic achievements, it's impossible to call them stupid."
A girl, maybe… 7? Probably 8.
Very dark skin, almost black—a rare sight in this country. It's cold here most of the year, with heat only in some areas. The dominant skin tone is pale. Sounds racist, but it's the reality, thanks to unfortunate historical events.
Why does a girl like her have so much negative energy? It's impossible for someone like her to carry that much.
She looks so… innocent.
"I'm still the same, just smarter."
All that studying paid off.
"One minute left, and 25 monsters remain—the strongest ones. What'll you do?"
"…No choice. This is what you wanted, right?"
"Hehe. Go on, use it."
"I'll use… my own soul."
"Huh?"
Your turn, Number 97.
•
•
"Mother, hold on a bit longer! Saik will definitely beat them!"
Rosemary, special power: "World Control." Her ability lets her track invasive creatures from other dimensions and prevent them from being seen by humans or interacting with the world.
Right now, she's using all her power to keep the monsters invisible and harmless to the city, but she's nearing her limit.
As Rosemary holds on, the legendary ghosts are doing their best.
"I won't give up!!"
Legendary Ghost Number 93, the Ghost of Physical Strength. A massive, muscular man in Roman gladiator armor.
He's fighting bare-handed against a giant ice wolf that freezes everything it touches. Thanks to Rosemary's power, the ice doesn't affect objects or people, but it impacts the legendary ghosts.
Several are completely frozen, and though Number 93 is shattering the ice with his immense strength, he's growing weaker and slower, making his punches less effective, giving the wolf the upper hand.
The wolf unleashes a blast of icy wind, halting Number 93's punches for a second—enough time to strike with full force.
Its claws rip through Number 93's chest. He tries to keep fighting, but the pain, combined with his frozen legs, restricts his movement.
"I'm… sorry, Master…"
The wolf, sensing Number 93's exhaustion, stops clawing and tries to devour him—a mistake it'll regret.
[Saik's Blessing received. Activating Berserker Mode.]
The wolf tries to eat him, but its teeth shatter.
Terrified, the wolf backs away as Number 93 smiles, a black aura enveloping him.
"Heh. No wonder he's my Master! You're right—I can't give up!!"
He leaps at the wolf, and a fierce exchange of blows resumes.
The frozen legendary ghosts break free from the ice.
"Hehe. Master's still as powerful as ever," says Number 89, the Legendary Ghost of Fortitude. An elderly woman with an enviable physique that'd excite any man.
"Woof!" barks Number 95, the Legendary Ghost of Loyalty. A ghost dog, Onka breed (Akita).
"Yeah, I'm pumped too, 95. Master's got me fired up," says Number 91, the Legendary Ghost of Plants. A flat-chested girl with leafy hair, tanned skin, and pitch-black eyes.
"…Woof."
"Oh… So it's just me. Guess I'm too fired up to hear straight."
"Stop chatting and do your job. Think the 5 minutes will last forever?" says an old man… well, not exactly.
The three look up at a floating baby crossing its arms. Legendary Ghost Number 97, the Ghost of Time, with an old man's voice despite its appearance.
"Don't waste time."
"97…? That means Master's using his spiritual power again," says Number 89.
"I wish that were true, but I'm afraid not."
The three shudder, knowing exactly what that means.
"D-Does that mean he's using his own soul again?" says Number 91.
"Yes."
"Woof… Woof, woof!"
"I'm with 95! Why'd you let him do that?!" Number 91 snaps, furious.
"Stop wasting time! Every second lost is a second squandered!"
"Tch."
"Woof."
"Damn it."
The three split off to finish the remaining 7 monsters. They don't need to fight the wolf—Number 93's pummeling it.
"I feel incredible!!"
Number 97 closes its eyes and sighs.
"Is it really worth sacrificing so much, Master?"
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
"W-What are you doing?"
My body's burning with fever, my ears and nose won't stop bleeding, and I've lost count of how many times my heart's stopped.
Saying it hurts a lot is an understatement compared to the real pain I'm feeling, but…
"I can handle it."
"You… You're a true monster."
Moving a single muscle hurts. It feels like I'm fracturing my bones just standing. The pain my legendary ghosts are feeling is absorbed by my soul. If I want Berserker Mode to keep working, I can't let my ghosts tire out from the damage they're taking.
I don't know if I can keep this up, but I have to try. I have to win, no matter the cost.
"Huh? I-Impossible… Impossible! All my monsters were defeated…?! No way… Y-You… You used Legendary Ghost Number 97?"
"Yeah. Guess you didn't plan for that, huh? Thought you'd force me to use my spiritual power?"
"Taking all that damage and still talking… No doubt you're a true monster."
"Yeah… Whatever… Let's… Let's finish this."
"…Tell me, why go this far? Is your secret identity that important? Someone like you could start a new life anytime. Why cling to being Saik?"
…Yeah, I guess that's true. If I wanted, I could take any student's identity and pretend to be them, achieving the normal school life I want. It'd be easy, but it's something I'd never do. The reasons are simple: my mom and dad.
The reason I want a normal life is for them. I always dreamed of being a normal person, like everyone else. I envied normal people. I was doomed to see ghosts, and though I tried to ignore them, I felt so comfortable with them that I couldn't help talking to them. Being with living people made me uneasy… I knew that as long as I had this power, I'd never have the normal life I dreamed of. I gave up. I was condemned to this power forever. In middle school, I stayed alone most of the time because I felt uneasy with normal people. I planned to just become an office worker, maybe an accountant… Honestly, I didn't think about my future because I wasn't sure I'd have one. With my power, you never know when an enemy might come and kill me.
But… after my parents' deaths, I decided to fulfill their dream. I, Saik, in honor of my parents, will become the best student. Saik, their son, will do it.
That's why I can't let my identity be exposed. I can't tarnish my parents' memory… And I want Saik to have a normal life, not someone else.
"I'll keep it short. I'm Saik, a normal student who wants to keep his normal life. And I'll be the one to defeat you."
"Hehe. With you, I knew there was a chance you'd pull this stunt. We were prepared."
One, two, three… Three shots, huh?
"You really won't use your spiritual body? Pathetic."
"Faye, huh?"
I touched my forehead… Blood… Right in the brain.
"I'd say you were a worthy rival, but you disappointed me, Saik," said the wooden doll, though she's no longer a doll.
Faye placed her hand on my chest.
"Now Number 74 will return to me… Huh?"
"So, you finally noticed?"
"You've got to be kidding!"
I slowly turn to dust and point my index finger toward the shore.
"That's the real Saik."
I turn to dust completely and scatter.
•
•
"He turned to dust?! Was it a copy?! Shadow had that ability?!"
"Legendary Ghost Number 19, the Doppelgänger Ghost."
"Doppelgänger?"
"It's the German term for a ghostly double or 'evil twin' of a living person… Oh… Well, well… I don't think you'll like this, Faye."
Faye turned to the shore.
"What are you trying to… Huh?"
"Well, he turned out to be an exhibitionist."
Saik was kissing Number 74, his hand inside her underwear, pleasuring her, enraging Faye.
Number 74 offered no resistance—in fact, she showed the most passion, licking Saik's neck, leaving hickeys.
"Number 74!!"
Faye tried to stop them, but an invisible force field blocked her.
"Oh, we have guests. Let's get to it."
Saik lifted Number 74 and pressed her against the force field, facing a furious Faye.
Seeing his beloved in that situation made him cry with helplessness.
"P-Please, stop."
Saik slowly began penetrating Number 74 as she moaned, and Faye pounded the force field, hoping to break it and kill Saik.
"Stop!!"
"Well, well, well. This your first time, Number 74? Why not tell Faye how you feel?"
"M-Master, don't stop! I'm almost…!"
"Oh… That quick? Guess that's good."
Number 74 wrapped her arms and legs around Saik.
"I-I can keep going, Master!"
"Wasn't planning to stop."
"Ahhhhh!!! I'll kill you, Saik!!!"
A massive surge of negative energy enveloped Faye, transforming her into a pig-like creature. A massive orc.
"Well, well. Perfect result. Faye, she's all yours."
He destroyed the force field, startling Number 74.
"I-I'm sorry, Master!"
Saik didn't stop, continuing to have sex with Number 74, completely ignoring Faye.
"The danger's got me more excited."
"You knew I loved her… I still love her."
"Even though she's having sex with another man? You still love her? Wow… That's pathetic."
"Give me back Number 74… She's mine!!"
He tried to punch Saik, but someone landed in front of Saik, catching Faye's fist.
"Sorry for the delay, Master. Shadow Paradise is ready to act," said Nergio, grinning, wearing the organization's uniform.
Over 100 Shadow Paradise members emerged from the ground.
"Take care of Faye."
"Need help?"
"I'll fight her. Use the others to defeat Faye. Go."
"Yes, Master."
"Oh, yeah. Number 74, help Nergio."
"Yes, Master!"
Number 74 turned into a white sphere and entered Nergio.
"Master…"
"She's mine!!"
With his other fist, Faye tried to hit Nergio, but a shield appeared out of nowhere, protecting him.
"Finally, Master lent me one of his legendary ghosts… And I won't let him down!"
Nergio leaped and smashed the shield into Faye's face, sending him flying.
The members followed, leaving Saik and the wooden doll alone.
"Hehe. You got rid of Faye and my monsters… So, how do you plan to defeat me?"
Saik put his clothes back on and sighed.
"Well… I'm ready."
His Shadow suit appeared on him.
"Just one thing… Why'd you turn evil? Your negative energy makes no sense."
"You think I'll tell you my story to buy you time?"
Saik appeared in front of her the moment she blinked, trying to hit her, but she blocked with her arms and was sent flying by his force.
"Just wanted to chat a bit," Saik said… smiling.
An unexpected smile, shocking the wooden doll.
"You're… smiling?"
•
•
(Pov- Sylphie.)
Saik's taking forever in the bathroom. Is he doing something else?
And the girl and her little brother had to leave… I feel lonely… Well, I'm used to it.
"Hey, babe, what're you doing all alone?"
Oh, no. Why does this always happen to me?
At school, Saik protects me, so no guy messes with me… W-Well, I think the rumor that we're a couple helps too. After Saik got a student expelled from Class 3-A, no one wants him as an enemy, and since they think I'm his… g-girlfriend, no guy flirts with me out of fear of Saik.
But right now, I'm alone in an unfamiliar place where no one knows Saik. I'm defenseless again!
Wow… Saik's protection really makes me feel safe. I-I'll thank him with a slice of cake! Saik loves strawberry cake. Should I buy one or make it?
"Did you fight with your boyfriend?"
Boyfriend…? Oh, I wish Saik was… Ahhh! Sylphie, you need to wait! Saik might reject me if I confess now. I should wait at least a couple of months!
"Why not come with me? You'll have fun."
"Hey, that sounded gross. Should I call the police?"
That voice… Saik…! S-Saik with glasses… So cute!
"Oh, the boyfriend's here."
…Huh? Saik's holding my hand?! His hand feels so nice. So warm… So… hot?
"S-Sorry for leaving you… a-alone… Sylphie…"
Saik's voice sounds bad. I-It's the first time I've heard him stutter. And his hand's burning!
"Hey, Saik, I think… Saik!"
"Don't worry, Sylphie… L-Let's keep checking out the… crater."
S-Saik almost tripped. His body's trembling. Saik's definitely sick!
"L-Let's sit down."
"You tired? S-Sure, let's sit."
Trying to act tough? Don't worry, Saik—I'll never see you as weak! I know you're a strong guy! The strongest I know!
We sat on a bench, and I offered him one of the orange juices I bought.
"You need to hydrate."
"Thanks a lot."
He took it and started drinking… Saik's sweating a lot… Saik…
I put my hand on his forehead. He's burning up.
"Saik, we need to take you to a hospital."
"No… No… I hate hospitals… I don't wanna go… I'll be fine, this always happens."
It's true. He said the same thing before.
"We need to get you to a hospital!"
"No need, this happens every now and then. I'm used to it."
Saik… Why do you refuse to go to a hospital? If this happens often, it must be some illness.
"Sorry, Saik, but I'm calling an ambulance."
"You won't. I know you're worried, but I swear I don't have any disease."
"But it's not normal. A doctor needs to check you. Why do you refuse hospitals?"
"…My mom was a famous doctor. Look her up online—there's tons about her… Dr. Sam Norsai… She was one of the best doctors in the country, and even she didn't know why I get fevers. I stopped worrying about it since tests showed my body just heats up to burn bad fat. That's one reason I eat a lot and don't gain weight. I'll be fine, Sylphie. I just need… rest…"
"Saik?"
He… fell asleep? S-Saik's head is on my shoulder. I can feel his fever, but I-I think I'm getting a fever too. M-My face feels hot.
"I'm gonna sleep… I won't pass out… Just need a little sleep… Just a bit."
"Y-Yes. I-I'll watch over you."
"Thanks… a lot."
Poor thing. Living with this… Don't worry, Saik, I'll take care of you. I'll care for you as many times as needed. Just rest.
…Maybe… I-I've never done this, but I should. My shoulder's uncomfortable.
Carefully, I moved his head to my lap… My first time doing this… My first time… Oh, that sounded weird.
…He looks so cute sleeping… I'm still worried about his fever, but I'll trust Saik's words.
"Hope you recover soon."
Well… Oh… I don't know what to do. I'd love to watch him sleep more, but I don't wanna seem like a stalker… I know! Saik said his mom was beautiful—I wanna see her.
I pulled out my phone and searched for Saik's mom… Yup, found her… Wow… She was really beautiful… And her eyes are just as gorgeous as Saik's. He got that from her.
She was stunning… And has so many awards and honors… She was a big deal in her field… No wonder Saik knows millionaires and his house is huge—he was rich, though he told me that before. He said he sold everything and started a new life in another city. Leaving it all behind must've been tough.
Oh… Ahhh! Let's be clear—I fell for him before I knew he was rich! I'm not after his money! I'm poor but honest!
W-Well, better not think about that.
Wow… So many awards and recognitions. So many donations… She was even a model! Saik's mom was incredible!
…Huh?
There's a video online… "Sam's Rude Son"?
I opened it. It's from 8 months ago.
"Saik, Saik, please answer some questions!"
Reporters are hounding him. How rude! They don't even respect the privacy of a kid who lost his parents.
"Oh, I'm hungry. I want some cake."
"Now that you're living alone, what're your plans?"
"What'll happen to your mom's foundations?"
"Though a burger sounds good too… Maybe both."
Saik's not paying attention and just goes on with his life… He's ignoring them… That's not rude—it's common sense to ignore annoying people!
Saik sat on the ground and started playing on his phone, ignoring the reporters.
I fast-forwarded, but it's the same… An hour later, they gave up waiting for answers, and the video ended… He was never rude! If he didn't want to answer, they should've respected that and not kept pushing!
"That must've been a painful time for you, Saik. I admire how you stayed calm. In your shoes, I might've hit or insulted them… I think I admire you more."
A-And I fell for you more, but I won't say that out loud!
•
•
(Pov- Ram.)
…Ugh, I'm bored. The aquarium's huge, yeah, but that's all it's got. I'm tired of looking at fish.
But I can't leave yet—the idiot trio's still wasting time. I'd go back to the hotel alone, but someone's gotta watch these morons. If they do something stupid, I'll get dragged into it. I need to keep an eye on them.
Oh, I got a message. Must be important—nobody texts me with nonsense.
[The special trial will begin Wednesday, October 1st, and end Wednesday, October 22nd. As previously stated, students who reach the end of the trial on the island will earn 100 class points each; those at the camp and in the Capital will earn 50. The points awarded will depend on how many students don't drop out. You'll have online classes, so you won't miss school days. There'll be trials between classes where you'll compete for positive and class points. Remember: illegal actions or cheating will result in expulsion.]
Got it… Obviously, they'd keep regular classes—I didn't expect three full weeks off studying. But those trials between classes sound interesting. We could boost our class points and move up to Class A.
It's an opportunity we can't waste.
[There'll also be a special trial with limited participation. Students willing to risk expulsion for 1,000 class points and 5,000 positive points, please submit your full names. We won't reveal the trial's details yet—you decide if you'll take the risk. Limit one student per group, and all school groups can participate.]
1,000 class points and 5,000 positive points? That's huge, so the risk must be massive. If my theory's right, most participants will get expelled.
Ugh… I really want to join, but the risk's too high. If only I knew what the trial entails… Huh?
[Saik Norsai. Group 1-B.]
Ugh… Should've seen that coming. Saik's perfect for this—he's got a protection point, so he can join without risk. Knowing Saik, he could win, benefiting the class big time.
[Fanny Almenda. Group 3-A.]
The president's joining… A special trial… She didn't hesitate… She's probably joining because Saik is. I knew a showdown between them would happen someday, but it came too soon.
Saik vs. the president… Who'll win?
•
•
"Thanks for waking me, Sylphie. I owe you one. Almost missed a big opportunity… Want some candy or me to do your homework, my heroine?"
"Y-You're exaggerating. Don't worry, you don't owe me anything—that's what friends are for…! H-Hey, Saik, you sure about joining? The president's in."
"That's why I'm grateful you woke me. It's my chance to face the president and see her skills… Oh, by the way, your thighs are super comfy, Sylphie."
"T-Thanks…! Huh?! Saik, your nose is bleeding!"
"Oh… Was I thinking something perverted? Don't recall… Is some deep part of me a pervert? Sorry, Sylphie, guess I'm a pervert. I'm a disappointment to my late family."
"T-This has nothing to do with being a pervert! You're losing too much blood! You're not stopping! Kya! Even your ears are bleeding!"
"Oh… Could you call Miss Rosemary for me? I need… a doctor."
Saik closed his eyes, and Sylphie's tears fell on his face.
"Hold on, Saik!"
•
•
[Yo, Saik, your showdown with the president's coming sooner than I thought. You ready?]
"Hahahahahaha! Look, they're all spinning!" Naok laughed.
"Spinning?" Ram said.
Ram turned to the fish and confirmed Naok's observation. All the fish were spinning in place—an odd behavior, and Ram knows it.
"Something wrong with the water?" Ludius said, worried.
The ceiling shattered, debris crashing onto a woman and a young girl, killing them instantly.
"Damn it!!"
Everyone fled as the culprits rose from the ground.
"This can't be possible! You're not supposed to be this strong! Why can you keep fighting?!"
Both the wooden doll and Shadow were battered and exhausted but stood firm, showing no signs of surrender.
"In my family, we never give up. If I can defeat you, I won't stop until I do."
"That doesn't answer my question!!"
The negative energy touched the lifeless bodies of the mother and daughter, forcing their souls back.
Their bodies morphed, becoming zombie-like.
"Seriously? Your negative energy never ceases to amaze."
The wooden doll noticed Saik's classmates and smiled.
"This is for Hercules. Shadow's real name is Wolfstein!"
"Huh? So what? It's not like I have legal papers. I'm even undocumented here," Shadow said, playing along, unsure why she used that name.
"My Goddess… Why?! Why betray me?!"
She lunged at Shadow, and a new exchange of blows began.
Unfortunately, the police arrived. Bad news for them.
"Hands up, you're…!"
The zombies attacked, decapitating two officers with their bare hands.
Gunfire erupted, but it didn't harm the zombies.
"We need backup…! Ahhhhh!"
The police were no match for the zombies, but two people arrived to change the tide.
"Tch. What a pain."
"Mother, the witnesses are secured."
"Good… Let's finish this."
Andrea and Wilson Alvanem Rosa. Rosemary's daughter and grandson.
The zombies tried to attack, but they dodged and struck their stomachs.
The zombies went flying, and Andrea licked her lips.
"They're tougher than we thought, son."
"This'll be fun."
Andrea snapped her fingers, and over 50 Shadow Paradise members entered the aquarium.
"Let's get to work."
•
•
"Oh… How do I put this…? This is pretty disappointing, brother."
"You're right, sister. What do you think, Mike?"
"Tch. Seriously, that bitch spent years planning her attack? This makes no sense."
"Hehe. Let's not forget Saik's an unpredictable guy."
The Ghost Goddess's minions watched via hologram as the wooden doll and Shadow traded blows, showing no signs of stopping. Both fought with fists alone, no powers—a raw fight to the death.
Surprisingly, Shadow was enjoying it. The big grin on his face didn't fade.
"Never expected a little girl could give me a fight! You're incredible! Got another trick up your sleeve?! Come on, tell me your sad story, or at least think of your dear Hercules! That'll help you fight at full power! Don't underestimate me!"
"You don't deserve to say his name!! Shut up!!"
Her negative energy surged, surprising Mike.
"Wow… That girl had some serious hidden power. Why didn't she attack Saik herself instead of splitting her power with those monsters?"
"Because Saik would've killed her without issue," said the Ghost Goddess statue.
"Saik's legendary ghosts haven't returned to his body—they were weakened too much."
"But they won. And from what I see, Saik and that brat are evenly matched… A 1v1 with Saik at full power… Yeah, Saik would definitely win, brother."
"I admit, this exceeds my expectations. What do you think, Star?" Mike said.
"Hehe. I just think I call dibs on fighting Saik next," Star said, licking her lollipop.
"You've got Kaeyko—leave Saik to me and my sister."
"Don't forget I challenged him first—it's my turn!" Mike roared.
"Silence."
With one word, the Ghost Goddess silenced her minions.
"I warned you: if you fight Saik before the time I gave him expires, I won't help you, even if you beg, and I'll eliminate you if Saik tries to capture you alive."
"You won't interfere if we want to fight?" Mike said.
"No."
"Then why'd you interfere earlier when she tried to reveal Shadow's identity?"
"Because she broke her word, and I hate that. Saik passed the trials fairly—it wasn't right for her to go back on her promise."
"You're fairer than I thought… So, the wooden doll's really a little girl? You knew?"
"Obviously."
"Why's a kid like her got so much negative energy? She wouldn't tell Saik her story, so I hope you'll tell us, my Goddess."
"I'm with him. I can't make sense of it," Star said.
"Well, that fistfight won't end soon. I'll tell you the story of little Nancy, the wooden doll."
•
•
(Pov- The Ghost Goddess.)
Little Nancy was a girl unlucky enough to be born in 1955, during a time when racism was rampant—so extreme that people of color were denied healthcare and education.
People of color had to live together in small villages and towns to feel less inferior and more comfortable… or so they hoped.
Senseless hatred reached such heights that white people murdered people of color out of pure spite. Their villages and towns were invaded, and everyone, including children, was killed. The government completely ignored it, as people of color were deemed inferior and unimportant.
Nancy and her mother were among the few who survived one such attack and fled to another country, hoping to survive. Though the skin tone there was a mix of white and colored races, racism still existed, but less radically, which relieved Nancy's mother.
While Nancy's mother sold her body to feed her daughter, Nancy stayed home, playing with the only toy her father gave her: a wooden doll he found on the street.
That doll was her only memento of her father, whose sacrifice bought them time to escape alive.
Day after day, Nancy stayed locked in her house, playing with her doll, waiting for her mother to return from work.
Her mother came home at night, sometimes crying, sometimes bruised, feeling humiliated for enduring her clients' vile fetishes. But she wiped her tears, and a smile appeared when she saw her beloved daughter, not wanting her to worry. She hated selling her body—it was humiliating and painful. She wanted to be a role model, a mother with a normal job like others, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't find one.
Time passed, and nothing changed, but something in Nancy did.
She started hearing voices in her head, speaking a strange language she didn't understand. She thought she was going crazy but never told her mother to avoid worrying her.
It was the same every day… until one day, her mother didn't come home at the usual time. An hour later, she still wasn't back, worrying Nancy more.
Unable to wait, Nancy hugged her doll tightly and left to find her mother.
She walked and walked through the city, and after an hour, she found her… She found her mother's corpse, being urinated on by a dog.
A car had hit her, leaving her gravely injured on the pavement. The driver fled, and no one helped. Drivers ignored her, and passersby did the same, unwilling to aid a woman of color. She bled out, with no one trying to help.
"Mommy…? Mommy!"
Touching her lifeless body flooded Nancy's mind with her mother's final memories, filling her not just with sadness but hatred for everyone.
"Why do they hate us so much?! Why?!"
People ignored her. No one helped. No one comforted a poor girl who'd lost her parents… No one… They only felt disgust.
"Ugh. That Black woman stinks. Why hasn't anyone removed that thing from the pavement?"
"…We're not things… We're people!"
Nancy threw a rock at the woman who insulted her mother, hitting her head.
"Kya! Honey!"
"Fucking Black bitch!"
The woman's boyfriend punched Nancy in the face and kept hitting her on the ground.
"Why don't you die too?! Do the world a favor and die, Black girl!"
"Not worth it, honey. Let's go."
"Yeah… You're right."
The woman spat in Nancy's face, laughing at her.
Nancy could only cling to her doll, trying to endure her heart's pain. The man noticed and snatched the doll.
"Look at this thing. It's hideous."
"Give it back! It's mine!"
"You want it?"
He threw it to the ground and stomped on it, destroying Nancy's only memento of her father.
"N-No…"
Their laughter only made her feel worse… And "she" took advantage.
The soul of the first princess, Celestia Beleez Roalkon, inhabiting the wooden doll, emerged and possessed Nancy, corrupting her soul and body, merging with her.
Her mind was warped, erasing all traces of love, empathy, and kindness—any positive emotion—leaving only hatred and rage.
No genius needed to guess what happened next. Nancy wiped out the entire city alone, absorbing all the souls, condemning them to eternal suffering.
She was defeated by the Alvanem Rosa ancestors—or so they thought. She sealed her power in another wooden doll she crafted, and her ghost hid in a cave, living in solitude for years.
"Until she met Hercules."
The man who brought happiness back to little Nancy.
(Extra - Legendary Ghost Number 8, Ghost of Laughter.)
(Pov- Saik, age 6.)
"Ahhh! I told you, it's not happening! Stop asking!"
"Don't be mean, Saik, just a little! I wanna play on the swings too! Do it for your cute big sister."
"I won't!"
I'm sick of ghosts asking for favors! Did dying make them forget the word "no"?!
"Tch. Fine, I'll eat my lunch."
"Don't be rude! And I'm so nice to you—I even showed you my underwear!"
"What do I care about your underwear?!"
"Stop talking to yourself, pervert!"
A slap?! Why'd she slap me?!
"Uwaaah! Rossy, you crazy jerk! You want me to hit you too?!"
"Stop talking to yourself, you're freaking me out!"
"Tch. I'll eat my lunch alone."
I ran off… Everyone was staring at me weirdly… Whatever, I don't care.
"Hehe! Hahahahaha! Poor kid, no friends and they call him crazy."
"Number 1, I hear the voice of a pedophile who was okay with sleeping with a 6-year-old."
"Ahhh! Don't call me that! You threatened me—it's not fair! I'm not a pedophile!"
"You even stole my first kiss. Now I can't get married."
"Uwaaah! You're right, my first kiss was with you too! Ahhh! Gross!"
"Yeah, yeah. Blah, blah, blah."
I sat under a tree and opened my lunch… Delicious. Sausage sandwiches with double cheese… Oh, a piece of cake too. Gross. Why do they force me to eat sweet stuff?
"Number 7, want the cake?"
"Of course!"
She sat next to me and ate it… Well, she's eating slowly, and we're far from everyone. No one'll see us.
"So, any progress? My head's getting hot—I don't know if I can keep lending you my power."
"Oh, yeah, yeah! Some of my servants contacted 8 wielders, but 7 are way stronger than you—it's impossible to beat them with your current power… And I think they sensed my servants, so they know a wielder of Legendary Ghost Number 7 exists."
Number 7's power controls water. She made tiny water servants invisible to the naked eye and spread them across the country. I have to lend her my spiritual power to keep them active. It hurts my body and heats my head, but since it's just sustaining her servants, it's not as painful as absorbing a legendary ghost or using my spiritual power on myself. Plus, it's good training.
All humans need water, even legendary ghost wielders. The servants went house to house, hiding, waiting for everyone to drink water, then moving on. It took 8 days, but it worked. Since humans need lots of water, the servants didn't wait long.
"So, which wielder could I beat?"
"Know the comedian 'George Moon'?"
"Yeah, though my parents banned me from watching him. He's an adult comedian."
"He's the wielder of a weak legendary ghost whose power is just being funny. Legendary Ghost Number 8, the Ghost of Laughter."
…Legendary ghosts are so varied but also so weird. Some are useless.
"It won't help in a fight, but it'll boost my soul's power. Number 4."
She emerged from my body and saluted militarily.
"Yes, boss?! Got a job for me?! I'll do almost anything you order, except sex stuff! My body's illegal, and I wanna stay pure, boss!"
"Why does everyone think I'm a pervert?"
"You almost raped me and stole my first kiss!" Number 7 snapped, furious.
"Oh… Hmm… Guess I did seem like a pervert."
Though that strategy worked… I'll use it again, but I'll need to hide my real age for it to work better.
"Boss, you're cute and all, but I'm the kind of girl who just wants to eat and have fun. I'm not into men or women! Romance and sex don't interest me, so I suggest using Number 2 or Number 7 to satisfy you."
"Disgusting rapist pervert," Number 7 said, glaring with disgust.
"I'm not a pervert! Enough about that. Number 4, can you beat Legendary Ghost Number 8?"
"That useless joker who only makes people laugh? Of course I can."
"Number 7, use your power to drown the wielder. Number 4, defeat Legendary Ghost Number 8 and bring it to me. You'll get a big reward when you return."
"Ugh. Hope you don't mean your dick, pervert. Doubt it's big, kid."
"…No, I mean food and sweets, Number 7! And I'm not a damn pervert…! Ugh… Go now."
They flew off, and I looked up nervously. M-My dad's here for me.
"H-Hi, Dad. What'd I do now?! I didn't hit Rossy, I swear! Yeah, I hit Joe, but he deserved it for calling me a crazy weirdo! I had to defend my honor!"
"I'm here for you. We're going to your mom so she can check you."
"Huh? But I feel fine."
He unbuttoned my shirt… Oh… I see what he means.
"This isn't normal, Saik."
He means my perfect abs?
"Of course it's normal, Dad. I exercise a lot—it's obvious my muscles would improve."
"Why do you do it?"
"Well… Does there need to be a reason to want muscles?"
"You're 6, Saik. This could be bad…"
He touched my abs… His hands are freezing.
"Hehe. Jealous, Dad?"
"It's worse than I thought. I didn't believe Betty when she told me, but now I see it's no exaggeration… Saik, is this why you don't eat sugary stuff?"
"Yup. Gotta stick to my diet."
"…Are you hot?"
He touched my forehead and freaked out.
"Saik, you're burning up! Why didn't you say anything?!"
"S-Sorry."
He pulled out his phone. I-I think Mom's gonna yell at me now.
"Honey, get everything ready! Saik's burning with fever—it's not normal!"
Guess I'm sleeping in a hospital tonight.
•
•
…Ugh… This is boring… What time is it? 3 a.m.?
My parents are asleep on the floor… A hospital bed's uncomfortable. I feel fine…! Though the fever hasn't gone down.
"Wow. I'm jealous of your dad, Saik. Your mom's gorgeous. Think I just fell in love."
"Though Saik's dad is super cute… So cute. Makes me wanna protect him."
"A beautiful woman with a cute man. Nice combo. Too bad their son's a rapist pervert."
They're back, though I wish they'd stop insulting me.
…That fat guy with glasses and a hat is Legendary Ghost Number 8? Thought he'd be a clown.
"Here. Easier than I thought. This loser's useless."
I put my hand on his face and absorbed him.
Perfect… Uwaaah!
"Gross, he's vomiting blood! Get away, rapist pervert!"
Ahhh! I puked blood on my parents! They're gonna be mad!
"Huh…? Huh?! Saik?! Honey, wake up, Saik puked blood!"
Why didn't I swallow the vomit?! I won't get out of this hospital for days!
Oh well… At least I absorbed another legendary ghost.
8 legendary ghosts under my control. 92 to go.