Fanfiction by: Final_Order
Delusional Multiversal Travels
Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Chapter 2
- - -
Following the Knights, I had come to my quarters.
It wasn't anything grand; it looked like a typical one-person room.
Like the rooms you get at cheap hotels. But I wasn't one to complain.
I threw my bag onto the bed, bringing out some equipment hidden beneath my books stacked on top.
[Shadow Storage].
Now that I think about it, for a special ability called Night-Walker, it was quite overpowered.
I could create a mini subspace inside a shadow and dive into shadows.
On a higher level, I could coat myself in darkness and be immune to physical attacks.
Thanks to [Analysis Lv.2].
But that's all I can see now.
[Shadow storage] only had about five slots currently, and it couldn't hold any mass bigger than a standard filled backpack.
On that note, my backpack with a lot of illegal substances for school can be kept there.
"Yatta!"
My survival knife will take another spot.
[Special Ability]: [Night-Walker]
[Subskill]:
○ [Shadow Manipulation Lv.1 (+)]
○ [Stealth Lv.1]
○ [Weapon Mastery Lv.1]
I quickly glanced across my skill sheet using [Analysis Lv.2], and with this, I could pretty much sneak across the entire castle.
Of course, that's if there is nobody with sensory abilities that can sense hidden people.
And even if there are, I'd use analysis beforehand.
But again, just to be extra sure, I need to know what all these skills can do before making a move.
[Shadow Manipulation (-)]
-Unlocked-
○ [Shadow Storage (5 slots)]
○ [Shadow Step Lv.1]
○ [Shadow Sense]
-Locked-
Requirement: Class Upgrade.
○ [Body Double]
○ [Shadow Control]
○ [Matoi Kajiri (Clad in Shadows)].
Thanks to analysis, I could try to disseminate what all these skills could do, but seeing as there are levels would mean…
I'd be grinding skills from beginner level to whatever level. But still, the requirements are different.
There's no 'exp' to grind for. Perhaps it depends on how I use it; being more experienced would level the skill up.
Or so I think.
Just trying to wrap my head around that is painful on its own.
Yosh. Time to stop thinking.
As I stopped racking my brain, I went towards the window, looking outside.
It was relatively evening. I'd say about 4 PM to 5 PM. No sweats, there's still enough—
Knock! Knock!
"Or maybe not."
I muttered as I looked towards the wooden door. Who could be knocking on my door?
Nakatani?
Currently, among everyone in that class, he's the only one I'd entertain as a guest.
So, with that in mind, I walked towards the door, putting my hand on it. My lips curled into a smile as I opened the door.
"Hi~"
As I did, looking at the person in front of the door, my smile vanished, replaced by a scowl as I closed the door.
"Hey, come on."
"I just want to talk."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Akane Sajo…
No doubt she came to me because of what happened a few moments ago. Yet, it still feels suspicious.
Incredibly suspicious.
I can't shake the feeling that there's more to her visit.
Knowing her, just because I caught her off guard doesn't mean I'd been granted an audience with her.
Plus,
With her [Observation Sight], I know that her abilities mirror my own [Analysis]. At the very least, that's what my skill tells me.
"Mou~ Come on, don't be rude to me~"
Tsk. Ugh, fine.
I hadn't moved from the door; I was leaning against it, but once I made up my mind, I swung it open.
"Thanks~"
She leaped inside without waiting for an invitation.
"Well, it's been a tough day, hasn't it?"
She causally said that as she strolled over to my bed, sitting on it and even lying down defenselessly.
'Is she trying to test me?'
I thought with a weary sigh.
"Cut the crap. What do you want, Akane?"
"Wow, that's pretty cold, and you're already on a first-name basis, how daring of you."
She propped herself up, flashing me a smile before she went on.
"Or is it due to your unique ability, or perhaps the others that are hidden from my view?"
"Oh? You can see those ones too?"
I replied with feigned astonishment, leaning back against the wall as I continued with narrowed eyes.
"Then... what brings you here?"
Her smile grew more significant as I spoke, and she glanced around.
"I know you have a skill similar to [Observation Sight]; that was the only thing I could make out from your glitched skills, and earlier, I saw you talking to Nakatani-kun."
"Just get to the point."
I was no longer surprised. She had the ability to see everyone's skills through her [Observation Sight].
That included me, with my glitched abilities as she calls it, and Nakatani's absorption skills.
She's dangerous.
"Hmm. Then you know that Nakatani's skills are restricted."
Akane swung her legs over my bed as she cast a meaningful glance at me.
With another sigh,
"That's right, following this route, Nakatani will most likely be exiled, I take it, considering how that boyfriend of yours treats him; now his target seems to be on me."
I said this with my arms wide open as I watched her rise from the bed, moving closer to me, standing right in front of me.
"Boyfriend? No. Originally, I thought you to be a weirdo; I'm glad I thought wrong of you."
I raised an eyebrow at her words.
Typical of her to do. Literally textbook manipulation. Of course, were this a guy doing this to a girl, it'd be seen as weird.
For a fact, if she used this against the otaku of our class, they'll fall; even Miyamoto would fall.
And the only reason why he would be is because he is that type of person.
I don't mind a relationship with a girl, but if it had to be one. It should be one I can get along with.
[Match made in deception, huh?]
What was it?
Trying to befriend me so she could find out more about me and my abilities? That seemed to be the case.
At the very least, what I think.
Or am I thinking too much into it?
No, I don't think so. After all, she's looking at me with that sly, calculating, and alluring expression.
I noticed her eyes gradually widen before transforming into a smile.
"At this point, I can no longer be surprised by you."
"Exactly, my ability allows me to discern the purpose behind thoughts and concealed intentions, and like you, I've also seen through it."
Yet, she remains silent.
No, she has no choice but to stay silent.
We are but students; even if she exposes the kingdom's secrets, who would shelter a bunch of students with superpowers without any ill intentions?
So she ran to me for something akin to refuge, huh?
"So, that's why you came to me, huh? So, what is it? Do you want to use me?"
For some reason, as I said that, I felt something build up in my eyes.
At the same time, I felt my Shadow stirring; I also noticed her gaze linger on my Shadow for a brief moment.
Then she looked at me with a smile.
"That's not why I came."
"Let's work together; I can tell we're suited for each other."
"No, let me put myself at a disadvantage by saying, 'let me help you'~"
She said this while leaning closer to me, her chest brushing against mine as she leaned in further.
If her skill lets her also read hidden intentions, then even my intentions had long been read since she possessed her skills.
"So, you want my strength to protect yourself?"
"Yes. Also our classmates too. Though I may look like this, I care a lot about everyone."
"Or so she says, haah, still sure, but I can't say the same of troublemakers and power-hungry people."
"Miyamoto, Onizuka and gang? Sure, I don't mind."
As she said that, she pressed her lips against mine.
She had been pressing her chest against mine, and I wasn't particularly against forming relationships with girls.
Especially when the girl takes the initiative to approach me first. Now that I'm aware of her intentions, at least on the surface...
I can understand why she would be seen as a fitting partner for me. Moreover, she has mentioned it herself.
But stillz
Before possessing this skill, most of us had known she'd always been an enigma.
She was only close to Miyamoto for using him, I'd have guessed.
Perhaps, amongst all our classmates, maybe I really am the only one that can understand her.
"Mhmm."
Not to mention, she was undeniably fierce… Her hand encircled my neck while my hand held her hips.
We finally parted from the kiss after what felt like a moment.
"With this, the agreement has been sealed."
She said this while licking her lips before leaning into me for another brief kiss before ultimately pulling away.
As she stepped out of my embrace, I couldn't help but feign surprise, gently brushing my bangs aside.
To refer to a kiss as a deal… I should have anticipated that. I couldn't help but think.
"That's right, Saya and Nagisa, isn't it? I must admit, you have excellent taste."
Her words pulled me from my reverie, and I noticed her leaning towards me, hands behind her back, wearing a mischievous smile.
Her comments left my mouth agape for a moment. They were far too suggestive for me to ignore.
"What? Are you going to tease me?"
"Of course not~ I could also lend you a hand, you know~?"
"Cut to the chase and tell me what the kingdom's next move is for us."
Since I wasn't paying attention, I overlooked some crucial information that I really should have caught.
"Haah, what a boyfriend I have here~"
[Akane Sajou]
[Status to host: Depending, curiosity]
She let out a dramatic sigh, prompting me to roll my eyes before she carried on.
"Starting tomorrow, we'll begin training our skills and learning how to fight. Simple enough, right? And that's pretty much all there is to it."
She declared, extending her arms wide.
Miyamoto, that idiot, was quick to sell us out without a second thought—
No, blaming that Hero Complex person is pointless.
"I suppose things will be easy for you, won't they?"
"Hehe. Even though I'm not really a fighter, I can be quite helpful as support."
"At least you're safe, but I'm concerned about my friend."
As I mentioned the word friend, I noticed Akane wince as she suppressed a laugh.
"You mean Nakatani?"
"Yeah, I'd really like to assist him in training. After all, if there's anyone I can't stand, it's Onizuka, right? I think you know what I mean."
"Hm~ That makes sense. In that case, I'll see you tomorrow. Minase will be anxious if she doesn't see me~"
She said, giving me a wink and a wave as she exited the door.
As she opened it, we both spotted another person standing in front of the door.
The person froze, but Akane didn't seem to care as she winked at them and walked away.
'Is she expecting me to handle the fallout?'
I thought with an exasperated sigh as the second unpopular guy walked in, looking surprised.
"What? Stop that ridiculous expression of yours along with the door."
I said that while giving him a sharp look, and the boy nodded quietly in response.
"Alright."
As he complied, I gestured for him to come over to the bed while I settled into a chair next to it.
"I know you have a lot of questions, so feel free to ask."
With a playful smirk, along with my legs crossed and arms folded, I said that.
"Uhm. About coming to this world and everything you mentioned… How did you know?"
I shrugged my shoulders.
"I just knew."
While I was aware that my answer probably didn't clarify much, why should I reveal more?
While I wouldn't reveal much about how I know, I can certainly hint to him about matters regarding him.
"Regarding your powers and how I knew, both Akane and I have the ability to 'see things', so we were already aware."
"She was also here to talk about the condition of this kingdom; you see, the King and his ministers CANNOT be trusted; that is what we observed."
I noticed him swallow hard, clearly anxious.
Nakatani is clever enough to connect the dots on his own.
He glanced at me with unease, as if he wanted to pose a question but ultimately held back.
"As for you, on the other hand, I will train you. I already have around eight years of experience, and even with your skills being locked, I will prepare you to become a fighter before long."
I spoke without much consideration, yet I noticed a slight tremor in his eyes and body.
For someone like me, who can read body language, it was clear he was taken aback.
"W-why… Why are you doing all this for me?"
"Why? Is there any reason to despise those spineless individuals? No. Therefore, I have resolved to train you."
And if he, in a way, would somehow become a hero in the future, then that tells me something interesting is going on with you.
This is also a way for you to owe me something.
I expect you to take an interest, Nakatani; make this world… Make my world captivating.
[Time until otherworld skill re-activation: 100 days: 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds]
Once again, seeing this panel appear before me...
Good grief. As I suspected, I wasn't the one in trouble. This world itself was.
Yet, I still feel relieved it turned out this way.
That previous world had held me back for far too long.
"Akane, Nakatani, let's seize the opportunities this world offers."
I declared as I found myself alone, my shadows swirling around me while a smile escaped my lips.