"Ding—System Notification: You have successfully deceived the head of the Ryougi family, gaining something for nothing. Reward: 500 Villain Points. Reward: Mystic Eyes of Death Perception Skill Card Fragment x1 (Collect 3 to synthesize a complete Skill Card)."
"Ding—System Notification: You have successfully abducted the Child of Destiny, Ryougi Shiki, altering her fate. Reward: 500 Villain Points. Reward: Random Active Skill Card x1."
"Your current Villain Points: 2750. Please continue your efforts to accumulate more Villain Points."
Takashi Kuroda casually took some decent-looking items and funds from the Ryougi household before leaving. And the poor Ryougi Shiki was packed up and taken away along with those items.
Even Kuroda hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. His original plan was to use this compromise to prevent the Ryougi family from reneging, making it easier to trick Shiki away. After all, Kuroda had no interest in anything else from the Ryougi family—the only thing he coveted was Shiki herself.
Had the Ryougi family's long-cherished wish really driven its members to such madness? Why didn't Shiki seem interested in it at all? The little one was sulking, her head drooping and her cheeks puffed up in anger—clearly unhappy about being sold off.
"If you don't want to come with us, you can always go back," Kuroda said, shaking his head as he looked at her grumpy face.
It wasn't that he wanted to let his hard-earned prize slip away. Rather, Kuroda had no intention of forcing Shiki to follow him. As the saying goes, "A forced melon isn't sweet, but it's still edible..." Ahem—anyway, his initial plan was to build a genuine bond with Shiki. Even if he had been the one to propose taking her away, he would have found a way to make her follow him willingly.
"Go back? Why would I go back? That idiot father sold me off—what's the point in returning?" Shiki retorted irritably.
"Ah… but you don't seem happy about coming with us?" Kuroda said.
"I'm just mad that my father sold me, not that I'm leaving with you. I'm actually pretty interested in you. That black mist you conjured was fascinating," Shiki said coolly.
"You think my black mist is interesting?"
"Yeah."
"Want to learn it?"
"Sure! You'd teach me?"
"Can't. It's innate."
"Boring."
The conversation was simple, but it showed that Shiki had a strong personality and her own opinions. Her gloomy and reticent demeanor was just her way of showing disinterest in things that didn't matter to her.
Also, was her curiosity about his black mist truly her own thoughts… or "that one's" influence? Kuroda narrowed his eyes slightly as he observed Shiki, who had already returned to her usual silent self. He didn't dwell on it—now that he had successfully abducted her, as long as he nurtured their relationship, he wouldn't have to worry about major mishaps in this world.
"So, Ms. Aozaki, did I not promise you a fruitful day today?" Kuroda turned his gaze to the equally silent Touko Aozaki. He wasn't sure what was up with her—ever since he displayed his power, she had been unusually quiet. Logically, revealing his abilities should have piqued her interest.
"Mr. Kuroda's abilities have indeed broadened my horizons. They're certainly more valuable than any magical materials," Touko said with a faint smile before asking, "So, Mr. Kuroda, what was the second matter you mentioned?"
"The second matter… Well, we're here." Kuroda looked up at the name of the residence—"Asagami."
...
"Ding—Host engages in villainous behavior, abducting a girl in broad daylight. Heinous act. Reward: 50 Villain Points. Current total: 2800 Points."
Soon after, Kuroda emerged, carrying a sleeping purple-haired girl in his arms. The sight made Matou Sakura, also purple-haired, tilt her head curiously to examine the girl's face.
"What's this about?" Touko hadn't followed him inside, but she had sensed Kuroda using that power again—and now he had brought out another little girl.
Was this human trafficking?
"Don't worry. I gave them a little lesson, but I'm not some bloodthirsty monster," Kuroda said, looking down at the girl in his arms. "I'm sure someone of your insight can tell just how terrible this child's physical condition is and the kind of treatment she's endured. Of course, you can also see her extraordinary potential."
"..." Touko instinctively reached for a cigarette but stopped when she noticed the three children present. Annoyed, she put it away and scratched her head. "So, the second matter is that you want me to cure this little one and teach her how to properly use her abilities, is that it?"
"Your Garan no Dou must get pretty busy sometimes. Wouldn't it be nice to have an assistant?"
"Are you trying to pawn a daughter off on me? Why don't you take her yourself? You're already raising two kids—what's one more?" Touko retorted.
"It's not suitable. I can't teach her anything. And like you said, I've already got two kids—I don't have the energy to teach a third," Kuroda shrugged. "Just take her. She doesn't just have Mystic Eyes—she's also the last descendant of the Asagami family. She was taken in by the Asakami branch family after her mother remarried."
"Fine, she'll be an interesting one to train. So, what's your offer?" Touko asked.
"Huh? Aren't I giving you a free disciple?"
"You—" Touko had seen shameless people before, but never someone this shameless. Was he seriously trying to swindle her with nothing? Though she was intrigued by Kuroda and willing to befriend him, some of his remarks were truly hard to stomach.
"Alright, don't get mad. Let's head back to your workshop first. The condition I'm offering is an interesting piece of intel—just not something to discuss here," Kuroda said.
"Ding—You have altered Asagami Fujino's fate. Reward: 200 Villain Points. Current total: 3000 Points."
"Huh, the points are much lower than Shiki's. And one is a complete change, while the other is just an influence. Is this the difference between a heroine and a supporting character?" Kuroda mused to himself.
...
Back at Garan no Dou, Touko gave Fujino some basic first aid before letting her rest in a bedroom. She then returned to Kuroda and asked curiously, "Well? What's this intel you mentioned?"
"Sakura, Shiki, both of you go wait in the room and keep an eye on the little girl. Let me know when she wakes up," Kuroda said instead of answering directly, sending the two into the bedroom.
"Okay. Ryougi-san, let's go." Sakura was obedient and sensible. Knowing Kuroda didn't want them to hear the conversation, she took Shiki's hand and led her into the room, closing the door behind them.
"That kid's pretty well-behaved," Touko remarked, glancing at the bedroom.
"Yeah. Now, back to business. Ms. Aozaki, have you ever heard of… Araya Souren?" Kuroda interlaced his fingers, resting his chin on them as he watched Touko with interest.
"Araya Souren…" Touko's expression shifted slightly at the name. Not only had she heard of him, but she was also quite familiar with him. During her time at the Clock Tower studying runes and building her own workshop, she had crossed paths with him. In a way, they were former classmates.
However, Touko knew his personality well—stubborn as a rock, always wearing a troubled expression. A few months ago, he had even visited her, asking her to design an apartment complex for a bounded field. He claimed it was for his grand ambition, though Touko believed it was an impossible endeavor. Not that she cared enough to interfere. Since then, Araya had been busy with his "noble pursuit" and hadn't contacted her.
"From the way you're phrasing it, this intel is related to him?" Touko said slowly.
"Indeed. I heard he once commissioned you to design an apartment complex for him, all for the sake of his grand project—opening a path to the Root. Unfortunately, he failed," Kuroda said with a smirk.
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