She smacked his ass and herded him to the bathroom before he could protest against her being a maid. Yuki’s amusement only seemed to increase.
[It is highly recommended that along with your life mate and Harumi, consider marrying Yuki too. The more wives, the more god tier extras you gain access too, desu.]
Leave me alone, System, Clyde thought. As he showered, Alice casually joined him, with her flowery women’s shower gel and shampoo. Barely five minutes passed after soaping herself that she leaned against the young man and fell asleep.
"Alice," Clyde said playfully.
"Mmm, five more minutes," she murmured.
"Fine then." Clyde stuck two fingers inside her. She gasped and squeaked.
"Hey." The demoness fixed him with a blank glare. "We have class."
"Then wake up sleepyhead."
Chika simply barged in like it was nothing, grabbed Alice’s shower gel and washed. Clyde awaited the outrage, but it never came.
"My head is killing me," she said then leaned, back and ass-first, against Clyde’s raised horn. "Class is going to be painful."
Alice groaned.
"There’s a test next week… And I just enrolled."
"I’ll catch you up," Chika said softly.
"You’re the best," Alice replied.
Clyde decided not to interrupt the moment—the two women actually not clawing at each other’s throats for once.
"If it weren’t for this headache—I’ll risk us going to class late," Chika said to Clyde. She rubbed against his mountain, teasing. She even allowed it to slide just a little inside, gasped and giggled. His control began to slip.
"You humans," Alice said. "Don’t fool around with him or we really will be late."
Chika shrugged.
"Like I said, headache. Otherwise, I’d do something about that." She grabbed Clyde’s horn. "I should’ve brought my bag of tools."
"What even happened last night?" Alice said.
Clyde winced against his headache.
"Too much of Yuki’s bottle."
"It was so strong, but the sweet and tart aftertaste made it irresistible," Chika said.
"I have a feeling we did something weird…" Alice shrugged. "Oh well, let’s go. Harumi’s probably waiting for us."
"She went back to her place for a shower," Chika said. "Yuki couldn’t convince her that skinship is okay."
Clyde tried not to gape. Too bad those two wouldn’t appreciate Yuki’s sense of humor. He couldn’t help but picture the demoness and large breasts, nice thighs, and all over him. Dammit school, he thought, and damn this world for turning me into a super-pervert.
After dressing, he dragged-ass into the kitchen. Since Yuki hopped into the shower, he’d grab an apple for breakfast. It should hold for a bit.
To his surprise, four cups awaited on the table. Three of them were filled with a bubbling transparently liquid. There awaited a note on the table from Harumi.
Something to help with the hangover.
Clyde wasted no time downing his.
[Normally, hangovers cannot be cured by magic alone, but Harumi’s refresh was infused with the drink. Your hangover has been cured.]
He made sure the others drank theirs before leaving. Harumi met them as they stepped out. It was a windy day with a sky full of thick clouds. Fewer people were out than normal, traffic slow. The group chatted mostly about the upcoming test.
[Let it be known that you were placed in the school for a reason. Scoring at the top of the board will invoke special opportunities, increase hidden reputation with all professors and the academy, and increase your charm with the students. Failing the test will slide you toward the image of delinquent. Unknown consequences for that. If you somehow best Chika, you will automatically become top student.]
Clyde was the top student at his prior college, but all of the subjects were from his world. He learned a lot about Satovia, but the silver-haired girl still had home advantage. Well, there’s nothing wrong with trying. He sure as shit didn’t want to score on the lower end of the chart. Chika wasn’t his only threat. Alice could give her a run for her money and it wouldn’t be a surprise to the young man if she took number one. But, they still had the upper hand, being apart of the class longer.
Upon reaching the gates, Sazuki stood, glaring at them, arms folded.
"I have questions for you."
[Volume 3.] Episode 20 (Part 6)
Toru and Seth joined them instead of waiting at the usual spot. They ignored Sazuki’s glare. Harumi’s look of defiance spoke for the entire group. Chika snorted, openly revealing her distaste. The student council president led them off to the side, out of dodge to an area with a bench. Nobody sat, but probably because the autumn wind made the bench feel like ice.
"I hope you have a really good reason to waste my time," Chika said with deadly promise in her voice. Sazuki ignored her, though she looked as if she strained not to fire back.
"There are rumors flying around about Maki, Clyde, and bits and pieces about you," Sazuki said. "The dean urged me to just confront you about them, mere rumors. Normally it’s not something we’d care about, but this morning during early-rise classes, a girl suddenly ripped off her clothing and declared a new religion under Maki. We restrained her—found out she was running a terrible fever, at least that’s what it seemed, and sent her home. For some reason, the dean gave her a warning instead of suspending or expelling her. Two more incidents occurred with girls ripping off their clothing, laughing and declaring Maki their goddess. One of them said ‘death to Clyde,’ stoning and some other gibberish. She too had a bad fever. Connecting that and the rumors of girls being sexually assaulted…Something nasty is going on Clyde and you’re at the center of it. So fess up or the police will make you do it."
Indignation flared into the young man.
"Isn’t it obvious?" he snapped, "she’s crazy. I don’t even know the girl—she invited me to her party, I declined. Then she started making advances, but I’m just not interested—let her indulge in that ridiculous fan club, I don’t fucking care. But I will not sit here and be threatened by some bullshit and rumors."
Sazuki sighed.
"You’re the first man in the school to actually ignore that diva." She nodded to herself. "I can see why Harumi hangs around you. They flock to Maki like goofballs while she pretends to be nice and caring—it’s infuriating! It’s like the men can’t see what she’s really like. Rub her the wrong way and she’s nasty. Snobby bitch."
Clyde and his friends gaped at the student council president. She continued the rant for another twenty seconds then let out a breath.
[Your relationship with Sazuki has increased to friendly- respect.]
Sazuki nodded to herself as if deciding something.
"No one saw her on campus this morning and despite our strict attendance policies, she has enough influence to do whatever she wants. She even has family controlling the law."
"Not for long," Chika said. "Or did you forget my family’s more powerful than hers. And we contributed much more to this city. Just you wait—my father’s already investigating matters."
"Really? Well now," Sazuki said.
Chika sniffed.
"Learn to be a president for once. Wave the power you were given—or give it up, I don’t care."
She shoved her way past Sazuki, muttering to herself.
"Chika wait up," Seth said, following. He started to talk to her about something as they entered the building. Chika looked as if she had zero fucks to give.
"That girl hated me even before I became president," Sazuki said. Her softness lasted only a moment, but Clyde saw a world’s worth of beauty there and stories. "Go on to class. I’ll call you if you’re needed. If you can, try avoiding Maki."
"Don’t speak the impossible," Clyde said, a tad weary.
Sazuki blinked, seeming to take something in account then she shrugged.
"We’ll see." She started toward the entrance, only to stop to lecture
some passing students violating school regulations.
Clyde looked at his phone and noticed a missed call from Melody and a text message. He read it as they walked.
Melody: Hi Darling. I’m sorry for contacting so early in the morning, but in case I don’t see you in school today, I just wanted to warn you that I felt my father’s presence in the city last night. I don’t know why he’s here—Hades is gone, but that’s very concerning. Please be careful. You may attract him simply because of what you are.
Clyde gulped then passed the warning to his friends. He texted Chika and Seth so that they wouldn’t miss out. While Melody’s father should have no reason whatsoever to bother them, he’d at least heed the warning.
The school day seemed like it was going to be fine and normal, that was until his Sciences class. A girl began to giggle uncontrollably when professional mentioned death in humans. She ripped off her clothing, eyes filled with madness. In fact, that even glowed.
"I worship the great goddess Maki! Death to the Stone, death to the Stone! Maki is ascending to goddess." She ran right into a wall, knocking herself out. As everyone got over the initial shock, the professor was on the phone. Clyde assumed he was calling the ambulance. When a man showed up instead with a blanket and Sazuki behind him, he immediately knew the plot. They were covering the incidents up to protect the academy’s reputation.
"Her parents are on the way," he said. He seemed to flaunt his gold DEAN badge pinned to his shirt. Fuckery to its finest and whatever Maki did only made things worse. Alice made eye contact with Clyde, worried.
The rest of the classes went by uneventful, lunch at in silence. Clyde’s crafting level increased after his last class. He decided that he’d gather the materials from the former Ashfall estates.
[Congratulations, you have reached crafting level 5. You can now craft complicated items.]
[Quest: craft 1 complicated item. This quest is mandatory and cannot be refused. Reward: unknown.]
It was four in the afternoon, one hour until his meeting with this Ming. Clyde and the others headed home first to drop off bags and change into something casual. He wouldn’t count on her simply handing over the Omen’s Sphere without a catch. Whatever bullshit this Ming had planned, he didn’t have time for it.
Maki’s house…
Lady Mei Ashfall felt lost, pathetic, full of shame. She originally came to the city to thank her hero and convince him to rule in Ashfall’s stead. She even considered marrying him just to help keep things running. Somehow the young woman ended up staying longer, getting lost into Maki’s embrace. There were limits, lines that shouldn’t have been crossed—and the display with the Stone didn’t help her cause.
That wasn’t what worried Mei. She rolled to the side, in Maki’s bed, attempting to ignore the streaking sunlight with her pillow. That presence…those words. She only pretended to be sleep the prior night, hoping Maki would be up for another round. She was a demoness with cravings after all. Not that she minded men, but preferred Maki.
Somehow her pupil gathered Black Ki—something that was supposed to be impossible to all but the tainted ones and their servants. Maybe even a fallen angel or devil could wield it, but humans, shouldn’t be able to. She sensed no taint in Maki—the girl was still herself, just…obsessed. Just… yandere, one of the most dangerous and thrilling human beings of all time.
Black Ki…forbidden, dangerous. Oh Venus, how did this happen to her, Mei thought. And now Maki’s simply going to carry out the voice’s plans without questioning it? Without snapping out of her obsessions to realize that she took things way too far. She tasted whatever power it offered and desired more.
Mei jumped up. There was only one type of being that could give Maki such power and frighten the demoness enough to root her in bed. She wasn’t sure if compulsion was used or not, but she needed to warn the Stone. Maki was about to do something drastic.
[Volume 3.] Episode 21 (Part 1): Hardened Heart.
Clyde along with Alice, Chika, Harumi, and Yuki, stepped into the ramen shop. To the eyes of the civilians, they were the typical group of college students that ate there all the time. They spotted Tyrone sitting in front of an incredibly pretty black-haired young woman with the most startling eyes. One eye was red, the other blue. The dual eye trope. He pretended not to see the book she hid behind her that had two muscled men on the cover.
Clyde and his party sat at the table next to Ming and Tyrone. Tyrone made the introductions.
A waitress smiled warmly at them and asked for their orders. Her smile lingered on Clyde much longer than the others.
"So, how can I help you?" he said after the attendant left. Ming heavily blushed. Tyrone sighed.
"Now that you’re in front of him, all of that ego is drained," he said.
"Oh hush," Ming said then reached into a purse. She pulled out a glowing yellow-orange glass ball the size of a grapefruit. "It’s a variant but definitely an Omen’s sphere." She held it up, closed her eyes as if wincing and said, "marry me!"
Everyone nearly fell back on their chairs, including the civilians. Tyrone facepalmed hard.
[Ming has proposed to you? Accept? Warning, it is not recommended to accept without first having sex with her.]
Clyde’s wiped the tiny trickle of blood that flowed from his nose. He also wanted to die of embarrassment. Alice was laughing so hard, tears dotted the sides of her eyes. Ming hid her face in her hands.
"I must marry the legendary figure and present him with the sphere," she said. "A silly dream really, you could’ve been a girl or an old fart, crushing it instantly."
Chika snorted.
"Better find new dreams because you’re not getting this guy."
Ming glared at her then gaped.
"Are you…the daughter of—"
A furious glare from the silver-haired young woman shut her up.
"If I wanted to flaunt riches and material possessions, I would’ve done so," Chika said. " But I don’t care about things like that."
"Words from the top student herself," Yuki said. "Admirable."
"Your dream is sweet," Harumi said, "but you shouldn’t place it on a stranger."
"You girls sound like you’re trying to keep him to yourself," Ming said. "Well, I won’t give up. Maybe…we can start off as friends."
"No, go away," Alice said. "I’m barely tolerant with these two."
"No need to be rude," Harumi said half-heartedly. She looked as if she agreed with Alice, but just wanted to be polite.
Ming glared at them.
"I’m willing to wager that I can—"
"Enough," Tyrone said. "Kazumi’s waiting at my place and I don’t want to sit in here all day. Just give him the sphere and get to making the next chapter—"
"Shh!" Ming covered his mouth with both hands, dropping the sphere back into her purse.
"You’re a writer?" Chika said.
"A writer and mangaka," Tyrone said after he moved her hand away.
Chika perked up.
"Hmm, what’s your name again? You can’t purpose to Clyde and not have a full name."
"Ming Chew," Tyrone said.
Chika’s mouth dropped then she grabbed Ming’s hands.
"Go home, right now. I need the next volume of Happy Love Ever After. Oh and the Loli Saga’s pretty great too."
Ming hissed at her to keep the mention of her name low. So she wrote the Loli Saga? Clyde thought. The edge lord would be begging for autographs.
The waitress returned, handing everyone their bowls. Clyde commended her for balancing so many bowls on one tray without even so much as a flinch.
"Would you like to try our company’s special sauce?" the waitresses said, holding up a bottle of clear liquid with a strange label on it. "It’s normally expensive, but for you, it’s on the house. Adds a nice kick and flavor boost to your noodles."
He considered accepting it, moved by the kindness of the waitress and the jealous glares from the other girls until a familiar ability unexp
ectedly triggered. Trap detection. This was the last skill he’d ever want to go off in a fucking restaurant—and especially a very good one like the ramen shop.
[Warning, substance in bottle is not company sauce, but vaginal fluid.]
Clyde’s eyes widened.
"I’m good," he said, not feeling his bowl of noodles. The detection at least didn’t go off for them.
"I insist," the waitress cooed, leaning over him with the bottle raised.
"No—I don’t want your vagina sauce," he hissed. The waitress grinned widely. People began to either look away from the table or leave the restaurant, without so much as peeking over to the area of the noisy group. Like a certain phenomenon. The waitress shimmered in a display of sparkles and magic and the illusion dropped.
Maki stole a kiss from the young man while he gaped, baffled, perhaps even confused. She did not…feel like herself. The Ki that radiated from her felt wrong—too wrong. It was like staring down into the pit of Hell or at the scene of a terrible mass murder. Those feelings combined with fear and despair and a sense of the forbidden.
"Ugh, it’s really a shame we cannot have sex right now," Maki said, "not until I’m fully turned into a goddess."
Everyone jumped up, except Ming.
"Maki…what’s going on?" she said confused.
"You know her?" Chika said.
"She’s my cousin," Ming said.
Maki winked at her cousin.
"I’ll be taking that Omen’s sphere if you don’t mind. Someone important wanted me to make use of it, so I will."
The Anime Trope System: Stone vs. Viper, #3 a LitRPG (ATS) Page 15