A/N: Sorry, this chapter was supposed to come out Wednesday, but I forgot. Football conditioning is mentally draining too, y'know?
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-Activated first curse, [Elders Gaze]-
-Activated first blessing, [Death Instinct]-
Suisei's face went cold, and an overwhelming sensation urged me to duck my head. It wasn't forcing me, but I had a feeling not following the urge would have catastrophic consequences.
In a split second I made my choice, and the moment I bent my waist, a shimmering, golden after-image cleaved through the space where my neck was just a moment ago.
I saw strands of my own hair fall to the ground.
"Eh? What just-"
-Activated first blessing [Death Instinct]-
The sensation returned as something told me to jump backwards as hard as possible. I obeyed, and narrowly avoided having my skull caved in by a golden axe.
It split the floorboards with a terrifying sound, thoroughly imbedding itself. The loud crack brought me to my senses, and I finally realized what was happening.
I almost died. Suisei nearly lopped my head off in the fraction of a second I was distracted. I didn't even see her pull the axe out.
I felt a warm liquid drip down my face. I didn't even need to see it to know that it was blood.
I realized right there that without this "death instinct", I'd have been dead before I even knew it.
"In that case..."
I turned my ass right around and hit the fuckin jets!
What do you expect me to do? Throw a jab?? If she catches me, I'm cooked!!!
Thankfully, those floorboards must have been quite strong, as it took her a couple seconds to rip out the axe, giving me a much needed head start.
However, once it was out, Suisei quickly began pursuit.
And she was fast.
In just a couple of seconds, she had gained significant ground. It was clear she would catch up eventually.
Seeing the clear speed difference, I debated on what to do until she stopped in place, much to my confusion, and took a throwing stance.
-Activated first blessing [Death Instinct]-
"Ain't no fucking way!!"
An intense golden light glowed from the axe as it traveled down the hall much faster than I thought it would. It literally left a light trail for fucks sake!
Just as I hit the deck, the door next to me opened, and out stepped the brown haired dog girl.
"Huh?"
When I ducked down, the first thing she saw was a flying golden axe.
"UWAH!!"
She held out her hands, and caught it between her palms.
"Suisei, what the heck!?"
At the voice of someone she knew, Suisei's eyes began to clear up.
"Huh? Korone?"
"What are you doing just throwing your axe around!? People could get hurt!"
"Ah... Sorry. I was just trying to kill this guy."
They both looked down at me, who was still crouched and had his hands over his neck.
"Ah? I think I know you...? No, wait! Why are you trying to kill him?!"
At that suisei thought for a moment, before shrugging.
"I... Don't know?"
"The fuck do you mean "you don't know"!?"
I shouted angrily, completely disregarding my earlier caution around her.
"How are you gonna almost kill a guy and then go 'i dunno?' Is the weight of my life that light to you!?"
"Wait a second Mister! Please calm down!" The dog girl attempted to mediate.
"How do you expect me to calm down!? I nearly lost my head! Thrice!!"
I whipped around to meet Korone in the eyes.
...
Oh.
-First Curse [Elders Gaze]-
-Third Blessing [Can't Stay Down]-
I was knocked out again.
.....
....
...
..
.
I awoke with a start, sweat dripping down down my face as memories of the day passed through my mind.
I looked around, and sighed.
"I'm still alive..."
I tried sitting up for a moment, but a sharp pain in my head made me reconsider.
"Damn, did I get a concussion?"
That dog girl is wicked strong, seriously.
"Ugh, what even is my life anymore..."
Are near death experiences just common in this world? Or is my luck that fucked? This is the second time I'm waking up in a hospital bed in the week I've been conscious.
"And it's all these damn eyes' fault..."
At this moment, I seriously considered gouging them out myself.
What kinda twisted curse is this? Which sick fuck decided to make something like this and give it to me!?
I actually think it'd be less painful to just rip them out now, rather than deal with whatever fuck-shit they might incur later.
"Seriously, how am I gonna live like this? It's a godamn manhunt every time I look at someone funny..."
As I dragged a hand down my face, contemplating my next move, the door to the small room creaked open. However, I kept my eyes on the ceiling.
"Um, excuse me?"
"Sigh..."
"Ah, you're awake!"
The familiar voice gave me everything I needed to figure out who it was.
"You're the dog chick right?"
"Well, that's not inaccurate... but my name is Inugami Korone!"
"Ms. Inugami, got it. Why are you here."
"Eek..."
My sharp tone might have stung her a little, but I was in a real shit mood, and I didn't want to accidentally trigger [Elders Gaze]. This was a defense mechanism to make her leave as soon as possible.
"If you have nothing to say, please leave."
"That's not it... We just wanted to say sorry."
"For what, smashing my face in the first time? Or for doing it again?"
"..."
Okay, maybe I'm overdoing it. But what does she mean "We"? She speaking French?
Anyways, I decided to pivot strategies. I don't like being mean to women, specifically when I'm not actually that mad.
Let's go with plan B.
This girl seems like one of those real conscious types. She'll probably leave if I give her what she wants.
I sighed. "Okay. It's fine, I forgive you."
"I know you may not- huh!? Just like that!?"
"Just like that."
"... Uhm, still, I want to make it up to you."
"Oh, how so?"
"Well, I didn't exactly know what you'd want, so..."
"So you came to me to ask?"
She nodded happily. "Yes!"
"No need."
I shot her down immediately. I don't need anything like that.
"What!? But, we nearly killed you y'know!? I can't just do nothing!"
"Alright."
Plan C then.
"Give me 12.8 million dollars."
"... Eh?"
I said nothing more.
The room fell into silence, as Korone tried and failed to decipher whether or not my words were a joke.
Eventually, she had to ask.
"... Are you seriou-"
"Dead ass."
Korone closed her mouth, and seemed to be internally struggling with something.
Finally, she spoke up.
"Uhm, it might take me a couple of years to get the money, is that alright?"
"..."
For real?
It wasn't a genuine request, it was a sort of ultimatum. Give me everything you have, or drop this whole 'make it up to you' thing.
You weren't supposed to give me your life savings. I was shocked at the dog girls extreme generosity.
Or, stupidity?
I could only sigh as I took on a more lighthearted tone.
"... I was joking. Please don't do that."
"Ohhh! Okay!"
She let out a small "phew..." that she thought I couldn't hear.
Believe it or not, I don't have the habit of putting others into financial ruin. As someone who's in that pit right now, I can tell you, it ain't fun.
So I'll try plan D.
"Jeez, you really scared me Oji-san! I was really prepared to dip into my life savings!"
"Well, isn't it good that you don't have to? I'm glad you came to visit, but I need to rest. I'll be seeing ya Miss Inugami."
"Ah, yeah, see you Oji-san."
She turned around and grabbed the door knob before realizing.
"Hey, wait! I still need to compensate you!"
I'm out of plans. Why won't she leave me alone?
"Do you really need to compensate me? I already forgave you, and it's partially my fault anyway."
"No! I have to! My conscience won't leave me be otherwise!"
Well, isn't she nice?
But even if she asks that, there's not much she can do for me.
The only thing I really need is a way to counter this curse.
Ah.
Hmm?
"Hey, if you really wanna help me out, can you get me a pair of sunglasses? The darkest tint you can find."
"Sunglasses? Sure, I can do that! But what do you need them for Oji-san?"
... I figured that would be self explanatory, considering she was one of the few people to actually get hit by the curse.
"When you looked into my eyes earlier, what did you feel?"
"Uhm... Disgust, fear, and a lot of bad stuff. It's hard to describe."
"Then that answers your question."
Korone seemed to think for a second before she lit up.
"Ohhh, you want to cover your eyes so that doesn't happen!"
Was it that hard to figure out?
"Can you get them?"
"Yes, I can do that! I think I actually have some sunglasses in my room, I'll be right back!"
She excitedly left the room while promising to be back soon.
And like that, the room was silent once more.
"Ahh. Finally alone."
I opened my eyes, only to see Suisei out of the corner of my eye.
Ah, I'm dead.
A tear rolled down my cheek as my heart completely stopped.
[Death Instinct]: huh?? He died??? What the fuck?????
"Hello?"
Her voice gave me another mental shock, restarting my brain and heart.
Suisei will never know this, but she nearly killed me with just her presence.
I had no choice but to act like nothing was wrong as I asked when she came in.
"I came in with Koro-san earlier."
They came in at the same time? So she was here for that entire conversation? And said nothing?? What the fuck???
"I didn't even hear you walk in! Could you be bothered to make yourself known!?"
"Well, I figured you'd just see me mister..."
"Well... I guess that's true."
Yeah, she's right. If I hadnt deliberately averted my eyes the moment the door opened, I would have seen her.
"But does that mean you should just stand there silently? You nearly gave me a heart attack! Are you trying to kill me? Did we make eye contact without me realizing?"
Again, she will never realize how true this statement is.
Against my rapid fire scolding, Suisei bowed her head without a word.
Sighing, I asked why she was here.
"So, what is it? You here to apologize too?"
"Well... Yes."
She got on all fours and performed what I think is called dogeza.
"Mister. I've made a severe and continuous lapse in my judgement-"
"Please stop. Why do you even know that video?"
"What video?"
Sigh...
Well, if I'm being honest, I'm a little more hesitant to just say "I forgive you" this time.
Compared to Korone who only threw a punch, this crazy bastard almost took my head off. Had Korone not intervened, I'd probably be dead.
But at the same time, I also recognize that it's not her fault. Yeah she's crazy, and yeah she probably would have done this sooner or later, but this time is definitely on me.
After all, how could she have possibly known about the curse?
All she knows is that I just so happened to meet her eyes, and everything went to shit.
If anything, it's my fault for not being more cautious.
So in the end, I decided to swallow the bitterness and accept.
"Alright, I forgive you."
"Really!? Thank you!!"
She rushed up to me, grabbed my hand, and shook it repeatedly while thanking me.
"Thank you thank you thank you!!"
Is it that big of a deal? Even Korone didn't react like this.
"Uh, you're welcome? No need to be so excited."
"No, what I did was absolutely unacceptable! An idol cannot attack their fans, it's disgraceful!"
"Do I count as a fan? I still don't know who you are."
"Current fan, future fan, all the same! If I couldn't receive your forgiveness, I'd have to commit seppuku!"
Jesus Christ.
"W-well then, I'm glad you managed to redeem yourself."
"Thank you Oji-san. But there's more to it!"
"Oh?"
"If I didn't receive your forgiveness, A-chan was gonna slash my paycheck!"
Ah.
Understandable. Money makes the world go round after all.
"Wait, didn't you say you're an idol? How can Miss A do that? I thought she was only the director of the hotel?"
"She's also my idol manager. As well as a couple other's."
Does she have 8 jobs or what?
"So thanks to you, I've avoided such a disasterous future!"
"Oh no, your pay is still definitely getting docked."
At that moment, the short, navy haired woman in question walked into the room.
She didn't knock, but at least she bothered to make sound before she came in.
"Eh!? But you said-"
"I said the amount your paycheck gets cut by depends on if he accepts your apology. You nearly killed this guy, obviously you're getting punished regardless?"
At that, Suisei seemed to have no words, and her mood flipped upside down.
However, miss A ignored her and spoke directly to me.
"How are you feeling?"
"Eh."
I shrugged my shoulders, trying not to think about my heart literally stopping just a minute ago.
"... Good enough. Now, I hate to push this on you so soon, but could you explain how you ended up like this?"
I looked at Suisei, but A-chan was a step ahead.
"As much as I adore Sui-chan, she's not a very reliable narrator."
"Hmm? What does that mean? A-chan??"
"Sigh..."
I dragged my hand down my face as the memory came back, and slowly, I began to recount what happened the moment we parted ways in the lobby.
When I explained what caused Suisei to go berserk, A-chan narrowed her eyes.
"A curse huh?"
"Yeah, It was really weird. I felt hundreds of gazes linger on me, like I was at the center of a stage. But instead of adoration, those eyes were filled with pure malice. It was as though an entire colony of ants were crawling all over me!"
Suisei relayed her perspective, and A-chan went deep into thought.
"That's a bit of a problem."
"You're telling me."
This damn curse has nearly gotten me killed 3 times already.
"Hmm, I'll have to ask around to see if there's anything that can be done about that. Do you know who put this curse on you?"
"No clue."
"I see. We'll have to find a workaround then.
"I asked Miss Inugami to bring me a pair of sunglasses, so that might be a temporary fix."
"Oh, that might not work."
"Wait what? For real?"
"If it was as simple as putting on sunglasses, then it wouldn't be a curse. The most it'll probably do is weaken the effect."
"So what, do I need to completely block my eyes?"
"No clue. Curses aren't my forte, you see."
I sighed harshly. At the same time, Korone walked in with a pair of sunglasses.
"Well, now seems to be a good time to try."
"Hm? What's happening?"
Korone looked at the slightly crowded room.
"Korone, could you help me out for a second?"
"Uh, sure?"
She handed me the glasses and walked over to A-chan.
"Now."
Suddenly they jumped up and held each of Suisei's arms.
"Eh?? What is this? What are you doing!?"
"Oji-san, if you would."
"???"
Do they want me to look her in the eyes? How the hell did Korone know what to do?
Hah... Women.
"Oji-san, please stop having rude thoughts and look her in the eyes."
Im not gonna question how she knew that.
I put on the glasses and looked at Suisei.
Suddenly, she stopped struggling and tensed up. Suisei seemed extremely uncomfortable.
"That's enough."
A-chan gave the command, and I looked away.
"How did you feel?"
"It felt... Creepy. Like someone was watching me from far away. I don't like it."
"Better than an overwhelming urge to butcher me."
"... Sorry." This time she seemed genuinely apologetic.
"Hm, it's better than I thought."
A-chan made eye contact with me herself, shivered, and quickly looked away.
"That's still quite bad though..."
She coughed into her fist.
"Ahem, in any case, as long as you don't take those glasses off, we can consider this problem temporarily solved. It's not a pretty fix, but for your needs and purposes, it'll do."
Thank fuck.
"Now, how much do I owe you?"
"Pardon?"
"The medical bill. How much do I owe."
"Oh, no. It says in the contract, The hotel takes all responsibility for any injury or property damage inflicted upon, or caused by its residents."
Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.
"..."
I used to pray for times like this!!
God is real!!!
Praise our Lord and Savior, capitalism!!
"Wait, so does that mean that my 12.8 million dollar hospital debt from my first day in this world is also covered??"
"Ah..."
A-chan looked away sheepishly.
"I'm... Afraid not. It specifies that only Holo Hotel members receive this benefit. If you weren't a Holo Hotel member at the time of injury, then..."
"..."
Korone, hearing about my debt, patted my shoulder sympathetically.
"Don't kill yourself."
The devil is real.
His name is capitalism.
As I spiralled into a deep depression, A-chan seemed to be thinking deeply about something.
Finally, she calls out, breaking me out of my irresponsive stupor using a phrase that activated me like a sleeper agent.
"You need money, right?"
"YES YES YES YES YES-"
"Calm down!!"
"Ahem. My sincerest apologies for my outburst."
"Sigh..."
A-chan sighed deeply for some reason.
"Look, since you seem to have a somewhat decent head on your shoulders, I'll give you an offer."
A-chan looked me in the eyes, shrugging off the effects of the curse.
"Work for me."
×Chapter 5: Unexpected Offer×