CH 248

“Chapter 248: Playtime”

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– …This has to be a sick joke.

All of this, just for me?

Just for the pleasure of watching me suffer?

All the crimes she has committed in this world, only to get to this moment.

She abandoned the other girls, she conspired with Ernika to kill Shamsheel, and who knows what else she has done.

Shiori alone was weak, but by absorbing so many powers she’s stronger than the sages.

Her tree must be a mess of all the talents she has stolen along the way.

And now she has my processing skills. She’s the perfect human.

– I knew you would say that. It’s such a Nagami-kun thing to say.

Shiori took out the silver sword I’m used to seeing, except it was way more reflective and sharp now. She has already tested my skills.

– You’re my everything. The only man capable of filling the void in me. You’re the only thing I need. I don’t care what dark secrets Ernika has. I will use others for my sake, and I will be used by others. All I care about is being with you. I love you, Nagami-kun. I love you to death.

“I love you to death”, she said as she licked her sword.

A chills-inducing confession.

– …I’m happy to hear that, but considering the situation…

– I know. I’m not that naive. If I put myself in your shoes I would be terrified right now. That being said, I don’t need all of you.

Right. What I like is not necessary for her. All she wants is to torture me.

– Let’s negotiate. (Shiori)

– I don’t have anything to give anymore.

– What are you talking about?

– Huh?

– There are four other people in this room, right?

Four people.

Ever, Meirir, Dyke, Roar.

– If you accept, their flesh will be spared.

– Now hold on a minute.

Dyke angrily interrupted Shiori.

– Takaya is a proud member of Searat. We won’t let someone like you put your claws on him. (Meirir)

– Takaya, you don’t have to listen to that crazy girl. (Roar)

My friends are backing me up. They’re trying to help me.

What else am I supposed to do? Even if Ever wasn’t captive, the five of us would barely stand a chance against her.

What do I do? What should I do?

Think, Takaya. Think.

She’s a perfect being. What’s the key to victory?

– There’s…

No way.

We can’t win. This is impossible.

I’m worthless. There’s nothing I can do.

– Ahhh. AHH, YES. GOOD. That’s the face I like to see. If you don’t listen to me, your friends will die. And if you listen to me, your friends will hate you. Desperation, hopelessness, despair. Aahhh, you’re the best. I love you so much.

Shiori’s cheeks turned red at the sight of my suffering.

– Ah, I know what you want. Time! Right? Of course you do. You need time to think about your farewell words. Right!?

Shiori stabbed the ground, causing the floor below us to crumble.

In a giant hole below us were tons of magical beasts in an uproar, perhaps driven out of their homes by the commotion in Snowpeak.

– You can think about your answer down there. Let me know when you’re ready!

There’s no room to reason with her anymore. She has lost it.

For Minagami Shiori, playtime has begun.