Chapter 158

“Anyway… In the end, you’re not going to listen to me, right?”

Veronica said this with irritation lacing her voice. Her so-called “warning” carried no real menace, but it still made me wrinkle my brow.

“Yes.”

“Then I have no choice but to make your life miserable.”

“Do as you wish.”

“…I thought I could use the Saintess as leverage to threaten you. If you just whispered a word to the Saintess, I’d be forced to back off in disgrace.”

“Huh? Maria? Hah! That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year!”

Maria wouldn’t ask for revenge like that or resort to using the Holy Order’s power for such petty things. It’s one of her more upright qualities… and exactly why I like her.

She’s different from me. She has parts I lack.

“And…”

“Why would I go snitching to Maria anyway? Maria doesn’t want to get involved with someone as crude as you.”

“Crude?”

“Yeah, crude. You’re incompetent, emotional, weak, not particularly intelligent, have no outstanding magical talents, and while you might have some leadership skills as an Academy heavyweight… they’re nothing extraordinary. You’re basically splitting dominance of the Academy with the Heavenly Hero in third year.”

“You… Who do you think you are talking down to me like that? I came in third overall last year’s Academy rankings!”

“Wow, super impressive. Too bad clapping would waste precious hand strength, so instead I’ll just tap my fingers together to celebrate.”

“Looks like you’ve been living in a puddle so long you think you’re king of the world. What should we do with this one?”

“…”

“What? Getting mad already? Well, you better stay in your puddle. But if you try stepping onto dry land by crossing lines… I’ll turn up the heat for some nice fish soup.”

“You keep overstepping boundaries. This is beyond rudeness.”

“So you’re gonna start picking on first years too like that Charlotte person? Blackmail them into isolating me completely?”

“Can’t I? Just thinking about the Reading Club continuing makes my blood boil. And you’ve been way out of line.”

Veronica’s face was turning bright red with anger. My provocation clearly hit a nerve.

So what?

“Should I be catering to your mood swings? What have you ever done for me?”

To be honest, I was getting pissed myself.

Why does she keep pushing me? Can’t she tell when to back off?

When she tried making me quit the Reading Club, that really set me off. That place is sacred ground – consecrated by Maria herself.

Who does she think she is telling me what to do there? Even an Archangel or Demon Lord wouldn’t survive telling me what to do there. Why should I care about someone so insignificant?

“Charlotte is bad enough, but now I’m starting to dislike you even more. I’ll make your Academy life hell by any means necessary. I swear it by Trivia.”

“I’ll ruin your life too. Sounds like boasting, I know. Think of it like how human whispers don’t reach insects. This is explanation tailored to your level – hope it sinks in.”

“This lowly first year trash…!”

She turned to leave. Clearly felt this conversation was beneath her now.

Just in case something like this happened, I brought “it” along. Didn’t think I’d actually use it though.

The sun was setting outside the window. Time to meet nocturnal Maria soon.

There were security cameras in the hallways. They probably caught me coming in.

Consider yourself lucky, Veronica. Those fruits of science are extending your lifespan right now.

“Veronica-sempai, let me give you one piece of advice before I go.”

“Shut up.”

“No, hear me out. It might save your life someday. Very important advice.”

As I stepped toward the door, I tossed this over my shoulder.

“Make sure to lock your windows.”

***

At night, the Academy goes dark. Students fall into deep sleep.

Not me though. I have an important mission.

My sweet time with Saintess Maria in the library.

Even if I can only watch her in silence, it’s the happiest time of my day. That’s how much Maria means to me.

“So, you finally joined the Reading Club today, with young me…”

“Yeah, that’s right. We read a book together there. It was pretty unusual.”

“What book? If it’s in the library, I must know it.”

“The History and Paradoxes of the Holy Order. Ring any bells?”

Maria briefly closed her delicate eyebrows. I enjoyed the sight.

“That book… yes, I remember it. Written by the time traveler Evans. It did contain some peculiar content…”

“Suddenly magic appeared out of nowhere. Twice. Both times seemed aimed directly at me.”

“Did it hit you?”

“Oh man, Evans is crazy strong. Never expected that.”

“For Joker-sama to be struck down… quite an extraordinary magic indeed.”

Even after the frustrating events earlier, resting my head on Maria’s shoulder like this calms my mind. Tension melts away naturally.

THUMP!

Which is why I need to move now.

Can’t stand by while some minnow disrupts my peace.

“Joker-sama?”

“Maria, I’m just going to the bathroom.”

“Bathroom, you say?”

“Yeah, even demons gotta go sometimes. Not as often as humans though.”

As I moved toward the library door, Maria spoke softly.

“You harbor troubling thoughts within you.”

“…”

“Having known Joker-sama for 500 years, how could I not sense it? Troubling thoughts must either be cast aside or accepted. Do not let them control you.”

“…Maria, I really just need to use the bathroom.”

“…If that is your choice.”

I stepped out the door. Maria’s piercing gaze feels heavy on my back.

She sees right through me. Of course she does. This is nocturnal Maria we’re talking about.

“You may make mistakes, you may wander. The path of enlightenment is long and difficult. Mistakes are fine, wandering is fine. Just promise to return to me.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m really just going to the bathroom.”

Of course it’s a lie. As soon as I hit the hallway, I used telekinesis to open a window without triggering the cameras and slipped out.

From my pocket, I pulled out a pouch. The Arachne pouch I’d prepared when first arriving here. Along with Arachne gloves, it’s been my favorite tool for 500 years.

Inside was a single gun.

CHILL~

Guns are cold. Makes sense. Weapons that take lives shouldn’t be warm.

Guns are the most emotionless weapons. Swords, spears, bows – none are as clinical as guns.

That’s why I like them. Even if the one in my hand now is just an air rifle.

TAP TAP TAP

Before coming to Eden Academy, when traveling from the Demon Forest to the Empire with Aru…

I stopped by a weapon shop and bought two guns.

One was a shotgun, the other an air rifle.

People are always surprised when they see me use a gun. Sure, guns aren’t weak, but why use one when true masters have far greater powers? they ask.

My answer is always the same: Because it’s fun.

Swords, spears, all that stuff – I’ve used them countless times. Ancient weapons all.

But guns are different. A human creation, developed only within the last 200 years.

That’s why I like guns and use them often. Beyond just being “convenient”, they’re fascinating.

TAP TAP TAP

Climbing the dormitory wall with an air rifle in hand fills me with indescribable excitement.

Several windows lined the outer wall. I located the one I saw earlier – Room 307, about midway up.

Standing astride the window frame, I spotted a girl inside. Oh right, third years get their own rooms. Only saw one bed earlier too.

Still, I personally warned her to secure her windows properly…

SNICK

Using telekinesis, I unlatched the window from the inside. Warm indoor air mixes with the cool night air.

Without hesitation, I slid the air rifle’s barrel through the open window.

The gray muzzle points at the sleeping student.

Veronica stirs, frowning at the sudden chill seeping in through the window.

“Mmm… Wha…?”

Her eyes slowly open. Blood-red irises lock onto mine.

Veronica’s pupils capture the silhouette of a boy. The form is unclear, composed of writhing masses. But the rifle held by those masses is unmistakable.

“…! Wh-who…!”

PUFF!

The pellet pierces her throat. A gurgling sound replaces a scream.

PUFF PUFF!

Two more shots follow. One to the heart, one to the stomach. The air rifle that uses no bullets is one of my favorites.

Now to see how far humanity’s scientific prowess has progressed in killing through air alone… rather intriguing.

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