Chapter 110

The Fifth and the dark forces colluded.

After exchanging a little bit of money earned from some precious metals pilfered from various evil organizations in the past, Ash directly rented a place near the landmark “Four Leaf Tower” in Daibei City center as a resting spot afterward. Having dealt with the miscellaneous procedures, it was already around seven or eight in the evening. Ash had no intention of tidying up the room so late at night, so he simply booked an entire night’s stay in a private booth at a nearby internet cafe. Packing instant noodles, chips, and cola, known as his nightly set, he moved in immediately.

The mysterious aura and poise that Ash once possessed in front of the Pretty Cures vanished, replaced by the demeanor of a seasoned netizen, as evident when he squatted on a chair slurping noodles.

Logging onto the internet, Ash began surfing online for knowledge he needed.

Flipping through web pages swiftly, information flowed rapidly before his eyes.

Search: [X Conglomerate]… Your search term was not found. Did you mean to search [Four-Leaved Conglomerate]?

Search: [Closed Dynasty]… Your search term was not found.

Search: [Kamen Riders], [Super Sentai]. Hero TV series made by Toei Company.

Search: [Ultramen]. Hero TV series made by Tsuburaya Production.

He checked again, discovering these shows were currently airing in this world: “Kamen Rider Wizard,” “Beet Streamer Kyukyoku Gekiryuoh,” and “Galaxy Ultraman.” These were also real people whom he had met before.

“In this world, are Kamen Riders and Super Sentais just TV programs?”

Ash chuckled; he sensed an oddity. He had battled Kamen Riders and fought alongside Super Sentais not long ago.

Now arriving in this new world, everything he knew turned back into virtual TV shows.

“I wonder how they would react if they saw this. Maybe they’d be stunned but would still continue to fight.”

Shaking off those thoughts, Ash delved into searching other subjects.

The reality about the current world surprised him. It was so gentle and peaceful:

“The Pacific police didn’t stir up instability in other countries but genuinely became beacons of civilization, aiding impoverished nations.” This alone almost left Ash’s jaw hanging open. “… Wars have ceased even in Africa, where society is now advancing?”

Ash marveled at the world, having seen many cruel ones before. A compassionate world like this was new to him.

“This time, renting a place was handled quickly. If I were in another world, we could’ve wrangled over price and infrastructure for days.”

Even the citizens he interacted were friendly and helpful, their faces adorned with blissful smiles.

This kind-world and its kind people caused Ash to momentarily consider staying and settling here, despite knowing otherwise due to his System mission to collect “Dark Resonance.”

Through combating darkness in another world or absorbing dark energies, Ash gains Dark Resonance, becoming more powerful as he collects them, earning various rewards from his System.

“Even a gentle world like this has darkness.”

He thought of the Selfish Beast and its manipulative enemy officer; the destruction the Selfish Beast caused wasn’t minor compared to other monsters in other worlds.

But it seemed when battles ended, the Pretty Cures restored all damage, preventing issues.

Continuing to search for information regarding the Pretty Cure and monsters turned up scarce rumors; in this universe, they were still legends.

“Guess questioning individuals directly is necessary.”

Taking out his phone, he loaded a map where a signal blinked, marking the whereabouts of the evil organization.

“So, let’s visit them.”

Legendary warriors, beautiful healers, guardians of hope, and navigators of dreams.

These titles were bestowed upon the Pretty Cures by humans across the multiverse for their loving, noble hearts, always helping others, which led to them being called legends.

The four Pretty Cures Ash first met, though now seemingly inexperienced, remained legendary beings.

And for every legend, there is naturally an opposing force of darkness. The battle between good and evil, black and white never ends; this rule applies in most worlds.

The Selfish Organization, the antagonists against the Pretty Cures in this world, amplifies selfishness within “Spirit Hearts” to extract “Selfish Beasts”—monsters used to gather “Evil Ideation Energy” for resurrecting their leader, the “Selfish King.”

“If we resurrect the Selfish King, we’ll easily conquer the world,” they believe. Yet, their plans were foiled by the Pretty Cures.

“F—in’ Pretty Cures! And that stupid masked guy!”

In a dark corner of a bowling alley named “gog♡! Jikochū,” Ira angrily bashed his fists after failing to defeat the Pretty Cures due to the sudden appearance of a figure.

This was the Selfish Organization’s headquarters, where the officers rested and strategized.

“I summoned two Selfish Beasts about to defeat the Pretty Cures, but suddenly, someone snuck in, ruining everything!”

Ira dramatically explained to his teammates, angrily throwing a ball which ended up in the gutter.

“Damn it!”

“What’s with the bowling alley? The masked dude’s fault!”

Mamu, a high-ranking female officer adorned provocatively, sneered. “What masked guy? Are you really so incompetent? Making up excuses?”

“Who, are you doubting me?” Belu, a middle-aged male officer, revealed his lollipop.

“If you’re so confident, name the masked person.”

Ira stuttered, unsure as he never learned the name of the Rider who confronted him, as the Dragon Knight belt lacked an auto-announcer.

“Is seeing the masked person enough evidence?”

Before she could mock further, an unfamiliar voice interrupted.

“Who’s there?”

Emerging from the shadows, it was Ash.

“Why haven’t you opened your lights? Came here blind.”

“Humans?” Muham gasped, astonished at a human’s audacity. Ira shouted he was the intruder.

Only Belu remained silent, observing.

“How did you find us!?”

Furious, Ira pointed, while Ash merely gestured to his collar.

Ira subconsciously touched his collar and pulled out a glowing signal device.

“Ira…” Muham and Belu narrowed their eyes. They recognized it.

“How—How—treacherous!”

Irritated, Ira stammered.

“Didn’t I say hitting the target? You believed it was by mistake?”

Ash slowly reached into his pocket, grabbing a bowling ball nonchalantly. “Welcoming or not?”

Stepping forward, pivoting and raising his hand, throwing at exactly 45 degrees!

The straight path of the ball knocked all pins down, displaying a triumphant [STRIKE] on the screen.

“Bastard!” Frustrated, Ira felt more annoyed.

The Selfish Organization didn’t intend to talk. In their view, humans were tools, mere vessels for their monstrous creations.

Currently, Muham viewed Ash with bewilderment, sensing no trace of light within his heart, unlike others, whose dark cores required finding. Extracting his Spirit Heart would make him a formidable adversary.

“That will take down the Pretty Curses!”

Muham raised her spell but was abruptly interrupted as Ash, feigning a throw to close distance, suddenly drew a large deep purple revolver [Enclosed Gear Gun].

“Finish the incantation! What’s wrong?”

“Ha! Think human weapons can harm me—”

Ash shifted the gun slightly and fired, deafening noise causing her eardrums to ring. Before she could curse, a molten hole appeared in the wall behind her.

“Impossible!”

“You want a wager?” Holding the overheated gun to her forehead.

“Bet your life?”

Cold sweat dripped, Muham wanted none of this! This bet was absurd!

Her comrades…

Belu watched coldly from a sofa, while Ira looked excited, ready to eat.

“Teammates caught, laughing, and enjoying.”

You… are indeed selfish! Truly worthy of being part of the Selfish Organization.

As Muham reflected, Belu finally rose and addressed Ash.

“Well, stranger, why come here instead of going home?”

“Oh? Talking about our big boss?”

“He knows good talent.”

Belu was pleased at the mention of “leader,” ignoring protests.

“Let’s get to the point.”

Belu took off his sunglasses, revealing eerie eyes, distorting Ash.

Releasing evil energy, most would be terrified. But Ash stood unwavering.

“It matters whether little puny humans underestimate us…”

“HAHAHA—” Laughter erupted. “Am I a Pretty Cure? You ever see a male Pretty Cure?”

“No?”

“Not even possible.”

Ignoring their exchange, Belu continued.

“So, what do you want?”

“Just playing?”

“Firstly,” Ash raised a finger. “I’m not friends with Pretty Cures.”

“Not yet.”

“Do you want to join us?” Belu mocked, curling his lip.

“Collaborate. Interested in your Evil Ideation Power.”

“Let’s try working together.”

Belu saw potential. A mercenary-for-hire type.

“Introduce yourself for work?”

Balanced deals, with leverage to exploit failures.

Belu devised a plan.

“I’m rare.” Ash added proudly.

“So, you’ll take down the Pretty Curses for us.” Watching Ash’s reaction, Belu smirked.

Since you’re not friends, go be their enemy.

“Think you can handle it?”