The Stone Enthusiast

"Haa, haa…! Dick, diiiiick…!"

I'd made my way into this woman's apartment. She apparently lived alone.

Probably around my age. With time to kill, I'd hit on her after meeting her on the street.

She must have been coming home from work, dressed like your typical office worker.

And when I saw those huge breasts clearly visible even through her clothes, I thought to myself:

Try talking to her first. If it works, great. If not, Forced Arousal.

If the Erotic Skill doesn't work, just pretend nothing happened and leave.

In the end, I asked Kyui to activate Forced Arousal, Kyui-Woos.

(I've been holding petite Elinabelle all this time! I need some big breasts in the mix!)

The woman I'd used Forced Arousal on turned her lust-filled gaze toward me, love juices dripping from between her legs.

And now she was straddling me on the bed, frantically grinding her hips in cowgirl position.

"…"

"Nnghhhh…! More, moooore!"

The woman had her hands braced on my bent knees, arching her back as she swung her hips.

Her pussy was overflowing with love juices, and her breasts were bouncing wildly.

All of this was erotic and very nice. Nice, but…

"Haa, haa…! Diiiiick…!"

"…"

I don't know what it is… I'm just not feeling it.

No doubt it's erotic, but I can't concentrate on the sex for some reason.

(If I use Forced Arousal, even if my pickup fails, I can hop into bed with a stranger like this. I can, but… something's off…)

"O-ooh, nnghhhhh…! Dick, diiick!"

All this woman does is moan or say dick.

She's not being considerate of my dick at all with her hip movements, so it hurts when she moves too far forward and back.

It feels good, but mentally I'm losing interest…

"Nnghh, ha, oonnn!?"

The woman was fully in heat, her head filled with nothing but using my dick to get herself off.

Well, that's fine. Being used selfishly for sex like this isn't bad either.

(What's different from when I was with Elinabelle…?)

Unable to fully concentrate on sex, I found myself vaguely thinking about Elinabelle.

She had partially resisted the Forced Arousal.

So despite being in heat, she could still hold a conversation.

Plus, the way she tried to hide her arousal from me was pretty nice too.

(Ah, I see. Basically… I want the scenario where I'm the one tormenting the woman.)

Just fucking a woman who can't even talk properly because she's so desperate for dick—sure it feels good, but it's not fun. For me.

(Yeah, I want us both to enjoy the sex…! In this scenario, I'm not enjoying it at all even though I'm fucking her…!)

I might have more fun jerking off alone while watching porn at home.

"Kuh…!"

That aside, my dick reached its limit.

And I began ejaculating into the uterus of the woman who was roughly slamming her hips against me.

"… Oooooooohhhh!? O-ohoooo…!! Ihii, aaaaaahhhnnnn…!!"

As semen fired directly into her uterus, the woman trembled and shook her hips.

She basked in the afterglow for a while before slowly collapsing onto my body.

"… Well, it felt good physically. But mentally unsatisfying."

I slowly moved the woman off me and pulled out.

Then I quickly got dressed and left, leaving the woman lying there in her room.

As I walked down the now-dark street, Kyui spoke to me from atop my head.

[About the sex just now. Not many Hero Points were accumulated.]

"Really?"

[Indeed. I thought that using Forced Arousal on women left and right and creampie-ing them would efficiently accumulate Hero Points, but…]

Hmm… Could my mental state and concentration during sex be factors?

Or maybe the type of play.

Just now, it was basically the woman in heat using my dick to fuck me the whole time.

"So yeah, I need to be selective about when to use your Forced Arousal, Kyui. There's nothing fun about just putting random women on the street in heat."

[Hmm… But what if a pure, innocent woman who doesn't yet know men starts craving dick…?]

"… That'd be nice."

That would be nice, but…!

The target and scenario for using Erotic Skills is definitely important.

(Elinabelle seemed like such a bratty bitch at first too… Still does. The point is, making someone like that go into heat is what makes it good…)

Using it on someone you know well… that's probably key too.

Erotic Skills are convenient, but using them carelessly however I want leaves me unsatisfied.

Plus, after releasing sexual desire, even my physical abilities drop.

I probably won't run into anything too serious as long as I'm in Japan.

Though cases like Kida do happen…

With such restless thoughts, I headed back to my room.

After taking a bath, I was looking at my phone.

"Should probably show my face at my part-time job soon… I'm running low on money."

[You must also advance Kurumi's route.]

"That's important too…!"

Wait, what do you mean 'route'!?

Well, she probably doesn't think badly of me.

But to seriously pursue Kurumi, I'd need to get a steady job.

And right now, I don't have that kind of motivation.

"Sigh… Looks like I might actually get steady work in the other world though…"

Speaking of which, I wonder what happened with the stones I put up for auction… I checked the site.

There was a message for the seller.

"Hm…?"

Oh… The sender was the same person who bought the stones last time.

Must really be into stones…

"Let's see… Wait, what!?"

[What is it? Did you find some outlandish sex toy?]

"Why would that be it! No. I got a message about the stones I listed, and…"

The message was a request to buy the stones again. Moreover—

(200,000 yen for all three…!? In exchange, I can't sell to anyone else. And…)

"They want to meet in person to hear about the stones instead of shipping…!? Talk about being obsessed with stones…!"

150,000 yen for three pretty rocks.

Now they're offering 200,000 yen, asking me not to sell to anyone else… and to tell them about the stones…!

Just how much do they love rocks!?

This person definitely has stones collected from all over displayed in showcases in their room!

They probably drink at night while gazing at stones with a creepy smile. But,

"T-two hundred thousand yen…! I want it…!"

After all, 250,000 yen just flew away unlocking Kyui's Erotic Skill…!

I desperately need this 200,000 yen!

Even if it means spending time with a rock enthusiast…!

(Think of it differently! Better paying work than my part-time job… Yeah! This is work! I just have to chat about stones with a rock enthusiast for 200,000 yen…! And besides…!)

There's also the possibility they'll keep buying the stones I bring back from the other world at high prices.

Making contact and getting on friendly terms here wouldn't be bad.

Maybe this kind of thinking comes from my sales background, even if that's in the past now.

"Definitely gonna be some bearded old guy… Has money, so probably older than me…"

The person who messaged me went by the name Schwartz Hafen.

Schwartz… Is that German? I looked up the meaning of the words.

"Black… harbor…?"

What… they're calling themselves 'black harbor'…?

Pretty chuuni if you ask me…!

The old man vibes are getting stronger!

"Well, whatever. If they're paying, they're a customer. No complaints from me…"

I sent Schwartz-san a message: I'll sell you the stones on your terms!

Surprisingly, the reply came immediately.

"Hey, don't tell me they were waiting for my response this whole time…!"

Schwartz-san's message specified a date and time.

"Tomorrow evening… The place is… What is this!? An abandoned building! And…!"

Schwartz-san had specified an abandoned building in Tokyo.

The message said they'd pay me there and asked me to buy and bring some food.

"D-don't tell me… they're a homeless person living there… No, that can't be. They have money. What is this…? They can't possibly mean 'let's have dinner together while talking about stones all night'… right…?"

 

*

 

The next day. Having slept until noon, I offered Kyui some meat from the fridge.

As usual, I was eating cornflakes with milk.

"Hmm…"

What I was thinking about was, of course, the mystery of Schwartz-san.

I couldn't understand why someone with money would ask me to come to an abandoned building.

(If they want to hear about the stones, we could just relax at a family restaurant, right? W-wait…! Could it be…!? They're luring me out to gang up on me!?)

… No, that can't be. Why would anyone commit crimes over just three little stones?

Besides, the only reason we're meeting in person this time is the 200,000 yen. Otherwise, I would've just shipped them like before.

Meaning they shouldn't have any interest in me personally.

It must just be about the stones.

"If I remember right, last time they requested convenience store pickup for delivery. Well, it's personal info, so they probably didn't want to reveal their address to a stranger…"

The shipping address was a convenience store in Tokyo.

I remember thinking it was surprisingly someone nearby who purchased them.

Well, thinking about it won't help. I'll find out when I get there.

Since I'm getting money, I'm not going to refuse just because it seems sketchy.

"So! This evening, I'm heading to the abandoned building where the suspicious rock enthusiast awaits!"

[Very well. If large sums of money can be obtained, it brings us closer to unlocking my new Erotic Skill.]

Exactly!

Today too, I'll steadily accumulate Hero Points and money…!

 

*

 

Minato Kokuryouin was recalling the exchange she had with EbiKaniMocchini yesterday.

(At a time like this…! To be able to get new stones…!)

And these three had even stronger power than the last batch.

For Minato Kokuryouin, isolated and without allies, this was a great hope.

(Harakara still hasn't shown itself, but…! Demons are always active at night…!)

Today, once classes end, she'll head straight to the abandoned building she's using as her base.

There, she'll have the person called EbiKaniMocchini bring food and stones, and hear what they have to say.

(Such powerful catalysts. Where and how he obtained them. Whether they have more in stock. I have countless questions…!)

Since Harakara might come once night falls, she can't spend too long talking.

But it's enough time to extract information about the stones.

Until yesterday, she'd been feeling depressed, but now that was somewhat alleviated.

If she could get three such powerful stones, she might have a chance of repelling Harakara.

(Every stone they list is special… Does this EbiKaniMocchini know what they're selling…? No, they must. This can't possibly be coincidence…!)

They must be a sharp-eyed elder who has spent long years with minerals, able to appraise the power within stones.

That was the image Minato Kokuryouin had of EbiKaniMocchini.

(… I don't understand that name though.)

The end-of-class chime rang.

Minato Kokuryouin quickly rose from her seat and headed briskly toward the school gate.

On her way, she happened to encounter another female student outdoors.

"…"

"Oh my? Well, well… If it isn't Minato-sama."

The girl's name was Amari Motomune.

She belonged to the same clan as Minato Kokuryouin — a demon-fighting lineage.

Currently, the head of the Kokuryouin family led the clan, but before that, it was the Motomune family head who held that position.

Due to this history between their houses, the two didn't get along.

And Amari Motomune took every opportunity to antagonize Minato Kokuryouin.

"Still alive, I see? Oh, could it be that you've already defeated that Harakara? My, my, you are the genius Minato-sama after all. How impressive."

"… I haven't fought Harakara yet."

"Oh my! Is that so? What a pity."

Amari Motomune was delighted by Minato Kokuryouin's current situation.

Minato Kokuryouin, the genius of their generation who monopolized the title of strongest.

While she was celebrated, people like Amari were always compared unfavorably.

But now that Minato Kokuryouin had caught Harakara's attention, the situation was about to change dramatically.

Nine times out of ten, this situation would end with Minato Kokuryouin's death.

"The Family Head must have believed that you, Minato-sama, could defeat Harakara alone, which is why he made this arrangement. I would love nothing more than to fight alongside you, Minato-sama, but…"

"Unnecessary. I'll take down Harakara by myself."

"My! How befitting of a genius. Who else could say such things about Harakara, one of the true long-lived demons? Only you, Minato-sama."

As long as the genius Minato Kokuryouin existed, the Kokuryouin family's dominance in the clan would continue.

But if she disappeared here, the next to take the top position in the clan would likely be someone from the Motomune family.

Amari Motomune looked at Minato Kokuryouin with eyes that didn't hide such feelings.

"Will you be spending tonight in that dim abandoned building again? Minato-sama, how are you managing the bathroom and baths?"

"… I take care of basic needs before going to the building."

"Oh? I thought at night you'd be relieving yourself alone in the building. After all, if you carelessly go to a convenience store at night, who knows when civilians might get caught up in a fight with Harakara, right?"

Amari was right.

She was keeping her body clean by stopping at a bathhouse after classes, but she still needed the bathroom at night and in the morning.

Going number two was too difficult, but she'd been taking care of number one in a corner of the building.

"… Are we done? I'd like to go wash up."

"Of course. If you don't hurry, you might come to school tomorrow smelling bad… That is, if tomorrow comes."

"…"

Minato Kokuryouin passed by Amari Motomune and exited through the school gate.

Though she'd put on a brave front, inside she felt frustrated.

(I know…! Even if I can get three new stones…! If I fight Harakara, I'll most likely die…!)

If Harakara showed up even today, she wouldn't make it to school tomorrow.

For the past few days, Minato Kokuryouin had been desperately thinking about how to resist the approaching death.

(Thinking won't give me answers…! No one has ever repelled Harakara alone…! But…!)

Of course she still wanted to live. She wanted to prove Amari Motomune wrong.

She had no choice but to fight Harakara, using that frustration as fuel.

Because negative emotions like these also served as triggers for absorbing demonic aura.

And those who received training could manipulate the demonic aura they took in as Resonance Spirit.

The clan had been exorcising demonic aura this way since ancient times.

(Even if today becomes the day I die…! I'll carve proof of my life into Harakara's body…!)

After leaving school, Minato Kokuryouin quickly rinsed off at a bathhouse and entered the abandoned building.

Inside, she'd brought a simple tent with bedding, lighting, and her sword.

At first she'd felt cramped, but after a few days, she'd gotten used to this lifestyle.

She'd overcome harsh training to begin with.

Living in such an unusual environment was nothing new at this point.

"The time to meet EbiKaniMocchini is still a bit away…"

She organized what she wanted to ask.

Why they decided to list the stones.

How many similar stones they had.

Where they got them in the first place.

Whether she could obtain them herself.

(There's a chance they might demand money for the information… Well, I still have plenty of savings. That'll depend on negotiation…)

If they still had similar stones, she intended to buy them all.

They were certainly worth that much.

(Come to think of it, last time the stones were shipped from a Tokyo post office… Being able to meet the day after messaging, EbiKaniMocchini must be someone living in Tokyo.)

She opened a bottle of water she'd bought from a vending machine on the way back and took a sip. As she gently set it on the floor,

Someone was approaching, making footsteps deliberately audible.

(… It's still before the appointed time, though…?)

They must be the type to arrive a bit early rather than right on time.

Thinking that, she looked ahead.

Standing there was a large man wearing a flashy patterned shirt.

"Yo, Minato Kokuryouin. As promised, I've come to challenge you to a duel…? You've said your goodbyes to your loved ones, right…?"

"…! Hara… kara…!"

That man was a demon who had lived for over 100 years, formerly human.

Harakara.

"H-how… It's not even night yet…"

"Huh…? Oh, right. Well, normally those affected by demonic aura become active at night."

Demonic aura becomes more active at night.

The Kokuryouin clan could also sense demonic aura more easily then, so exorcisms were mainly conducted at night.

"That goes for me too. I'm definitely in better shape at night. But you see…? At my level, that's basically a rounding error!"

"…!"

"I knew you've been waiting here for me every night after school. Coming at this timing when no one else is around is my way of showing you respect."

Saying that, Harakara slowly stepped forward.

The confrontation with the demon she knew would come. But the timing was bad.

(This is bad…! I haven't received the stones from EbiKaniMocchini yet…! And at this rate, they'll walk right into this place where Harakara is…!)

Fortunately, Harakara was a demon only interested in fighting strong opponents.

She'd never heard of him gratuitously killing defenseless civilians.

Though there was still plenty of risk of the visitor being affected by Harakara's aura.

"Now draw your sword, Minato Kokuryouin. I'll give you that much time."

"… Really. Had to get noticed by such a troublesome one."

"Bwahahaha! I'd like you to feel honored!? The number of masters I've challenged to a duel is still only a handful!?"

Powerful demonic aura surged from Harakara. There was no path but to fight.

Minato Kokuryouin took her sword in hand and slowly drew the blade.

"Hehe…! Then let's begin. Entertain me… to your fullest!"

"Tch!!"

Harakara kicked off the ground with a loud sound, closing the distance in a single leap.

But Minato Kokuryouin released her sword stance and pulled out a red stone from her pocket.

Then she began gathering Resonance Spirit.

"Ha!"

The moment the distance to Harakara reached zero.

Minato Kokuryouin activated a Resonance Art.

"Shimpa: Suigetsuyou!"

A secret technique that created ripple-like shockwaves in midair.

But by extracting power from the stone, she could generate enough force to blow away a truck.

Harakara took it head-on.

"Guh!?"

His upper body snapped backward. But both feet remained planted on the ground.

(Taking that at this distance and only staggering…!? But!)

She hadn't blown him away, but she'd broken his stance. Now was her chance.

Minato Kokuryouin swung her sword in a horizontal slash. But,

"…!"

While his upper body was still bent backward, Harakara had raised his right leg.

Moreover, that right leg had somehow become clad in armor like a Sengoku-era samurai's, and it completely blocked Minato Kokuryouin's sword.

Then—

"Oraaah!"

As he raised his upper body, he swung his right arm down hard at Minato Kokuryouin.

"Agh!?"

She hastily pulled back her sword to block, but his tremendous strength sent her flying.

"Hahaha! As expected, Minato Kokuryouiiiin! Not many can use arts like that! So I wasn't seeing things last time after all! Now it's my turn!"

Harakara charged on legs now free of armor, closing in on the fallen Minato Kokuryouin.

She quickly got up while throwing the red stone at him.

"Cut the crap!"

Harakara knocked the stone away with his arm while charging forward.

(Kuh…! No more stones left…! From here on, I can only rely on my own strength…! No, that's always been true!)

She ducked low to avoid the approaching powerful arm and thrust her sword forward.

But Harakara nimbly shifted his body to the side, dodging the strike. Furthermore—

"Hmph!"

He spun his body around, swinging his right arm with added momentum.

Minato Kokuryouin evaded by creating distance, but Harakara immediately closed the gap.

"What's wrong, what's wrong!? If you have no other arts, this is as far as you go!"

"You…!"

She swung her sword to fight back somehow.

But the gap in ability and physical prowess was clear.

They were barely exchanging blows between fist and sword when Harakara suddenly leapt backward to create distance.

"Haa, haa….. ?"

Then he turned a look of disappointment toward Minato Kokuryouin.

"… What was that? Where's the art you showed earlier…!? Don't tell me you're looking down on me…!?"

"Haa, haa…"

"… I see. You were a disappointment too. If that art was your trump card, you have nothing left. Sorry for getting my hopes up. Let me send you off… painlessly… to the afterlife…!"

"…!"

In the time it takes to blink once.

In that instant, Harakara appeared before Minato Kokuryouin.

Movement clearly different from before.

In that moment stretched to eternity, Minato Kokuryouin realized he had been holding back until now.

"Uooooooraaaaaah!"

"Gah…!?"

Harakara's fist drove into Minato Kokuryouin's abdomen.

She hastily reinforced her abdomen with Resonance Spirit, but it wasn't enough to escape unharmed.

She was sent flying and crashed back-first into a wall.

"Kahah!?"

Minato Kokuryouin dropped to the floor, unable to breathe properly.

"Oho… You managed to block in time. But…! This is…!"

She strongly sensed killing intent from Harakara.

But even knowing that, Minato Kokuryouin couldn't stand up properly.

She'd let go of her sword, couldn't breathe. In another moment, she would be killed without resistance.

The powerful presence of death closing in, now just half a step away.

Regret, attachment — a reality she absolutely couldn't accept.

Just as it was about to be forced upon her…

"Um… Which one of you is Schwartz-san?"

A new man's voice came from right beside Minato Kokuryouin.

 

*

 

(Huh!? What's going on here!?)

I arrived at the specified place at the specified time, but I was greatly confused.

There was a large, obviously rough-looking man standing over a girl in a school uniform…

The girl was curled up on the floor, writhing in pain.

(She's definitely been hit! Domestic violence!? Super DV boyfriend!?)

And that girl's uniform…!

It's from that St. Joukinou Academy, known as one of the most prestigious girls' schools in Tokyo!

Wait, such an ojou-sama is dating a rough-looking guy like that!?

Is there some rule that ojou-samas are attracted to outlaw types!?

My brain nearly froze up, unable to process the scene before me.

But then the girl curled up nearby called out to me.

"A…! You… E-Ebi…"

"Oh, yeah. I'm EbiKaniMocchini, but…"

"R—…! Run…! cough!"

"Whoa!? H-hey! You okay!?"

Since she knows the name EbiKaniMocchini, she must be Schwartz-san! Totally different from what I imagined!

Glad it's not that huge guy though!

The rough-looking large man turned his gaze toward me.

"Who the hell're you?"

"Well, I'm here because I have business with this girl…"

Looking closer, there was a sword lying on the ground.

Wait, is that real…!?

Did I wander into an incredibly violent situation…!?

[Touya.]

"Hm?"

Even at a time like this, Kyui spoke to me from his usual perch on my head.

[I sense an unfamiliar energy, akin to magical power, from these two.]

"Huh?"

[The waves of power are also turbulent… They were probably fighting.]

Kyui had mentioned before that Earth has something like magical power too.

Could this be related to that…?

But that's not what's important to me right now.

No, the mysterious power is concerning, but.

"Uh, so, anyway. I have business with this girl. Sorry, but could you come back later?"

"Ohh…? I'm the one who had business first, you know…? You trying to get in my way…?"

"I mean, getting in the way…"

"…!"

He's clearly glaring at me…!

The girl is trembling!

"I'm here on time too, and this is business. If you're gonna keep up the violence, I'll call the cops."

The moment I said that, the large man charged at me.

Seriously, you wanna go!? Sheesh!

His right arm came at me.

I reflexively slid my left arm inside his right arm and pushed sideways to deflect the punch's trajectory.

Then I raised my right leg and kicked him in the torso.

"Gahah!?"

Crap…! Did I kick too hard…!?

Kyui's seal level has been lowered, so I might've kicked with more power than expected…!

Despite his size, he hit the ground and rolled all the way to the wall.

Sure, I kicked without thinking about holding back.

I panicked at the unexpected outcome.

"H-hey. You're not dead… right…?"

For a moment, the thought of fleeing to the other world crossed my mind.

But the large man stood up laughing.

"Oh good… I was worried you might've died from that."

"Hehe… hehehehe… bwahahahahaha! Receiving my aura head-on while keeping such composure…! So it wasn't an act after all…!"

"… Huh?"

"You didn't give off any aura of strength, so I let my guard down completely…! Oh, don't worry! I'm not weak enough to die from that!!"

Good…! He seems totally fine…!

Wait, I kicked him without holding back and it barely affected him!?

Even with Kyui's seal lowered, I guess I haven't gotten that much stronger.

"To think such a powerful warrior would appear…! I see, being Minato Kokuryouin's acquaintance means…! You're one of her comrades!"

"… Huh?"

"That woman no longer matters…! You! From now on, you'll be my opponent…!"

With that, the large man took a fighting stance against me.

"… Huh? Am I supposed to fight him?"

[It appears so. Besides, unless you deal with that man, you won't be able to receive your money, will you?]

"Seriously…"

He clearly looks stronger than Kida!

I have zero martial arts experience!?

[Your body is gradually approaching that of a hero. You reflexively responded when that man attacked just now, right? But to be safe, I'll consume the Hero Points we have to lower my seal level further.]

Sure, I reflexively kicked the big guy away, but…!

What do you mean approaching a hero's body!?

Is it like… being able to reflexively respond to danger or something!?

"Here I come, oraaaaaa!!"

"Whoa!?"

The large man rushed at me, throwing a powerful arm strike.

I caught the arm head-on and…

"Dweh!?"

Got blown backward. Insane power…!

Well, since I actually caught the punch, the damage was manageable.

I lied. It hurts quite a bit!

"Not done yeeet!!"

The big guy instantly closed the distance and started throwing rapid punches with both arms.

G-guard… ow!? My guard can't keep up…!

"Uwooooooo!!"

"W-wait, time out!?"

Damn…! Can't hesitate about fighting back…!

Getting hit properly only hurts a little anyway…!

Forget guarding and hit back!

"Raaah!"

Even while getting punched, I forced in a punch of my own.

Though I'd never been in a real fight, my fist definitely connected with the big guy's torso.

"Gu…!"

The large man lost his balance and stopped attacking.

Seeing the opening, I went on the offensive this time.

(Just back off already…! I can't get my 200,000 yen with you here!?)

 

*

 

Minato Kokuryouin had been catching her breath while lying on the floor.

And she found herself captivated by the fight unfolding before her.

(That's Harakara…!? They're… trading blows…!?)

A human fighting a demon with bare fists. It was an abnormal sight.

Minato Kokuryouin recalled what had just happened.

(At first, Harakara tried to drive that man — EbiKaniMocchini — away by hitting him with strong aura. But he continued making casual remarks as if he didn't feel it at all…)

The clear killing intent emitted by a being called a demon. Her own body had been trembling from receiving it.

But the man wasn't fazed at all, and had even accomplished the feat of kicking Harakara away.

(Even if Harakara was caught off guard…! To deliver such a powerful blow…!)

Moreover, after kicking him away, he'd even taunted "You're not dead from that, are you…?"

And Harakara had taken the bait, now completely ignoring her.

(Despite taking Harakara's arm strikes directly…! His movements haven't dulled at all…! Is he taking almost no damage!?)

An anomaly who could go toe-to-toe with a demon using only hand-to-hand combat.

But such an anomaly had saved her life.

She could almost hear the sound of fate's tracks switching — the end that should have come, now averted.

(My… savior…)

And she thought—

He must be a man with complicated circumstances, befitting someone who handles such special stones.

"You're persistent, old man!"

"Gahah!?"

Harakara was also clearly bewildered by the man before him who wouldn't flinch at all.

No matter how much demonic aura he threw at him, no matter how many punches landed, the man barely showed any reaction.

That bewilderment became a big opening, and the man drove a full-powered straight punch into Harakara's torso.

Taking it dead-on, Harakara was sent flying to the wall again.

 

*

 

"Phew. Hey, Kyui. That guy's clearly stronger than Kida, right?"

[Of course. He's not human, after all.]

"… Huh?"

[I said he's stronger than Kida because he's not human… What's with that reaction? Don't tell me you didn't notice?]

What the hell is Kyui talking about!?

Is he saying not human as a metaphor!?

"Wait, what do you mean not human? He walks on two legs, has two eyes, one mouth, and one nose on his face."

[Hmm…? Could it be that in this world, inhuman beings like that man aren't recognized…?]

I don't understand… but this doesn't seem like something I can just ignore.

Well, I'll ask for details later. For now, about that girl…

"Hehehe…"

"Huh?"

The large man slowly stood up.

Seriously…!? I thought that was a complete knockout…!

The big man turned his gaze to me with an extremely pleased smile.

"Ahh… When was the last time I had this much fun…? Man. Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Harakara. Formerly human, now a demon."

"… Huh?"

Damn… If this were the old me, hearing his introduction, I would've just brushed it off as "Oh, this guy's crazy."

But after hearing what Kyui said, I can't help but think of oni from Japanese folktales.

Huh!? Demons actually exist for real!?

"Man. Tell me your name."

"What? No way. Why would I reveal my name to a dangerous guy like you? If you really want to know, pay up."

"Hehehe… Money, huh. A very human desire. Very well, man. From here on… out of respect for your strength…! I'll show you a demon's true power…!"

The large man slammed his right fist into the ground with a loud sound.

In that instant, pale blue flames erupted from his right fist.

"Whaaaat!?"

The flames engulfed the large man but vanished in an instant.

And before I knew it, the big guy was clad in armor that looked like samurai armor from the Sengoku period.

"Demon Eye Art, Flaming Phantom Armor… Hehehe… How about it? Pretty hot, right?"

The tips of his hands and feet flickered with pale blue flames.

Crap, Kyui was right.

He's an Earth version of a magic power user…!

[This is bad… Against that, you'd be in danger as you are now.]

"Wha!?"

[If only we could manifest mythical-grade armaments. But Kyui-Oos can no longer be restored to its original skill.]

The large man slowly lowered his stance.

Indeed, the sense of danger is way different from before…!

"Kyui-Oos is that, right? The Lewd Tool Manifestation…"

[Indeed.]

Come to think of it, Kyui-Oos was originally supposed to be a skill that creates holy swords and holy spears.

"Meaning the adult goods I manifest might have some incredible power…"

[Power equivalent to mythical-grade armaments? Depending on your visualization, my seal, and the Hero Points consumed, it might be possible to imbue them with power approaching mythical-grade, but…]

What even is mythical-grade anyway.

Whatever, I've got an idea…!

"Alright! I get that guy's dangerous! Let's bring out a weapon!"

[Hm? But…]

"Manifest an adult good like this! And use all Hero Points!"

[Heh… Very well.]

I strongly visualized a certain adult good in my mind.

Harakara, having gathered his power, charged forward, crushing the concrete floor as he ran.

"Ooooooooo!"

A right fist wrapped in pale blue flames came flying at me.

If I take that, even I won't get off easy…! But…!

"Lewd Tool Manifestation! Kyui-Oos! Come!"

I swung my right arm to meet Harakara's fist.

In my hand was a large, black, rather gnarly-looking vibrator.

(Absolutely unbreakable, yet flexible, able to plunge deep into the uterus…! With infinitely adjustable super vibrations to make women writhe in pleasure! Plus a single button for simulated ejaculation! This is…! My ideal…!)

"Ultimate viiiiiibrator!!"

Damn it! This wasn't meant to be used against a man!

Why do I have to use my first cheat Erotic Skill on this incomprehensible guy…!

Anger and emptiness mixed together.

But the ultimate vibe I swung flexed nicely as it connected with Harakara's blazing right fist.

And at that moment, it generated super vibrations that shattered his arm, armor and all.

"Gahah…!? O-oh!? I-impossibleee!?"

"Uoooooraaaaaaa!!"

The vibe's super vibrations continued gouging into Harakara's wound.

S-so gross…!

Realizing his disadvantage, Harakara leapt far backward.

"Haa, haa…! Wh-what is that weapon…!"

"Well, calling it a weapon… This was originally meant to be used on women…"

Harakara's right arm hung limply.

His right hand was completely crushed.

Wait, isn't he already out of commission…?

"Guuh…!"

"A-aren't we done here!? My business isn't with you anyway, it's with this girl."

Saying that, I pointed the vibe at the girl still lying on the floor.

"I don't have time to deal with you! I won't call the cops, so just go already!"

"… You're showing mercy to me, wounded as I am? My life…"

"Huh!? That ain't it! I told you, you're just in my way! And I don't need your life!"

His thoughts are way too violent…!

I'm curious about demons, but I don't want to get close to one…!

I just want to peacefully live my fantasy sex life in another world!

"… Fierce warrior. When my wounds heal, next time we meet…! I will hear your name then…!"

With that, Harakara exited through the window.

This is the second floor, you know…

Well, whatever. Finally I can do business with Schwartz-san…!

"Phew. Got interrupted, but… Schwartz-san. The stones…"

I turned toward the girl to speak to her.

But Schwartz-san was looking away slightly embarrassed.

"U-um… that…"

"Huh?"

Schwartz-san pointed at my right arm.

There was the gnarly black vibe.

The vibe was still whirring and writhing.

"…"

[Not quite mythical-grade… but barely enough power to be called a replica of a holy sword… no, holy rod. But it's not stable yet. It should disappear within seconds.]

I hid the ultimate vibe behind my back so Schwartz-san couldn't see it.

And as if its purpose was served, the ultimate vibe vanished, its sensation disappearing from my hand.

Right at that moment, Schwartz-san turned her face toward me.

"Um… Thank you for saving me… I should at least say that."

"No…"

The fact that I'd shown a gnarly vibe to a girl wearing a super elite girls' school uniform.

Even I felt a bit embarrassed about that.

W-well, let's think of it as education for the future… Though she probably won't see it that way.

"Let me introduce myself properly. I am Schwartz Hafen… Minato Kokuryouin."

"Oh, I'm EbiKaniMocchini, aka Touya Kougou. Nice to meet you."

I see, black harbor… She'd derived it from Kokuryouin Minato.

Also, this girl… is incredibly cute…!

Glossy black hair with straight-cut bangs — the quintessential traditional Japanese beauty.

Her hair in the back was also straight, cut evenly.

Those strong-willed eyes are exactly my type…! Nice…!

While I was captivated by Minato-chan, Kyui's voice came from above my head.

[Minato Kokuryouin. 156cm tall, C-cup. No sexual experience front or back, no kissing or masturbation experience, naturally zero orgasms… Current pregnancy probability is 4% to 25%. Quite high.]

What a perfect supplementary explanation…!

As always, I envy Kyui's ability to see through erotic stats…!

"Um…"

I was about to say "Now about the money…" when—

Minato-chan turned a probing gaze toward me.

"Touya Kougou… What exactly are you?"

"… Huh?"

"You faced Harakara barehanded…! And you even shattered the armor he manifested with Demon Eye Arts…! Could you also be… a demon!? No, but… I don't sense any demonic aura…?"

This is… one of those situations where neither of us has our information sorted out…!

Plus she seems to know something about demons.

[But she's a fine woman…! Hey, Touya. Let's do her.]

I want to do her too! But your timing is always so off, bird!

Even if I want to eventually, information exchange comes first.

"Uh, so. Honestly… I just learned about demons today."

"That's a lie!"

"It's true. I was surprised when that guy suddenly started wearing armor."

"That's a lie!!"

"It's true though!?"

No matter what I say, all she says is "That's a lie!"!

"I just came here to talk with you. I never expected someone like that to be here."

"… I'm sorry for getting you involved. It's the clan's duty, and civilians… you are a civilian, right? Anyway, I had no intention of dragging you into this."

"The clan's… duty?"

"You really… don't know anything. Fine. Since you've already gotten involved… I'll tell you as a special favor."

Is the slight condescension just her personality? Or is it the inherent pride that comes with being an ojou-sama?

Either way, Minato-chan's story was quite interesting.

"A demon-exorcising clan… the Tenyoushuu…"

"Yes. And currently, the head of the Tenyoushuu is my father."

Apparently, Japan has been permeated with something called demonic aura since ancient times.

It sometimes seeps into people's hearts and causes major incidents.

"And when someone with high affinity is eroded by demonic aura for a long time, or when great despair or desire acts as a trigger, they transform into a demon."

"So that's what it means that Harakara was formerly human…"

The Tenyoushuu had apparently been exorcising such demonic aura for a long time.

Their history stretches back to the Heian period.

"An organization formed as the enforcement unit of the Onmyou Agency at the time. That was the predecessor of the Tenyoushuu."

"Huhh…"

Over the long history, the Tenyoushuu eventually became independent from the government.

But special training methods are still passed down in the clan, and currently they make their living through demon exorcism and protecting politicians.

"The Tenyoushuu train from childhood to absorb demonic aura into themselves."

"What!? Isn't that dangerous!?"

"It is dangerous. Some are corrupted by the demonic aura and never recover."

But that training serves as a good way to sort those with aptitude from those without.

Those with aptitude learn to manipulate the demonic aura they've absorbed as a power called Resonance Spirit.

"Resonance Spirit, huh…"

"Simply put, it's just giving demonic aura another name. But when mastered, Resonance Spirit can enhance physical abilities and activate Resonance Arts."

Who knew that on this Earth — specifically in Japan — there were demons and people who fought against them…

By the way, people corrupted by demonic aura apparently have ranks based on their strength.

"Harakara at full power is ranked as a Roaring Demon… third from the top."

"Huh…"

Full power… meaning when he was clad in that armor.

Kyui said he was a bad matchup too.

If I hadn't unlocked Kyui-Oos and manifested the ultimate vibe beforehand, I might've been in real trouble.

(Yet I stayed so calm… that must be related to my contract with Kyui…)

Even when swords were pointed at me in the other world, I stopped getting flustered.

Hmm… is this what becoming more heroic means…

Well, as long as I can live a fantasy sex life using Erotic Skills, I don't care about anything else!

"Oh right, I just remembered. That guy said Demon Eye Arts, but…"

"Demons of White Demon rank and above can all use Demon Eye Arts. Each demon manifests different effects."

I don't really get the ranks, but I probably don't need to remember them.

Ultimately, it's not my concern anyway.

"Well, I get the gist. There are demons, and there have been people fighting them since long ago. And everyone has mysterious powers."

"Yes. And that mysterious power… Resonance Arts can be boosted by utilizing the power of the stones you listed."

"… Huh?"

Having trained to discern demonic aura since childhood, Minato can apparently see aura dwelling in objects too.

And one day, she noticed that the three stones I'd listed contained that same mysterious power.

"It's one-time use only, but… using the power stored in those stones can amplify Resonance Arts by several levels. Tell me. What are those stones? Where did you get them? Did you know they contained special power when you listed them?"

Oops. My turn to be bombarded with questions.

But who would've thought that magical stones could strengthen her Resonance Arts…

Maybe magical power and demonic aura have high compatibility.

"To answer directly: yes, I knew the stones contained special power."

"I knew it…"

I pulled out a box from my pocket and handed it to Minato.

She immediately checked the contents.

"…! Such… power…! Where did you get these…!? Are there more…!?"

Minato leaned in close, her finely sculpted features filling my vision.

She really is beautiful…! Totally my type…!

"Where I got them is… kind of hard to explain. But given time, I can get more."

"You won't reveal it easily… is that it? Quite the arrogant attitude to take before me, of the Kokuryouin family of the Tenyoushuu."

It's not that I can't reveal it, and I'd be fine telling her.

But I need to keep Kyui's Erotic Skills secret…! She'd think I'm a total pervert…!

I mean, I actually am, but!

"Fine. I owe you… Let me transfer the money first."

Saying that, Minato took out her phone and showed me a QR code for a social media app.

"… Huh?"

"What are you doing? We exchange contact info, you send me your transfer details, and I'll transfer the money right here."

"O-oh…"

I scanned the QR code with my phone's camera and opened the app.

Minato's icon appeared, looking straight ahead like an ID photo.

I promptly sent my bank account information.

I also sent a sticker of a dog and cat shaking hands.

"… I've transferred to the specified account."

"Let's see… Oh, a full 200,000! Thanks!"

"Also, quit your job and get your affairs in order now."

"Yeah… Wait, what!?"

She said it so casually I almost let it slip by…!

What is she talking about!?

"You've already stepped into this side of things. From now on, you'll be a member of the Tenyoushuu… No, as my personal apprentice, you'll fight demons alongside me."

"Hold on, hold on, hold on. I didn't hear about this. What are you saying?"

"Touya. Do you have a girlfriend?"

Her train of thought has no coherence…!

"No! And what do you mean, your apprentice!?"

"… I see, you don't. Well, it's dangerous work where you could die any day. Casual flings are fine, but don't get seriously involved with civilian women."

"Are you even listening!?"

Why am I supposed to fight demons too!?

I've got an exciting fantasy sex life waiting for me…!

Being the personal attendant of the traditional beauty ojou-sama Minato-chan is attractive though.

No matter how good the conditions offered, I won't give in so easily…

"Even as an apprentice, you'll still be part of the clan and fighting on the front lines. Annual salary starts at 6 million yen, and going higher, exceeding 20 million isn't impossible."

"I'm in your care!!"

Before I knew it, I was bowing to the black-haired ojou-sama before me.

"… Huh!?"

D-did I… just… give in…!?

Slowly raising my face, Minato wore a triumphant expression.

"Of course. But you're suddenly joining this side, so you'll need time to prepare… Fine. Let's meet again in 10 days. Until then, say your goodbyes to family and close friends."

"That sounds so ominous!?"

Calm down, me…! I haven't signed an employment contract yet…!

But the starting salary of 6 million yen is attractive…!

6 million yen is what top salespeople or store managers make at domestic car dealerships.

And that's the minimum 6 million.

That's a different story from barely scraping together 6 million by working yourself to death all year.

I need to extract some concessions before things are finalized…!

"Wait a sec. I have some conditions for becoming your attendant."

"… What are they? W-well, you are a man after all. I can guess what you want…"

Saying that, Minato's cheeks reddened slightly as she hugged herself.

A cute gesture, but what is she expecting…

"I don't know what being a man has to do with it, but… I want several consecutive days off each month."

"… Days off?"

"Yeah. Those stones. I can't get them without taking days off. Conversely, if I get consecutive days off…"

"I see. You can reliably obtain them."

Looking somewhat disappointed, Minato nodded in agreement.

"Fine. These are catalysts that could become trump cards. And they're one-time use, so I'd always want a comfortable stock. Besides, obtaining catalysts is the same as working for the clan. I'll leave the timing and duration of your days off to you, Touya."

"Yes!"

Nice, nice…! Meaning, while moderately helping Minato and supplying stones…!

I can live my other world life as before while also earning money…!

(Plus the time off is basically whenever I want…! Isn't this basically the ideal job!?)

Speaking of companies, I should confirm this too.

"So joining the clan as your attendant… What do I tell people? Tenyoushuu Inc.?"

"The Tenyoushuu isn't a corporation or joint venture. Don't worry, there's a legitimate front."

Saying that, Minato pulled a business card from her wallet.

And showed it to me.

"Tenyou Development… 8th Division Survey Research Office, Executive Advisor, Minato Kokuryouin…?"

"Yes. Everyone in the Tenyoushuu is an employee of Tenyou Development."

"H-huh…?"

Tenyou Development apparently takes work directly from the government.

They're involved in various national development projects like land surveying and urban planning.

"They don't take any private sector work. Essentially quasi-civil servants."

"Wow…"

Well, it's an organization that's been involved with the national core since ancient times.

They probably maintain influence in this form even now.

"You'll be given official status as a Tenyou Development employee too."

"That's great…!"

So I'll officially have a steady job…!

Alright! Time to pursue the Kurumi route…!?

Minato and I continued confirming the finer details.

"So basically, when I'm not getting stones, I patrol the night streets with you… and if there's someone being corrupted by demonic aura, we immediately exorcise them. And sometimes we do VIP protection too…"

"Yes. And don't neglect your training either."

I've never trained in my life though!?

But I can go to the other world on my own schedule, with considerable freedom in timing. And the pay is high.

No complaints. Plus I get to be with the beautiful black-haired Minato!

"Any other conditions?"

"Oh, right… I'd appreciate it if you'd keep buying the stones I bring back…"

"… Fine. The stone payments will be considered bonuses for you."

Nice! Annual salary plus side income continues!

"Now then… with everything settled, let me ask again."

"Hm? Ask what?"

"About your power. How were you fine when Harakara was directly blasting you with his aura? How did your body remain unharmed even when you took Harakara's blows? Where did you gain such abilities…?"

Oops… I guess she didn't let that slide.

At first, I felt like I was just fighting some violent guy.

But the opponent was a real demon, and from Minato's perspective, there's no way an untrained civilian could stand up to one.

Yet thanks to my contract with Kyui, I'd gotten somewhat stronger and could contend with a demon.

How to explain this…

I casually sent Kyui a thought wave like "Help me, Kyui-emon～"

It probably didn't actually reach him, but he threw me a lifeline.

[Hmm… Your options are: honestly tell her about me, lie, or vaguely dodge the question.]

Yeah, that's about it. Honestly telling her is fine… but.

I do want to keep Kyui's Erotic Skills secret.

Lying… I can't think of a believable story on the spot.

If I said I trained in the mountains or was some immortal sage, I'd have to keep inventing more lies.

Let's go with telling the truth while vaguely dodging.

"Actually… this power is recent for me too."

"… True. You clearly don't look trained."

"Yeah. A while back, I quit my company from stress. Then sometime after, I got into a little trouble with some tough-looking guys. That's when I noticed my physical abilities had improved."

I'm not telling a single lie.

Not telling the whole truth either though!

Minato showed a thoughtful expression at my words.

"… When you were stressed, demonic aura affected you somewhere…? No, but I don't sense any demonic aura. Then… By the way, I've been wondering for a while. What's that bird?"

"It's my pet, Kyui! He's super smart!"

"… I see."

She's looking at Kyui with super suspicious eyes…!

W-well, Kyui looks like just a regular bird no matter how you look at him! Should be fine!

"You started listing stones on auction recently too, right? Also after quitting your company?"

"That's right. After quitting, I had more time. So I could go get stones like these."

"… I see. Maybe it has something to do with these stones or where they come from…?"

Hehehe…! I never once said "I don't even know why my physical abilities improved"…!

Minato just assumed I don't know! Think all you want…!

"… Fine. You have power to contend with Harakara, a Roaring Demon, and you can supply stones. You'll be using that power as my attendant going forward. For now, that's enough."

"Yeah."

Minato picked up the fallen sword and sheathed it.

So that sword was real after all…

"Then, Touya. Let's meet again in 10 days."

"Got it."

With that, Minato left the place.

But she'd brought in some daily necessities and stuff… was she actually living here…?

[Was it alright not to use Forced Arousal?]

"Yeah… well, using it makes things less interesting. I'll use it when I really want to fuck or make Minato go into heat."

[I see. I wanted to see Minato in heat from your dick though.]

"You're really one twisted bird… Well, I've been enjoying your Erotic Skills too, so no complaints. Besides, we used all our Hero Points, so I can't activate Erotic Skills anyway…"

But I'll admit, I did want to see the traditional beauty go into heat.

"Good thing she didn't ask about that vibe too."

[She may have wanted to ask but couldn't put it into words.]

"Good point."

A maiden wouldn't be able to ask "What was that vibrator!?" to a man she just met.

[The vibe manifestation consumed all Hero Points we had. That's why we could create a vibe with such power.]

"That thing was strong…! It easily shattered that weird armor! With super vibrations!"

[Heh… Elevating a sex toy to a replica of a holy rod and using it like that. Few could do such a thing. As expected of my chosen contractor.]

I can't use such a terrifying vibe for actual nighttime use though!

When I use it on Elinabelle, I'll make something more normal…

[Demons were quite novel, but as a result, you've obtained a foundation for life in this world too.]

"True. That worked out well at least."

[How do you plan to spend the next 10 days?]

Let's see… Minato kept saying stuff about cutting ties with civilian life, but…

I don't intend to get that deep into such a dangerous world.

"Well, I'll take it easy. Oh, but I need to thank Morimura-san for everything."

I'll tell him tomorrow when I go for my shift.

"I want to visit the other world at least once before meeting Minato again. Need to stock up on stones."

[They've gained unexpected value at this point.]

Really.

As I was thinking about heading home too… a message from Minato arrived on my phone.

"Hm…?"

I opened the messaging app to find a sticker of a dog and cat snuggling together.

 

*

 

"… That concludes my report."

"…"

Minato Kokuryouin had returned to Rishinkan, where the Tenyoushuu gathered.

Never did she think she'd pass through Rishinkan's gates alive again.

She hadn't even considered it just a short while ago.

"So Harakara…"

"Will likely heal his wounds and seek a rematch. But his opponent won't be me…"

"This man called Touya Kougou, then…"

"Yes."

Rishinkan had grounds about the size of a small elementary school.

Traditional Japanese buildings and training halls stood there, though nearby residents viewed it with distaste as a yakuza mansion.

The people coming and going did look intimidating, and it wasn't exactly wrong.

In a detached building in the back, Minato Kokuryouin was reporting the situation to her father, Mitsukage Kokuryouin.

"To think such a warrior existed outside our ranks…"

"Yes. He stood to protect me, completely unfazed by the demonic aura Harakara released. His body and mind are not that of ordinary men. He faced a demon with only his physical body, without Resonance Spirit."

"…"

If an ordinary person had been present where Minato Kokuryouin and Harakara fought, they would have fled.

Yet Touya casually walked right in without concern.

Hearing this, Mitsukage also concluded he was no ordinary person.

"He now knows about demons. That man will…"

"I'll have him join the clan as my personal apprentice. He's currently unemployed, single, and has no girlfriend."

"… I see."

Regarding his daughter taking a male attendant, Mitsukage, Minato's father, said nothing.

Though the man was of unknown origin, he was grateful for saving his daughter. Besides,

(I'm the one who ordered her not to return until Harakara was defeated… Talking to Minato is a bit awkward…)

That guilt made it hard to object to his daughter's wishes.

Mitsukage didn't want to be hated by his daughter at her age.

(She must understand it was a measure to protect the clan, but… Ah, Minato… Please forgive your father…)

Such sentiments didn't show on his face at all as Mitsukage simply nodded gravely.

"I'll have the administrative department begin Touya Kougou's onboarding procedures. His resident registry and…"

"I'll guide him through the necessary documents."

"Understood. And… I'll have a background check conducted just in case."

"Yes."

First, they needed to investigate what kind of man Touya Kougou was.

Where he was born, how he'd lived, whether he had a criminal record.

He was joining the clan's ranks and becoming his daughter's attendant, after all.

This was a natural decision for the Tenyoushuu's head.

"Also… these are the stones mentioned in my report."

"Catalysts that enhance your Resonance Arts… Indeed, I sense some power within."

Minato showed her father the three stones still in their box.

Mitsukage had heard about the stones in her report, but hearing that Touya could reliably supply them came as a surprise.

(Few could extract power from these stones and apply it to their own Resonance Arts. Only those with high sensitivity to aura, like Minato. Not a catalyst anyone can use, but a trump card for those who can.)

Securing someone who could supply such trump cards was significant in itself.

"Keep these stones for now. Few others can use them anyway."

"Yes… Regarding my return. To the Motomune faction…"

"I'll speak to them properly. Don't worry about it."

"Understood."

The position of Tenyoushuu head wasn't hereditary.

But it was true that only certain families ever held it, making it nearly hereditary.

And over the long history, factions had formed around these specific families.

The Tenyoushuu as an organization had strong ties to the government.

Its head had influence over politicians and other power holders.

Therefore, many within the clan actively sought that position.

Fortunately, the current era didn't have intense factional conflict.

But in the past, actual killings had occurred.

And when internal strife intensified, dealing with demonic aura was inevitably neglected.

That directly led to deteriorating public safety and increased rates of violent crimes.

Balance within the clan was something the head couldn't ignore.

(The stones, and a man who can fight Harakara hand-to-hand… Now then… Does the current Tenyoushuu have the capacity to accept these foreign elements…)