「His PoV」
If you ever find yourself in a situation where death will come for you, how would you prefer to face it? Would you like it to come straight from the front door, or greet you in a dream while you sleep, or perhaps suddenly and without any signs beforehand?
I myself would choose the first option, where they come to my front door. If you think about it, having a brief conversation before being escorted by the reaper of souls would be a pretty cool experience, wouldn't it?
And then, if only...
If only... If there were such an opportunity, I would really want to ask them about something that has always piqued my curiosity.
... Perhaps.
Is it possible for those who have died to forget that they've once lived or tasted life? If that question could be answered, then I would be truly grateful. What do you think about it.
... I'm sorry, Fuka-san. Once again, I have to ask for your help, even though I have created various personas to support my resilience in different situations. But time and time again, I just keep failing.
... Indeed, that is our mission and life's purpose, isn't it?
I feel the same way, Fuka-san. No matter how distant I travel, I'll inevitably remain unchanged, just the same as always.
... Haha, I apologize for my stubbornness, but I wish to mimic Fuka-san's demeanor for a little longer. So, please permit me to continue this facade for a bit.
... Upon hearing this last message, hopefully, you're wearing a slightly embarrassed expression right now, just enough to provide me with ammunition for some good-natured teasing.
I hope that someday you will find that white tuna who will change you and grant the same wish you have given me to yourself as well.
... Yes you're right Fuka-san, the white tuna.
She's technically the one who'll acknowledged her own self as the main character, you'll know if you still remember my words when the time comes. However for now please just be patient, I'm sure you will meet them and I'll make sure of it.
... Even when my presence is no longer required, without a doubt I'll make sure of this.
❛Kukuku, what a liar. Let's just focus on our mission shall we? There's no time for dawdling on some old memories right now.❜ 「Persona bearing the mark of descend」
Once more, the dark clouds unfolds accompanied by the gentle touch of rain.
Raindrops fell onto the mother earth, slowly and surely until its turned into a downpour.
Creating an attracting fragrance as soil is being showered by the rain.
The wind's whispering behind my ears murmurs a word, whether it be the sound of weeping or the howl of freedom, I myself does not truly know.
Wandering aimlessly upon this foreign land without the friend that has been lost, once again I've become reminded of the sole reason behind why I'm here.
"What an elusive guy, he really did his homework in erasing his trace. Took some time to found this."
With holding this hope in my left hand, and an empty memories on my right hand, I kept on dreaming without awakening at the end of the world no one knows.
This hope that I hold taking the form of a blade under the influence of the imperial, together along with this shell of empty memories morphed into the shape of colonial guns.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, a tranquil aura enveloped the surroundings, bestowing a sense of serenity and solitude upon the world.
Accompanied by the sound of rain pouring over this city, I continued to hear the steps of my feet as I moved through numerous puddles.
Having abandoned the cart which would only hinder my pursuit, I eventually arrived at a building that was all too familiar. This building, where I used to visit often when that old ma was bedridden.
"Hospital eh? So my guess is right then, he's aiming to get his reward. But that child, I deeply regret involving her in yet another chapter of this narrative."
Shortly after my gaze settled on the towering medical facility, memories came rushing back, serving as a reminder of the failed kidnapping of Hatoba Tsugu.
Hatoba Tsugu, one of the fortunate survivors within the string of abductions in this city. A student often seen around Virtual Academy, and also a loli shrouded with various mysteries.
Despite having a limited understanding of her background and the identities of other Vtubers in this world, I've done quite a background search of her.
I definitely did those out of my goodwill, not because she's a young girl that're cute or anything.
From what I've gathered, Hatoba Tsugu in this world is essentially a Virtual Student, a student who took class within a certain academy in this city. She does have some-kind of connections with a reputable high-brand company as well.
She originated from overseas and came to this city to enroll in a specialized institution called Virtual Academy. She resides alone in a downtown apartment, which explains the absence of guardians or adults in her vicinity.
... Why do I know this? A-Ahaha... who knows, but as I continued to gather information about her, it became apparent that there are many individuals who engage in similar activities as I do.
Apprehending them and handing them over to the nearby authorities was a straightforward task. However, the challenge arises when there is an overwhelming number of individuals stalking a single young girl.
I kept digging from those rude stalker to uncover the mastermind behind their recent stalking. Eventually, I managed to acquire the omitted details directly from their mouths. However, it was at that very moment that I found myself unexpectedly discovered by Chisato and Takina.
Never did I imagine that I would find myself in a world that not only incorporates elements from VTuber characters, but also blends in the magic aspects of "Eminence in Shadow" and the secret agent elements from "Lycoris Recoil."
It was a surprise, but not a pleasant one.
Seeing so many schoolgirl agents like them wandering around, it's becoming increasingly difficult for me to restrain myself. Witnessing these girls who possess far more strength than ordinary civilians, a part of me is consumed by a desire to tear them apart.
"..."
Nevertheless after leaving out the detail of me who're also doing a little bit of stalker, I believed I could finally exhale a sigh of relief by entrusting Hatoba Tsugu to their safeguard. The rumors I overheard while on the road hinted that they functioned much like covert agents, after all.
Hatoba Tsugu is the lone survivor, a victim of a chain of mysterious stalking's, and a crucial link behind the recent cases of many girls' disappearances. This situation renders her vulnerable and susceptible to being targeted once again.
She should've came under the protection of D.A or Lycoris shortly after they discovered a clue I had left for them.
And if the other rumors I've caught wind of happen bound to be accurate, then Hatoba Tsugu's safety should be somewhat improved compared to her previous situation.
Cases of girls disappearing and later being found dead have become a disturbing trend around here, and it appears that this trend had already begun long before I arrived in this world.
Myself alone not particularly interested to become involved, let alone solving the case.
Especially upon learning that the main orchestrator behind it is a transmigrator who has taken over the body of the "Shadow." Further along the fact that I have been perceived as a bad guy by Takina and Chisato.
But well... I can't help but feel regretful for involving Hatoba Tsugu in this recurring storyline.
Leave her or help her, I should've made my decisions well in advance before delving into this transmigrator's tale. If I end up in a clash with him, I doubt they're going to appreciate it, especially since I'm currently nothing more than a fugitive myself.
Hmm...
Yeah... who really cares. It'll be a good chance to test some things up.
Besides...
I'm just another stalker, so why should I care of other's opinion. If by some small chance those guys find me here, I'll just fight my way out as usual.
❛Hah!❜「Persona bearing the mark of anti-breakable」
Indeed, I'm just another stalker.
Regardless of any past savior's role I might have played, a stalker are not that much different from a dangerous observer. Stalker are just someone who lurked within the dark, watching everything unfold with their abysmal mind.
Nevertheless, as someone who once offered a helping hand to rescue her, it wouldn't be cool and honorable to abandon her at this point. She still owes me a bowl of meatballs, and I fully intend to collect on that debt.
Hehe... being a stalker can't really put much into my wallet.
"Uhh... is it just me, or did I start talking like a tsundere just now? Ah, it doesn't really matter. Since I'm going after him, I'll end up to save that little girl anyway."
Speaking to myself has become a hobby of mine ever since I embarked on solo travels across various places. It proves helpful, particularly when there's no one available to fill the role of my companions.
"I am steel."
Alright let's finish this and wrap it up, though I'll be fighting a transmigrator with rating around 6/10 and a fusion of Cid Kagenou and a homicidal maniac— let's just do it as usual. I'll refrain from using Fenghuang Down since it'd be a waste to deploy it against him.
I'll just use this instead.
"Steel knows no fear. Steel knows no bound. When face with my enemy, I hesitate not. I am a weapon to destroy these."
He wields the powers of a system user, equipped with a distinct template that's deeply ingrained, alongside unique attributes or titles that could enhance his core lust before his arrival in this world.
The one who gave him a system is just another random ROB, a cliché that has been milked dry but never really ends.
This particular ROB seemingly exhibited fascination with his murderous inclinations, exploiting this facet to draw their chosen soul into their grasp. What another useless thing.
"... Iron-blood transformation."
Whether it's the ROB or this individual, they've gone down into the wrong rabbit hole. I suppose it's time to provide them with a lesson with this peace-breaker.
"As expected, this transformation made me similar just like Phoenix Fuka-san... If only I don't have to chant that is."
This transformation, enhancing every aspect of my being to accomplish my mission, allows me to sense his presence much more distinctly than before. It act just like a buff that not only amplified my strength but also strengthen my defense.
At first, my intention was solely to experiment with various transformation incantations, while also emulating the transformation sequences of other renowned characters.
Like the chant for Unlimited Blade Works used by Emiya, Super Saiyan transformation of the Saiyan race, sage mode, Oblivion Down from Fuka-san, abilities and skill of Meikyou Shishui, and yeah just another bunch of stuffs.
Regrettably, merging elements from different sources proved challenging.
Even with the authority of the Outer that allowed me to transcend space and dimensions, my efforts were only marginally successful, resulting in the creation of a limited number of usable prototypes including this one.
I took inspiration from Tooru's Iron-blood transformation in Hitsugi no Chaika as the foundation for this transformation. I then infused additional pure energy, elements, and spells, as I mentioned earlier, to create this unique transformation spell.
Thus I gained this new look.
I must admit, it's not too shabby, if I do say so myself.
❛Enough rambling, mission come first. Save that loli right at this moment.❜「Persona bearing the mark of firm destination」
Upon entering the hospital, an initial wave of unease swept over me. The unsettling silence of a facility designed to accommodate numerous ailing individuals seemed strangely discomforting.
As I expected, I'm late again this time.
My focus shifted to a flickering light that swung gently – the sole source of illumination on the hospital's ground floor – and I realized the cause behind this eerie atmosphere.
❛... He's getting exp.❜「Persona bearing the mark of begone days」
A man-made mound rested in the corner of the first-floor room, and the familiar scent wafted into my nostrils, hastening my steps. The wall bore traces of dried red paint that reeked a pungent stench of steel, accompanied by a row of lifeless bodies lying beside it.
Their life essence has dried out, leaving no trace of movement or consciousness that I could sense. Their bodies have been dismembered unnaturally, rendering them unrecognizable and devoid of any familiar features.
"We don't have much time."
There's no time to mourn.
I persisted in my search for any discernible presence.
Utilizing the transformation buff proved to be a significant advantage, similar to Helena's SG radar, which was so potent that it could even locate me when I was concealed in my bunker.
With its assistance, I was able to pinpoint just two faint consciousnesses on the sixth floor. One of them was steeped in fear, while the other teetered on the precipice of corruption.
It's them.
"Cartridge loaded, ready to fire."
I raised my gun, the peace-breaker, aiming it at the ceiling of the first floor.
Paying no attention to the vanishing blade in my left hand, knowing that this katar would be more effective when I approached him later on, I honed my aim utilizing the iron sight of the gun.
Charged with bullets engineered to penetrate the hospital's walls and any obstacles in my path, I stood poised for action, ready to unleash its force with a mere tug of the trigger.
"Bite this bullet, pal."
*BANG*
The force of the shot's recoil propelled debris and corpses away from me, generating a thunderous roar that rivaled even the mightiest of thunderclaps.
A trail of light pierced through the hospital, reaching up to the skies and leaving a series of holes on each floor of the building.
Stepping over those charred remnant that has begun to crumbles, I proceeded through the newly formed shortcut until I ultimately arrived on the presumed sixth floor.
Fortunately... it seems I haven't arrived too late this time.
"Yo... you two, how lucky I am having a chance to met my former customers. Though its kinda sudden but... can I ask for your review about them? You know, like if its a little bit salty or not enough umami and such."
———————————————————
Previously...
As it had been foretold, Chung Cheng Liang, our protagonist, reborn within the vessel of Cid Kagenou sprinted with faltering steps as soon as he felt a dangerous sign from the meatball seller.
Thanks to his mastery of Mob-Fu, the protagonist adeptly concealed his presence, resulting in a substantial delay before the tracker could pinpoint his location.
Making use of his ruse of Mob-Fu during the search for Hatoba Tsugu's whereabouts, he skillfully maneuvers his way towards the hospital that has been reinforced by many Lycoris members.
As it turned out, Hatoba Tsugu's presence was indeed under the protection of D.A and Lycoris. However for the protagonist, they posed no greater threat than a group of mere dogs and kittens.
Everyone and each of D.A and available Lycoris member within that hospital has been slaughtered, their dissected bodies were then left to rot where he had killed them while he himself have gained tremendous amount of parameter from those victim.
Time continue to flow.
As time elapsed, the stalker then entered the hospital which had now transformed into a horrifying spectacle of massacre. All the while observing every move made by the protagonist, who was steadily getting closer to his objective.
"Lucky! Thankfully you're still in here, my cute little dolly money bag!"「(Chung Cheng Liang)」
As the simple passage about some hidden past is over, there's Chung Cheng Liang.
He had assumed the attire of the Shadow, the attire that was typically worn by Cid Kagenou when he wished to embody the role of the Shadow within the Shadow Garden.
He also commonly donned this disguise when he intended to perform "operations" on numerous individuals within his secret hideaway.
"Stop running. You know its going to be meaningless right? You know what people say, life is just like being raped. If you can't resist it, then just enjoy it. Now stay still!"「(Chung Cheng Liang)」
A tranquil yet unsettling "mana" began to emanate from the direction of the protagonist, filling the entire room with its deep purple hue.
In his line of sight, lay the girl, Hatoba Tsugu, who wrestled with great difficulty while remaining paralyzed in fear on the floor. Pulling her weakened body with tremendous effort, as she desperately trying to flee from her confined space.
Small scratches marked both her knees and elbows, accompanied by tear streaks that had traced their way down from her eyes. These marks were testament to the strenuous efforts she had exerted in her attempt to escape.
It felt like just a short while ago when she had encountered Nishikigi Chisato and Inoue Takina, two Lycoris members who had come to question her.
Her youthful body, weakened by the ordeal of her abduction, left Hatoba Tsugu fatigued. Leaving her couldn't provide comprehensive answers and soon succumbed to sleep.
No one came searching for her, and her room remained untouched by anyone except for the occasional presence of nurses and doctors. It was as if she was isolated, devoid of any close relatives in the city.
But long story short, not long after she opened her eyes due to some intruder, Hatoba Tsugu witnessed him—an individual who initially entered her room with a warm and innocent countenance, engaging in cheerful conversation.
It was very unfortunate for her since he soon revealed the true nature of his soul, causing a stark shift in his demeanor and exposing his genuine intentions.
NEW TRADE OFFER!〈43. Hatoba Tsugu : Pendant (x150) & Coin (x5.000.000)〉
To him, she held no value beyond being a substantial source of profit.
"Give up already, no one is coming for your help."「(Chung Cheng Liang)」
As soon as he entered the front door of that medical facility, he immediately began his carnage, creating a huge mess that his pursuer need to face when he entered the hospital on the ground floor.
Indeed, thanks to the effect of his title Surgeon of Malice, he could gain numerous parameter that could be conversed into his own power. A simple example of that is like when he cuts open some male's arm, he'll gain the strength of that man's arm.
However, be it the ratio and parameter gained from each parts, are affected from a few requirement. The first is definitely his own head-list, then there's also the level of neatness in surgery, how important the victim are in that world, how beautiful or handsome they are, etc.
It could be stacked and it wouldn't be dispelled, a continuous buff as long he continue killing one to other. Consequently, his power had now surpassed that of the original Shadow or Cid Kagenou thanks to those buff.
Whereas he's nothing more than a man who could pulls out an atomic card, he had now transcended even the level of a nuclear card. Such is the blessing of those who received the gift of「SYSTEM」.
As the protagonist draw more closer to the immobilized little girl that couldn't even lift a finger, there's an ominous glint sparked within his eyes that sent another surge of pure terror into her spine.
Chung Cheng Liang's hand swiftly reached for Hatoba Tsugu's defenseless head. The girl could only weep helplessly as she heard the ominous sound of a drawn blade, which was about to descend towards her delicate neck.
Despite Hatoba Tsugu's fierce struggles, her kicks and punches proved futile against the grip of the protagonist. Pinned down on the floor, she continued to plead, her voice filled with desperation as she questioned why the "protagonist" was subjecting her to this ordeal.
"Shut up, I'm doing all of this for fun. Hearing you yelping like this will just spoil my mood so just shut up already."「(Chung Cheng Liang)」
Fun, yes, she heard it right. Her life had become nothing more than amusing entertainment for him. Despite all her efforts, all her struggles, she was now reduced to a mere plaything for a random person she barely knew.
Anger welled up within her heart, but what came out were yet more tears.
She contemplated the unfairness of it all, feeling helpless in the face of circumstances that seemed to strip away any meaning. Her strength was ebbing away, leaving her small frame weaker and more vulnerable.
"!!! Shit!"「(Chung Cheng Liang)」
But just like a persistent stalker, he always chose the right moments to disrupt the peaceful and pleasing moments of others.
*BANG*
A burst of light shot through the floor and ceiling, leaving gaping holes in its wake. Killing two birds with one stone, the shots also forcefully separated the protagonist from the motionless girl who had been entranced by the brilliant light.
Rising alongside the brilliant trail, a figure with hair as red as iron blood came into view. Holding a flintlock in his right hand, the stalker took direct aim at the protagonist who still couldn't believe the events unfolding before his eyes.
"Yo... you two, how lucky I am having a chance to met my former customers. Though its kinda sudden but... can I ask for your review about them? You know, like if its a little bit salty or not enough umami and such."
"It's you son of a bitch again!"「(Chung Cheng Liang)」
"Oh? So you already met my mother aha? How is she doing... I wonder?"
—————————————————
〈Title : Surgeon of Malice〉
! Title's effect : The more body you bisect, the stronger you are !
! Title's effect : Perimeter gained according to which part has been bisected!
! Title's effect : Perimeter gained will be rebalanced according what has been bisected !
〈Chain kill effect activated!〉
〈All stats will be temporally multiplied〉
〈Current chain : x78 kill〉
〈All stats will be temporally boosted by 78% until durations expires!〉
〈Bonus chain kill effect activated!〉
〈User will gain permanent boost in perimeter based on ratings of bisection〉
〈Rating : PERFECT〉
〈Boost in all perimeter by x5〉
〈Status display〉
Combat Power : ...
...
...
...
Combat Power : 975.084