I was woken up by an alarm—I almost instantly turned it off. It was the next day, and I'm only noticing now, but, a lot of things happened in a short period.
It was on June 18th when I rediscovered myself and when I separated from everyone. It was only two days ago, the 25th when I was at the village. Yesterday, the 26th, I was in Yokohama and now I'm in the underworld and it's June 27th.
I got dressed and exited my room and went downstairs.
I wonder how the others are doing...
Gah! Why am I thinking about them now? I just need to focus on myself. If I want to see them again, I'll have to get stronger and work with others.
When I had finally finished descending the stairs, Yama was waiting for me at the reception. When he saw me, he clicked his tongue.
I guess after Mr Kim told him off twice, he's not happy to see me.
"Good morning, Yama-san."
I greeted him.
"Stop using honorifics, you're just going to make me even more mad, brat."
That was the whole point of it.
"Mr Kim wants to see you now."
He did say that we would continue yesterday's conversation today.
"Lead the way."
I told him.
We exited the inn and walked through the streets of the underworld.
You know, for its violent and grim atmosphere, it's a beautiful place. In the future, I wouldn't mind living here since I can handle myself just fine. Though, living a good life down in the underworld, without any associations, is almost impossible.
My sister taught me that a life with no connections would only lead me to doom, whether I'm above or below ground.
"Oi, brat."
"Hm?"
"Who are you really?"
Yama asked me, out of nowhere.
"I already told you my name. My name is Kazuya. Doesn't that—"
"I know that, I'm not stupid, or anything!"
He snapped at me.
"It's just that I've never seen the boss like this. Originally, he would've killed you if you mentioned the gods to him."
Eh?! I guess I'm lucky not to have been attacked since that would've caused everything to go downhill.
"I don't know myself."
I told him.
"Maybe... he sees something in you."
Yama suddenly turned and pointed at me, shouting.
"If you betray Mr Kim's expectations, then I'll kill you, you hear?!"
"Yes... Are we there yet?"
"Yeah, we're already here."
It was a different place from yesterday. Perhaps Mr Kim is trying to be illusive, in an attempt to keep assassins away from him. I mean, I already know what type of violent place this is.
We entered the place and went up the stairs, where Mr Kim had been waiting for us.
He smiled upon seeing me.
"Good morning, Kazuya. Please sit."
"Good morning, Mr Kim."
I sat opposite Mr Kim and Yama stood behind Mr Kim, staring at the ceiling.
"May I ask you something, Kazuya?"
"Yes."
"Why have you come to seek me as your benefactor?"
An appropriate question.
"My goal is to defea—no, kill the gods, or, at least the ones with connections to the Imperi. I heard that you hate the gods, which is why I came to you."
The old man nodded.
"Quite the bold young man, you are. No one has ever come to me for that reason. They are too scared to approach me, even."
He said.
"But then, answer me this, Kazuya."
As he spoke, an ominous aura emanated from Mr Kim. Even I began to feel chills travel through my spine.
"What is your end goal with all of this?"
"To erase all traces of Imperi from this world."
"So, in the end, you'll only use good means?"
"That's a stupid question. A necessary evil, I'm sure you know all about it, Mr Kim."
There was a strong silence that travelled through the air. Mr Kim smirked before breaking it.
"Sure, but, I'll become your benefactor on one condition."
This is somewhat promising.
"What condition?"
"Well, actually, there were two girls who came to see me a few days ago."
I looked over at Yama and he nodded at me.
"They also want me to become their benefactor. For what reasons? I don't know. But, I called them here today, so that you all can work together and do a favour for me."
Mr Kim looked at one of his men near the door and the man unlocked the door. Two women came in.
The first woman, who walked through, was a calm, beautiful woman. She had long magenta hair and scarlet eyes. Her complexion was lighter compared to others. She was a gunslinger. Her holsters were loaded and on her chest.
The second female was a young woman. She was also beautiful. She had blonde hair, which was tied up, and verdant eyes. This woman was a swordsman. She had a sword at her waist.
The magenta-haired woman and I made eye contact. At that moment, I found her familiar. I searched through my memory when...
"Ah, it's you!"
I said while jumping up from my chair.
The woman stared at me, confused.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I've ever met you."
"Yesterday, I asked you where the nearest barber was, remember?"
This was the woman I had coincidentally met on the streets.
"Hah?!"
She freaked out.
The previous calm impression I had of her was just ruined within a few seconds.
"You look so different! If I knew that you were so handsome, I would've never let you go!"
"Uh... thanks, I guess?"
"You know this person, Eli?"
The young woman eyes me suspiciously while asking the other woman.
"I met him yesterday, but only for a moment."
"Really, now?"
She flicked her head, looking away from me.
Is she bitter or sassy? No, she's probably both.
"I'm Elizabeth and that moody girl over there is Myraliana. What's your name?"
She had her hand out.
"My name is Kazuya, nice to meet you."
"Right, Kazuya, I've been wondering ever since we met for the second time, but... when do you plan on showing us your true identity?"
I froze and looked up at Elizabeth.
She saw through me so quickly.