The rules of the ability were simple, yet the potential was immense. He could create a single skill each month, but the skill had to be based on something he already knew. It couldn't be something beyond his physical or mental capabilities. If he wanted to create a skill, he would have to wait an entire month before creating another.
The limitations were frustrating, but he couldn't deny the potential. In his previous life, he had been skilled in manipulation, deception, and psychological warfare. He could use those skills as a foundation to create something even more powerful in this world.
His mind raced with possibilities. He could create a skill to enhance his charisma, making it easier to manipulate others. He could create a skill to improve his combat abilities, ensuring he could protect himself and the girls once the outbreak began. Or he could create a skill that would allow him to deceive others so thoroughly that they wouldn't even realize they were being controlled.
But he knew he had to be smart about this. He had one shot at creating a skill this month, and it had to be something that would give him an immediate advantage. Something that would help him establish his dominance early on.
As he considered his options, he heard a soft knock at the door. He quickly composed himself, slipping into the role of Takashi Komuro.
"Come in," he called out, his voice calm and controlled.
The door opened, and Rei Miyamoto stepped into the room. She looked worried, her brow furrowed in concern. "Takashi, are you okay? You've been in here all morning."
Rei Miyamoto. In Takashi's memories, she was his childhood friend, his first love, and the girl who had chosen another over him. But in the context of his new life, she was much more than that. She was his first target.
He gave her a reassuring smile, trying to mimic the awkward, shy demeanor that Takashi was known for. "Yeah, I'm fine, Rei. Just thinking about some stuff."
Rei's expression softened, and she walked over to him, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "You've been really distant lately. Is something bothering you?"
He could feel her concern, her genuine care for the boy she had grown up with. It was almost endearing,and it made him sick to his stomach how easily he could exploit it. But he pushed that feeling aside. This was an opportunity, and he wasn't going to waste it.
"I guess I've just been feeling a little lost," he said, adopting a tone of vulnerability. He knew that Rei had always felt guilty for drifting away from Takashi, and he could use that guilt to his advantage. "Everything feels like it's changing, and I'm not sure where I fit in anymore."
Rei's eyes softened with sympathy, and she reached out to place a hand on his. "Takashi, you don't have to go through this alone. You know I'm here for you, right? We've been through so much together. I care about you."
He could feel the warmth of her hand against his, and it sparked a dark, twisted desire within him. She was opening up to him, lowering her guard. If he played his cards right, she would be his—completely and utterly his.
"I know, Rei," he replied, allowing a hint of sadness to color his voice. "It's just… I don't want to be a burden. You've got your own life, your own relationship with Hisashi. I don't want to get in the way."
Rei hesitated, her expression conflicted. The mention of Hisashi stirred something in her, a mix of guilt and doubt. He could see it in her eyes—the lingering feelings she had for Takashi, the unresolved emotions that had been buried beneath her relationship with Hisashi. He just needed to push the right buttons.
"You could never be a burden to me, Takashi," she said softly. "I care about you too much for that. I… I'm sorry if I made you feel like I've been distant. It's just, with everything that's been going on, I didn't realize…"
He squeezed her hand gently, feigning reassurance. "It's okay, Rei. I understand. You've been busy, and I didn't want to make things harder for you."
She shook her head, a determined look crossing her face. "No, I should have been there for you. You're important to me, Takashi. You always have been."
There it was—the opening he needed. He let out a small sigh, as if releasing a weight from his chest. "You're important to me too, Rei. More than you know."
The room was filled with a heavy silence, thick with unspoken words and emotions. Rei looked down at their joined hands, her mind clearly racing with thoughts she couldn't quite articulate. He could sense her internal struggle, the way she was torn between her loyalty to Hisashi and her unresolved feelings for Takashi.
But before she could say anything more, he decided to give her something to hold on to—something that would make her doubt her relationship with Hisashi and draw her closer to him.
"Rei, there's something I've been meaning to tell you," he began, his voice low and hesitant. He saw her look up, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern. "I… I never really got over you."
The words hung in the air like a loaded gun, and he watched as Rei's expression shifted from surprise to uncertainty. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, she just stared at him, clearly unsure of how to react.
He could feel the tension in the room rise, and he knew that now was the time to strike. "I know you're with Hisashi, and I respect that. I really do. But I can't help how I feel, Rei. I've tried to move on, but no matter what I do, I keep thinking about you. About us."
Rei's grip on his hand tightened, and he could see the turmoil in her eyes. He had planted the seed of doubt, and now it was only a matter of time before it began to grow. All he had to do was be patient and let it take root.
"Takashi, I…" she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't know you still felt that way. I thought you had moved on, that you were okay."
He shook his head, letting out a bitter laugh. "I tried, Rei. I really did. But every time I see you, it's like everything I feel comes rushing back. I don't want to mess things up for you and Hisashi, but I can't lie to myself anymore."
The look of guilt and conflict on Rei's face was almost too easy to manipulate. She was torn between her feelings for him and her loyalty to Hisashi, and he could see her resolve wavering. All it would take was one more push.
"I don't expect anything from you," he continued, his tone filled with false sincerity. "I just needed you to know how I feel. If it makes things awkward between us, I'm sorry. But I couldn't keep it bottled up anymore."
Rei's expression softened, and she leaned in closer to him, her eyes filled with compassion. "Takashi, I… I don't know what to say. I care about you too, more than I probably should. But things are so complicated right now. I don't want to hurt Hisashi, and I don't want to lose you as a friend either."
He reached up to gently cup her cheek, his touch light and reassuring. "You won't lose me, Rei. No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
The sincerity in his voice was a well-practiced act, and he could see that it was working. Rei was letting her guard down, allowing herself to be vulnerable with him. It was exactly what he wanted—what he needed.
Before either of them could say anything more, the door to the room burst open, and a familiar figure stormed in. It was Hisashi Igou, Takashi's best friend and Rei's current boyfriend. His eyes widened in shock and anger as he took in the scene before him—Rei sitting close to Takashi, their hands intertwined, and Takashi's hand resting on her cheek.
"What the hell is going on here?" Hisashi demanded, his voice laced with suspicion.
Rei quickly pulled away, her face flushing with guilt and embarrassment. "Hisashi, it's not what it looks like! We were just talking."
But the damage had already been done. Hisashi's eyes narrowed as he looked at Takashi, his anger barely contained. "Talking? It sure as hell didn't look like just talking to me."
Takashi knew this was a delicate situation, one that could either work in his favor or backfire completely. He had to tread carefully, using both Hisashi's jealousy and Rei's guilt to his advantage.
"Hisashi, calm down," Takashi said, his voice steady and controlled. "We were just having a conversation about some things that have been bothering me. It wasn't anything more than that."
Hisashi didn't look convinced, but he was clearly trying to rein in his temper. "Then why were you holding her like that? Why didn't you tell me what was going on?"
Rei stepped in, her voice pleading. "Hisashi, please. It's not what you think. Takashi was just feeling down, and I was trying to help. That's all."
But Hisashi's anger had already been kindled, and Takashi could see the distrust and jealousy building within him. This was the moment to plant the seeds of doubt even further, to create a rift between Hisashi and Rei that would only grow with time.
"I didn't want to drag you into it, Hisashi," Takashi said, adopting a tone of reluctant honesty. "You and Rei have your own relationship, and I didn't want to complicate things. But I guess I should have been more upfront with you. I'm sorry."
The apology was insincere, but it was just convincing enough to make Hisashi pause. He was still angry, but now there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.
"Look, Hisashi," Takashi continued, "Rei and I have a lot of history. We've been through a lot together, and sometimes it's hard to move past that. But I don't want to come between you two. That's the last thing I want."
Rei looked at Takashi with a mixture of gratitude and guilt, while Hisashi seemed torn between his anger and his desire to believe his friend. The tension in the room was thick, and Takashi knew he had to strike the final blow to set his plan in motion.
"I think we all need some time to cool off," he said, standing up from the bed. "I'll give you two some space to talk things out. I'm sorry if I caused any trouble."
Without waiting for a response, Takashi walked past Hisashi and out of the room, leaving the couple behind. As he closed the door, he allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. The seeds had been planted, and now all he had to do was wait for them to grow.
Hisashi's jealousy and distrust would fester, creating cracks in his relationship with Rei. Meanwhile, Rei's guilt and confusion would make her more susceptible to Takashi's manipulations. It was only a matter of time before she would turn to him for comfort, and when she did, he would be ready to take full advantage of the situation.
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* After they left *
As he walked down the hallway, Takashi couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. This world was his for the taking, and the people in it were nothing more than pawns in his game. He had two days before the outbreak, and he would use that time wisely. By the time the world descended into chaos, he would already have the upper hand.
And once the outbreak began, there would be no limits to what he could achieve. He envisioned the chaos of the outbreak, the desperation, the fear—the perfect environment for someone like him to thrive. In this world, survival would depend on strength, cunning, and the ability to manipulate others. And he excelled in all those areas.
As he made his way down the stairs, he was already planning his next moves. The power of his "limited skill creation" ability was not to be underestimated, and he needed to choose his first skill carefully. His first priority was ensuring his survival and gaining control over the group. To do that, he needed a skill that would give him a significant advantage from the very beginning.
He considered his options. Combat skills were important, but those could be developed naturally through practice and experience, especially given Takashi's physical capabilities. What he needed was something more subtle, something that would allow him to manipulate the people around him more effectively. If he could control the group dynamic from the start, he could easily position himself as the leader—the one everyone relied on.
But then another idea struck him, one that sent a shiver of excitement down his spine. What if he created a skill that amplified his influence over others, something that would make people naturally inclined to trust him, follow him, and even become dependent on him? Such a skill would be perfect for bending others to his will, especially during a crisis.
Yes, that was the direction he needed to take. He would create a skill based on his knowledge of psychology and manipulation—a skill that would enhance his ability to influence and control others, particularly in moments of fear or stress.
He quickly formulated the parameters in his mind, focusing on the desired outcome. The skill would be subtle, working beneath the surface to make people more receptive to his words and more likely to follow his lead. It would be a psychological tool, something that played on the instincts of those around him, making them feel safer when they were near him, more trusting of his decisions, and more willing to do whatever he asked.
Satisfied with the concept, he felt a strange, tingling sensation deep within his mind as the skill took shape. It was like a piece of code being written into his very being, integrating seamlessly with his existing knowledge and experience. When the process was complete, he knew instinctively what the skill would do and how to use it.
He decided to name the skill "Charismatic Influence." It would subtly enhance his presence, making him appear more confident, more trustworthy, and more capable in the eyes of others. It wouldn't be a mind-control ability—he wasn't aiming for something as blatant as that—but it would make people more likely to align with his views and follow his lead, especially in high-pressure situations.
With the skill now part of him, he felt a renewed sense of power and confidence. This was just the beginning. He would test the limits of this ability in the coming days, ensuring that he could manipulate those around him with ease. Once the outbreak began, there would be no turning back. He would take full advantage of the chaos to solidify his control over the group and, eventually, expand his influence even further.
As he entered the kitchen, he found Takashi's mother, Kiriko Komuro, preparing breakfast. The smell of cooked rice and miso soup filled the air, and she smiled warmly at him when she saw him.
"Good morning, Takashi," she greeted him, her voice gentle. "You're up early today."
He returned her smile, adopting the role of the dutiful son. "Morning, Mom. I just couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd get an early start."
She nodded, looking pleased. "Well, it's good to see you taking care of yourself. Breakfast will be ready soon, so why don't you set the table?"
"Sure thing," he replied, moving to grab the plates and chopsticks.
As he set the table, he observed Kiriko carefully. In his previous life, he had always had a complicated relationship with his own mother—a mix of resentment and indifference. But here, in this new world, Takashi's mother was a different story. She was kind, caring, and clearly loved her son deeply. The contrast was almost jarring, but he reminded himself that this wasn't really his mother. This was just another person in this world—someone who could be useful to him, or someone he might have to discard if she became a liability.
He pushed those thoughts aside for now, focusing on maintaining the facade of the dutiful son. He needed to play the long game, and that meant building trust with everyone around him, at least until the outbreak began.
As they sat down to breakfast, Kiriko started talking about the day ahead, mentioning the usual mundane details of life in a peaceful town. But all he could think about was how quickly everything was going to change. In two days, the world would be plunged into chaos, and nothing would ever be the same again.
He was ready for it. More than that, he was eager for it. The mundane life that Takashi had been living was about to be torn apart, and in its place, a new world would emerge—a world where the strong ruled and the weak perished. And he was determined to be one of the strong.
But first, he had to prepare. Hisashi was already suspicious of him, and Rei was conflicted. He needed to drive a wedge between them, make Hisashi's anger grow, and ensure that Rei would turn to him when things got tough. And then there were the others—Saya, Saeko, Shizuka. Each of them had their own strengths and weaknesses, and he would need to manipulate them all in different ways to achieve his goals.
The thought of bending these girls to his will, of making them rely on him, trust him, and eventually desire him, filled him with a twisted sense of satisfaction. They were all beautiful, strong-willed in their own ways, but in the chaos of the outbreak, they would need someone to protect them, someone to lead them. And who better to fulfill that role than him?
After breakfast, he decided to head to the school early. He needed to scout the area, assess the weak points, and plan his next moves. The school would be one of the first places hit by the outbreak, and he wanted to be ready when it happened. He needed to know where to take the girls, where the safest areas were, and how to position himself as their leader when the time came.
As he walked to the school, he kept a close eye on his surroundings. The streets were still quiet, with only a few people out and about. It was a calm, ordinary day, but the knowledge of what was coming filled him with a sense of anticipation. The world was about to change, and he was going to be at the center of it.
When he arrived at the school, he was greeted by the familiar sight of students milling about, chatting with friends, and preparing for the day ahead. He slipped into the role of Takashi Komuro with ease, greeting a few classmates and making small talk. But his mind was focused on more important matters.
He made his way to the rooftop, one of the highest points in the school, where he could get a good view of the surrounding area. As he stood there, looking out over the town, he mentally mapped out the school's layout—the classrooms, the hallways, the exits. He needed to know every detail, every potential escape route, every place where the zombies could get in.
But more than that, he needed to think about how to use the school to his advantage. The rooftop, for example, could serve as a strong defensive position. It was high up, with only one way in and out, and it offered a clear view of the surrounding area. If he could get the group to retreat here, he could control access to the rooftop and ensure that he remained in charge.
He also needed to think about supplies. The school had a cafeteria, which meant there would be food and water. There was also the nurse's office, where they could find medical supplies. He would need to secure these areas early on, before panic set in and the other students started raiding them.
As he planned, he heard the door to the rooftop creak open. He turned to see Saeko Busujima, the captain of the Kendo Club, stepping out onto the roof. She was dressed in her school uniform, her long purple hair flowing down her back, and she carried herself with the grace and confidence of a warrior.
Saeko was one of the strongest students at the school, both physically and mentally. She was a skilled fighter, and she had a calm, composed demeanor that made her a natural leader. But that also made her a potential threat to his plans. He needed to be careful with her, to ensure that she saw him as an ally, not a rival.
"Good morning, Komuro," Saeko greeted him, her voice calm and measured. "What brings you up here so early?"
He smiled, adopting an air of casual ease. "Just wanted to clear my head before classes start. The view up here is pretty nice."
Saeko nodded, stepping closer to the edge of the rooftop and looking out over the town. "It is. I often come up here to think as well."
They stood in silence for a moment, both of them looking out at the peaceful town below. But Takashi's mind was racing, trying to figure out the best way to approach her. Saeko was a complex character, someone who valued strength and honor above all else. She wouldn't be easy to manipulate, but he needed her on his side.
"You're the captain of the Kendo Club, right?" he asked, feigning casual interest.
"Yes," she replied, her tone polite but distant. "I've been practicing kendo since I was a child."
"That's impressive. I've always admired people who are dedicated to something like that," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "It takes a lot of discipline and focus. You must be really strong."
Saeko glanced at him, her expression neutral but with a hint of curiosity. "Strength isn't just about physical ability, Komuro. It's about understanding yourself and others, knowing your limits, and having the willpower to overcome them."
He nodded, taking in her words. Saeko was sharp, insightful—someone who saw the world in a way most people didn't. He knew that trying to manipulate her with flattery alone wouldn't work. He needed to appeal to that deeper side of her, the side that respected strength of character as much as skill with a sword.
"I couldn't agree more," he said, his tone thoughtful. "Lately, I've been thinking a lot about that. About what it means to be strong, especially with everything going on in the world. It feels like we're standing on the edge of something… like things are about to change in a big way."
Saeko's gaze shifted to him, and he could see the flicker of interest in her eyes. "What makes you say that?"
He shrugged, playing the part of someone who was trying to make sense of his own thoughts. "I don't know. Maybe it's just a feeling. But it seems like the world is becoming more unpredictable, more dangerous. I guess I've been thinking about how we can prepare ourselves for whatever comes next."
Saeko regarded him for a moment, her expression inscrutable. Then she turned back to the view. "It's wise to be prepared. Most people go through life without considering the possibility that everything could change in an instant. But those who are prepared, who have the strength to adapt, will be the ones who survive."
He filed that away, understanding that Saeko valued preparedness and foresight. She was someone who didn't just react to situations—she anticipated them. If he could position himself as someone who was also prepared for the chaos to come, it might help him gain her trust.
"You're right," he said, his voice serious. "I've been thinking about that a lot, too. I don't want to be caught off guard when things go bad. And I don't want the people I care about to suffer because I wasn't ready."
Saeko nodded, her eyes still focused on the town below. "That's a noble sentiment. But strength isn't just about protecting others; it's also about being willing to do what needs to be done, even if it's difficult."
He understood what she was implying—that survival in a world of chaos would require making hard choices. Choices that might go against one's morals or values. It was something he had already come to terms with, but he needed to convey that to her in a way that aligned with her own beliefs.
"I know," he said quietly. "I've been thinking about that, too. About what I'm willing to do to protect the people I care about. It's not easy to face those kinds of decisions, but I think it's necessary. I just hope I have the strength to make the right choices when the time comes."
Saeko finally looked at him again, and this time there was a hint of approval in her eyes. "It seems like you've put a lot of thought into this, Komuro. Most people your age don't consider these things until it's too late."
He smiled, trying to downplay his own preparedness. "I guess I've just had a lot on my mind lately. But I'm glad I can talk to you about it. It helps to know there's someone else who understands."
Saeko's expression softened slightly. "If you ever need someone to talk to, or if you're looking for advice, you can come to me. I'm always willing to help someone who's trying to better themselves."
He nodded, grateful for the opening she had given him. "I appreciate that, Saeko. It means a lot to me."
They stood in companionable silence for a few moments, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Takashi knew he had made a good impression, but he also knew that Saeko wasn't someone who could be easily swayed. She was strong-willed and independent, qualities that he respected but also saw as challenges to overcome.
As the first bell rang, signaling the start of the school day, Saeko turned to leave. "I'll see you around, Komuro," she said with a nod.
"Yeah, see you," he replied, watching as she walked back inside.
Once she was gone, he let out a small sigh of satisfaction. It wasn't much, but it was a start. Saeko was someone he needed on his side, not just because of her strength, but because of the respect she commanded among the students. If he could gain her trust, it would go a long way in solidifying his position when the outbreak began.
As he made his way to his first class, he continued to think about his next moves. The pieces were slowly falling into place, but he needed to be careful. Hisashi was still a problem, and Rei's feelings were still conflicted. But with the "Charismatic Influence" skill now at his disposal, he was confident that he could handle them.
Over the next two days, he would continue to manipulate the situation, driving a wedge between Hisashi and Rei, while also ingratiating himself with the other key players. He would make sure that when the outbreak began, everyone would look to him for leadership and protection.
And when that happened, he would be ready. Ready to take control, ready to shape the group according to his will, and ready to use the chaos to fulfill his own twisted desires.
The world was about to change, and Takashi Komuro—no, the man inside him—was going to make sure that he was the one who came out on top. Whatever it took, whoever he had to manipulate, he would do it.
Because in this new world, only the strong would survive. And he had every intention of being the strongest of them all.