Even though time has passed, I thought that with all the work I did, in addition to literally working at Yazuo's restaurant, something didn't add up. It was fine and everything, or at least that's what I thought. But going back to that day, yes, that very day when I was supposed to save the day, I think I got carried away without even trying. This is also a problem that people have pointed out to me, especially when I start talking to myself, which my companions tell me about.
『What are you talking about?』
Papi especially says this to me a lot, seeing her confused expression as she tilts her head or moves it as if she were a bird. I can't say she's cute anymore, because that would be repetitive, but what other word is there? Pretty? Lovely? Beautiful? Gorgeous? Of course, Papi is all of those things to me, but the word that best describes her the more time I spend with her is precisely that word.
『How sweet you are, Papi...』
Every reaction she makes, every gesture, every look, everything she does, is what stands out most about her, or at least that's what I notice about her, and well, since everyone has already realized that my thoughts escape me from time to time, I'll just say it, of course I'm embarrassed afterwards for saying something that came out of nowhere, but when I saw Papi's reaction to what I just said, he just smiled at me again and stroked my head with his wing, responding with a.
『You're a sweet little brother too *smiles*』
The wound on my cheek still hasn't healed. I could tell because Papi also lowered his wing to caress my cheek, which still bothers me, in addition to the obvious thing that everyone already knows. But what's up with that day! Every time I touch the wound, I remember that moment. I should have been the one to save the day. It was the perfect moment! Some bad guys appeared out of nowhere! Wanting to attack and kidnap some girls! That in itself is bad enough, but wait, especially at the beginning of something that could explode or escalate over time, right? Could this be a sign? Is life trying to tell me something with what just happened? Does that mean something bigger is about to happen in the future? Huh? What? Also, the recent kidnappings of species... The world is telling me something! That's how all stories begin! If I am the protagonist, then I have to face the greatest enemy in this world! I have to do it! Yes! I was saying that there needed to be an antagonist or greater enemy in this world, not everything can be a bed of roses, ahh!!!!!! Let me live a peaceful life and continue to strengthen ties with my family!!!! But...
*excited*
One cannot escape one's destiny. If that's what's in store for me, I have to accept it. I'm the only one who's different in this whole world! Maybe not in the story, that would be too much to ask and at the same time I think it would be boring. But I have a mission! This is a story centered on me! Of course it is! It's about time. In the previous world, I wasn't the main focus. How can the protagonist not be the main focus in a story? That doesn't make sense! Am I right, Rino?
『Well, in a story, if you're the protagonist, you have to be the one who carries the main weight in everything, Ya-kun.』
I knew it!!! That makes sense!!! The protagonist is the one who moves the story forward!!! Every moment of trouble, tension, or the slightest interaction with other beings is for the protagonist to move the story forward!!!!! Now it's my turn to do it!!! That's why I have to become strong again, I have to excel at something that makes me special!!!!
『AH!!!! I get it now, Rino!!!! I get it now, Suu!!!!!!』 (๑ÒωÓ๑)
M was in a familiar forest, where his friend Suu was also by his side, as well as Rino, who always appears when M needs her, let's say when he needs her company.
『This is my moment of major development!!! That's why suffering a nerf as soon as I arrived in this world is a necessary step to become stronger!!!! Just think about it, it's the only thing that sets me apart from the others, that was the case from the beginning, or well, that was supposed to be the case until I lost how many times? I think it was like 5 or 6 times? I'm not sure...』
『You only lost twice, Ya-kun, or at least that's what I can gather from you. First, in your fight at Carmis Castle on the mysterious island, you were on a winning streak after defeating your friends, but when you lost to Blaze and ended up not doing much, if anything, in the final fight against the puas, you weren't that relevant in the end.』
True, in that event I was winning victory after victory, which felt good because previously when I faced them, whether in training or more serious fights, I didn't have as much of an advantage or could even visualize victory. I still regret how I could have lost. If I had won the fight against Blaze and she had been the one who couldn't fight anymore, eh? Could I have won against that beast? What's more... what attitude would I have taken if I had continued my winning streak?
『I'm really glad that you lost the two most important fights you had in the first world, especially the last one, so you can see that being someone special isn't easy, that every victory or defeat, its reward or consequence, has a special weight to it.』 -『And in those two losses, you came out with rewards *smiles*.』
Did I come out rewarded by losing? Uhm... I have to think about it a little more. In the end, what you get is not a win or a loss, but rather a result, and depending on what you are looking for, it can be either a reward or a consequence. So, is the fact that I lost on both occasions really a reward? Is losing really my prize? Well, it's not exactly like that. I looked at Suu, who also looked confused when she saw me talking to myself, and it cleared up my doubts. I'm overthinking something that even I don't understand, trying to understand such a complex issue...
『If you understand it, Ya-kun, I know you do *smiles*』
At this point, Rino interrupted my thoughts. I looked at him and his expression told me he was sure of his words. I remained silent for a while, thinking again about whether he was right or not, but he hadn't finished speaking.
『Don't forget that your story, Ya-kun, is connected, linked, and will collide with the stories of others and other beings and people you meet, but there is only one great story, and that story will give "x" character their time to be the main protagonist, where they will develop, progress, obtain new achievements and desires, while the rest of the characters will only be an extra complement. That's how a great story works, Ya-kun. Everyone has their moment in the spotlight, and from what I've heard about you, Ya-kun, I understand why they still treat you like a child *laughs*.』
Rino was laughing in his seat. What's wrong with this guy? Why is he laughing like that, as if he's holding back but at the same time not? I already said it, I'm not going to think about it too much because in the end, as he said, I understand everything he tells me very well, it's just that he reminds me because I may not be forgetful, but I do forget some details from time to time.
『Ah! Well, that's being forgetful *smiles* 』
I looked over at Suu, who, seeing me laugh at my own silly thought again, understood and was also laughing, and as if there wasn't a single moment of mention of the girl I like, Suu ended up mentioning someone with the same problem.
『Papi! Papi!』
She was waving her arms around, trying to imitate Papi's wings, and her pseudopod, that little tail on top of her head, seemed to be moving too.
『Yes, Papi is very forgetful, although it's not so noticeable anymore. Now he remembers many things. Besides, a few days ago, he said he was going to study at the same school as Kyto. Is he really going to do that? I don't think so, or is he? Wait, how old is Papi?』
Suu kept trying to imitate Papi, while I just shook my head. Yes! I have to leave behind some of the thinking I had before, although of course I still think I'm the protagonist of the story! Or at least I am in my own story. I should have said this before, but this forest is where I've been coming lately for private, personal training sessions, in addition to the ones I do with Cea. Of course, so you can see that even this skinny guy can get his act together (｀･ω･´) ｂ
I had been doing it for a while and thought I was already in shape, or at least I felt a twinge of doubt about whether I was making progress, I mean, you have to add it all up! My training with Cea and the officers, my personal training, plus the training and simulated fights I had in my room. If I add it all up, plus the days I dedicated to it, then on that day of the Lizardmen, I should have been able to reach my God Form, but...
『What am I missing? Do I need an extra push? 』
I touched the bandage on my cheek again. I still don't know what I really need, but I know that what I'm doing is a good step that I shouldn't give up on, or at least it's useful. I have a positive attitude, I have the desire, what am I missing?....
『(I think I know what you're missing, Ya-kun, but getting you to that point won't be easy) 』
At this, Rino looked to the side and noticed that Suu was undergoing some small changes in her body. She pointed her finger where I was looking at Suu, which intrigued me because... It looked like her own body fluids, especially from her arms and hair? Or rather, what looked like her slime hair, was dripping everywhere!
『Ahhh! What's wrong with you, Suu! Why is your body dripping!』
『It's melting.』
『Falling apart!!!!! Suu!!!! Ahhh!!! Is it the sun? Is the sun melting you? Water??!!! We need water!!!!! This is a forest!!! There must be a spring, river, or something nearby!!! Let me go get water!!!!』
『And how are you going to transport the water, Ya-kun?』
Out of concern, that was the solution that came to mind, as well as trying to carry her, but in her current state, there was no way I could take her with me. I stopped as if I were in a cartoon, and Rino looked at me as if I were going to give a clear answer. I turned around and...
『I'll get my whole body wet, clothes included, and make Suu absorb me!!!!!』 ∑(ΦдΦlll
At this, I ran off to find a source of water, where Rino could only think...
『What kind of dirty fanservice is this?』
As M was walking away from the site, Rino also began to disappear little by little. He turned to look at Suu, and that's when he realized what was really happening, but he couldn't say anything else... Suu's body was slightly changing.
Minutes passed, and M managed to find just what he said he would, a small spring in the forest. Without hesitation, he threw himself into the water as best he could. If he had been a professional, he would have jumped in, done five somersaults, blown ten kisses, scored a goal, done five flying kicks, and to top it off, he would have said at the end,
『I'm doing this for the ######!!!!!!』
But in the end, none of that happened, but he did say what we heard at the end. But here we also have a small problem, a small one that can be big, and that is that the water was a little deep, but wasn't it a spring? Yes... a spring, but a deep one!!!!!! And our M....
『(AHHH!!!! I forgot I can't swim!!!!!!)』
He was still in the water, floating as best he could, moving worse than a cat touching the water. He kicked and waved his arms like crazy as he tried to get back to dry land. Is it that far? It seems that his jump was the only thing he did that was almost professional.
M was trying to fight not to sink, but amid all his fuss and concern, he didn't notice that since he arrived in the forest, someone had been watching him the whole time, not just now, but since long before he started his training. There was a being who had their eye on him because of their relationship and especially because of what he could become. Hidden in the forest, you could see leaves moving and tree branches coming to life.
『I have to get to Suu!!!!! I have to get there!!!! AHHH!!! I should learn to swim once and for all!!!! I was supposed to perfect my swimming in high school!!!!!』
Like a little dog, he was slowly making his way to dry land, when the observer saw him literally struggling against the water. I mean, there's no current, the water is calm, it's not even deep enough to be dangerous, but this kid makes it look like it's a deadly situation. The observer could only make a face like...
『;￣ロ￣）』
Unable to watch this embarrassment any longer, he decided to help him once and for all, seeing that he was genuinely concerned about his friend, even though she was not in danger, but rather this child was. Using his abilities, he extended his branches into the water, crept stealthily and carefully approached the little boy....
Surprise, mama's boy!!! So much for stealth and caution, let them discover that it was her and more! Quickly, the branches grabbed M by the waist and swiftly carried him to dry land at high speed. M turned around, confused by what he saw, and just as quickly, a branch stretched out to deliver his bandage, which ended up coming off his cheek. And as if that weren't enough, it even seemed as if that single branch, spinning top, or piece of wood that stretched out was scolding M! It was so strange. M was surprised by this as he watched a simple branch that looked like a tentacle complain, grumble, and, above all, lecture him. In the end, the branch's last movement was up and down.
『Ah!...Yes!!...I'll go....Yes!?』
I didn't really understand it very well, but I think it told me not to put myself in danger for stupid reasons and not to cause it any problems, more problems than the discomfort I already cause it. The branch was leaving while I...
『That must have been Kii, the one they told me about? What a bad first impression I must have made on her...!!!! Suu!!! I'm coming!!!!!....eh?...Which way was the way back?』
All wet and just as I had planned, and receiving help once again, Kii, from afar, with the help of her control over wood and forest, ended up guiding me to where Suu was. When I finally managed to get there, I ended up bumping into...
『Suu?....』
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It's very nice to pick up something we had left pending, and I know that many, or at least a small number, or rather, I am interested in continuing and learning more! For someone who is involved in this whole business of wanting to bring peace to the world, even if it's just words and phrases, I can't quite wrap my head around "bringing peace to the world." Is that even possible? Can a single group do it? Can a single person do it? Me? Really, me? Ufffff....since I heard that from the top brass of the organization I work for, I've had issues with it. First of all, do they have so much esteem and value for me that I can achieve something that in all these 20XX years has not been possible? If even the greatest figures in the history of humanity and the species have failed to achieve it, how can they expect a young woman like me to do so? I mean... I'm just another employee in a company. I don't think I can make a difference. It's not that I'm underestimating myself. I'm well aware of my achievements and goals, and I'm very proud of them, but something like "world peace"? It's incredible how they want to boost your morale, or rather, make you feel good and important by taking advantage of your pure feelings and those of the world. That's wanting to control everything and everyone. Do you think I don't know that? I could have refused all those nice words they say to me, as well as the missions that often embellish them. I could have said something like.
『If you want to bring world peace, then you must do it yourself. Why entrust it to other people? If you say it is your goal, it is because you want to achieve it. Won't you feel bad if someone else achieves what you so desire? Don't you have pride? Don't you have self-esteem? Don't you have even a minimum of self-improvement? All right, I'll fulfill your wish for world peace for you old folks, but know that I won't do it the way you ask me to. If I'm going to do things, I'll do them my way. First, get rid of the idealistic idea of world peace. That can't be done. You really want to continue with the power of everything, which is why you want species to adapt to humans and not the other way around. Even if that could be reversed, it would be more of a regression. You should be grateful that despite all the time that has passed since the beginning, humans are still a key part of the history of the Earth! Ah... I don't want to touch on that subject, I don't want to give myself a headache. In short, since we are where we are, after all, you are not looking for evil in the world, you are not the bad guys or anything like that, you just want a better world for everyone, seeing that there is no imbalance and somehow having a good outcome, but of course without losing the position you have, which is the most important thing. As for the union of species with humans, the interspecies that will be born, the new lives that will come, no one will notice anything, since the world you envision will be in line with what is expected of the future, which will be taken as normal. Doing something like this, all the old people who were in those seats and positions, they did deserve the level they have now.』- 『I'm rambling too much. I'll do what you tell me, but I'd like you to be more direct. Don't say 'world peace.' Rather, if you're going to give me a job, I want it to be more like 'make the world a better place for everyone. That would motivate me much more. After all, helping and bringing good to everyone is what brought me here.』
Although Kuroko Smith wanted to make it seem like it was a "maybe," this really happened when he was entrusted with the mission to end one of the evils that had been tormenting the world, his world. With what happened on "Cold Christmas," that name was officially given to him by the organization and mission of those events.
This trafficking of species, as well as the illegal auctions of them, is not something that started two or three years ago. Rather, it goes back decades. There is information that it began with a young man who was corrupted by what is called the negativity of the world, which led him to start this power, and from his youth to the present day, he should now be a full-grown adult approaching old age. His evil continues to run rampant in the world, so much so that one can realize how harmful this is because of all the time that has passed and yet all this chaos has not stopped. His way of operating is very different; not everything is always active, there are times of pause where nothing bad happens, but there the evil lurks, ready with more organizations of criminals and bad people who help him continue his circulation of species trafficking and auctions. It was concluded and confirmed that it has an alliance with an organization dedicated to raising, educating, and caring for young assassins, who are trained to do the same, to protect their masters to the death, even giving their lives. This organization has also been sought for years, which is much more difficult than its main objective. The only information they were able to gather was the main source of all this, that first young man who was swallowed up by the negativity of the world, whose main nickname is "Cetro."
Many agents were entrusted with the task of capturing and ending Cetro's reign, but it was a very complex case and even impossible for some. The maximum time each agent is given to capture Cetro is five years to handle the case. They are given the information gathered from all previous investigations, and with all of that, they are the next ones who must make the world a better place for everyone. They can use any method, but of course, there is a limit, in this case, the budget. As with the rights applied, it should only be known that they are allowed to kill Cetro, they are allowed to kill his "Protectors," and they are allowed to ignore and violate all rights, both human and species, related to Cetro. Gathering information is important. To bring peace to the world, you often have to do the opposite.
With Cold Christmas, Smith has now been entrusted with being the new agent to stop Cetro. If he succeeds, good for him; if not, his work and effort will be put to good use for the next agent entrusted with this task. It has been four years since the operation began, and on December 31, 20XX, at 11:59 p.m., Smith will be the one delegated to carry out all the work involved in "Cold Christmas." She will stop all progress, and that will be the end of her services. All her work will be archived, and the cycle will continue under another name and with another trained agent.
Smith may seem calm, and that is how she mostly appears, but behind the scenes, she is the one who carried out a major operation, and for someone with her lifestyle, her morals, and her desire for all living beings, this case is very important to her. That is why, six months before this case was taken out of her hands, her progress was...
She was walking through a large hallway, and it was clear that security was everywhere. This is the central organization in Japan. As she walked, she could see other areas that were well prepared for everyone. A large information network was managed here. This is where everything is operated. This same headquarters has also helped her main group, M.O.N. Seeing everything she has achieved is still hard to believe, especially since she did not specialize in what she does in the first place. Rather, she started with skills such as first aid treatment and health care management. But everything around her and her path seems to indicate that she still had skills to exploit in order to reach her perfect ideal. Right now, her main group, M.O.N., is in Japan, where they are stopping the non-humans who are causing disorder in the country.
Tionishia, affectionately known as Tio for short, is an ogre. Due to her strength, durability, and endurance, she serves mainly as a guard, defender, and, from time to time, the main physical force of the team.
Zombina, who, as her name suggests, is a zombie, is the most agile member of the team. She is skilled in hand-to-hand combat, but her main strength lies in her expertise with firearms. It is common to see her lunging at the enemy with her machine guns and pistols. Any damage she receives has no effect on her, so she is perfect for a direct attack. Parts of her body even fall off at will, but she is unable to manipulate or move them if they are not connected to her body. Due to her speed, adaptation to different battlefields, and zero fear of dying because she already is dead, she is the main tough guy of the team.
Manako, who is a Cyclops, has the best vision and reflexes of the entire team. She is not an expert in hand-to-hand combat or firearms. Rather, her full potential is exploited with a single task: to be the team's sniper. Her accuracy and ability to locate areas, enemies, and allies led her to also serve as an informant for her entire team.
Doppel tells herself that she is a Doppelganger, but in reality she is a Shapeshifter. She is the infiltrator of the group, and by infiltrator we do not mean that she infiltrated the organization, but rather that she serves as an infiltrator for more complex missions. She is used to gather information for varying lengths of time and to varying degrees. Her ability lies in her ability to adapt to any form and appearance. She serves to confuse the enemy rather than to fight, although if she sets her mind to it, she is capable of defending herself. More than strength, she lacks fighting technique. Her real appearance is unknown; the form Doppel always takes is the one she has already adopted as her own. In agility and movement, she rivals Zombina, but thanks to her added ability to control her hair at will, she has an arsenal yet to be seen. In addition, it is with her hair that she fights the most, which is why her fighting style is confusing, and even her hair gives the impression that her whole being is floating.
Right now, all the members mentioned are on a mission in South America. Smith, despite being their commander, could not go with them, a decision made so as not to complicate matters. Suffice it to say that it was necessary. But Smith kept walking and encountered different processes, arriving at what appears to be a prison where they were giving him the final protocols. It seems that they have a very dangerous guy here. And when the man who opened the door was concerned about Smith, he simply smiled at him to calm him down.
The door was closed at that very moment, and what he found at that moment was a giant in front of him, someone scaly all over, who seemed to have a yellow center on his head. His reptilian tail was swaying from side to side. It looked like he was eating, no, he was finishing eating, and he seemed to be doing nothing in front of Smith, as if he already saw it as something normal. But Smith knows that this Lizardman may finally be a key piece in making significant progress in this case.
『Is lunch delicious? As I told you, we will always treat you well here *smiles*.』
The Lizardman was still eating neatly, while Smith, who had been so excited, now had a more serious look on her face. Since she captured this Lizardman, on the same day she met M, she had been interrogating him and trying to get information out of him. It was the first time in a long time that someone might have direct contact with Cetro. Something told her to always try to talk to him. She came every day, well, maybe not on Sundays, but every other day. I wouldn't say she interrogated him, but rather sought quiet conversation with this Lizardman. At first, she captured three Lizardmen, but she let two of them go. Where? Only she knows, and that's what this last Lizardman who stayed knows. But even at that moment, it was known that of the three, two of them looked more at this yellow-headed one.
『Don't you want to talk for a while? After all, it's sad to talk and not get a response, to ignore a pretty young girl. A gentleman like you wouldn't do that, Lain.』
The Lizardman didn't react to this. Instead, he finished eating, put the tray aside, and after a second, turned his gaze to Smith. It must have surprised him, but it was obvious that sooner or later they would discover who he really was.
『I hope I've at least bought some time. I'll try to keep doing so...』 -『If possible... I won't fail you again...』
Although Lain looked like he wasn't feeling oppressed or afraid, the truth was quite different. He wanted to look tough, but the sweat and his whole being said that... Like a little boy, he was determined not to disappoint his boss again.
-------------------------------------------→ To be continued