"He's my suspect."
Sae Kirishima's declaration hung in the air, heavy with possessiveness and police authority.
The twelve mercenaries were still kneeling on the pavement, groaning as the effects of [Voice of the Dominator] wore off.
But before I could thank the Detective for the rescue (and ask her to please let go of my arm because she was cutting off my circulation), a sleek black door opened.
The limousine that had been blocked by the police cruisers finally made its move.
Ayaka Saionji stepped out.
She didn't look worried about the police. She looked annoyed, like someone had served her lukewarm champagne.
"Detective," Ayaka said, her voice cutting through the sirens. "You are touching my property."
(Oh no. She's actually here. I thought she just sent the goons.)
Sae stiffened. She turned to face the heiress, her grip on me tightening.
"Property?" Sae scoffed. "This man is a person of interest in multiple federal investigations. He belongs to the State right now."
"He belongs to the Blade!" Runa shouted, stepping between them. She pointed her sword at Ayaka, then at Sae. "You are both unworthy! The Master requires a disciple, not a jailer or a slaver!"
I stood in the middle of the triangle.
To my left, the Police. To my right, the Yakuza-Corporate Heiress. In front of me, the Fanatic Swordswoman.
(I am the most popular man in Tokyo. And I hate it.)
"Ladies," I said, trying to pull my arm free from Sae. "Perhaps we can discuss this like civilized—"
"Quiet," all three of them snapped in unison.
Ayaka walked forward, ignoring the police officers pointing guns at her. She stopped inches from Sae.
"I can buy your entire precinct," Ayaka threatened smoothly. "Release him. We have a dinner reservation."
"Attempted kidnapping is a felony," Sae countered, her eyes glowing blue with [Truth Sight]. "I could arrest you right now, Princess."
"Try it," Ayaka smiled. It was a shark's smile. "My lawyers will have your badge before you can read me my rights."
"STOP!" Runa yelled, swinging her sword at the air to create a shockwave. "You are stressing the Master! Can you not see his aura fluctuating?!"
(That's not my aura. That's my blood pressure hitting critical levels.)
My vision was starting to swim. The adrenaline from the [Voice of the Dominator] crash was hitting me. My Mana Void was screaming for sustenance.
If I didn't get away from these three high-energy sources, the System might try to drain them automatically. And that would be messy.
I needed to diffuse this. Now.
I pulled my arm free from Sae with a sudden jerk.
"Enough!" I commanded.
It wasn't a skill. It was just pure, desperate acting.
I looked at each of them in turn, channeling the 'Bored Sovereign' persona.
"You squabble over me like children fighting for a toy," I said, brushing invisible dust off my coat. "It is unflattering."
Ayaka blinked. Sae frowned. Runa lowered her sword.
I turned to Ayaka.
"You want my time?" I asked.
She nodded, entranced.
"I will give it to you," I lied. "But not tonight. A Sovereign does not dine under duress. Send a proper invitation, and I might accept."
Ayaka's eyes lit up. "You... you will?"
"Maybe," I added, keeping the hook baited.
I turned to Sae.
"You want answers?"
"I want the truth," she said stubbornly.
"Come to my apartment tomorrow morning," I whispered, leaning close so only she could hear. "Bring coffee. We can... interrogate each other."
Sae flushed bright red. "I... that's... fine. 0800 hours. Don't be late."
Finally, I looked at Runa.
"And you."
"Yes, Master!" She stood at attention.
"These mercenaries need to be watched until the police transport them," I commanded. "Guard them. Do not let them move a muscle. This is your training."
(I just need you distracted so you don't follow me.)
"I will not fail you!" Runa saluted.
"Good," I said. "Now, if you will excuse me... I have a dimension to stabilize."
(I have a toilet to vomit in.)
I turned and walked away into the shadows of the alley, moving with a slow, deliberate gait.
"Renji!" Sae called out. "Darling!" Ayaka shouted. "Master!" Runa cheered.
I ignored them all. I kept walking until I turned the corner.
The moment I was out of sight, I collapsed.
I hit the brick wall and slid down, gasping for air. The pain in my chest was blinding. It felt like someone had poured liquid nitrogen into my veins.
I pulled my hand out of my pocket.
I stared at it in the dim streetlamp light.
My fingertips weren't just pale anymore. They were black. A creeping necrosis was spreading from my nail beds down to my knuckles.
The Mana Void was evolving. It wasn't just empty anymore. It was rotting.
"Cough."
I hacked up something thick and dark.
[System Alert: Void Corruption at 5%.] [Warning: Physical contact required immediately.]
"I know," I rasped to the empty alley. "I know."
I needed a healer. Or a miracle.
But all I had was a lie and a harem that was slowly killing me with stress.
I closed my hand into a fist, hiding the black rot.
Three months?
At this rate, I wouldn't last three weeks.