With Caelus and Miyabi
"...I should be arresting you," Miyabi mutters as the Void Hunter watches a group of angry mobs getting apprehended by the Public Security, with Caelus and the gangs standing next to her. Phil can be seen standing nervously, trying not to laugh right next to her, while Mem simply munches her popcorn.
"Hey, I did all of this to save my friends from getting torn apart by this crazy group," Caelus defends himself as Mem and Phil nod in unison. "And also, I didn't exactly lie about my position, as I am clearly near the Public Security."
"That is still considered as spreading misinformation," Miyabi points out.
"No, it's not," Caelus says as he pulls out a pair of glasses out of nowhere and points his finger upward. "I simply didn't tell them I will stay at that exact location for the rest of my life. I believe I didn't need to tell them about it because it's common sense."
"..." Miyabi didn't say a word and simply stared at Caelus. He wasn't exactly wrong, but the tone he used indicated that he was simply making excuses to avoid getting blamed.
Reminds her of how she first got contacted by Nicole, causing her to grip Tailless a bit tighter.
"...I ain't getting hired, am I?" Caelus noticed the stares and asked.
"...I need to discuss with my co-workers to make this final decision. I'll make sure to put in a good word for you," Miyabi says as Caelus blinks.
'...Well, I ain't questioning this. As some people said, don't look at a gift horse Thiren in their mouth.' Caelus thought.
"May I ask, what story did you publish to trigger such a massive reaction?" Miyabi asks curiously.
"Well, you had to buy the book from the Cunning Hares themselves," Caelus says as Miyabi frowns a bit.
"I would rather avoid those scammers," Miyabi says as she crosses her arms. "Why would you put so much faith in them and let them sell your items? Aren't you afraid they would take everything away?"
"I would feel that way if not for everything we went through together," Caelus responds, which piques Miyabi's curiosity. "You know about the Canvas Street incident, right?"
"It was the biggest topic in the news for these recent weeks, yes," Miyabi nods.
"Well, the Cunning Hares were there with the PubSec and me," Caelus says, which surprises Miyabi. Neither the report nor the news had ever mentioned them. "I had a suspicion that Vision Corporation cuts its budget by endangering the citizens. When I encountered the Cunning Hares, I told them about my suspicion, and did you know what they did?"
"What?" Miyabi asks, feeling a bit disinterested. She feels like that group would just abandon Caelus since it doesn't profit them.
"Nicole asks to join me," Caelus says, which catches Miyabi off guard. "Yeah, the rest of the group and I were as surprised as you. Not long after joining forces, we encounter a little girl in the Hollow trying to get people's help, confirming our suspicion, and the Cunning Hares end up encountering the trapped civilians before the PubSec arrives."
"..." Now, Miyabi is listening to the entire story intently.
"The Cunning Hares could just escape before the PubSec arrives; they could've abandoned the civilians and save their hides, but they chose to stay. When we figure out the only way to get them out is to shrink the Hollow by beating the Butcher, I decided to go, and the Cunning Hares joined in as well." Caelus explains. "That's why I trust them so much, they choose to help despite there being no Dennies involved and even risking their lives. I choose to repay them by helping them earn money legally and keep them away from a life of crime."
"...I see," Miyabi mutters. It seems that the Cunning Hares have shown themselves to be more than just a bunch of scammers.
That doesn't stop her from feeling angry at them for trying to scam her.
"...then, I hope if you are accepted, you could continue to keep them away from a life of crimes," Miyabi says as Caelus looks slightly surprised. "Don't get me wrong, I simply refuse to let them claim another victim with their cunningness."
"...of course," Caelus says as Miyabi nods.
"Then, I shall take my leave." With that, Miyabi walks away before Phil, letting out a huge sigh of relief.
"O-oh, god. I never felt so nervous in my life," Phil mutters before looking at Caelus. "H-how are you not nervous talking to a Void Hunter of all people!?!"
"Because they're still people, Phil. Just show them the respect they deserve and talk normally," Caelus says as Phil stares at him dryly.
"...Only you..." Phil mutters as Mem giggles.
"So, do you think you would be accepted?" Mem asks as Caelus shrugs.
"That'll depend on whether she reports them about the 'crime' I just committed," Caelus says as he gestures at the mobs trying to get away as the PubSecs chase them like a dog.
"I still think you're crazy trying to negotiate a term with a Void Hunter," Phil says as Caelus snorts before they all walk back to the Coff Cafe. Caelus chooses to continue his medical studies, and Phil chooses to help Mem by introducing various stuff about this world.
Then, out of nowhere, Caelus feels someone poking his shoulder. He is confused before turning around and blinking owlishly as he is greeted by a pale green-haired girl wearing a maid outfit and a cat hair band, with a huge red backpack, and Caelus notices a pair of wings attached into its back.
"A-ah, hi, sorry to disturb you," The girl says nervously as she holds a megaphone in her hand. "B-but, c-can I...ask you to sing a song?"
"....eh?" Caelus asks dumbly as the girl looks away shyly.
"S-sorry, I shouldn't disturb you..." The girl nervously walks away, but Caelus stops her.
"W-wait, you're not disturbing me, I'm just a bit confused," Caelus says as the girl scratches her cheek nervously. "How about a little chat? Maybe start with the introduction, and why do you want me to sing?"
"...Y-yeah sure," The girl nods slightly. "I-I'm Sunna, and I am an aspiring songwriter, but I'm currently stuck for any ideas. I-I was hoping to find some inspiration while doing part-time jobs. I-I heard you sing back then..."
"...ah," Caelus can't help but feel heat rising on his face as he feels embarrassed. This young girl is one of the audience from back then!?!
"I...was hoping I could ask you to sing so I could record, helping me gather inspirations. But...it's too much, isn't it?" Sunna mumbles.
"...well, I don't mind singing, but I would rather not be in public again," Caelus says while sweatdropping, ignoring snickers from Phil and Mem. "But, what kind of song do you wish to write, though? Did you simply record random songs or sounds you encountered and use them as a basis or reference?"
"Um..." Sunna looks away, which says everything. Caelus takes a deep breath before glancing at the megaphone and looks a bit confused.
"Also, why a megaphone?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later
"I wasn't expecting you to sing again," Phil admits as Caelus sighs.
"I don't have the gall to say no, it'll be like kicking a kitten," Caelus says as Mem snorts.
"To think your weakness is anything cute," Phil teases.
"Whoever dares to attack a cute creature without any reason is an unredeemable evil monster." Caelus says bluntly as Mem nods.
"Yeah, so treat me better, will ya?" Mem says smugly as Caelus simply chuckles before ruffling her hair.
"Yeah, yeah..." Caelus says before pausing a bit and summons his System after a very long time. He glances at the screen before blinking.
[Harmony (Lvl 0): 468/1000]
[Elation (Lvl 0): 1157/1000]
[Enigmata (Lvl 0): 190/1000]
'Okay, not expecting Harmony to progress at all. I should have unlocked Elation, but knowing Aha, THEY're probably gatekeeping me for lols, and Enigmata? When?' Caelus thought as Mem jumped onto his shoulder.
"Mem, don't scare me like that..." Caelus says as Mem sticks her tongue out playfully. Caelus merely sighs before flicking her forehead and glancing back at the System screen, ignoring Mem's pained yelp.
[Destruction (Lvl 15 | Eidolon 2/6): 192/1600]
[Remembrance (Lvl 6 | Eidolon 1/6): 132/700]
[Erudition (Lvl 10): 134/1100]
[Preservation (Lvl 8): 157/900]
'...yeah, this system is confusing...' Caelus sweatdrops before they all arrive back at the apartment. As they walk towards their room, they notice Seed standing in front of Phil's door, looking quite nervous.
Before they could reach her, she had started speaking.
"Hey, Phil...I...I know you're quite mad at me, especially since you haven't responded to the doorbell or even my message, but I want to say I'm sorry." The gang awkwardly looks at each other as Seed starts shaking. "I...I should have done better to keep you from getting kidnapped. I...I should've done more than just standing there when you got expelled."
"..." Phil starts twiddling his fingers while grimacing.
"S-sorry, I didn't do much despite calling myself your friend. Trigger and Soldier 11 mentioned how...it wouldn't be strange if you avoid us after everything, since we failed and all..." Seed mutters as she unknowingly turns towards them. "And I-!"
An awkward silence filled the entire hallway as Seed faced the gang before her face turned bright red and her eyes comically widened with tears threatening to escape.
"Uh, hi..." Phil greets awkwardly. "...I'm not blaming you for anything, Seed. Not for this. That bitch caught both of us off guard, and my 'parents' are bitches. You did more than any of your friends would by simply trying to rescue me. So...yeah, no need to apologize."
"....Wah!!!" Seed immediately tackles Phil into a hug while crying. "I-I'm sorry! Please don't make me leave!!!"
"N-no need to worry, I won't..." Phil sweatdrops as he awkwardly pats her back. Caelus and Mem glance at each other before smiling a bit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With Miyabi
"Wah, Nagi! Why are your eyes puffy!?!" Soukaku exclaims in shock as she watches Yanagi walk into the office while holding a book.
"It's nothing, Soukaku..." Yanagi sniffs before placing the book on the table. "Just reading a sad story."
"What kind of sad story?" Soukaku asks innocently.
"...I'll tell you when you're older," Yanagi responds, causing Soukaku to pout.
"Yanagi, didn't I order you to take a break?" Yanagi turns and sees Miyabi entering the office while holding a bag of melon.
"Sorry, Chief, but I was simply visiting Soukaku, who sneaked out of the house again," Yanagi says as Soukaku grins widely, showing little to no shame. "So, where have you been, Chief Miyabi?"
"I went to look after the candidate myself." If Yanagi had drunk anything, she would spit it out in shock.
"...you were supposed to just deal with the paperwork, Chief," Yanagi says.
"I know, but seeing him with my own eyes gives me a greater insight into his character that wasn't in the report," Miyabi says as she gently places down the paper and notices the book next to Yanagi. "...I see that you are interested in Caelus' works."
"...Chief, did you agree to let him join? Because if yes, then you have my full support," Yanagi says as the light gleams on her glasses, covering her eyes. She definitely didn't accept him just so she could ask him to change the story's ending. No, not at all.
To be Continued