Chapter 208 - Assassin Business
Midnight.
I continued my tailing, illuminated by the light of the streetlamps.
Ahead, I could see tonight's prey walking with a hunched back.
Since I am currently under the effect of Concealment Magic, there is no fear of my presence being detected.
Therefore, this kill will surely be a success.
—The moon is high.
The night sky I looked up at was a clear, cloudless expanse, with a yellow crescent moon floating distinctly within it.
In a way, it looks like a human fingernail floating there.
"Time to go."
"Hoo." With a small exhale, I crouched low.
I took a starting dash stance, as if I were about to begin a sprint.
What I visualize is a pistol bullet.
I treat my own body as a single projectile and count down in my head.
Three, two, one.
"—Hah!"
I kicked off the ground with great force and lunged toward the prey.
In that instant, a heavy Bagooh! impact sound erupted from beneath my feet.
Without a doubt, a crater must have formed in the ground. My full-speed sprint easily gouges the asphalt from under my soles.
However, thanks to my well-trained Concealment Magic, everyone other than myself is likely enveloped in silence.
My footsteps, my breathing, the sound of the ground being destroyed, and even the vroom sound when I manifested my Light Sword—none of it can be heard.
"...?"
Closing the distance to the prey to zero in an instant, I thrust the blade into the medulla oblongata without hesitation.
Now that the connection between the brain and spinal cord has been severed, all that awaits is a swift death.
"...!? ...!?"
The prey's eyes rolled back into its head, and it began to convulse while foaming at the mouth. It is likely merely a reaction of the nerves, regardless of the individual's will.
It truly could be called the final gasp just before the flame of life burns out.
It makes me realize once again that there are very few creatures that possess such a beautiful way of passing.
Since I cannot bear to watch any longer, I sliced the prey's body in two.
The man, split into left and right halves, collapsed heavily onto the ground.
After waiting for a while, the man's body transformed into the hideous form of a troll. As a result of life ceasing, the disguise magic he was using was released.
...It's over.
I let out a sigh and wiped away the blood splatter.
This was already the third assassination this month.
The client is, naturally, Sugitani-san. It seems the monsters slipping from another world into Earth are increasing day by day.
This troll I just finished off was also reportedly masquerading as a human to repeatedly commit various misdeeds.
As expected, the frequency of Assassins being sent is rising.
I repeat my interceptions every time, but it feels somewhat hollow, like a game of Whac-A-Mole.
After contacting Sugitani-san via smartphone to report that the demi-human extermination was complete, I offered my opinion after a bit of thought.
Maybe it's about time we considered attacking from our side as well.
Staying purely on the defensive won't get us anywhere. We should strike hard somewhere.
I don't know what Sugitani-san thought of my suggestion, but after leaving a read mark and remaining in Silence for a full hour,
she sent back a reply:
I will take it into consideration.
＊ ＊ ＊
"I'm home."
When I returned to the apartment, the lights inside were already turned off.
The time was 1:30 AM. It seems everyone has long since fallen asleep.
I turned on the living room light and headed straight for the dining table.
Wrapped dinner was placed there, and a note saying "Please microwave and eat. Ayako" was tucked under the plate.
As usual, Ayako-chan's handwriting is beautiful. While it is elegant, it has a certain girlish roundness to it.
It's good enough to be commercialized as a font for love letters.
They say handwriting reflects personality, so if that's the case, Ayako-chan's inner self must be that of a well-bred young lady.
"..."
In an instant.
A doubt surfaced: is that really how Ayako-chan's inner self is?
I brought the note close to my face and observed it once more.
What is it?
It is certainly beautiful writing, but it appears far too orderly.
To use a metaphor, is she wearing a mask... yes, doesn't it look like writing that was consciously and carefully produced so as not to let her emotional agitation be perceived?
I removed the wrap and turned my eyes to the dinner.
It looks like an ordinary omelet rice, but I can't tell what's inside.
In times like this, there's nothing quite like that.
"...Status Open."
Status appraisal can be used on inanimate objects if one chooses to do so. It can be used as so-called item appraisal.
It is an incredibly convenient function, but I never imagined I would end up using it every time I eat.
【Name】 Ayako Otsuki's Homemade Omelet Rice
【Rarity】 C
【Attribute】 Darkness
【Durability】 10
【Remarks】 Omelet rice made by Ayako Otsuki. This time, she only managed to lick the plate for about an hour before plating it.
"Is that all?" I breathed a sigh of relief.
There have been many times when it contained inexplicable substances, like an amount of stamina booster that would make erections unstoppable for four days once consumed, or strong sleeping pills ordered from abroad; compared to that, this is nothing special at all.
If it's just indirect kissing, it easily falls within the range of "everyday life."
In high spirits, I shoved the omelet rice into the microwave and started the heating process.
I can't help but give a wry smile when I imagine the ketchup rice, the egg, and Ayako-chan's saliva being warmed up.
It feels like strange bacteria—or rather, grudges or mana—might be breeding in it, but whatever.
"Ha—looks delicious."
I took out the piping hot dinner and polished it off in a matter of minutes.
That's just how a man eating alone is. I feel like my mouth is starting to smell like a high school girl, but this is strictly a man eating alone.
Now then. Once I've finished eating, I think I'll take a bath.
I headed to the changing room and carelessly tossed off my jacket.
At that moment, my smartphone began to vibrate.
"Oh."
"What is it?" I immediately checked the message.
Who would it be at this hour?
There is something I want to talk about tomorrow. If possible, please bring the woman from another world that Nakamoto-san is keeping. Bringing just one person is fine.
...It was Sugitani-san.
It seems she has business with me and Angelica, or perhaps Philia. Well, technically Erin is also a woman from another world. Though she's a cat right now.
Good grief, just what on earth is that woman plotting?