104 [104] Scouting within Date

Chapter 104: Scouting within Date

—

The wind hit my face, causing my hair to dance like waves. I took out my phone as I flew inside a cloud bubble to keep eyes and cameras away from noticing me.

Thoughts were spiraling in my head like the launching of missiles. The majority of those thoughts' direction was one—how should I destroy that goddamn tree?

However, before fighting him, I have to find him first. But sadly, the name 'Hikaru Kamiki' was not very famous; although he worked in the entertainment sector, few knew his name. Now that I damaged his soul, he would be more cautious of me and hide until recovery.

Well, unless he sent a force of Norse Gods to my doorstep. I'm unsure what sort of relationship Asgard or All-Father Odin, for that matter, had with Yaggdrisil now that it had a sentient mind. I have to be careful, and I have to be stronger.

I opened Line and observed the countless messages I had from Rias, Tsubasa, Ruby, Aunty Miyako, and Uncle Ichigo. On top of that, I had a message from Kana Arima too that asked me about my whereabouts. As she was present that day when I and Ai had our talk and I left, she must have been worried about where I left.

'Did she figure out who my mother is?' I wondered and sent a short reply that I was back and everything was alright.

Then, I found Ranefer Phenex's number. I sent her a list of things I'd need for the Overlord Advancement. She didn't reply immediately, she wasn't even online, so I had no choice but to wait. I moved to find another important DM. 

Mem-Cho had sent me a few dozen messages a day ago, asking me what was going on, and where I was. She too was present that day, since I wanted her to meet Ruby's Idol group. I went through her messages.

===

Memmy: Hey, what happened??

Memmy: You left your home? Did you get kicked out?

….

Memmy: Ugh, reply to my messages!

….

Memmy: Where are you staying tonight? My place is free. Well, Quku came out of nowhere and took a room, but you and I can share a room.

Memmy: Aqua?

….

Memmy: Hey, are you alright?

===

There were a lot of messages from her in different moods. At first, she was confused and mad that I wasn't contacting her, or leaving to stay at her place. But around the end, she grew purely worried.

'Quetzalcoatl is living with her?' That was weird but I didn't hate that. I didn't have to worry about Mem-Cho's safety before, but now that a Dragon Goddess was with her, she was as safe as she could. 

I sent her a message, and the reply came not even a second later.

She had been waiting.

===

Me: I spent that night with my eyes bestowed upon the celestial bodies, gazing upon the moon's resplendent glow. It was not too bad. How are you, little devil?

Memmy: Where are you right now? Just what happened between you and Ai anyway?

Me: It's a private matter, I apologize. We had a grave quarrel, it was quite serious. She needed time to think about many things, as did I. As for my current whereabouts, I soar amidst the skies, having departed from my abode just now.

Memmy: Wait, you returned home??? Does that mean everything is alright?

Me: As well as I can be, in these circumstances. It is fine. Enough of that, devil, how did you like the studio? And the members of that Idol Group?

Memmy: I liked them, those girls are nice. But forget that, when can we meet? Also, why are you talking weird?

===

I could have gone meet her right now, but I have a date. I am not going to tell her that though, she'd be pretty mad if she found out I was preparing myself for a date when she had been worried about death.

===

Me: How about tomorrow, then? Once the sun crosses its zenith and my school ends.

Memmy: Okay… but this time you have to come and pick me up. I am not going there on my own, it's awkward. And did you just ignore my last question?

Me: Hahaha, I'm sure Ai plans to apologize to you for what ensured last time. But alright, I shall pick you up. Farewell, little demon. We shall converse later.

Memmy: What?! Hey, tell me- Ugh.

===

I don't know why I texted like that, it was fun. This should allow her to regain some composure too, seeing me having enough humor to spare this type of text.

When I was about to tuck my phone into my pocket, a reply came from Ranefer. It was a short reply of [...] and then [Alright]. I have a good slave.

I put my phone away and noticed that I was near the rendezvous point. However, I had to slow down then as my eyes noticed a figure on the ground. Akane was waiting for a bus near the bus stand.

As I floated overhead, I noticed a short blue-haired girl waiting under the shade of a bus stand, her gaze idly drifting through the empty road in wait for a bus. She looked nervous, checking her wristwatch now and then, and cursed softly to herself.

I watched my date for a few more seconds before lowering myself behind her in eerie silence. My lips moved dangerously close to her ears.

"Boo."

"K-kyah!!"

* * *

Amidst the urban hustle, a young woman stood under a bus stand while wearing a traditional Cheongsam. The dress was a tapestry of white and black, framing her like a work of art. With blue hair neatly pinned with an ornate hairpin, her subtle makeup exuded timeless elegance.

Spooked as she was, Akane turned, jumping back while her hand moved to her bag to grab her taser. She blinked, and then glared at him, raising her taser as a warning. "W-who are you?!"

"Hi, it's me."

"I have a boyfriend."

He tilted his head and then remembered his hair wasn't black in this life. Plus it was also longer and unfurled and spread to either side, unlike the small ponytail he usually kept it as. 'Hmm, shall I prank her and test her loyalty?'

"...." she was frowning at him deeply, ready to use her weapon.

'Nah, some other day.' He changed my mind seeing her vulnerable self.

He pointed at his hair, at the blond parts of it. "It's me, Aqua. This is a disguise," he said. "Well, accidental, but yes."

While his hair and eye color had changed, his other features remained the same. So after five more seconds of frowning, Akane let surprise melt into her and showed a delighted smile. "Nice trick, Aqua. Can you teach me? You can't believe how useful it'll be for celebrities like us!"

"Mhm, teaching you, huh," he held himself back from licking his lips. "Surely, I can manage some time to do that. For now, shall we walk?"

"Of course," she hesitated and then clung to his side, "We can walk together…"

Together, they decided to abandon the bus plan. To begin with, they didn't have any reservations about the date, so anything worked. They embarked on a leisurely stroll, making their way to a nearby market bustling with energy and vibrant colors. 

He held her hand at one point, firmly feeling her palm. Akane was blushing due to the intimacy, but his conversations helped her lose the tension.

The market was alive with the chatter of vendors and shoppers. Aqua and Akane wandered through the narrow aisles, their senses bombarded by a dance of sights and smells. 

They stopped at a stall selling takoyaki, watching with fascination as the vendor expertly flipped the octopus-filled balls.

"Ever tried these?" Aqua asked, picking up a skewer.

"Once or twice, but never fresh like this," Akane replied, accepting the skewer he offered her. The first bite brought a look of pure bliss to her face. "This is amazing!"

"Is it? Glad you like it," He tucked a strand of hair from her forehead and behind her hair, and she giggled while her face grew red.

Their laughter mingled with the market's cacophony as they continued exploring. Each stall offered a new delight - from savory yakitori to sweet taiyaki shaped like fish, filled with red bean paste. They shared each dish, playfully arguing over which was better.

Their conversation flowed, they joked about the most bizarre items they found in the market and shared stories of their past culinary adventures. For Akane, it felt natural and comfortable – as if he had known her for years rather than a month.

The afternoon slipped away in between their delightful exploration. Soon, hunger reminded them it was time for a more substantial meal.

As their exploration of the market began to wind down, Aqua noticed the sun begin to lower in the sky. The bustling energy of the market, once invigorating, now felt overwhelming. He turned to Akane, who was looking a bit fatigued, her eyes glinting with the reflections of the market's vibrant colors.

"How about we find a quieter place for lunch?" Aqua suggested, noting the slight weariness in Akane's posture.

Akane's face brightened at the idea. "That sounds perfect. Somewhere peaceful?"

Aqua glanced around, while his Jade Perception scanned over the city. They wandered, still hand-in-hand, away from the bustling stalls and into the quieter streets, seeking a more serene space to dine. Their search led them to a hidden gem of a restaurant, nestled discreetly at the corner of a quaint alley. Its facade blended traditional Chinese architecture with modern touches.

"Look at this place," Aqua remarked, admiring the elegant entrance adorned with subtle lighting. "It's different from the usual spots around here," he's been here before.

The building was a skyscraper, and amongst the usual class-clad floors, there was one particular floor high up visible from down here that was an elegant mix of traditional woodwork and contemporary glass panels. Akane, gazing at the restaurant's warmly lit interior through the large windows, felt a sense of anticipation. 

"This place looks inviting, doesn't it?" he remarked, gesturing towards the restaurant. "It's a bit exclusive, but we can get in. My family has a membership here."

As they entered, they were greeted by the soft melodies of a string quartet playing in the background, adding to the restaurant's sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. The décor was a tasteful blend of East meets West, with Chinese calligraphy adorning the walls alongside abstract Western art.

The hostess led them to a secluded table near a window that offered a panoramic view of the city's evening skyline. The dim lights and the quiet chatter around them created an intimate setting, perfect for their dinner.

Aqua pulled out a chair for Akane, who thanked him with a smile. As they settled into their seats, feeling relaxed thanks to the quieter setting. Akane twirled her head around, captivated by the view of the evening city outside the window. 

From this high floor, the city looked beautiful. "It's so beautiful and peaceful here," she murmured, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.

Aqua, pouring some self-serving tea for her, took his own seat. "It's a nice change from the usual hustle, isn't it?" he said, smiling softly. 

Akane nodded, picking up her chopsticks. "Although I've had Chinese food before, never in a place like this, yes. Expensive place. What do your parents do, Aqua?" She quickly blinked, "Ah, not to say you couldn't have earned the money yourself and bought your family a membership, but…"

"You don't have to be that cautious around me, Akane. it is my parents' money." he shrugged and said.

She smiled in embarrassment, scratching her cheek with a finger. She was a confident girl, and she also felt comfortable around him, but there was a small sense of fear in her. He was rich, he was handsome, and most of all, he was mystically powerful. 

Could she really keep someone like him to herself, against the other two girls? They were supernatural people too, while she was just… normal. That's why she sometimes felt nervous around him about the most useless topics.

A waiter approached to present them with expensive tea, and a menu. Seeing his silence as he tipped tea, she decided to talk first. "You know, I always thought I knew exactly what I wanted in life. I entered the entertainment industry from a young age, but unlike some of the child celebrities, my parents didn't force me to do it. I did it out of passion because I liked it."

She continued hesitantly, "My goal from the beginning was to someday become an international celebrity. Although the pace slowed down in the last few years, I have never stayed from the path. But lately, I… I've been so unsure," she admitted.

"About the supernatural world?" he asked with a thoughtful expression. "Now you don't know if your goal is worth it. What's the point of being a famous celebrity? You are wondering that since the supernatural is real, does that mean the rumors around the entertainment industry are real too? Is all of it devil propaganda and stuff?"

She nodded slowly, "Yeah, I guess…" she sighed. She understood it might be very silly to him, who was already walking the path of the supernatural.

To rid herself of these thoughts, Akane picked up the menu and froze. Her eyes widened at the extensive selection of dishes, each described in tantalizing detail. She slowly passed it to him.

Food arrived soon, and they ate in silence. Each dish that was brought to their table was a work of culinary art, showcasing the skilled fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine. Akane's eyes widened in delight as she took in the array of colors and aromas, it helped her calm down a little.

They started with a delicate appetizer, a symphony of flavors that danced on their palates. Aqua suggested they try each dish in a specific order to fully appreciate the chef's intent. As they moved on to the main course, a selection of exquisitely prepared meats and vegetables, the conversation paused momentarily. They savored each bite, allowing the flavors to mingle and tell their own story. Aqua occasionally offered insights into the dishes' preparation, revealing his appreciation for fine dining.

They shared the dessert, their forks occasionally clinking, adding a playful note to the meal. It was during this course that Aqua spoke up, his voice breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "It's okay to continue doing what you are. I know many immortals and even Gods who do human things for fun."

"The devils are ruled by the Four Satans, and one of them partakes in the idol business as a hobby. I can't name-drop, sorry. So no, it doesn't matter that the world is magic and myths, continue doing what you are if you like it. However, at the same time, you can pursue anything else." he smiled.

Aqua cleaned his hands with a tissue and held her hand. "Personally I would want my girl to hold enough power to protect herself. So Magic, Immortality, Godhood," His deep, blood-red eyes locked with hers while he kissed her hands. "If you want them, I can gift them to you, I can teach them to you. While you still pursue your hobby like a pampered princess, I can help you grow stronger. If you want, of course."

"...."

She blushed intensely, looking to the side, while he continued, "Your world isn't that hard, Akane, let yourself relax. Sometimes not knowing the path ahead is what leads us to the best discoveries," he encouraged, his tone reassuring. "So give yourself time. You don't have to choose now."

Akane slowly nodded as he let go of her hands. Her blue eyes finally met his red ones. "Thanks, Aqua…"

Their meal progressed amidst comfortable silence and light conversation. As they finished their last bites, a shared look of contentment passed between them. 

….

Exiting the restaurant, they soon found themselves drawn towards the calm allure of a nearby lake. It was artificial, and it was a spot for couples.

They boarded a small two-person boat, finding themselves greeted by picturesque scenes. Calm, glass-like water mirroring the descending sun's warm hues of orange and pink. Surrounded by the rustling of leaves and the soft movements of ducks and fish, Aqua and Akane settled into the boat, giggling and continuing their talk.

During their tranquil boat ride along the river, Aqua and Akane enjoyed a moment of calm reflection. Akane, looking out over the water, shared her thoughts.

"Hmm, what are the limits of capabilities, Aqua?" She looked at the lake, "Can you turn this lake dry, for example?"

Aqua's hand glided to the water to pat a duck. "How cold-hearted of you, Akane. You want to see all these marine lives turn to vapor?"

"I- I am just asking~" Akane cleared her throat. "So you're saying you can't?"

"I can," he barely resisted the urge to flow electric currents through the lake and turn it to vapor. "I can do a lot of things. Shall I show you now that the sun is setting?"

"Huh?"

He reached out a hand, she accepted it out of instinct, and instantly everything around them vanished. She had been pulled into an Instant Dimension, a copy of what was in the real world, except no living beings.

It should be fine on the outside world; as the Will of the World supported the work of Instant Dungeons, people in the real world wouldn't think much about why two individuals just vanished.

"Ah…" Akane looked around, a little spooked.

"Scared?" he asked, finding her expression cute.

"I… No," she shook her head. "It's a bit creepy how everything went silent all of a sudden, but you're here, so I'm fine."

That made him crackle up. Right now, he was more dangerous to her than anything else. Then again, it's not as if she was in danger of losing her life to him, it was something else, and he doubted he'd hate that. So it was all fine.

He pulled her to his arms. She thought it was just a hug, but he pulled her lips to clasp around his. She blushed since they were alone here, uncertain how far he was going to go, but the kiss ended soon. 

A trail of saliva connected their mouths, and Akane looked up at him with a hazy gaze.

A moment later, he began to levitate up with her in his arms.

"Hold tight," he said and blasted toward the sky. "Allow me to show you what the world looks like from above."

Two figures slammed into the cluster of orange clouds above, like the drop of a rain, and Akane's senses were blasted with the beauty of the world.

She had never seen an evening like this. Plane windows didn't come anywhere near this, this was insane. This was… heavenly.

Akane realized it'd be impossible for her to ignore this side of the world. It'd be like pretending to be blind. She decided… she would pursue magic.

'As she should. The Book of Thoth is powerful. Its potential should be Divine rank. Nice, another enrollment to the Sect,' Just as he planned.

Now, he had to move to the other thing he planned. He was glad she was so easy to talk to, so easy to seduce. So easy that she was dragged to a hotel without him trying much.

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