11 Papers Why (4)

"Oi, Oi!" Tsubaki sets her bottle aside, questioning Jackal on the rooftop. "That's Phryne Jamil! That fat bitch would skewer you in a second! I can probably save you, but I'd have to go all out too. How do you think my identity will remain a secret?"

Jackal stares ahead. "Phryne 'Androctonus' Jamil, a Level 5 adventurer of considerable stature, is a woman experiencing delusions due to her different features compared to other Amazons, likely due to her abusive upbringing, which may or may not be due to her face. That woman likes making statements and robbing others' attention in any way possible, even if it means putting herself in scandalous issues or preying on others to evoke drama and controversy. And I remember her staring at men or boys of her interest worse than I try to peek down your Goddess' shirt."

Tsubaki blanks out, ignoring the apparent light-humored joke in the end.

"Remember? You've met her before?"

"A few months before the disaster of three years ago," Jackal reveals as his smile recedes. "She'd just reached Level 5 then. She and that team of theirs, Berbera, was supposed to go on an expedition when she saw me. She tried to bed me, not listening to her fellow Familia members that her Familia could get exiled to rape a Guild Member out in the open."

"Don't tell me she ate you," Tsubaki smirks.

"Do you remember the rumors during the time?" Jackal inquires.

"Hmm, those days were pretty murky, you know. Evil cults and whatnot outside Orario tried claiming the actions of three years ago for themselves, too."

"Try thinking which source of rumor would try to save me?"

Tsubaki blinks.

"The White Flash?"

Jackal nods.

"It saved me twice—once against Phryne and once during the collapse of Pantheon. I was on an overtime that evening."

"Heeeeh?" Tsubaki drawls amusingly. "Did you see who the White Flash was?"

Jackal blinks before shaking his head quietly.

"Anyway," he changes the subject. "I know Phryne would want to replace her lover because I've proven myself superior by torturing and killing him. As for your identity remaining secret and a sure shot at Phryne, I bought a Hades Head from Perseus. Do you know what that is?"

"Of course I do." She scoffs.

"But something's strange," Tsubaki eyes Jackal drunkenly. "It's creepy how you analyzed that fat bitch. I didn't think you were the kind."

"Well," Jackal looks a little hesitant. "I used to be quiet before and observed everything: people, animals, laughter, cries, words, items, and more. I suppose it was a source of joy back then."

"I hear you, but your plan is still creepy. And you planned it now, right? What are you, some evil genius fooling others by chasing skirt?"

Tsubaki snorts a chuckle as she picks up her bottle.

"It's easy," she hears him whisper as the wind picks up around them, causing his tame hair to sway with the pace as he looks at the starry sky with an almost desolate smile. "All I had to do was remember the man I once was."

His smile regains vigor as he looks at her, "Besides, many things can still go wrong."

Tsubaki lets her lone eye observe his face until she issues a ponderous noise. "What about after I take Phryne's arms and legs?"

"Then," Jackal's smile widens even more, genuinely pleased with himself as he punctuates—

---

"Hush, there he is! Wait, what's that sac behind him?"

"A sac? That's—!"

"Fuck! What the fuck?!"

"Fucking slap me! Is that true? Did I snort the wrong powder?!"

"Oi, you're seeing this, too, right?"

"Y-yeah!"

"Ah! That's Captain!"

*Ssssssttttt*

The sudden public cry overcomes the gentle sound of a built figure dragging a large woman by her hair. Splashes of blood cover them both as blood covers the woman's healed stumps of limbs. Her struggles fall in vain as she cannot use her spectacular Level 5 power to break free from the man's relatively weak grip.

Power is relative this way.

One needs limbs to exert strength and move. A spasming body can store the power of Gods but would still need a method of outlet to wield said might! Jackal's Monster Phantoms follow a similar rule, allowing his body to wield power as the phantom of the said beast would using a Human Body.

But this isn't about power alone.

Jackal's mere presence drives others away, creating a gap around him for others to clamor around but not move. After all, Phryne warned anyone from entering as she 'broke' her foe, but nobody could have expected such a result.

"S-stop!"

Rare events exist in this world that frightens an Amazon, events like—A calm Jackal walking in her direction, Ishtar's mark on her back feeling the worst burden in this world, as he drags their crippled Captain.

Lojha doesn't know what took over her. It is something new and flustering that makes her body stop in her place as Jackal calmly walks past her, everyone around her pushing each other away as they make a path for Jackal to move. Their eyes fall on the trembling Phryne. Her eyes are wide in confusion and fear as her stumps constantly twitch, trying to magically recover and move. Her mouth lets out pained gibberish, unable to speak without most of her tongue connected in her mouth.

"What is he going to do?"

"Did he do this? Is he already this strong?"

Fearful inquiries echo around Jackal as he moves in a particular direction.

Among the crowd are also many Gods and Goddesses. There is wonder and confusion in their eyes, thinly veiling their greed as they gaze at Jackal. Their eyes roam over him from beginning to end, one of them whispering, "That cloaked ally must be the one who dealt with Phryne, huh?"

"Another Familia member? If so, Jackal's Familia might be stronger and more mysterious than expected."

"You don't think it's that group from three years ago, do you?"

"Moron, they wouldn't do all this. This one feels a lot personal."

"Heh, Ishtar's down on luck."

"Fuck her," another Goddess scoffs. "She thinks Gekai revolves around her just because of her charm."

"Didn't you two sleep together?" Another God questions.

The Goddess huffs in response, "That was a competition!"

"Did you win?"

"Shut up! You're annoying!"

"Oh, that direction," one of them finally gasps as the word spreads like wildfire!

"Exotic Courtesans!"

"That's right, a Bordello led by the Androctonus herself. She's the only one whom Ishtar allowed to have a business and remain in the combat Captain position of the Familia! That's why she and the Berbera didn't get along too well initially."

As the name suggests, the Bordello 'Exotic Courtesans' has a catalog of exotic women ranging from renards, Boaz-women, and dark elves! The structure of the bordello is similar to an elaborate building with straight roofs and hanging gardens. Green and pink magic lamps illuminate the building, the entrance to which welcomes a sight of a beautiful garden equipped with 'open' tents for the particularly adventurous and courageous.

"W-what do you think you are doing?" Madam Kin, a Far-Eastern Renard of black hair, ears, and a black floofy tail wearing a thin red kimono loosely hanging from her shoulders, walk out with defiant steps as she scowls, "If you want to murder that pig, do it elsewhere! Don't block my business—"

It is clear her relationship with her 'boss' isn't so great either, using this chance to hurl insults at the quivering Phryne when she loses her voice, her eyes meeting his, as her body comes to a still.

*Step*

*Step*

*Step*

Jackal walks past her calmly. Madam Kin's body trembles, her thick tail swaying in fear. Beads of sweat roll down her beautiful features before collecting near her chin and dropping on her deep, exposed cleavage as a shiver runs down her spine.

It has been some time since the crowd around Jackal has gone quiet.

What is he going to do?

Will they see the reason why he has the name he possesses?

Will he survive Ishtar Familia?

Phryne amasses no love in this crowd. She may have been like Jackal once, performing public executions in her domain, acquiring similar fear with hard work and all the toad-like hussle she can manage. But Jackal's steps are different. His back does not desire attention or witnesses for the sake of it. It was never about a cathartic experience in killing his enemies—it's about sending a message.

The couples, and an orgy, in the open tents, come to a halt. Men and women cover themselves barely, looking out at the center of Bordello's entrance. Heads slip out from the windows of the building, and men and women of different ages and species collect near the reception of the Bordello.

*Thud*

Phryne's body slides forward with a powerful pull, stumbling a little ahead of Jackal as she looks up, seeing a few familiar men near the reception of her Bordello—Her lovers! She instantly begs these men with her large eyes and incomplete babbles. Her stumps try moving, failing again!

'Someone! Please! Move! I treated you all with love and care! I made you mine! Help me! HELP ME!'

But she only sees the men and women unmoved, excited even.

It's a cold world. Traitors are not born from the enemies but from one's own—a sentiment Phryne 'Androctonus' Jamil has no right to claim. Even in such a desperate situation, the most beautiful woman in the Entertainment District thinks others owe their life to her! Why won't they? She didn't kill them in her chambers—their lives are for her!

*Tnk*

*Creeechhhh*

Metal moans against concrete, flickering sparks, as Phryne struggles to look back. Jackal walks around her slowly, his right hand dragging a large red war ax with a crystal-inlaid curved protective handle. The edge of the crimson ax reflects a cold steel glint, a small spike jutting from above the helve. His left hand, meanwhile, retrieves a piece of paper from his Frollet.

He didn't ask anyone to recite the letter again, feeling that he may expose the things he doesn't want to the curious Deities and unhealthily bold Amazons mixed between. After all, in his mind, nothing speaks more about disclosing one's loved ones than executing an offending party on their account. Who knows, someone as crazy as Olal might happen to be present, finding delight in screwing with him just because of it?

Who needs that kind of trouble constantly?

Not Jackal.

So, he reads the letter internally one last time.

—Nothing in this world is uglier than a woman bearing so many children, Maria Martel. Mothers are ugly. Parents are ugly. Your flesh may be smooth, your eyes may attract a fool, and your breasts and ass can seduce barely a few—but you are ugly. I still wonder what Ishtar thinks by issuing us to threaten you, making me enter this chase. I don't care what that Goddess thinks. But now I see you. And I'm bored. I will see you in a week. When I arrive, I will blister your skin to match your ugly heart, gorge your eyes out to let others witness the emptiness in you, skewer your breasts for the packets of useless flesh they are, and penetrate searing-hot iron within you, destroying your hope to bear any child of your own as you and other mothers obliterate their children—A week.—

'My uncultured eyes see so many issues in this letter alone.'

*Thck*

Jackal stabs his ax fiercely, making the viewers and Phryne flinches at the sudden movement.

'In a way, I have to thank Olal for this. I came into this world thinking living without fear is the best way. He made me realize that I'd miss them if they were gone. I'd mourn them. Isn't that right, Rye? That's what I taught you.'

*Thck*

His ax stabs again, creating sparks. His cold expression manages to rouse every viewer as they gulp despite themselves. A few members of Berbera arrive at this point, but they are speechless!

Their gaze follows their fallen Captain and the young man standing above her.

The Butcher.

'And to think I said things so casually to Loki that night. At that moment, I believed what I said was right. Others can envy me, fear me, lust for me, worry for me—but I'd never live in fear. I don't fear my death. But it's so complicated.'

Jackal recalls reading these letters over and over again, feeling a bout of helpless anger every time.

*Thck*

'Indeed. It was helplessness. I wasn't angry at anyone but my inability to think well, forcing me to recall my earlier ways. Dungeon, elves, monsters, babes, Goddesses, Swole Gods, Friends, possible Family, Lili, and others—everything felt so unreal. It's real. I won't get to live again, probably.'

*Thck*

'I have to make things count. I have to make my relationships, the good and the bad, matter. I don't want to stop insulting Loki, feeding Ais Gemlings in front of her, cooking Bentos, seeing Naaza's resting bitch face, Lili's breathing on my chest when I wake up, Maria's hugs, the children's snobbish laugh, Syr's plans to get me to complete her chores, drinking with Miach, Takemikazuchi, and Soma, making Ouka clean shit, trying to lay cheesy lines on Mia, and so many things. It's surprising how little I care for the Dungeon. I don't want to worry Eina and Rose, too.'

*Thck*

'Fuck, I have a cat and a dog, now that I remember. I have to buy bedding for the duo.'

*Thck*

'Truly, gotta thank Olal in kind.'

*Thck*

'Truly, I needed to appreciate the man I once was to understand the man I need to become for my dreams.'

*THCK*

The noise grows more intense as each strike of the ax on the pavement causes further cracks around the surface.

Jackal gently lets go of the letter in his hand as it starts descending slowly. His other arm brings his ax high as he stares at the silently begging Phryne.

But he doesn't see Phryne.

He sees a bloodied Maria going through the many tribulations written in the letter, the promises that these 'kind' men and women would undoubtedly fulfill. She, too, would be begging for her life and the children of the orphanage. But unlike their supposed assailants, Jackal refuses to take any delight.

His face is a mask of stoicism. His gold-red eyes are unnervingly calm.

Under everyone's gaze, the mysterious paper finally settles on top of Phryne's sweaty head.

*SWISH*

Infant Dragon and Silverback flicker on top of his head, taking everyone's breath away. The Infant Dragon roars at the sky while the Silverback drums his fists into his chest!

The power Jackal generates is easily more than most veteran Level 2 Adventurers, their stats averaging at C rank.

*KHCCCHHHHKKKKKK*

A sick voice fills the small section of the district as Jackal feels his Mind drain to its absolute limits, causing his vision to go hazy.

"Impossible," Madam Kin whispers with wide eyes.

*Srrrrrrrrr*

The ax in Jackal's hand starts to crumble into ashes as others' whispers echo.

"A Level 2 Adventurer split a Level 5 Amazoness' Skull in one swing? That's absurd!" Claims one God.

"A Magic Weapon," an astute voice echoes from the interrupted Orgy, barely entering Jackal's senses as he downs a powerful Mind recovery potion purchased from Humble Store. His drained reserves refill and boosts his Mind's recovery for the next 3 hours!

"What kind of Magic Weapon was that ax?" Another voice inquires.

"Any blacksmiths around?"

"Hmm. Oi, that ax. Crimson and a pole end."

"Yeah, I couldn't believe my eyes either."

"That ax should not exist, right?"

"You know something?" An Amazoness grips a Goddess' shoulder fervently. Others glance their way in intrigue.

"It was Hephaestus' first work when she arrived in Orario. Zeus Familia used that ax in one of the three Great Quests! Fearing its abuse, Hephaestus refused to create similar magic weapons. It's similar to her other 'lower' collection, enhancing the use of the weapon with magic itself. An Ax splits absurdly better, an arrow flies absurdly quicker and pierces the thickest armors in existence, and a torch is so absurdly hot it scorches lakes!"

"Just get to the point!" A few Amazoness surrounds the Goddess. Seeing the danger she's in based on the urgent, bothered looks in their eyes, the Goddess objectively chooses not to get smothered to death and gulps with a strained smile.

"That ax should be the Crimson Splitter. The Zeus Familia named it."

"Huff," Jackal looks at Phryne's corpse, noting barely any energy flowing into him from her death, confirming that a human's death won't bring Jackal the benefits of their Falna and levels.

'Well, she's an Amazon, but it's the same category.'

Jackal stretches his hand, bending down to tear away the Frollet on her body, stuffing it into his Frollet to sort through later.

'Nine more to go.'

Others evade his gaze as he steps over Phryne's corpse.

He hasn't spoken even once.

His gaze is clear and assured.

The answer is simple.

'A man who doesn't let fears compromise his promises, that's the kind of man he wants to be, huh?' A familiar cloaked individual within the crowd smiles to herself, touching her left eyepatch as she recalls his answer.

"Such a wonderful execution~!"

Tsubaki's ears twitch as she hears the faintest whisper grasping her complete attention, seizing her being, if you will. Her head whips sideways, finding a sea of people obstructing her with a noise of voices. But Tsubaki can bet her coming rewards she heard the smoothest voice of her life, the sweetest, even.

'That voice—'

"You killed her!" A sharp voice interrupts everyone as a proud figure shoves through the crowd, cutting Jackal's path as Tsubaki looks to the new arrival, cursing under her breath—Trouble, not for her but for Jackal.

"Astute observation," Jackal observes the figure clad in the skimpy purple outfit, golden bracers, anklets, necklace, and earrings. Her purple pupils match his gold-red orbs, her dark skin reflecting the exotic pink and green illumination as her fists clench tightly. Indignance is apparent in her pretty, slender features.

"Why?! I know who you are, Butcher. But even someone close to the Loki Familia has to answer for this act! Are you planning an all-out war, you dumb fuck!"

Jackal looks back at Phryne's corpse before straightening his back and shaking his head. "Step aside. Klone's next."

Her eyes widen as she seethes, "You should stop right now!"

"Step aside." Jackal punctuates, taking a step forward.

*Fwip*

Her hand moves faster than a whip as Jackal's feet leave the ground, his body flying back and smashing into the marbled steps of the Bordello's Entrance beyond Phryne's corpse.

"Sorry," claims the woman. "But I'm taking you to Ishtar. You're the ones who screwed things up."

Jackal grunts as he stands, wiping the blood off his lips with the back of his arm. His other hand dusts his body as he stares at the Amazoness woman. Other women parts from the crowd with reluctant expressions, surrounding him as the supposed leader cracks her fingers slightly.

"I screwed things up?" Jackal looks at the woman. "You're… Aisha Belka, right?" He questions with a narrowed expression. "Could you repeat that?"

"What?" Questions Aisha.

"The thing you just said."

"You screwed things up. What else? We wouldn't have intervened if Phryne was alive! Fuck my luck! I just got here, you know!" She scowls at her squirming teammates. Unlike them, too blind to see beyond their fear and angst against Phryne, Aisha knew how much their Familia needed a powerhouse with a nasty reputation like Phryne!

"Pfft," Jackal scoffs a chuckle, his mood lightening as a peal of full-blown laughter swirls in his stomach—

"Hahahahahaha!"

His sudden laugh makes surrounding people jerk in response, especially the Deities, who suddenly feel ominous for no good reason. Jackal feels it again. A familiar presence inspires Jackal. His Mind moves not to create this fluctuation but to invoke the stored energy in his 'stomach.'

The true essence of the Secondary Effect of excretion is not to create full-blown waves of energy similar to Getsuga Tensho—it's to achieve miracles using the purest energy in existence, capable of transforming into anything should Jackal be intimately aware of it!

How else does his trait manifest items from killed enemies? Is that not matter manipulation?

The only difference is, instead of automatically creating the same items, Jackal enters the manual mode, only capable of two things at the moment—a full-blown release of energy in the form of a Getsuga Tensho and—

*Crackle*

"Huahahahahahahahahaha!"

A powerful force accompanies his laughter, kicking up a gust of wind as if manifesting to reality, drawing his turbulent emotions—his anger, humor, sadness, gratitude, and so much more into one intent—Conquering.

The eyes of the viewers widen, their faces turning pale, visions turning hazy, knees jerking with the sole intention of kneeling in defeat—their minds and wills prostrating to the massive force, making Jackal stand out from the masses almost physically as if pressuring others to submission under his gigantic feet!

"Ua-AAaaaghhhhhhhh!"

Madam Kin is the first to scream! Her chest tightens in horror, her heartbeat skyrockets, and her eyes roll back into her skull.

Time seems to slow down as her body descends to the ground, similar to the letter Jackal let go over Phryne!

*Thud*

Her knees touch the ground as she faints.

"You think I screwed up?! GAHAHAHAHAHA!"

He cannot help but laugh!

He cannot help but RAGE!

Many screams echo in the crowd, 80% of them falling to their knees and fainting as two of Aisha's Berbera fall to their knees, too!

"Go on!" Tears flicker in Jackal's eyes as he asks loudly to Aisha, who weathers the storm! "Say that again! Whoooo! It's so stupid that I can't help but laugh!"

Notably, all the Deities are left standing with strange amazement in their eyes.

"One more time!" Jackal calls out loudly, grinning so widely that others might mistake him for a friend.

'What was that?'

Others can barely take notice of the few figures gathering above the Exotic Courtesans' roof.

"Cat got your tongue, Aisha?" Jackal questions between his snickers. "Here's an idea. Run off to Ishtar. Tell her one thing for me—"

His legs pull him backward as Aisha's fist barely touches him instead of impacting his skull.

"You've gotten slow!" Jackal calmly pushes her fist aside with a cold smirk. "I guess it must have affected you more than you show on your face. Want me to do that again?" His red-gold hues reflect darn-crimson lightning not visible to anyone. "Or will you fuck off?"

Aisha shudders, feeling herself strangely drained from the previous 'impact.'

"I screwed up?" Jackal suddenly pulls the dazed Aisha's arm, his head smashing into her face as she grunts with an injured nose, stumbling back and bleeding.

"I SCREWED UP?" Jackal snarls, no longer finding humor in her willing ignorance. Anyone with half a mind and knowledge about the situation would understand how this ended had he not stepped in today.

"Did I screw up when this District's Whores sent those letters?" Jackal's arm grabs the dazed Aisha's head, smashing her into the pavement as he releases the 'Aura of the King' again, not letting Aisha respond even once!

"Did I screw up when Olal dropped out of fucking nowhere?" He tosses Aisha aside, brutally taking to the air before knee-dropping on the woman's torso as the spectators flinch.

"Did I screw up when you threatened those I care for?" He grips his hands together, smashing his hands into Aisha's face constantly!

"Speak the fuck up again!" He roars, moving from Aisha as he looks around at the remaining individuals. "Speak up! You play stupid and bitch about the prizes you win?!" His fierce glare roots the usually fearless Amazoness around him, and other warriors, who watch in awe. "Ishtar Familia? Loki Familia? War? Don't fucking kid me with politics! I'm picking a fight! Anyone with balls can do the same!" His indignant growl releases the last bit of pent-up frustration in Jackal's chest as he clenches his bloodied knuckles till they go white!

"Go! Go! Tell Ishtar if she understands what's good, she'll stop bitching with Olal! Gonna threaten me, thinking I'll fall? That ain't happening!" His beastly snarl trembles the heart of the listeners. "This is the big bad Entertainment District, right? RIGHT? Follow me! I ain't done! Nine more men and women will die today! If you want to stop me—PICK A FIGHT!"

Jackal's chest rises and falls as he heaves, looking around like a crazed animal as he starts moving, making his way toward the next Pub.

He won't stop tonight.

Or rather, there isn't anyone left to stop him for now.

Phryne is dead, Aisha is unconscious, and other warriors are so subdued they might as well become Anya's peer in his home!

As for the rest?

The customers will take delight in Ishtar's damage, and the other viewers are more interested in what Jackal is doing.

---

"You brought me here for this?" Shakti narrows her eyes at the spear-wielding Pallum recovering from the earlier sight. The blue-haired Captain of the Ganesha Familia licks her dry lips. "I thought you said he needed my assistance."

"I clearly underestimated him," Finn narrows his eyes, whispering. "How do you think the Guild will respond?"

"Like usual," Shakti sighs. "Winner's the king."

"And you? Why are you here?" Finn looks to the side, seeing Riveria not far from them. Next to her in a daze are Ais, Tiona, Tione, and an unconscious Lefiya.

"They promised not to act, only if they get to look over him." Riveria looks at the rest before noting. "Was that a chantless intimidation magic? If so, it'll be his second magic, right?"

"Captain," Tione licks her lips, a somewhat crazed intent dancing in the usually clingy Amazoness. "He wrecked Aisha! I want to fight him for real! I want to experience the full brunt of that magic!"

"Well, threatening the Orphanage will get you a ticket to fight him," Finn half-shrugs. "I suppose, Jackal outdid himself. He must have had help to take care of Phryne."

His words make others look at Phryne's corpse.

"I've never seen him so intense," Tiona whispers. For some reason, when she should feel excited about his strength, she worries about his anger. "He was… cruel."

Her words silence others until Shakti musters, "I'm going to report to the Guil and sleep for the night. The Ganesha Familia cannot operate on another Familia's territory, so Ishtar Familia needs to clean their mess. It was thoughtful of you to let me know about this, Finn."

Finn nods as Shakti leaps away.

"So that's the Butcher," Tiona sighs softly, her head hanging slightly and her gaze turning downcast, making her Elder Sister pat her back calmly. "I would have done 'em worse if they threatened you or the Captain, Tiona."

"I get it," Tiona mutters, "But I don't like seeing him or others so sad."

"Sad?" Ais blinks, like others.

"He looked angry to me," Riveria furrows her brows gently as Tiona turns away, her anklets chiming gently. "No, it was only sadness in there. The Ishtar Familia and Olal should have never pulled this stunt."

She leaps away, too, not keen on seeing the rest.

"Well, it seems brilliant in my eyes," Finn muses. "And Loki would think so, too."

"What do you mean, Captain?" Tione reaches next to Finn, questioning eagerly.

---

"It is simple, of course," Hermes smiles, standing near a white-haired Olal and his cloaked companion.

"Your method to isolate Jackal was to break him emotionally. You have used the name of your backer cleverly until now, making us fall into passive roles. You used your connections to send condemning letters to the Guild from other businesses to give them a reason to further suppress Jackal's store. And the threats to his loved ones, especially the orphans, to shackle him mentally, making him feel his actions can hurt them instead."

Hermes lowers his head, leaning over the ledge of a roof as the street beneath clamors with activity.

"For anyone else, this is a dreadful situation of isolation, helplessness, guilt, and rage—a perfect cocktail to make mistakes." Hermes smiles as Olal listens with a serene look.

"But Jackal used your method. You can consider this entirely out of the box. After all, who would think of isolating the 'Heretic' Olal? But Phryne Jamil is dead because of you. Even if Ishtar seeks vengeance with Jackal, you two will have no relationship come morning. Jackal has a Level 5 ally, maybe more. This chain of deaths will intimidate other stores lured by profits, sending the message of not associating themselves with you because Jackal does not threaten."

"He butchers."

"And finally, there is an unwritten rule in the City. The winner's the king. Jackal will be penalized at most. The Guild won't take any action because they are more peeved by you than Jackal, and now he's revealed how shallow your presence is in the city. Only the Deities fear that one God in the No God's Land. But Adventurers still make up for the strength of Gods. Isn't that right?"

"You're enjoying it," Olal smirks, chuckling as he stretches his arms slightly. "That was a fun show, no?"

Hermes looks at the troublesome mortal, smiling, "You look unworried."

"I think it was a tie," Olal muses, leaning against the ledge next to Hermes.

"Pardon me? A tie?" Hermes blinks.

"Yeah, it's as you say. I don't have real allies, so I lose nothing. I still have all my assets. I still have my underground connections that do not fear Jackal's reach because he isn't even aware of them. But I have to give it to him!"

Olal's smirk broadens with a strangely fond look in his eyes. "He's certainly 'that' man."

Hermes listens quietly.

"And did you not see his look? Did you not hear the desperation in his voice? I think he feels he's overcome his emotional issues, but I say it's just the first step. So, it's a tie!" Olal snickers, "And that magic was strange! Even I felt ticklish!"

The cloaked figure narrows her eyes. They'd fallen unconscious before, with Olal probably being the sole mortal to remain awake in the distance.

The corner of Hermes' eyes twitches as he glances at the peacock feather pendant around OIal.

'A tie, huh?' Hermes sighs. 'But Jackal is… surprising.'

He discreetly glances at Olal.

'The question is—Why is Olal obsessed with Jackal? He only chose to travel to Orario after hearing Jackal's description. He knows something about Jackal that I don't.'

'He was… like me,' different from Olal and Hermes, the cloaked figure wonders calmly. 'He just wants to protect in the ways he knows.'

They can empathize with that desperate feeling.

Deities and people like Olal cannot come close to understanding that.

***

Alternate Title: Nothing More Satisfying Than a Successful Execution of a Plan; The Man He Once Was; The Man He Must Be; The Mythical White Flash; Tragedy of Three Years Ago; Psychoanalyzing a Toad FR; Public Execution; The King's Walk; A Conqueror Arrives; The Execution; The Fabled Ax; Gratitude for Olal; A Butchering; Aisha Got Caught Lacking; A Desperate Jackal Has No Fucks To Give; Tione's Excitement; Tiona Gets It; The Rooftop Viewers; A Sweet Voice; Taming Enemies; Drop Dead Aura; Inspired King; The Aura of Madness; True Nature Unveiled; An Out-of-Box Plan; Hermes' Observation—Olal: I Can Do Better; A Tie; Olal Knows Something; Empathy; Rift; Ishtar's Next?; Winner's King; When A Free Hearts Meets a Shackling Force; A Battle Beyond Fists; Jackal's Fight Has Just Begun

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A/N: Alright, for those guys who still have some doubt about the secondary effects of excretion. As you have witnessed in the fanfic, Jackal's death eater allows him to create items conforming to the species killed, right? These items are formed from the stored energy left unused after a round of digestion to strengthening his body. This energy can create any item but is limited to the being he kills in the basic mode. The secondary effect is using this energy in manual mode. Meaning, he can instinctively blow it all out since every living being has that instinct, like exhaling loudly. But since this energy can be used for anything, Jackal can create any construct energy or items. Think of it like conjuring nen, or Momo's quirk from Bnha. Jackal needs to be intimately familiar with his needs before using this energy.

So, Jackal cannot use Haki indefinitely. When he is out of this energy, he is out of haki, too. Again, I don't want to break too many rules of the verse. Usually, Haki is the power of mind and spirit. But in this world, Mind is used to invoke magic. So, it is like magic. And I don't mean this energy is just 'like' magic, it can be turned into magic energy should Jackal familiarize himself with it. In essence, it's an all-purpose flour of the bakery world. And yes, it is OP. But again, the limitations are just as great, as it doesn't just hand power to Jackal, except for the off-branch Conqueror's Haki cause Plot.

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