Chapter 24: Bossu~

(Authors note:

Aight, the To Aru arc is wrapping up with only a fight with Sogiita and a little bit of Talk no Jutsu left to end it.

I'm still unsure where to go for the second world, if you have suggestions drop them in the comments.

If it fits what I am thinking of then I'll take it.)

(Dante POV)

With a sinister smile, I continued to hold Mugino's chin.

'Mmm, I don't really want to do this, but I can't afford to appear like a pushover. If I know anything about Japanese MCs, they are mostly being dragged upon some random bullshit because of how easy they are. Better show everyone watching and the people who will get the report on what BS happened here know that I am not an easy target.' As I observed the fear and apprehension in Mugino's eyes, such thoughts swirled through my mind.

Just as I was about to release Mugino, the sound of panting reached my ears from behind.

Turning around, my gaze landed on Frenda, disheveled and gasping for breath, having sprinted up the stairs.

"Um, Dante-kun, could you, like, let go of Mugino, pretty please?" Frenda's voice took on a sugary-sweet tone, accompanied by an expression of faux innocence, as she pleaded on behalf of her leader.

'Welp, I am about to release her anyway. Might as well look like I did it for Frenda. It's not like I will lose out on anything by doing so.' With an exaggerated sigh, I commanded the sage to stop pressuring Mugino.

'It appears I underestimated the impact of compressing space.' I murmured to myself, taking in the sight of Frenda supporting Mugino, who remained on her knees, trembling violently and expelling blood and fragments of internal organs.

"Listen, Mugino-chan," I began, my expression stern as I addressed her.

"Consider this your lucky break, courtesy of Frenda-chan. But let me make one thing clear. There won't be a next time. Understood?" My words carried a subtle but unmistakable threat as I stared her down.

Unable to speak, probably because of the internal damage she received, I only saw Mugino nodding her head but the fear in her eyes already says a lot.

"Thanks a bunch, Dante-kun. I'm really sorry about the mess my boss made." Frenda's grin was infectious, her tone playful.

"I'll ring you later, okay? And hey, don't even think about ghosting me!" With a mischievous wink, she guided Mugino away from the scene.

'Now that this mess is sorted, Frenda should be saved. Without Kakine around, there's no risk of her spilling secrets and getting herself labeled as a traitor. Maybe Mugino will even start to appreciate her a bit more. Well, I suppose my job here is done.' With a shrug, I cast a glance at Kakine, who was being escorted by a group of individuals in matching attire a few hundred meters away.

As I was about to command Great Sage to take me out of this place, the phone that Aleister made Move Point deliver started ringing.

"Moshi, mosh~ How are you doing bossu?~ Got something for me?" I greeted in a jovial tone.

"Number 3, I am merely calling to relay the information that Sogiita has been notified, and the battle is scheduled for tomorrow. Do you find this arrangement acceptable?" came the authoritative yet dispassionate tone from the other end of the cell phone.

"No problem bossu~ I'm game with it. Where and what time?" I asked enthusiastically.

"I'll send the time and place details to this phone later, once my men finish attending the final touches. If there are no further inquiries, I'll be taking my leave," stated Aleister Crowley, his tone devoid of any urgency or emotion, as if merely going through the motions.

"Wait bossu~ Won't you question what I did to Number 2 earlier? I also did quite a number on Number 5. Am I in danger? Hehe." I asked the hanging man.

"Normally, such actions toward my experimental subjects would warrant repercussions. However, as you are soon to join me, I'll share a few details. Number 2 was abandoned long ago, merely a backup plan in case Number 1 failed. Similarly, Number 5 served as a contingency for Number 4. But with Number 4 proving competent, Number 5's worth has diminished—essentially disposable," explained Aleister Crowley, his voice carrying an air of detached analysis.

"Oya, Oya?~ where does that place me bossu? I don't feel like being a backup plan for some weakling you know?" I question wanting to discern my place in Aleister's plan.

"Currently, I am still formulating an experiment tailor-made to fully utilize your power, as your potential surpasses that of a mere experimental subject like the other Level 5s. Your manipulation of space is commendable and will prove invaluable for my future endeavors," Aleister stated matter-of-factly ignoring the fact that he just called me an experimental subject that is more convenient than the rest of the current level 5's.

"Sounds promising bossu~ After all, I've outperformed the rest by a long shot. So, what do you say? I've taken down Numbers 1, 2, and 5 without breaking a sweat. Can't you bump up my rank a bit?" I responded with a touch of arrogance in my tone albeit still fooling around.

"Indeed. Your actions have highlighted the unreliability of the current ranking system. I'll address that later on. If there's nothing else, then I'll terminate the call," Aleister stated monotonously.

"Aight, goodbye bossu~ I'm expecting that promotion~" I replied then after a second, the call ended.

'Aight, I covered the shit of beating up level 5's as wanting a rank promotion. I am a teen with power, after all, it is normal to look for recognition and want to rise in the rankings.' With these musings, my mind drifted back to Aleister's words during the call.

'Kakine and Mugino as backups, huh? Mmm, welp, not my problem. Seems like Aleister found me really useful, kek. The hanging-down dude is really so arrogant, even telling me I'm simply more convenient than the others. I don't blame him though, as long as I am in this world, it is impossible to escape him. His arrogance is well accounted for. Anyways, I'll be able to duke it out with Sogiita tomorrow, afterwards, I can finally leave.' With teleportation, I returned to my dormitory room and lay on the bed as I prepared for the ending of my first world travel.