Need 50k Credits

Ryuki led Ruby into his house, her small hand tucked into his. The walk from the park had been quiet, her oversized dress swishing around her knees. If his mother came home and asked about Ruby, he'd say she was a friend staying the night. Simple enough. Saki would buy it too—she'd probably be thrilled to have a playmate.

It was late afternoon when they got in. Ryuki's eyes burned from lack of sleep, but he had a job to finish. In three hours, he'd head to Ruby's house to deal with her father. His ability had said mixing orange juice into the man's beer would kill him—maybe an allergy, anaphylaxis from the combo. Ryuki didn't know the science, and he didn't care. As long as that bastard died, the how was irrelevant.

"Gonna nap," he told Ruby, setting a timer on his phone for two hours. "You're good here, right?"

She nodded, her white hair falling into her eyes. "Yeah, Big Bro."

"Good. Saki'll keep you busy." He stumbled, crashed onto the mattress, and passed out cold.

Two hours later, the alarm blared. Ryuki groaned, dragging himself upright. He felt better—still tired, but sharper. He shuffled into the living room and found Ruby and Saki sprawled on the floor, a deck of cards scattered between them.

He also joined them in the playing. After a while...

"How do you win every time?" Saki whined, puffing out her cheeks. "Can't you lose just once?"

Ryuki smirked, leaning against the doorway. "I've got a gift, Saki. I win every game. You? Your tiny brain needs training. Learn to hide that goofy face, and maybe you'll have a shot."

"Hmph!" Saki crossed her arms. "One more round. I'll crush you this time." She snatched the deck and started shuffling, her tongue poking out in focus.

"You two keep at it," Ryuki said, stretching. "I'm heading out to grab food."

"Chips!" Saki's eyes sparkled, her pout vanishing. "Salty ones!"

"Sure. Ruby, you want anything?"

Ruby glanced up, hesitant. "Um… whatever's good."

"Tomato chips," Ryuki decided, catching her shy nod. In the game, those were her favorite—he'd bet she'd never tried them here. "Be back soon."

He grabbed his jacket, locked the door behind him, and hit the street. First stop: a corner shop near his house. He bought a carton of orange juice, a bottle opener, an empty bottle, and some chips—salty for Saki, tomato for Ruby. Then he headed for Ruby's house, his steps quickening as the plan solidified.

Outside her place, a cardboard box sat by the door, brimming with beer bottles—ten of them, labels peeling, glass glinting in the dusk. Why's this out here? Ryuki wondered. Didn't matter—it made his job easier. He scanned the street. Empty. No eyes on him.

He crouched, pulled the bottle opener from his pocket, and popped the cap off the first beer. The hiss was sharp in the quiet. He poured half into the empty bottle he'd brought, then topped the beer bottle with orange juice. The mix fizzed slightly, a sour tang rising. He grabbed a twig from the yard, whittled it down with his nails, and jammed it into the neck as a makeshift cork. His ability had said wood seals were fine—why, he didn't know, but he trusted it.

One by one, he doctored all ten bottles, his hands steady despite the adrenaline. Five minutes, and it was done. He stood, brushed off his knees, and left, the box looking untouched. On the way back, he swung by the shop again for the chips, his mind already shifting gears.

When he walked in, Saki pounced. "Where'd you go? Why'd it take so long?" She grabbed his hand, her grip tight, her voice edged with worry.

"Chill," Ryuki said, shaking her off. "Ran into an old lady who needed help finding her son's place. Took a bit."

"Don't go away from me," Saki muttered, barely audible, her fingers still hovering near his wrist.

Ryuki froze mid-step. That wasn't like her. In the game, Saki was tough, independent—never clingy like this. Even in her good ending, she didn't lean on anyone. If she gets too attached… He didn't mind her relying on him a little, but this? This could spiral. He shook it off, handing her the salty chips. "Here. Knock yourself out."

She clutched the bag, eyes bright again. Ruby took her tomato chips with a quiet "Thank you," nibbling one curiously. Her face lit up at the taste—Ryuki smirked. Nailed it.

It was late now, the sky dark outside. Fumiko still wasn't home. Ryuki's gut twisted. He focused, asking his ability: How do I find my adoptive mother?

In City Hospital, 3rd floor, room no. 2.

His heart slammed against his ribs, breath catching. He forced himself calm, lungs burning, and asked: How do I save my adoptive mother's life?

Pay 50,000 credits to City Hospital within two days.

Relief flooded him—she was alive. He exhaled hard, but anger flared hot behind it. "You fucking idiot," he hissed under his breath, fists clenched. "How'd you forget to check on her this morning?" Every day, he used his ability to scan his mother and the heroines, catching any threats ahead of time. Today, he'd skipped it—too tired, too distracted. If she'd died… he couldn't face Saki with that guilt.

He took a deep breath, shoving the rage down. No time for self-pity. He needed 50,000 credits—fast. The stocks he'd secretly invested in wouldn't mature in two days. Stealing was the only option.

How do I gather 50,000 credits? he asked.

Go to Ruby's house between 10 PM and 1 AM with a bag. You'll find 100,000 credits.

Ryuki blinked. "What the hell?" he muttered. Ruby's deadbeat father with 100k? Unbelievable—but his ability never lied.