Chapter 120: Ryuen's Realisation!

A/N— Yes, I'm back. I won't go into any sob story but I've had some problems which made me unable to write. Apologies for that. Nonetheless all I wanted to say was that within 20-30 chapters (most probably) I'll end the COTE arc and we'll move on to the next world. Why am I telling you guys this, you ask? It's because I need help in deciding the next world. You guys can join the discord and participate in the poll that will start from tomorrow in discord. Do join it if you have yet to do so.

https://discord.gg/9w7E8sPWvB

That's all. Enjoy.

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Tatsuya dismissed the System Notification.

Two entirely different yet vivid sensations were felt by him. The monstrous gaze from the sky seemed to be relieved while the System which was somewhere attached to his soul conveyed reluctance.

Not yet.

Tatsuya mentally comforted the System. It was like a little child or a pet which was saddened by its master's decision.

But both Tatsuya and the newborn System knew that this whole ordeal was just to save Classroom of the Elite.

Tatsuya would soon find a way to take his girls with him.

It was fine to strengthen these mortal worlds and people like Ayanokouji because the source of their powers was him.

He could take it away as easily as he could grant it.

Not every world would be as fortunate as Classroom of the Elite.

The end goal of this journey lay in destruction.

Tatsuya knew that all too well.

Hence there was no harm in creating an anchor, a 'home'.

A place where he could come and relax.

"How much World Essence do I have?"

[World Essence: 6350]

Tatsuya frowned looking at the number. It seemed like a lot but Tatsuya needed a skill or ability to protect his soul. He refused to travel if he didn't have something as basic as this.

"I should do a few spins every day to increase my chances of getting what I need. It's a pity that having sex with the girls barely nets 50-100 points per session... You stingy System..." Tatsuya chuckled and thought about the girls left.

"Sakayanagi, Horikita and Chabashira..." Tatsuya clicked his tongue, "Not many are left..."

A contemplative look flashed through Tatsuya's eyes.

"Can I take a few people with me to the next world?" A mischievous glint flashed past his eyes.

[Replying to the host. The bridge to the next plane will not be able to bear more than three people and if it's a high-tier plane then not more than two.]

"... Is that including me?"

[Yes, host.]

"I see..."

So that meant he could take at least one person with him.

"I wonder..." The light in Tatsuya's eyes dimmed, "If anyone is even worth taking along... Heh, well no worries. It's not like it matters in the first place."

He gently stroked Ichinose's hair one last time before tucking her in bed.

He got dressed and left her room.

Taking the elevator he thought about the person following him.

After Amikura left he briefly heard the footsteps of another individual. He wouldn't make a mistake in recognising the difference between their footsteps.

He picked up the pace after exiting the elevator and unintentionally smirked once he found himself standing outside Pallet again.

He entered the cafe and walked up to the intimidating group of students.

"My, my... What brings you back?" Ryuen smiled with amusement and Ibuki flinched before turning around. She felt a shudder go down her spine as her eyes met with his.

"I believe you'll have a good reason for following me, Ibuki."

"No way, were you stalking him Ibuki? Kukuku, Gotten love sick seeing a big and strong man?" Ryuen crackled with laughter and Ibuki's face turned red from anger and embarrassment seeing the odd look in Ishizaki and Hiyori's eyes.

"Shut up! Don't talk nonsense!" Ibuki growled before turning to Tatsuya, "What proof do you have that I was following you? Keep your bullshit to yourself!"

While she was shaken, wondering how he knew about her following him, she would never accept it. 

"Proof? I don't need proof." Tatsuya scoffed, "Did you enjoy yourself outside the door?"

"!!!"

Ibuki's face started burning, unintentionally recalling the lewd sounds she heard from Ichinose's room.

"...What?" Ryuen looked confused, "What's he talking about Ibuki?"

"N-Nothing..." She denied it but her behaviour had long given everything out.

"Oi Ibuki, you're not doing yourself any favours." Ryuen tapped his knuckle on the table but Ibuki refused to reply.

She quickly calmed herself down and ignored both of them. It wasn't like she could outright say she found Ichinose and Tatsuya fucking. Even if she would she needed a little time to calm herself first.

But how could she have known that Tatsuya would attach a drop of his blood to her, effectively tracking his stalker?

But Ibuki soon realised that with everyone staring at her she couldn't just keep quiet.

"I wanted to spar with you but..."

Tatsuya was surprised hearing that, "Spar with me...?"

The condescending look in his seemed to have triggered Ibuki and Ryuen's snickering by the side only amplified her emotions.

"You're looking down on me?"

"Yeah," Tatsuya nodded, "Who gave you the courage to fight me? To be honest it's astounding that you're even considering it."

"You!" Ibuki couldn't take it any longer.

Despite knowing she might regret it she shot up and walked out of the cafe while saying, "Follow me, you bastard."

Tatsuya: "..."

"Are we really doing this?" Tatsuya seemed exasperated, perhaps because he had just fucked Ichinose he didn't have much of an interest in Ibuki.

Not to mention she wasn't a main lead so there was no real benefit in going along with her whim.

"Just don't hit her face will ya? I'll take care of the rest." Ryuen smiled and turned to Hiyori, "You should leave now."

Hiyori was silent for a second but she ultimately nodded and left.

Tatsuya walked out of the cafe with Ryuen, Ishizaki and Albert following him.

Ibuki was about five meters ahead of them so she wasn't able to hear their conversation.

...

"Did you fuck Ichinose?" Ryuen smirked with his hands in his pockets.

Ishizaki was startled hearing that, "B-Boss?"

"Why's a gangster like you so sharp?" Tatsuya hummed in amusement and Ryuen couldn't help but laugh.

"Kukuku, how interesting. How'd you do it? I don't think she would just willingly bend over."

Tatsuya paused for a brief second and for some reason tension filled the air.

He turned his head back with a soft smile.

"You're right."

Without elaborating any further he picked his pace up and caught up to Ibuki.

...

Ryuen froze in his tracks.

"Boss...?" Ishizaki muttered and even Albert looked confused.

"I can't believe this," A wry expression clouded his face as he looked at Ibuki and Tatsuya bickering.

His face slowly morphed into a grim frown.

"...What an evil bastard."