Chapter 48
Anyone who has traveled through worlds knows this.
What is the most dreaded thing in a post-apocalyptic story?
God-like opponents?
Bosses with overpowered strength?
Backstabbing and scheming among people?
None of those.
Just a single Mary Sue can effectively crumble the entire team.
And Ren Takatsuki falls into this category.
He may seem like a good person, but his actions are equally repulsive when compared to a villain.
During the Hiruko Shadowbane incident, he knew the mastermind was Tendo Kichinosuke but didn't expose or report him.
In the Holy Emperor's attack incident, he knew the mastermind was Saji Munenori, yet was helpless.
If these two incidents could be explained away by the incompetence of the individuals involved.
Then he was also present when the two Japanese policemen took the Cursed Child away and shot him, but he could only watch helplessly.
And finally, when Tendo Mukuro sought revenge for her parents, he also intervened, even turning against her.
He is truly the epitome of "attacking my teammate and protecting my enemy."
So encountering such a scoundrel.
Bai Ye naturally couldn't turn a blind eye.
And judging by Ren Takatsuki's gaze towards Tendo Mukuro.
It's clear he's interested in Mukuro.
Since that's the case.
Then don't blame him for forcing the issue.
"Mukuro, do you hate me?"
Holding the frightened girl in his arms, Bai Ye chuckled and asked.
"Hate... I don't hate you."
Tendo Mukuro replied with a complicated tone.
She certainly had no reason to hate Bai Ye.
However, she's completely baffled by his current actions.
Plus, her friend is watching.
It's just so embarrassing.
"That's all that matters. I don't hate you either, Mukuro."
Meanwhile, Sima Mizuhiki's expression subtly changed as she listened to their conversation.
So.
This is considered a... confession?
If so, what were her previous actions?
Could it be!
That she's also part of their play?!
"Mu... Mukuro-san, what are you doing?"
Seeing his beloved goddess being held by another man, and with a seemingly willing expression, Ren Takatsuki felt a string in his heart snap instantly.
"No, Mukuro-san, you've been deceived by him. You can't go down this path. If you continue like this, you'll never come back!"
Looking at Ren Takatsuki, who seemed to be gasping for breath.
The shame and bewilderment in Tendo Mukuro's heart were completely overshadowed.
Replaced by an expression as if looking at a stranger.
"Ren, what are you talking about? I'll tell you one last time, I haven't been deceived. Bai Ye-san will help me take revenge. Tendo Kichinosuke and his family, the culprits who killed my parents, I will eliminate them all without leaving a single one alive."
Tendo Mukuro spoke coldly.
"If you understand my feelings, stand by me."
For the sake of his former friend.
Ren Takatsuki still shook his head in pain.
"Mukuro-san, that's not right! That was ten years ago, and Tendo Kichinosuke and the others are protecting the country, aren't they!"
Upon hearing this.
Tendo Mukuro remained silent for a few seconds.
She then expressed a bored expression and said.
"It's pointless. I thought you would understand me."
After that.
She proactively took Bai Ye's arm and said, "Bai Ye-san, you're the only one I have now."
This wasn't an act of anger.
But it was what the girl truly felt.
This world no longer had a place for her.
The only one who could understand her was Bai Ye.
"You go ahead first. I have something to do."
After Bai Ye finished speaking, he looked at the crimson-haired young girl standing alone in the corner.
He squatted down and smiled, saying.
"Aihara Enju, right? If you don't want to fight like a tool, how about coming with me? I'll give you plenty of food, a warm place to live, a world without fear of danger or persecution, and lots of companions your age."
Aihara Enju, a pure and innocent Cursed Child like her.
Following the Mary Sue is such a waste.
And based on his various actions in the anime, any normal adult would have already distanced themselves from him, drawing a line in the sand.
A typical Japanese "やさしい" (yasashii) with a hint of cowardice.
The classic light novel protagonist should also be eliminated by the times.
Under Bai Ye's temptation.
Aihara Enju also timidly stretched out her small hand, wanting to come over.
Within the International Initiator Supervisory Organization, she already had no hope or longing for this world.
She, who was more mature than her peers.
Knows that even if she's taken in by others, she'll just live a life as a tool.
For her.
It's the same whoever she chooses.
But at least this young man named Bai Ye gives her a more comfortable and powerful feeling.
Thus.
Bai Ye successfully recruited a loli.
"Let's go, Mizuhiki."
After finishing.
Everyone boarded the car one after another.
Leaving Ren Takatsuki standing there helplessly.
His childhood sweetheart was gone.
His newly acquired Initiator was also gone.
The breeze blew open his clothes, revealing the holster on his waist with a gun inside.
But he endured and ultimately held back.
However, after their departure, he immediately took out his phone, found Tendo Kichinosuke's number in his contacts, and dialed it.
On the other side.
Bai Ye looked out the window with boredom.
He thought such stimulation would make Ren Takatsuki take action.
But the guy was even more cowardly than he imagined.
But thinking about it carefully, it's quite normal.
After all, he's a weak and cowardly person.
Afraid of getting into the slightest bit of trouble.
The car jolted.
Bai Ye felt the two pomelos pressed against his arm bounce violently.
Tendo Mukuro woke up from her reverie, her face flushed with embarrassment as she retreated.
"I'm sorry, I caused you trouble just now?"
"It's fine. If possible, I wouldn't mind more trouble like that."
"......"
Tendo Mukuro's face turned even redder.
She has no idea why she acted that way!
If there was a crack in the car, she'd crawl into it!
But soon, a gloomy expression appeared on her face.
Ren Takatsuki was indeed one of her few friends.
"You've already given him a chance, and he's the one who didn't take it."
Bai Ye said.
"Besides, Mukuro, don't you have me in the future?"
Upon hearing those words.
Tendo Mukuro widened her eyes.
"I... I thought you were just joking?"
"Oh?"
Bai Ye chuckled.
"I have a virtue."
"Never lying, right?"
Tendo Mukuro's lips twitched slightly.
After all, in that situation, who could have imagined that he was serious!
Sima Mizuhiki was even more agitated, her chest heaving.
Damn, she really is part of their play, isn't she?