"So, how far is Akihabara from here?" David asked while entering the elevator with Marin.
"Hmm~, it should be about 15 minutes away if we go by foot and if we take the train, it's one stop away," Marin replied while bouncing slightly on her feet.
"That's not bad. Wanna just walk? Exercise is good and it'd be nice to make others jealous when they see I'm with a beautiful girl like yourself."
"Kyahaha~! You probably care more about making people jealous than you do getting exercise, hahaha~!"
"I most definitely do not."
⟪ I most definitely do. ⟫
"Pffft~!" Marin tried to hold in her laugh, but it managed to slip out.
"Uh huh, laugh it up. You're going to be getting plenty of jealous gazes as well when women see you walking with me, you know?"
"Ehh~? I don't think so? What's there to be jealous about?" Marin teased with a smile.
"... Words hurt people, Marin... Words hurt..."
David feigned sadness and walked out of the elevator that finally arrived on the first floor.
"Ah, I get it now. I'm not attractive at all, you just want me for my personality..."
"Pffft, hahaha~! Exactly, you should just wear a mask so that nobody looks at you. Save your face for me and me alone!"
David chuckled, "Haha, you sure fell into the girlfriend role pretty quickly. Tell me, why were you so adamant about being my woman despite only meeting me last night? The only bonding we really did was watching anime."
Marin made a thoughtful look, but was panicking inside a little.
'Crap, how am I supposed to say that I want to be with him because of everything that he's been talking about in his inner voice?! I'm not allowed to say anything about that!'
Finally, she said, "I can tell you're hiding some interesting secrets and I can't seem to stop thinking about you. Ever since I brought you home last night, I've had my head filled with you. Cheesy, right~?"
David shrugged, "Eh, whether it's cheesy or not, if that's how you really feel then I won't judge you for it. I've been known to fall in love incredibly fast in the past, though it always ended poorly. You don't have to worry though, I won't treat you the same way and will make you feel like a goddess."
David smiled and grabbed Marin's hand, interlocking their fingers while they walked to Akihabara under Marin's lead.
'Thank goodness he bought it. I wonder, will he open up to me about his past relationships?'
"What happened to make your past relationships end poorly? Do you mind telling me who they were?"
David just squeezed her hand a bit, "It's not really important what happened or who they were. I've moved on and I'll never see them again anyway."
⟪ After all, I've been single my entire life since I reincarnated. I may say I've moved on, but I know I still don't fully trust anyone. Imagine, a pretty girl confessing her love to you and you feel blessed, wanting nothing more than to make her happy. Then, you spend a ton of money you either worked hard for or stole from rich pricks to buy her tons of things that make her happy. ⟫
⟪ After spoiling her, you find out she's either cheating on you behind your back, mocking you to her friends the entire time, randomly blocks you on everything and avoids you at every turn without giving you a reason why, or a combination of any and all three of those, plus the super fun cheating right in front of you... After experiencing 20+ relationships like that, wouldn't you find it hard to trust people? And that's only on the girlfriend and wife side of things. Too many other things have happened in my past life to instill a deeply-rooted distrust of humans. ⟫
⟪ Hence why I turned back to anime, manga, games, and novels. Those characters wouldn't betray me and would make me feel all warm and fuzzy. That might be why I fell in love with Marin so easily. Well, even though I feel strong affection towards her, the thought of saying 'I love you' to anyone just makes me feel sick. ⟫
⟪ At least I'm experienced enough to know that I don't just lust after Marin and I actually like her. It might be because of reading My Dress-Up Darling so many times that I feel like I already know her, but that would just feel fake. She's definitely much different than the Marin in the original work, but I like this version of her better. ⟫
⟪ I'm not sure if she actually likes me or if she just finds my body and/or powers attractive, but the moment she wants to do anything sexual with me, she'll be voluntarily giving herself to me. I'm way too possessive now and would rather die than get hurt like that again... Haaa, it seems Mental Reboot can't get rid of my traumas, haha... ⟫
⟪ You know, speaking of dying, I'm not sure if I truly died from a drive-by shooting or if I killed myself. I was too drunk and had too many failed suicide attempts to even know. Also, why the hell do people want to cut down someone that hanged themselves? I swear, they have no sympathy. Not to mention, the hospital bills piled up all the time because I didn't have any insurance to pay for it. Stupid bastards trying to play hero... ⟫
⟪ They're just like the protagonists that think they're saving people by solving a problem and leaving, only for the same problem or a bigger one to come back and cause even more trouble for the victims. I swear, if I ever get sent to a dimension from a franchise that has a protagonist like that, I might just brainwash him into not being a piece of shit. ⟫
⟪ Well, I'll have to be able to use Tier-3 runes before I'm able to brainwash anyone and even then, I don't really like the idea of it. Makes things too easy... Oh well, if a man does something that requires brainwashing, I'll do it. I'd never use it on a woman though, it would just feel dirty... ⟫
⟪ I can think of a few people I would use it on though. If the Food Wars franchise exists, I could brainwash Azami Nakiri into being kind to Erina and apologizing for what he did. That abusive bastard would be lucky to only be brainwashed, tch. Maybe I'd steal his wife from him for good measure. After all, I'm pretty sure Mana doesn't love him anymore. ⟫
⟪ Dammit, I did it again. At least my thoughts went from depressing memories of my past life to interesting plans to give Azami a green hat. Not sure how many fanfics I've read that have done the same thing, but I'll make it a reality! Maybe! Probably... Well, I'm sure I can cook something to satisfy her tastes if she's still the cold and callous woman she was before she changed. ⟫
David ended his thoughts there and continued walking with Marin, not noticing the tears she was shedding when she thought about some of the things David went through in his past life.
'I'm genuinely interested in you, dammit! Look, your rambling made me cry! What if my makeup gets ruined and you ask why I'm crying?!'
Marin quickly tried to dry her eyes and took out her smartphone to check her reflection, making sure her makeup wasn't smeared.
'Phew, I'm good... Don't worry, David. I won't treat you like your past girlfriends. I don't know why I'm so obsessed with you, but I like the warm feeling it gives me. Just treat me like a princess and I'll treat you like a king!'
Marin made a determined face and did a fist pump in her mind.
David was going to start up a conversation with Marin to get his mind off of the memories of his past life, but before he could, Chaos-chan spoke up for the first time in a while.
[Um, David, I know it's probably a weird time, but there's a sale going on in the store...]
'Nice! But, why do you sound like you're giving me bad news?'
[Well... Remember how I said the sales are random?]
'Yes, yes I do.'
[I should have said that the sales appear before certain random events, but every purchase on sale will be related to the event...]
'... Chaos-chan, you're confusing me. Just say it directly.'
[...]
[Ding~!]
[There's a sale ongoing in the System Shop!]
[Limited Time Offer: 99% Off!]
[Class: Shinigami - Ichigo Kurosaki - 3,500 CP]
[Weapon: Zanpakutou - True Shikai Zangetsu - 2,000 CP]
[Talent: Super Soul - 3,000 CP]
'... Um, Chaos-chan? Why is everything from Bleach? And what the hell is with the prices? That's way too cheap!'
[The system has detected a random event that will occur soon related to that franchise. As for the prices, the system altered it to fit what you can afford since this is kind of an emergency situation...]
While walking, David clenched his fists in frustration.
⟪ Haha... Of course shit would start happening now. I know I mentioned the Bleach franchise a couple days ago, but I was just kidding! That franchise started like 15 years ago, not now! Ichigo should be married by now, all of the Soul Society bullshit should've been taken care of! What else is there to do?! I swear to the gods, if I have to get sucked into some bullshit and repeat the plot from the beginning, I won't treat it as some Shounen manga. I'll kill the villains right away, I'll do it! Don't push me, universe! Fuck! ⟫
'How many Chaos Points do I have right now?'
[Balance: 11,750 CP]
'Well fuck, there goes a hefty chunk... This better be worth it.'
[It'll definitely be worth it. You'll still be weak, but that's only from my perspective. For a lot of people on Earth right now, you'll be pretty damn strong.]
'Whatever, just buy it all.'
[Ding~!]
[Congratulations! You have received Class: Shinigami - Ichigo Kurosaki (from Bleach)!]
[Congratulations! You have received Weapon: Zanpakutou - True Shikai Zangetsu (from Bleach)!]
[Congratulations! You have received Talent: Super Soul (System Original)!]
'Descriptions, please...'
[Class: Shinigami - Ichigo Kurosaki]
[Description: Congratulations, you're now a walking contradiction with the power of a Soul Reaper, a Hollow, a Quincy, and whatever else the Bleach writers threw at Ichigo before the final arc. With this class, you inherit all of Ichigo Kurosaki's ridiculous power set--including his various forms, enhanced physicality, swordsmanship, and spiritual combat mastery.]
[You gain access to: ]
[- Shinigami physiology and enhanced soul perception.]
[- All of Ichigo's combat forms (Bankai, Hollowfication, Vasto Lorde, Final Getsuga Tenshou, etc.).]
[- Resistance to spiritual, mental, and soul-based attacks.]
[- High-speed regeneration.]
[Note: Side effects may include spontaneous shouting of attack names, an overwhelming urge to protect everyone, and dangerously spiky hair.]
'Hmmm, so basically I'm the final form of Ichigo? That's... Not bad at all, haha!'
[Weapon: Zanpakutou - True Shikai Zangetsu]
[Description: A sword forged from the depths of Ichigo's soul, a blend of Soul Reaper, Hollow, and Quincy power. This version of Zangetsu adapts to your total energy, and its sealed form looks like a completely black katana with an attached chain on the handle and a Manji-shaped guard.]
[Note 1: Zangetsu has been altered by the system to allow for soul storage. This means it will reside in your soul and you don't need to put it in your inventory or carry it around everywhere.]
[Note 2: Screaming "Getsuga Tenshou!" like a shounen protagonist will definitely probably maybe improve effectiveness.]
'... That last note seems a bit off... Either way, I like that one as well.'
[Talent: Super Soul]
[Description: As The Creator, your soul is infinitely more powerful than anything else's in existence. This talent gives you both Reiryoku (your spiritual power reserves) and Reiatsu (your spiritual pressure output) on a scale that makes captains and Vasto Lordes piss themselves. Just existing near you feels like standing next to a nuke that's halfway through going off. Whether you're casting spells, swinging a blade, or just walking down the street, the world feels it.]
[Effect: Your Reiryoku is massive, fueling your magic, skills, and transformations without draining. Your Reiatsu is overwhelming, causing weak souls to faint, flee, or hallucinate near you. Your spirit-based abilities are supercharged. You can release pressure to crush enemies from a distance. You can suppress, dominate, or terrify entire areas by presence alone. You have the ability to radiate an ominous, godlike aura.]
'... Will this allow me to perform higher tiers of my magic?'
[Indeed, you can now use all of your runes! That was pretty fast progression, huh? Just two days of waiting!]
'Pffft... Hahaha! Nice! I got a power-up much faster than I thought I would! Why don't I feel any different though?'
[Because of nature of your purchases, you need to tell me if you want them first. Would you like to receive all of your purchases now? Zangetsu will be sent directly into your soul so you won't need to worry about anyone seeing it. However, you will feel immense pain so you'll have to try not to yell.]
'Don't underestimate me, I'm sure it'll be fine. Go ahead and give me the goodies!'
[Haaa...]
[...]
[Ding~!]
[Initiating transfer of 'Class: Shinigami - Ichigo Kurosaki', 'Weapon: Zanpakutou - True Shikai Zangetsu', and 'Talent: Super Soul'!]
Immediately after that notification, David felt the worst pain he's ever felt, deep in his soul.
"URGH...!"
He shut his mouth as tight as he could and bit his tongue, trying to hold in his screams.
He subconsciously let go of Marin's hand so as not to crush it.
Veins bulged on his face and neck.
His eyes, nose, mouth, and ears started bleeding.
After two seconds, he couldn't hold it in and coughed up blood on the sidewalk, alerting Marin to his condition.
"David!"
Marin panicked and reached for him.
David's vision faded until he was unable hear or see anything around him, he could only see pure emptiness aside from three lone figures.
He couldn't speak or move, he could only watch as the three figures walked closer to him.
The first figure looks like a grinning, pale-skinned version of David with black sclera and gold eyes. His wolf cut hair is now styled wildly and his teeth are sharp. He's oozing chaos, but standing proudly.
This is David's newfound Hollow side.
The second figure looks like a calm and composed middle-aged man in a long black coat and tinted glasses with his hands in his pockets. He has sharp eyes, a chinstrap beard with a soul patch, and medium-length shaggy brown hair.
This is David's newfound Quincy side.
The third figure looks almost exactly like David himself, but radiates overwhelming pressure. He carries the unleashed True Shikai Zangetsu of David's true form, with a black cloak fluttering behind him.
This is the manifestation of perfect balance: David's Hollow, Quincy, and Shinigami sides fused into one.
They all stopped right in front of David.
The Hollow David touched his forehead, the Quincy middle-aged man touched his stomach, and the perfectly balanced David touched his chest.
As soon as they came into contact with David's body, they disappeared and David's vision came back, showing him an alleyway that Marin pulled him into.
"David!"
Marin was panicking and shaking David's shoulder to try and wake him up after she cleaned the blood off of his face with the wet wipes she carries.
David raised his right hand to get her to calm down.
"Sorry... *cough*, Sorry about that, I just had an allergic reaction to something, but I'm fine now."
⟪ Allergic reaction? That's the best excuse I could come up with? Should I say that something bad is about to happen so I quickly gained a power-up and now I can destroy a building with just my aura...? Nah, allergic reaction is a much better excuse. ⟫
Everyone who heard his voice was stunned, especially Marin.
'Something bad is about to happen?' Marin thought.
"Don't worry, I'm all good now. See?"
David lifted his arm and flexed his muscles, showcasing a muscular arm that was visible through the jacket he was wearing, almost making Marin drool.
Feeling his newfound power, David quickly tapped into a tier-3 Memory Manipulation rune and quickly wiped the last five minutes of memories from anyone in the alley except for Marin.
It wasn't mentioned, but the people in the alley were freaking out over the sudden bloody mess. Now, they've all got no idea it even happened and the blood around David doesn't concern them in the slightest.
⟪ Yeah, that's insane... I'd happily experience that kind of pain again if I could keep getting more power like this. It didn't even take me a second to wipe the memories of everyone in the alley. Now, only Marin knows I just bled out of every hole in my head. ⟫
"Are you sure you're okay, David?" Marin asked.
David smiled and nodded.
"Yes, I'm perfectly fine now. You should continue to stay close to me though. I have a feeling that something bad might happen."
"If anything happens, I can just rely on my magic-wielding boyfriend, right~?"
Marin grabbed David's arm and held it close to her chest while looking up at him with a coquettish smile.
⟪ Is Marin not worried about anything happening? Marin at least knows I can use magic so if I were to say I feel like something bad is gonna happen, shouldn't that warrant some type of concern? ⟫
⟪ I don't even know what's gonna happen, but from the powers I just got, it most definitely has something to do with the Bleach franchise. Hopefully it's just some Hollow that shows up and I only need to kill it. But, can someone tell me what the hell is up with the timeline? I swear, if I find out that Ichigo and Orihime are my classmates, I'm gonna... I'm gonna... ⟫
⟪ Fuck, I don't know, but I'll be irritated! Too much stuff happened in Bleach, okay? I mean, it'd be nice if I could save some people that would die, but it would take a long time to finish this franchise, right? And it's not even me going to another dimension so it isn't like I can just stop time here. I better at least be able to meet some of my favorite characters. Worst case scenario, I find a way to go to the Soul Society and kill all the villains if the timeline is reset. Best case scenario, I can leave everything to Ichigo and friends while I use the Soul Society as a tourist spot. ⟫
⟪ Actually... That doesn't sound too bad. Technically, shouldn't I be the strongest Shinigami now with my current power-up? Yeah, there's nothing to be worried about. I can just take things at my own pace and do whatever I want... Hmm, if I tour around the Soul Society, I could possibly go see Kukaku Shiba. She didn't get enough screen time in the anime in my opinion. She's so beautiful, but the best they did was put her in some of the video games. ⟫
[Just so you know, currently, none of the events in Bleach have happened yet. Because of your existence, everything has been pushed back by around 15 years...]
'... So you mean to tell me that Ichigo and friends are my age?'
[Yep...]
'...'
[Come on, don't pout! It'll be fun~!]
'Whatever, I'm just going to steal hearts and move on with it. If I see someone who should die, I'm killing them. Or I'll use them as training fodder, who knows.'
After David was finished getting his thoughts in order, he shook his head and looked down at Marin.
"I'll protect you, don't worry."
Marin smiled sweetly before waving her hand, "Hahaha, it's okay~! I doubt anything will really happen! What, will monsters appear out of thin air and start some trouble? Heheh~, I'm sure things will be fine~!"
David just stared at Marin flatly.
"Marin... You just raised a flag..."
She lost her smile and froze for a second.
"Ah..."
David lost himself in thought for less than a minute before he finished creating a simple, yet effective, protection spell.
David brought his hand up and touched Marin's forehead, imprinting the simple protection spell on her and gently injecting his Reiryoku into her body to give her enough spiritual energy to be able to see whatever is about to appear and protect her from soul attacks.
Marin felt something warm and soothing enter her body and she immediately felt safer, not worried whatsoever about whatever would soon happen.
"That's a bit of my spiritual energy and a simple protective spell. It'll keep you safe if anything or anyone wants to harm you and it'll allow you to see some things that normally can't be seen."
David smiled as if he were embarrassed and continued, "Honestly, I'd have preferred to give you a stronger protection spell, but I haven't created one yet so it'll have to wait a bit. What you have now is enough to keep you safe from any person or monster that could possibly try to harm you though."
Marin looked like an excited child when David talked about magic.
"That's so cool~! So you can create spells?! I thought magic had like, existing spells or something? At least that's what I saw in anime. Also, don't mages usually shout out their spell name~?" Marin asked with an innocently curious expression.
⟪ Pffft, hahaha~! Her personality right now is totally different than it was in the shower! Damn, she's cute when talking about magic. ⟫
"Ahem! My magic is different. I'll explain to you another time when we're alone and I'm teaching you about it, but it's best to not talk about it right now in case someone overhears."
Marin nodded and put a serious expression on her face. She was blushing when she thought about what she did in the shower and her red face along with the serious expression she was wearing made her look incredibly cute.
"Got it~! Still, what does your spell do?"
"Basically, if anyone has any ill intentions towards you and they try to touch you, they'll disappear into dust," David said with a charming smile.
'Yabai... That's nuts...'
"That sounds crazy dangerous, but it makes me feel safe. Hahaha~! I dare some thug try to grab me! You'll disappear into thin air!"
⟪ She does realize she's talking about essentially killing someone, right? With what I've gone through in the past, it obviously doesn't bother me. However, Marin is a normal girl so she should at least have some aversion to it, right? ⟫
⟪ ... Oh well, I like a woman who isn't afraid of getting her hands dirty, even if it's the spell doing the killing instead of her. As long as my women can protect themselves, aren't afraid of breaking the law, and care for their sisters, that's all I can ask for. Maybe in the future, I'll create a planet for each of my women and let them do whatever they want... Heheh~, I can think of so many fun things for me and my women to do in the future. I'll make sure to power them up until they can crush planets with their fists! ⟫
⟪ If we're stronger than gods, who would dare try to stop us? ⟫
As David was fantasizing, Marin and the other women were now completely dazed.
'He'll create a planet for each woman? His women can get that strong?!'
Marin especially was excited.
'Heheh~, I'm already feeling excited to be David's girlfriend~!'
Before David and Marin could leave the alley, they heard what sounded like the screech of a monster being born wrong.
David's face immediately adapted a serious expression and he pulled Marin behind him so he's at the entrance of the alley and she's a few feet deeper in.
"Stay behind me. Although you'll be safe, I don't want to take any chances."
Dark portals started appearing in the sky and from them, giant monsters started pouring out...