What has been going on?
With me?
Well, the simple answer would be the shortest…
I am strong. I know that I am really stronger actually after upgrading my cursed technique, Red Stitch, and splitting it into two parts, spider and sword…
I am stronger than before, possibly the strongest I have ever been….
But that's the problem.
Everything felt unimportant after that when I had just completed the ritual… when I was testing out my red stitch on the cops… I felt unstoppable, and honestly, I don't know what to do or how to react.
The truth flashed in my eyes…
I was strong, so strong that humans felt like ants…
This is a realisation which I was trying to avoid… Because, like, the whole time I was here, all I felt was fear…
I felt like an ant…
Now suddenly, in what felt like a blink of an eye, I was no longer an ant…
Red stitch is the real proof… the wake-up call, in a sense, since this was not Rika, not some power I took from someone else.
This was nothing like that; this was me…
But this is kinda stupid this whole thing… I guess my mental state being like this could be possible for many reasons, but…
It all started once I completed my red stitch…
Wait, how weird… Now that I think about it, I have fully avoided using red stitch… or testing it out.
How weird…
No, this is really weird. I have not even thought about what happened to me back in the ritual, not even once…
That white thing…
Yeah, that must be it. Whatever that was, it woke me up during the ritual when I almost lost consciousness because of pain… and it was the reason I even was able to succeed in doing my ritual, so…
It must be affecting my mind in such a way… Just a guess, but I feel like I am naturally avoiding even thinking about that time…
But wait.
How am I able to think of it right now? What is this weird feeling of clarity?
PUNCH—!
"Shut the fuck up. Stop pretending you're cool," Hakari snapped, his fist slamming into Ren's face and driving him backward.
WOOSH!
"Hey—there you go again," Todo barked. "Why the hell are you thinking so much?!"
CLAP!
The sound rang out as he switched places with Hakari mid-motion, Todo's leg already cutting through the air—
A full roundhouse kick screaming straight for Ren's face.
"Ugh, shut up; let me think clearly now that my mind has started to work again," Ren said, irritation flat in his voice.
His left hand rose—slow, almost lazy.
His fingers spread.
Todo's eyes grew wide…
CLAP!
Todo switched places once more with Hakari!
SSSSHH—
It was over in less than a second.
Hakari staggered. Two small, clean holes had opened along the right side of his body—another punched straight through his chest. Blood followed a moment later, spilling freely as his strength gave out.
He collapsed onto the ground.
"Huh?" Todo spoke in pure shock…
'What?
I switched places on instinct—I felt danger. So how is he down there?
Too fast? No—impossible. I can still track his movements.
He only lifted his hand, and—and Hakari was already falling.
What in the Jennifer Lawrence… Is this his true power?
Was he holding back this entire time?!'
Ren, on the other hand, casually studied his own hand, flexing his fingers once, feeling the lingering echo fade.
Ren thought, 'Hmm, that's how Sword feels, eh? I have used the spider a lot, but I have not used the sword much; it's dangerous… so fast and invisible that I myself almost can't even feel it when I use it…'
His gaze shifted back to Hakari's bleeding body.
"Hmm," Ren said softly. "And you call me out for acting?"
Ren tilted his head.
"Hahaha, holy moly. How did you notice I didn't die?? I guess there is some word in the bark… That was a little scary, you know? I almost died for real!"
Hakari laughed and rolled on the ground; he looked up at Ren, blood pouring out of his lips. The smile on his face never faded, not even for a second…
"What the hell? Why is he laughing? Is he really insane?" Todo thought as he saw Hakari, but then Todo's eyes grew even wider!
"Domain Expansion: Idle Death Gamble!"
WOOOOOSHHHH!!!!!
In a second everything turns white! The domain expands and swallows both Ren and Todo!
Ren smiles and dusts off his jacket as the domain expands around him!
Todo moved fast! and try to jump up and move out of the domain! But he was just a second late!
KAAK!
'Shit! I didn't know he had a domain! What the hell?! That bastard didn't use this when we were fighting!' That was the last thought of Todo before his mind was flooded with information…
Domain Expansion: Idle Death Gamble. Rule information is now being transmitted.
This domain operates under a probability-based pachinko system. Hakari Kinji is designated as the active player. All others are registered as forced participants.
This Domain does not employ a conventional sure-hit attack. Instead, the guaranteed effect enforces the integrity of the pachinko system and its probability outcomes.
The game progresses through consecutive spins. Each spin is affected by internal probability values, visual scenarios, and bonus indicators.
Scenario modes may activate at random. These scenarios influence probability rates, visual effects, and spin pacing. Scenario transitions will be automatically announced.
Bonus indicators may appear. Their presence increases the likelihood of reaching a jackpot state. Indicator relevance is cumulative but non-binding.
A jackpot may be achieved through successful alignment of probability outcomes.
Upon Jackpot activation, Hakari Kinji will receive a temporary power-up lasting exactly four minutes and eleven seconds.
The specific effects of this power-up are classified as system-level benefits and are not disclosed to participants.
During system operation, Hakari Kinji is permitted full mobility and combat functionality.
Participants are not restricted by the domain. Movement, attacks, and cursed techniques are permitted.
The Domain will persist until the Jackpot sequence concludes or until Hakari Kinji is rendered incapable of continuing play. Probability values are subject to fluctuation. Good luck.
'Oh? Hmm, that's how it feels to get info dumped in a domain, huh? interesting in a way since all of his domain's rules are in my mind now, like I had read them again and again even though I already knew about his domain…
There is no reason to run away; it's not a dangerous one, just an annoying one, but still this is kind of interesting because of the way his domain flooded my mind with information.
It does not tell me actually important things like what 'jackpot' means but more about who the MC of Private Pure Love Train is…
Hmm, this is like the 3rd domain I have been in? 'How funny it is that every domain I have been in is kind of unique,' Ren thought…
Ren's hand moved.
The sword rose in a blur as he closed the distance, steel flashing down on Hakari's body, which was still laying down a clean, decisive swing—
—but—
The whole domain was filled with pachinko machines! And suddenly the draw started.
PTING! PTING! PTING! PTING! PTING!
Sayuri Amanokawa2!
Yuki's boss. She's a project manager by day, but by night…
Sayuri Amanokawa2!!
Yuki's boss. She's a project manager by day, but by night…
Sayuri Amanokawa 2!!!
Yuki's boss. She's a project manager by day, but by night…
"3 in a row!JACKPOT!!!"
Hakari shot to his feet, a grin splitting his face as steam poured off his body. The hole through his chest sealed shut in an instant. The wound in his side vanished just as fast. He threw his arms into the air, laughing theatrically.
He caught Ren's sword with both hands and laughed, "HAHAHAHA! You're actually strong, Ren Sato! But this—this is your end!"
Ren released the sword.
This time, he opened both hands—
SSSSHH—SSSSHH—
The air screamed.
In less than a second, Ren dragged his hands downward like claws tearing through air.
Hakari's arms were severed cleanly at the shoulders.
They hit the ground—
—and immediately began regenerating!
Hakari thought, "What the fuck? Again?! with that bullshit!" He shoved his healing arm up, and the domain around them cracked suddenly!
'I need to make space!'
Ren staggered back and started falling back. Reality started to lurch.
'Ah, I am over the lake; he must have shifted his barrier coordinates! He realises he can't fight with me head-on without finding out how I am just destroying him… but right now he is kind of perfect to practise Red Stitch: Sword…"
The domain started to break and crack, and everyone was above the lake, falling down!
'Did both of them just ignore me? ME? I am getting left behind!? hahahahHAHAH!' Todo's grin went feral, then he clapped his hands—fast.
CLAP!
Todo swapped places with the sword, which had been left mid-air by Ren…
Todo came down with a hammerfist; both fists locked together moved down on Ren fast, hitting him!
SHKKK….
Sparks of black rose…
BLACK FLASH!!!
Ren was driven straight into the lake. The water exploded upward in a roaring plume.
Todo landed near the shoreline. Hakari touched down beside him.
A moment later, Ren stepped out of the water slowly...
Hakari grinned—and struck a ridiculous dancing pose.
"Haha! Now this is what I am talking about!"
Todo answered by spreading his arms wide in a perfect T-pose! "Ha! You actually blocked my attack at the last moment. How amazing, Ren Sato! Show me more!"
Both of them started to burn at 120%.
Ren rolled his shoulder, and his nose started bleeding….
'Ugh… That one actually hurt, but I was barely able to block it… At the last moment, Blackflash. Ugh. If only I could hit one so casually like that…
But Ren's smile sharpened.
"I guess I will stop holding back now…
So I will do it for the first time…
I'll use Red Stitch at full output, 100%!"
Ren shrugged his soaked jacket off, let it drop to the ground, and cracked his neck.