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Chapter 22: Magic and Manifested Justice
On the train, Ryusei Kiryu found himself unable to continue reading as he used both hands to shield Katsura Kotonoha from the morning rush.
He handed the book to her. "It's by a new author and the sales haven't been great, but I really enjoy the style. You should give it a try."
"Thank you," Kotonoha replied, taking the volume. Reading while being protected in a crowded car was a new experience for her—one that felt incredibly reassuring. She began by glancing at the pages, but soon, the campus romance drew her in. Ryusei watched her, noting how quickly she became engrossed. The quality is definitely there, he thought. It just needs the right push.
As they approached her station, Ryusei spoke softly. "Kotonoha-san, it's time."
"Ah!" She snapped back to reality, her face flushing. "I'm sorry, I was just..."
"It's fine," Ryusei smiled. "I'm glad you like what I like."
Kotonoha tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a shy habit he was beginning to recognize. "It's a wonderful book. I'll go to the bookstore after school to buy a copy and support the author."
"No need for that," Ryusei said mysteriously. "I'll show you a magic trick."
Before her wide eyes, his hand flickered, and suddenly a brand-new, plastic-wrapped copy of Koisuru Metronome appeared in his palm. It was the second copy he had purchased the day before.
"Eh! It really is magic!" she whispered, amazed.
"Since you like it, this is for you," Ryusei said. When she started to protest, he looked at her earnestly. "Kotonoha-san, we are friends, right?"
Meeting his eyes—which seemed exceptionally bright today—her resolve wavered. She lowered her head and whispered, "Of course we are."
"Then there's no need to fuss. You can just give me a book you like next time."
Kotonoha took the gift with unusual seriousness. "I will cherish this. I'll prepare a return gift for you soon."
Ding—
Ryusei checked his system wallet. 0 gold, 1 silver, 16 copper. The "friend fee" for the day had been collected. He watched from the window as she stood on the platform, her eyes following the train as it pulled away.
At Toyonosaki Academy, Ryusei quickly located Kato Megumi after the first class. A quick exchange of chewing gum later, his wallet sat at 0 gold, 1 silver, 26 copper. Megumi is so cooperative, he mused. If only every heroine were this easy.
He spent the day reading, preparing for his eventual encounter with the author, Utaha Kasumigaoka. During PE class, as he watched his classmates, he realized that while his own physique was currently average, his disciplined diet and exercise would eventually pay off. He focused on running laps and bodyweight exercises, preferring the solitary discipline over team sports.
After school, despite feeling tired, he headed straight to the market. "Uncle Takagi! I'm here to help!"
"Ryusei-kun! Good to see you!" the older man beamed.
For an hour and a half, Ryusei worked with clinical efficiency. By the time he finished, he had earned 164 copper coins, bringing his total to 0 gold, 2 silver, and 90 copper. Uncle Takagi also gave him 2,400 yen and a fresh sea bream. He had nearly made back the cost of the Eye Protection Exercises in a single day.
On the subway ride home, he tried performing the exercises again to see if he could trigger another "advertisement" from the system, but nothing happened. It seemed the system only prompted him when a specific need wasn't met.
He pulled out his phone and searched for "Beika Library." A headline immediately caught his eye:
Beika Library Director Dies Mysteriously; Autopsy Reveals Shocking Smuggling Case
This morning, Director Shuji Tsugawa (50) was found dead in the library elevator. Preliminary reports suggest poisoning; heroin was found in his system. A subsequent search revealed a massive drug cache hidden within book compartments. Police are currently investigating an unknown individual seen with him the day before...
Ryusei stared at the screen, a hint of surprise in his eyes. The Death Declaration had worked. Tsugawa was dead before the morning was even over. The police had likely kept it quiet until they found the drugs.
He waited, wondering if the system would recognize this as his "kill."