Rina stepped out of the bedroom, sluggishly wiping the crust from her eyes as she adjusted to the soft morning light filtering through the apartment's thin curtains. Her gaze drifted across the modest room until it landed on Haru, who was sprawled out on the couch. A quiet chuckle escaped her lips as she noticed the trail of drool running from the corner of his mouth, glistening slightly against his cheek. For a brief moment, the sight was almost endearing. Despite the strangeness of the situation, she felt a warm sense of gratitude toward him. It was hard to believe that just yesterday, she had been alone and afraid, uncertain of what had become of her. Now, thanks to Haru's kindness, she had a roof over her head and a temporary sense of safety.
Yet, curiosity gnawed at her. Haru's reaction to her story had been far too calm. Most people would have panicked or immediately labeled her a monster. She could vividly recall the way her own family had recoiled in fear and disgust upon seeing her eyes turn black with green veins. But Haru he hadn't even flinched. Instead, he had simply listened and offered her a place to stay. The more she thought about it, the more she felt compelled to ask. She needed to understand why he hadn't reacted like everyone else. she walked over to the couch, leaned forward, and gently nudged his shoulder.
"Haru, wake up…" she murmured, her voice raspy and soft from sleep.
Haru groaned as she continued to prod him, shifting lazily before finally stirring. He rolled around a few times, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand, grogginess evident in his sluggish movements. With a heavy sigh, he managed to sit up, blinking away the remnants of sleep. His hair stuck up at odd angles, and his eyes were still slightly unfocused. "Sigh… good morning," he mumbled, his words slow and heavy as he continued to rub at his eyes, trying to wake himself up fully.
Without much fanfare, Haru stood up and stretched, the joints in his back popping audibly as he groaned. He scratched the back of his head and shuffled toward the bathroom, a subtle limp in his step from sleeping awkwardly on the couch. The door clicked shut, and moments later, the faint sound of running water echoed through the apartment. Rina sat on the edge of the couch, absentmindedly brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She still felt a bit out of place, but the comforting smell of soap and steam drifting from the bathroom was oddly soothing.
After what felt like a long, contemplative silence, the bathroom door finally creaked open. Haru emerged, hair damp and skin tinged pink from the hot water. A towel hung around his neck, and he wore a clean shirt and pants, looking far more awake and refreshed. He glanced over at Rina and offered a faint smile before heading to the kitchen area. "Hey, Rina," he called, wiping a few stray water droplets from his face. "Come give me a hand with breakfast."
Rina perked up at the invitation, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Of course," she replied, pushing herself off the couch and joining him in the small kitchen space. The kitchen was simple, with a compact stove, a small countertop, and a modest selection of pots and pans. As they began preparing ingredients, the silence between them was comfortable, broken only by the sounds of chopping and sizzling. Haru seemed focused, but Rina noticed the way his eyes kept darting toward her, as if assessing her movements.
As Haru cracked eggs into a bowl, he finally spoke, his tone casual but with a hint of concern. "I'll go out this afternoon and get you some clothes," he said, glancing over at her. "It won't be anything too special just the basics. I only have a couple hundred thousand yen saved up, so we'll need to be careful with money until we figure something out."
Rina's expression softened at his thoughtfulness, and she gave a slight nod. "Thank you," she said, her tone sincere.
Haru gave her a small, reassuring smile before returning his attention to the stove. He stirred the eggs, letting the aroma of breakfast fill the apartment. As the sizzling continued, he added, "But we need to find a way to make some money soon. This place doesn't come cheap, and I can't rely on my savings forever."
Rina nodded once more, understanding the urgency in his voice. She glanced down at the vegetables she was chopping, biting her lip thoughtfully. She still had no idea how she would manage in this new reality, but she was grateful to Haru for giving her a chance. A chance to figure things out.
"Okay, I'll look for some jobs for us," Rina said with a determined expression as she reached over and turned off the stove, signaling that breakfast was ready. The enticing aroma of freshly cooked food filled the small apartment, and the warmth from the stove lingered in the air. Haru nodded appreciatively as he watched her work, grateful for the sense of normalcy she was trying to create despite the strange circumstances. Together, they carried their plates over to the couch and settled in comfortably, Haru reaching for the remote to turn on the TV. The screen flickered to life, displaying the usual blend of morning news, advertisements, and mindless entertainment.
As Rina focused on her food, Haru leaned back against the worn cushions, letting out a slow breath as his thoughts drifted. The system's daily login feature lingered on his mind, a tempting resource that could offer significant advantages. He recalled the system's explanation about stacking the daily rewards and mused silently to himself. 'I think I'll wait until tomorrow to claim my daily login,' he considered, weighing the benefits of patience. 'The system did say it stacks, after all.'
Curiosity gnawed at him, and he decided to ask for clarification.
'Hey, system, how much better would the rewards be if I let the daily login stack for multiple days instead of claiming it every day?' he questioned mentally, hoping for a concrete answer.
The system's response came swiftly, a bit cryptic yet strangely vivid.
!Host, imagine if you claim one daily login without stacking think of it like a cat. But then, imagine letting it stack for two weeks, fourteen days, and it would be like a wolf. Now tell me who would win, the cat or the wolf?!
Haru chuckled quietly to himself, an amused smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. 'That's a pretty unique way to put it,' he thought with a hint of admiration for the system's quirky metaphor. The comparison made sense, though. A single, unstacked reward might be useful in a pinch, but letting it accumulate would undoubtedly lead to a far more powerful payoff. It was a reminder to be patient and strategic, two qualities Haru prided himself on.
He focused back on his breakfast, savoring each bite until his plate was clean. The familiar taste of eggs and rice was comforting, a simple meal that somehow made the unusual situation feel a little more ordinary. Once he was done, he stood up with a contented sigh, gathering his plate before carrying it over to the sink. He placed it there, making a mental note to wash it later. Haru glanced back at Rina, who was still eating but seemed deep in thought as she occasionally glanced at the TV screen.
"Rina, I'm leaving. I'm going to buy your clothes. I'll be back," Haru announced, grabbing his black hoodie off the back of the couch and slipping it over his head. The soft fabric enveloped him, and he adjusted the hood before heading toward the door. He felt the slight weight of his wallet in his pocket, mentally calculating how much he could afford to spend. It wouldn't be much just enough to get her some basic necessities until they figured out a better financial plan.
Rina looked up from her plate, blinking in mild surprise before giving him a warm, appreciative smile. "Okay, be safe," she replied, her voice gentle but earnest. She watched as Haru stepped out the door, the soft click of the latch marking his departure. The faint sound of his footsteps echoed down the hallway before fading away.
Left alone, Rina glanced around the apartment, her gaze lingering on the dishes in the sink and the soft hum of the television in the background. The unfamiliar space felt both foreign and comforting a sanctuary in the midst of a chaotic world. She exhaled softly, the weight of her situation settling back onto her shoulders. As much as she appreciated Haru's kindness, she couldn't help but feel a growing determination to repay him. A life of dependency didn't suit her, and she was resolved to contribute in whatever way she could.
Slowly, she stood and carried her plate to the sink, stacking it beside Haru's. The cool water ran over her hands as she began washing the dishes, mind already drifting to thoughts of potential jobs and ways to earn enough to pull her weight. Haru's willingness to help her was generous, but she refused to be a burden. She would find a way to stand on her own feet.
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As Haru walked onto the bustling main street, the towering buildings loomed high above him, casting long shadows across the pavement. The city's relentless hum filled his ears the distant honking of cars, the murmur of conversations blending together, and the occasional call of a street vendor. The urban sprawl was alive with activity, a mix of people hurrying about their business, couples strolling hand in hand, and groups of friends laughing and chatting as they wandered. Haru's eyes scanned the storefronts lining the street bright signs advertising trendy clothing stores, cafes, and a multitude of businesses. The idea of shopping for women's clothes felt daunting, especially since he had never done it before.
A puzzled frown crossed his face as he muttered to himself, "Hmm… What kind of clothes do girls even like?" The question lingered in the air, and he found himself running through vague images of fashion ads he'd seen before. Dresses, skirts, blouses, casual wear none of it meant anything to him. He had never gone shopping for a girl before, and the thought left him scratching his head.
Before he could puzzle over it any further, a playful voice drifted from his left, teasing and sing-song in its tone. "I can help you with that, Mr. Chino." The name she used made him grimace slightly; it was the alias he'd given her not too long ago, and hearing it now sent a prickle of annoyance down his spine.
He turned sharply, eyes narrowing as he spotted the familiar face of Rize. She sauntered toward him with a knowing smirk, her confidence evident in every step. Her violet hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and her mischievous eyes sparkled as if she already knew the answers to the questions he hadn't asked yet. "Rize… What are you doing here?" Haru demanded, suspicion etched into his expression. He distinctly remembered telling her which ward he lived in, but he hadn't expected her to track him down so quickly. Her sudden appearance was more than just a coincidence.
Rize ignored his question entirely, striding up until she stood directly in front of him, her face tipped up to meet his gaze. Her eyes glimmered with playful malice as she looked him up and down. "Why are you looking for girl clothes?" she asked, the corners of her lips curling into a wicked grin. "Are you… a perv—"
"Shut up!" Haru snapped, his face heating up as her accusation hung in the air. He felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. They were in public, after all, and the last thing he needed was some onlookers overhearing and jumping to conclusions. Without a second thought, he reached out and grabbed her wrist, tugging her firmly into a nearby alleyway. The narrow space offered a reprieve from prying eyes, the noise of the street fading into a distant murmur.
Haru released her and crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at her suspiciously. "What are you up to? Why are you here? Are you stalking me or something?" he fired off the questions in rapid succession, each one laced with suspicion. He wasn't in the mood for her games.
Rize's smirk didn't waver as she leaned back casually against the cold brick wall, arms crossed as well. "No," she replied, rolling her eyes as if the accusation were absurd. "And stop asking so many questions. I just happened to spot you while I was walking," she added, but the subtle twitch of her lips betrayed the obvious lie.
Haru sighed, long and weary. He wasn't sure if he was more annoyed by her deception or his own inability to call her out on it. "Sigh… whatever. I actually need your help anyway," he admitted reluctantly. The words tasted bitter he didn't like the idea of relying on her, but he was out of options. "My friend needs some clothes, but I have no idea what women call fashion."
Rize's eyes lit up with mischievous amusement. She tilted her head slightly, lips curving into a knowing smile. "You've never had a girlfriend?" she asked, dragging out the question with exaggerated disbelief.
Haru narrowed his eyes, already regretting bringing her along. "No…?" he answered slowly, unsure if he really wanted to admit that fact. The way Rize's grin widened told him he had made a mistake.
"I see why you're such a blockhead," she quipped, turning her head away dramatically. The teasing lilt in her voice grated on his nerves, but he gritted his teeth and ignored it. He had asked for help, after all.
Before he could say anything else, she spun on her heels and gestured for him to follow. "Come on, I'll help you with your little shopping problem," she said, striding confidently back onto the main street. Her hips swayed with purpose, and she didn't bother checking if he was keeping up.
Haru stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure. The way she moved exuded confidence, and he couldn't help but notice the graceful lines of her body a perfect figure that drew the eyes whether one wanted to look or not. He shook his head, banishing the thoughts before they could linger. Annoyance simmered in his chest as he steeled himself and followed her out of the alleyway, falling into step beside her as she led the way.
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After about an hour of wandering through bustling shops and sifting through endless racks of clothing, Haru and Rize finally wrapped up their impromptu shopping spree. The experience had been far more exhausting than Haru anticipated. He quickly realized that choosing clothes for someone else was a far more complex task than he had imagined, and Rize's relentless teasing and playful remarks throughout the trip didn't help. She seemed to take great delight in poking fun at his lack of fashion sense and obvious discomfort. Still, her input was invaluable, and thanks to her guidance, he managed to gather a decent selection of outfits comfortable casual wear, a few stylish ensembles, and some necessities.
Eventually, Rize announced that she had something else to attend to and, with a sly grin and a casual wave, left Haru standing in the middle of the street with an armful of shopping bags. He watched her disappear into the crowd, feeling a mix of relief and irritation. Haru was glad for the help but frustrated at how easily she got under his skin. Shaking his head to clear away any lingering thoughts of the violet-haired menace, he turned on his heel and made his way back to the apartment, carefully balancing the bags as he walked.
When he finally reached the apartment complex, Haru climbed the stairs and unlocked the door, pushing it open with a sigh. The soft hum of the television filled the room, and he glanced over to see Rina lounging comfortably on the couch, eyes fixed on the screen. She glanced back as he entered, a warm smile tugging at her lips.
"Welcome back," Rina greeted him, her tone light and casual as she turned her head to acknowledge his arrival.
"Yeah, yeah, here," Haru replied, his voice tinged with mild annoyance from the tiring trip. He walked over and handed her the shopping bags, the plastic handles digging slightly into his fingers after carrying them for so long. The bags were filled to the brim, a testament to Rize's insistence that Rina needed more than just the basics.
Rina's eyes widened in mild surprise as she accepted the bags, peering inside with an appreciative smile. Without another word, she stood up, clutching the bags to her chest, and retreated into the bathroom. The sound of running water soon followed, signaling the start of her shower.
Left to his own devices, Haru wandered back into the living room and plopped down on the couch, stretching his arms out along the backrest. He let out a long exhale, trying to relax. The faint scent of shampoo and body wash lingered in the air, and he could faintly hear the rush of water from the bathroom. The apartment felt oddly peaceful, but Haru's mind was far from quiet.
'System,' Haru called out mentally, feeling the need to address something that had been on his mind for a while. 'Is there any type of business capsule or technology capsule that I could buy and use to make a business?' The idea had been nagging at him for a bit now. A legitimate source of income would be ideal if he wanted to keep a low profile and maintain a stable life. Depending on the system might not be wise in the long run, and the thought of freeloading made him uncomfortable.
The system's response was prompt, its familiar synthetic voice echoing in his mind.
!Host, with a little bit of KP, you can get anything you want. It is advised that you earn more KP soon, as you currently only have 5!
Haru frowned slightly at the response. He understood that KP, the currency the system ran on was the key to obtaining all sorts of advantages. However, five KP didn't seem like much, and the system's suggestion made it clear he needed more. He wondered how to go about earning it quickly. Dangerous thoughts of hunting ghouls or taking risky jobs briefly crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed them. Recklessness wasn't an option.
He leaned back and mulled over his options, idly watching the television without really paying attention to what was on the screen. The sound of running water from the bathroom continued, and Haru realized he was no closer to a plan than when he first asked the question. Building a business sounded ideal, but it would require an initial investment. If the system could offer him a business capsule, it might accelerate the process, but he doubted five KP would be enough.
Haru let out a long, frustrated sigh, leaning back against the couch as he glanced around the dimly lit room. "Sigh… I knew it wasn't that easy," he muttered to himself, the fleeting excitement from the system's response already fading away. The prospect of obtaining any kind of business or technology capsule with enough KP had sparked a brief sense of hope. He imagined countless possibilities establishing a thriving business and setting himself up for success. But that optimism quickly evaporated as he remembered his current situation. He had already spent the majority of his KP on a stylish jacket he hadn't even worn yet. It felt like a foolish impulse now, a reminder of how quickly resources could vanish if he wasn't careful.
About twenty minutes later, the soft creak of the bathroom door drew Haru's attention. He glanced over to see Rina stepping out of the shower, her damp hair falling freely over her shoulders as she made her way toward the couch. She wore the clothes he'd bought for her, and they fit snugly, highlighting her slender figure. The simple outfit somehow managed to accentuate her natural beauty, and Haru couldn't help but offer an appreciative nod.
"They fit you well," he remarked, a hint of genuine admiration in his tone.
Rina blushed lightly, a bashful smile spreading across her face. "Haha, thank you," she replied, her fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She seemed pleased with the compliment, though a hint of self-consciousness lingered in her posture.
The two of them settled back onto the couch, the comforting hum of the television filling the room. They lost themselves in a steady stream of shows and movies, the screen flickering with vibrant colors as time drifted by. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the worries of the day faded into the background. Haru felt oddly at ease, enjoying the simple pleasure of unwinding with someone he trusted. The hours melted away, and after the last movie ended, Haru stretched, feeling a satisfying crack run down his spine.
"Well, I'm going to head out for a bit," he announced, rising from the couch. "I'll be back late, so you should go to sleep before me."
Rina frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing in mild concern. "Where are you going?" she asked, her tone curious but tinged with worry.
Haru gave a dismissive wave, brushing off her question. "Nothing serious," he replied casually. "Just a little part-time job." Without waiting for a response, he pulled on his black hoodie, shoved his hands into his pockets, and headed for the door. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Rina to stare after him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Stepping into the cold night air, Haru wandered through the maze of dimly lit alleys. The sounds of distant traffic and the occasional rustle of paper in the wind were the only signs of life. He moved with quiet determination, eyes scanning the shadows as he searched for a target. Minutes passed, and frustration gnawed at him. The streets seemed empty, lifeless until a faint, wet crunching noise echoed from a narrow passageway up ahead.
Haru's eyes narrowed, his senses sharpening. He slipped his hands free from his pockets, flexing his fingers as his nails hardened and extended. He advanced cautiously, each step light and deliberate as the sound grew louder. The grotesque crunch of bones and wet smacks of flesh being torn filled the air.
"Mhmhahaha… Human meat is always the best!" a voice cackled, the speaker too preoccupied with their feast to notice Haru's approach.
Without hesitation, Haru surged from the shadows. In a blur of movement, his kagune erupted from his back a massive, a skeletal hand, and his long, blade-like nails gleamed menacingly. The ghoul barely had time to react before the Haru's hand closed around his throat, the sharp nails pressing against his skin.
The ghoul's eyes bulged in surprise, but his own kagune, a series of writhing tendrils lashed out, aiming to strike Haru. Without a thought, Haru brought the fingers of his kagune together, the blades seamlessly merging into a sharp, singular edge. He deflected the attack, his hand crushing down on the ghoul's throat with enough force to make him gag. The ghoul struggled, panic setting in as he realized his kagune was restrained, the monstrous grip overpowering his own.
"K-Kehk… W-what do you want from me?" the ghoul stammered, choking on his words as Haru's grip tightened.
Haru's gaze was cold, unrelenting. "I want you to tell me who your leader is and where to find him," he demanded.
The ghoul's fear overwhelmed him, and he babbled desperately. "Y-Yabe Ton! His name is Yabe! He runs a small nightclub for ghouls, two blocks down! There are no powerful ghouls there just him!" The words spilled out in a frantic rush, fear driving him to compliance.
Haru's expression remained impassive as he replied, "Good boy… Now you can have an easy death." With a slight adjustment of his grip, he brought the kagune's skeletal fingers together, the long, blade-like nails seamlessly merging. In one swift, precise motion, he drove the sharp edge into the ghoul's skull, the bone-crunching sound echoing in the empty alley. The ghoul's body went limp, and Haru let the corpse crumple to the ground.
!You have killed 1 D-Rated Ghoul, gaining 25 KP!
Haru glanced at the notification with a neutral expression. 25 KP wasn't a massive gain, but it was progress. A gnawing hunger tugged at him, and he leaned down, consuming the ghoul's flesh and absorbing the RC cells. He felt his kagune hum with new strength, the skeletal hand flexing as the long, blade-like nails gleamed with a sharper edge.
"Well, I guess I've made some progress," Haru remarked, the skeletal hand retracting back into his body. After taking a moment to clean the alley and erase any evidence, he wiped his mouth and turned back toward the apartment. He made his way home, the chill of the night air lingering around him.
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Haru had just returned home, the distant hum of the city fading as the door clicked shut behind him. The faint glow of the apartment's dim lights cast long, wavering shadows across the walls. The scent of soap and steam clung to him, a reminder of the hot shower he had taken moments ago. Water droplets still clung to his damp hair, and a towel rested lazily around his neck. He sank heavily onto the couch, letting the cushion envelop him as he stared into the darkness of the unlit room. The quiet was almost unnerving, broken only by the soft, rhythmic breathing coming from the direction of Rina's bedroom she had already gone to sleep, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
The eerie stillness pressed on him, and Haru's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Without hesitation, he addressed the system in his mind. 'System, buy a D-Rated Mask Capsule and open it,' he commanded, his tone firm and decisive.
A moment later, the system's response echoed in his head.
!The D-Rated Mask Capsule has been bought for 25 KP and opened. Congratulations on gaining: Reinforced Gas Mask (D-Rated)!
Haru leaned back with a slight nod, satisfied. The mask would be useful for keeping his identity concealed and providing protection. It wasn't flashy, but it was practical perfect for the raid he was planning. The system's notification lingered in his mind, but he was far from finished.
'Okay, System, buy two Item Colorization Capsules,' he instructed, eager to customize his gear.
!The 2 D-Rated Item Colorization Capsules have been bought for 4 KP and opened. Congratulations on gaining: Red Color Paint (10 uses), Turquoise Color Paint (10 uses)!
Haru's expression immediately twisted into a frown as he glanced at the results. "Tch… It just had to be turquoise, huh? Fuck it, I'll just use the red alone," he muttered under his breath, frustration clear in his voice. The idea of incorporating turquoise into his outfit didn't appeal to him in the slightest. He wasn't trying to stand out or draw unnecessary attention. Red, on the other hand, would give a more imposing, intimidating appearancel perfect for what he had in mind.
He wasted no time, he used the red paint to create bold, patterns in the inside of the coat and the gas filters on the mask. giving it a predatory look. The design was simple but effective striking enough to leave an impression, yet subtle enough not to seem gaudy.
While he worked, he didn't feel even a flicker of regret about spending all his KP. The reinforced coat and gas mask would serve their purpose well, and with the nightclub raid planned for tomorrow, he was confident he'd make up for the lost KP. The place was bound to be crawling with ghouls, and if his hunt went well, he'd be racking up KP in no time. More than that, it was the perfect opportunity to finally put his gear to use and test its capabilities. He wouldn't have to worry about his identity being exposed either, not with the reinforced gas mask concealing his face. The thought alone filled him with anticipation.
With the customization complete, Haru let out a slow breath. The long day had worn on him, and his body ached from the fight earlier. Without a word, he slipped under the covers, and let his eyes close. The weight of the day slowly melted away as sleep claimed him, thoughts of tomorrow's hunt flickering through his mind.
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HEY author here, just making a quick announcement.
I'll be stacking chapters from now on, so there probably won't be an DAILY updates but there will still be updates
THANK YOU EVERYONE I HOPE YOU ENJOYED!!!!!