Paradise of Infinity: 348

Title: Harem Takeover Time (1)

“You’re a damn snitch!” Revy growls as she’s moments away from punching a smoking Eda. Dutch and Benny hold her back as Eda tucks a lock of her straight blonde hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t a snitch, you damn idiot. I was a spy. Exchanging information WAS my damn job. Too bad my superiors sold me off for some reason.”

The blonde woman looks around. She’s sitting near a window of a medieval-looking earthen building, sitting on an uncomfortable mattress instead of a cozy chair. She’s in her usual nun habit, smelling sour due to being unable to bathe for days. Still, the food on the table smells delicious.

“I wonder what they got for selling me,” Eda smiles, not particularly disheartened. As a CIA agent, she’d seen worse stuff than others’ imaginations. Heck! Eda knows Revy’s past. Even THAT doesn’t cut into the top ten things! She’s been part of some of the shit, too. However, Dutch questions while accepting a plate of dumplings from the waiter.

“Why are you so sure you were sold off?”

Eda frowns, “What else could it be?”

“You’re a dumb broad, that’s what,” Revy coldly regards the woman.

Eda snorts in return before grumbling. “What’s it gonna take to have some whiskey around here?”

“Ah, hello,” a cheerful voice attracts the group’s attention. However, they quickly notice the struggle in the man’s tone and accent as he sits on the mat with an inviting smile. Dark-skinned and blue-eyed, the well-built youth grins at Revy. Surprisingly, Revy smirks back at the youth. “His name’s Sokka. He’s Nik’s…” Revy teasingly drags her tone, noting a palpable tension erupt from Sokka before finishing, “... brother.” Sokka exhales.

“The smartest brother,” Sokka toots. “See? I can already speak.”

“You just learned a few lines of introduction,” Revy scoffs, clawing at Sokka’s pride with her words as he blinks. He reveals a struggling expression before he fishes out a rather sleek smartphone from his medieval tunic. The contrast makes the trio, aside from Revy, appear confused as Sokka swiftly opens the translation tab, already having downloaded a massive library of translations for offline purposes.

“Repeat,” he speaks, pointing at his smartphone.

Rolling her eyes, Revy looks at the trio. “Basically, we’re here to welcome you. I don’t know why Nik will make you stay here.” She glares at Eda.

“Oh, because friends,” Sokka smilingly nods at the group as Revy and Eda’s bodies tense. Their glare sharpens as they jab their thumbs at each other while slamming their hands on the table.

““She ain’t my friend!””

They shout.

Sokka knowingly nods and looks at Dutch and Benny with a gaze—‘See?’

“Oi!” a vein pops over Eda’s forehead as she reaches out to grab the smug Sokka’s collar when—

*Fwip*

A water whip impacts Eda’s hands, causing her to wince in pain as she hurriedly retracts her arms. She glares in the direction to see a dark-skinned woman returning her glare.

“That’s Rena,” Revy smirks at the woman. “She’s Sokka’s Fiancee. See that choker around her neck? It’s their version of an engagement ring.”

“Their version?” Dutch notes.

“Come on,” Revy stands. “I’ll show you around. It gets fun around her sometimes.”

“Where are we going?” Eda’s glare doesn’t leave Rena.

“Considering you just got whipped, let’s start with the farms,” Revy cackles as Dutch rubs the bridge of his nose.

“That wasn’t cool, Revy.” The Black Lagoon’s Boss grunts.

“Oh, pipe it. It's not the cotton fields, genius.”

“Tch, where’s the hunk?” Eda demands.

“Not interested enough in you to be here, that’s for sure,” Revy shrugs, wondering the same thing.

<<<>>>

Consider a woman with a shapeshifter’s bloodline, GOTY-13—or Denny. She’s experienced several worlds as a T.P’s host before being shifted onto R.P. Though, her luck was abysmal. It’s not that she never completed her missions, far from it. Denny was like Ray, appointed to Transmigration Paradise by an executive. But Denny considered her luck abysmal due to lacking romance in her life. Everything changed once she found out about the Infinite Auction as she went on a shopping spree to make a harem. That’s the gist of things Nik found from Denny’s ‘lovers.’

The one thing Nik found curious was how these women didn’t remember anything about their time in the Infinite Auction. Nik knew from Ray that the ‘products’ were in a stasis for the hosts’ perusal.

Sitting in a chair, Nik looks at the group he’s freed. Yet he wonders—are they?

Are they free?

Can they go on about their lives after everything they experienced?

“And under Denny, we—” Faye begins while smoking a cigarette, only for Nik to interject as he notices others’ uncomfortable expressions. Even Faye experiences discomfort at the topic, or she wouldn’t be smoking.

“I don’t need to know,” Nik shakes his head. “All I can offer is my sympathies.” Not revealing any of his usual frivolity, Nik appears somber. “I have a few questions. I’ll help you settle things afterward. I’ll start with Faye. Others… please wait outside.”

Though he speaks imploringly, others have no delusions they can deny Nik’s requests. So, they leave after Faye’s nod. Once alone, Nik observes the beige-painted room, adequately furnished with expensive materials. Even the chair under Nik feels comfortable.

“You and Yor were outside with Denny,” Nik begins as he observes Faye. Noticing the almost used cigarette, Nik offers, “Do you want another one?” He snaps his fingers as fire sparks on his index finger’s tip.

“... no,” Faye smiles before snuffing the cigarette out on Denny’s framed picture on the table between them. Since she’s been standing the entire time, Faye reveals a generous swathe of her skin and cleavage as she bends.

“You can sit down,” Nik rolls his eyes. Seduction almost feels second nature for Faye as she sits down without any remarks. She’s seen firsthand the kind of things Nik can endure. So, the woman isn’t willing to persecute him just because of Denny.

Sure, Denny treated them well. But they could never have any relationship that Denny wished. To expect ‘slaves’ to love their captives and masters is a fantasy.

“As I was saying,” Nik clears his throat, ignoring Faye, who crosses her legs. “You and Yor must be the most capable individuals under Denny, right?”

“Under her, above her, beside her,” Faye shrugs. “But, no. It’s Samus that’s the most powerful of us. I think… Denny called Samus a Rank 2 individual. Though she was drunk and sleepy.”

Nik nods. So, Samus was left behind to tackle someone like Nik should Denny die. And Samus would have attacked him with all her strength if not for Faye and Yor admitting how Nik can help them—and WILLINGLY.

“Do you remember about your homeworld?” Nik questions.

“Oh, I do,” Faye perks up. “I used to be a thief… ehm, a modern-day Robin Hood.”

“Hmm. What’s a Robin Hood?” Nik inquires, intrigued.

Faye’s eyes crinkle. “Robin Hood? He’s a figure who stole from the rich and distributed wealth to the poor.”

“Ah, understood,” Nik nods, cupping his jaw. “So, what kind of world did you live in.”

“I didn’t exactly live on one planet,” Faye smiles. “I used to travel between different planets. The ‘world’ I’m from is advanced enough for spatial travel.” She observes Nik’s incredulous expression.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Damn, that sounds amazing,” Nik beams. “What’s space like? No, wait! What are the best things you’ve eaten? Can you describe it? Taste and texture both. Are there alien milkshakes in the space? Moon Chocolates? Ohhh! What about Milk? There must be the Milky Way. Get it?”

Faye watches in stunned silence as Nik waits for her answer, his violet eyes widening expressively.

“Uh… well… sure.” Faye nods, feeling further surprised as Nik scoffs derisively.

“Tch, no need to lie. Got me excited for nothing.”

‘I thought… I was excitable enough,’ Faye deadpans, finding their new ‘superior’ uniquely annoying.

“Hmm,” Nik gulps a lump of saliva, forgetting about all the fantasy treats. “Are there any power systems in your world? You do understand what’s a power system, right?”

“I do. Magic and stuff,” Faye mutters before shaking her head. “I’m mediocre in that area, and so are the other humans. However, the medical advancement of my time developed several drugs that boost a human’s strength. Denny used to consider that a power system, too.”

Nik nods.

“Thank you,” he smiles. “Now… how can I understand everyone inside this building?”

Faye shrugs. “Denny is what you would call a… well, prepared in some ways. She used something on the building. So we all can understand each other. According to Denny, it was a one-time-use item.”

Nik lets out a surprised hum. If things were fine, he would shift everyone inside this building so they could understand each other!

“And how could you and Yor follow Denny out? She should have known the different world will adversely affect you.”

“She did,” Faye sighs explosively. “Again, she prepared for all this. She used to give us pills that allowed us to accompany her outside for 7 days. We can only take one every month. All of Denny’s treasures are locked in the top floor. We cannot enter her treasury. I’m happy to show you around—”

“Nah,” Nik smiles. “I don’t want come across as a rude jerk. It’s not hard to realize others are pretending to be happy and calm at my appearance because they fear me.”

Faye raises an eyebrow.

“You don’t like being feared?”

“I don’t like oppressing others just to have an itch scratched. Of course, I’m happy to help if others are into it.” He huffs. “So, introduce others to me while you’re here. What should I avoid speaking that might make them feel worse?”

Faye blinks.

“What?” Nik smiles.

“Nothing… you… you could do anything.”

“Yep.”

“And you don’t want to hurt feelings?”

“Yep.”

“Um, then why did you hurt that maid’s feelings?”

“You mean Roberta?” Nik frowns. “When did I do that?”

Faye frowns, “Are you making fun of me? She clearly wanted to be with you.”

“Okay… I never stopped Roberta. I just said I’ve got no reason to continue the business. I didn’t say I won’t stop by to chat with her. Besides, she was worrying for Garcia. I didn’t want to be an asshole make it all about me.”

Faye appears owlish as she crows, “Why wouldn’t you just say that?”

“Because we already fucked,” Nik frowns. “I thought the rest went unsaid.” He works his jaw. But if it didn’t appear unsaid… then Nik admits he doesn’t know the opposite gender as well as he claims.

No…

It’s Roberta, that’s weird…

Right?

“You know what?” Nik clears his throat. “I gotta go outside and make a call. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Stay here and introduce others to me when I come back. Oh, and thanks for telling me about Roberta. I must have been thinking more about the rewards to miss that.”

Faye flatly stares at the empty chair before sinking into her seat.

‘Are all hosts like Denny stupid?’ Faye muses with a smirk. Her expression soon turns cold as she picks Denny’s picture before spitting on it. But even that couldn’t appease the hatred brewing in her heart.

Faye hopes others don’t misplace their anger on Nik. If anything, only their abductors are responsible for their current states.

It’s not long before Nik returns to his seat. He glances at the destroyed picture before glancing at Faye, who shrugs.

“Let me tell you about others, boss,” she stretches her seductive red lips into a deceptive smirk. “I hope you treat me well for my contributions to you-know-what~!”

Nik’s lips twitch before he snickers.

“Sorry, I’m not known to show favoritism unless you’ve got something around here from me,” he traces his neck.

<<<>>>

Roberta feels sick. She should. She must have done something to… annoy Nik. Why else would she be treated like that? The Maid keeps staring at the reflection of her phone, sitting beside a resting Garcia in a medical ward. Her reflection appears the opposite.

Roberta’s reflection sneers.

“You heard the man,” it said. “I’m what someone like Nik wants. He wants Rosarita. I’m the one who crushed that needle with my mouth. I’m the one who steps out to save Garcia and Diego. You? You’re just a pathetic afterthought.”

No.

If that were true, Nik wouldn’t have agreed to call her Roberta—

“Give yourself a break!” the reflection mocks. “Nik was patronizing us because of you. Do you want to change? Yet you want to be Roberta in the day but me at night? How ridiculous.”

A pit forms in her stomach. She… Roberta… is capable of affection. Meanwhile, Rosarita is just a—

“I’m the better version,” the reflection laughs. “I don’t fear anything. I don’t need to hide. Can’t you see, I’m—”

NO!

Roberta denies the notion.

Roberta exists because she wants to leave the past behind. No matter how she fails, as long as she’s given a chance, she will latch onto being Roberta the Maid. That’s what Nik taught her that night.

As long as Roberta is alive… she will have infinite chances!

“Yet you had the galls to show attitude to someone who saved Garcia,” snarls the reflection. Her words turn biting. “What was that shit about ‘Mister’ Nik. You slut! Do you think you deserve better? You should have been on your knees and preparing him for me!”

Roberta’s shoulders shudder.

Just shut up.

“Make me!” replies the viciously smiling Rosarita.

Shut up.

“I’m not the one talking.’ Rosarita smiles coldly. “Open your damn eyes already—”

SHUT—

Her smartphone’s screen pops with a caller’s notification, removing the reflection as Roberta is covered in cold sweat.

It’s a familiar number.

Hesitating, Roberta picks up the call, speaking, “Hello? M-Mister Nik?” She winces, appearing guilty over her selfishness. Why should it have mattered if Nik didn’t care about the business? The man already did so much for the Lovelace Family. Yet… how dare she feel entitled?

“Oh, hey,” the voice chirps from the other side. “I forgot to tell you something. You said about Diego being unconscious, right? I’d like to drop by and see if I can help him. That’s cool with you, right?”

Roberta’s eyes pop open. “Of course!” she blinks. “The Lovelace Family will—”

“Stop making it a transaction already,” the voice huffs.

“I’m… sorry, Nik.”

“There’s another thing,” Nik’s voice perks Roberta. “I know you don’t want to hear this, too. But I don’t think anyone thinks little of you because of your past.”

Roberta’s expression stiffens as the voice continues. “I’m probably crossing a line… or two by saying all this. Heh.”

“She’s a ruthless person who will do anything for her desires,” Roberta whispers. “She’s a mutt let off her leash, Nik. You shouldn’t encourage such monsters. So, yes, you are out of the line…”

It was as if she always needed an excuse. That night, ‘her’ excuse was to express Nik her gratitude. Then, she wanted to save Diego and Garcia. But what about Yor? Or Revy? ‘She’ truly is a mutt that bares fangs at anyone… even Nik. After all, now she has another excuse.

A monster… a vicious, ruthless slut.

“So,” Roberta… Rosarita whispers. “You better take responsibility for stepping inside.”

The voice on the other side remains silent for a while. Fear almost grips Rosarita’s heart. She plans to invade Nik’s residence one of these days and take him away… or, well, get fucked trying. Fortunately, she hears him say, “I’ve got a leash. Several, in fact. You should prepare yourself because I’ll accept the Lovelace Family’s offer of taking you for saving them.”

Her eyelids jump in surprise.

“It wasn’t a trade, right?”

“It is now.”

“Just because you said so, Mister Nik?” Ro…sarita doesn’t know why, but a mocking smirk spreads on her lips.

“You’re damn right,” Nik grunts before cutting the call.

Rosarita glances at the reflection, finding it just that—a reflection. Nothing more.

Letting a soft hum, Rosarita gently strokes Garcia’s forehead, her blue eyes curving with whimsy.

‘Sorry, Young Master~! It’s all for the sake of the Family’s continued legacy.’

As usual, all she needs is an excuse.

***

Alternate Title: Eda The Agent; Sokka: You’re All Here Because of the Power of Friendship; Revy About To Destroy Sokka’s Career… Nah; Rena Asserts Her Dominance; Eda Needs Whiskey And Hunks; Revy Making Disastrous, Cancel-Worthy Jokes; Revy’s Domain: Racism; Dutch About To Feel Discriminated; Denny of GOTY-13; Another Executive-Appointed Normie; Young Masters In Reincarnation and Transmigration Paradise; Nik: There Is Interstellar Travel But No Alien Milkshakes? Cap; Faye: No Cap; Faye The Sexy Robin Hood?; When Food is Better Than Sex; Nik: Milky Way Cereals? Real Shit; Faye: I’m Hot *Nik: But Are You Food?*; The Literary Hungry Incubus; Denny’s Hidden Treasury; Even Nik Can Overlook… Mental Illness; Roberta: Nik Hates Me! *Nik’s Honest Reaction To That Information*; Roberta’s Green Goblin Mirror Arc; The Appropriate Call; The Mutt; The Desire For a Leash; Nik: Aight, Bet; Nik Is The New Harem Manager; Getting Through Roberta; Roberta: No! *Rosarita: Yes*; Rosarita Plans The Most Diabolical Stuff To Handle Rejection; You Don’t Rejet Rosarita… There Are Only Three Available Options: Collar The Maid, Fuck, Marry The Maid *Nik: Yes*

***

Faye Valentine