Paradise of Infinity: 347

A/N: I hope you forgive me for what I’m about to do.

***

Title: Division Time

A wave of frustration grips her heart once she finds Nik entering her room. Standing up, she schools her expression. Yet, desperate expectations unique only to her slip past her blue, bespectacled eyes. Rosarita isn’t alone inside the room. Revy, Shenhua, and Ray are present. The latter led them back to Balalaika’s hotel once they woke up in Class 3-E’s gym storage room. Of course, Faye and Yor are also in the corner as their bodies tense at his presence.

Revy jumps the gun before Rosarita can say anything.

“You left me out, Bastard!” She stomps his way, gripping his collar as he offers a wry smirk. “Sorry, but can you blame me? I was—”

“Oh, I can,” she snarls. “Try me.”

“The smart thing is to NOT try you,” Nik raises his hands in surrender before leaning and pecking her lips. “But I would love to.” He beams at her. “I’m glad we’re all safe, especially you.”

Her grip tightens as her facial features twitch. A cocktail of anger, exasperation, disgust, self-loathing, and an undeniable wave of relief and warmth—which Revy will deny with all her being—pumps into her veins. She would punch him in the face if his skull wasn’t so hard.

She WOULD shoot him if the bastard wasn’t so quick to snatch it away.

So, Revy IS ‘helpless’ to let Nik have his way… to her ‘annoyance.’

Revy lets go of his collars, scoffing, “This ain’t over,” she promises as other women in the room notice—it’s over.

Glancing at others, Nik quietly takes a seat. “There were a few individuals abducted by the other party that I already let out. I won’t name them. Uh, first thing…”

The red tattoo on Nik’s left arm flashes before releasing a well-dressed Asian man. Shenhua almost jumps in surprise as she squeaks, “Boss Chang!”

“He’s unconscious,” Nik adds. “You should take him away. After all, what Balalaika does to her unconscious competitor isn’t upto me.” Shenhua’s cyan hues hesitatingly turn to him. The kukri-wielding woman works her jaw before nodding. “I message you later… don’t ignore.”

“I’ve got no reason to,” Nik smiles back as Revy clears her throat. Glancing at her, Nik shrugs. She already knows the kind of lecher he is. What else can he say?

Shenhua nods, her thin, red lips curling into a pleased smirk before she carries the unconscious Chang out of the building, swiftly booking a taxi.

“Sis wouldn’t have done anything to Chang,” Revy snorts once Shenhua leaves. “She’s being weird.”

“She’s probably out of her cigars,” Nik’s prompt makes her smirk as he glances at Rosarita.

The mark on his hand flashes again as Garcia’s unconscious body appears on the bed. Yet, despite her body trembling in excitement, Rosarita keeps gazing at Nik.

“Uh… what?” Nik blinks. He already did as promised. “Did someone else get kidnapped? Because I didn’t find anyone else.” Hearing no replies, Nik prompts, “Rosarita?”

“Roberta…” she mutters, lowering her head. “I’m Roberta. I’m grateful for what you did for the Lovelace Family.”

Nik cocks his head sideways before bursting into laughter. His carefree laugh fills the silent room, stunning everyone as he smacks his thigh. “Sorry,” he gasps. “I’m not laughing at you but the situation. You BIT and CRUSHED metal needle with your mouth, and you’re still cute! Hahahahaha!” He smacks his forehead, recalling how she fought Yor—the marks of which are still present on their features.

Roberta’s head snaps in his direction as he wipes the stray tear away. “Don’t overthink it, Roberta. It doesn’t matter if you’re Roberta or Rosarita. Both are the same—”

“They aren’t!” Roberta hisses. Her expression turns frosty. “Rosarita is a murderous, unapologetic freak—”

“Rosarita cared enough for Garcia,” Nik shrugs. “It’s just a name.” His smirk broadens. “But if you want to be called Roberta, I’ll call you that from now on.” He glances at Garcia, smiling. “I’m glad I could help you. Offer Diego my regards.”

“Yes,” Roberta instinctively feels dissatisfied, even pissed. Yet, she schools her expression. “I will also express Master to swiftly rebuild the Manor to continue your deal—”

“Oh, that’s fine,” Nik waves dismissively. “I already have whatever I need. And as I said before, I helped you. This wasn’t a transaction, so no need to turn it into one.”

Roberta parts her lips to say something before Revy blinks and beams. “So, we don’t gotta go to their shitty place? Neat.”

“I- I see…” Roberta calmly picks Garcia before nodding, revealing a monotone. “Have a pleasant day, Mister Nik.”

Nik blinks. ‘What did I do now?’ He notes the hint of annoyance in her tone as Roberta regards him distantly. ‘Whatever. I’m on a roll of being a kind helper.’ He smirks and glances at the remaining trio.

“Can you two enter your previous worlds?” Nik questions Faye and Yor, planning to deal with their group in the last. Their bodies shudder as Nik offers. “You don’t have to. I just hoped you could explain the changes to your… friends. Besides, I don’t know how long you can stay outside.”

“I can do that,” Yor mutters. “Can Faye stay outside?”

“What would I do outside?” Faye drawls with a resigned tone. “Besides,” she makes a show of standing and stretching her slender body. “Our hero wouldn’t have freed us to cuff our necks—”

“Pfft!” Revy snickers.

Nik rolls his eyes. Way to go to turn his sincere engagement chokers into a joke. Sending the confused duo into their Arctic space, Nik turns to the quiet Ray. “Yo.”

“Yo,” she salutes back before Nik extends his hand towards Revy. Scoffing, she accepts it before disappearing.

“So,” Ray begins, “That was a risky way to complete a mission.” She rests her cheek on her fist. “You should know a few things. First, I was awake when we got out of the train. I wanted to remain quiet and surprise Accu-mulet if he tried something else. You know, to fool others, we have to fool allies.”

“That’s not how the saying goes,” Nik shakes his head.

“It was circumstantial,” Ray huffs. “There’s also something else. As Accu-mulet said, my bloodline is unshackled, too. It wasn’t something I planned to admit. And… I will leave the distribution of the rewards to you.”

Nik frowns.

“Why?”

He can understand why Ray wouldn’t want to reveal all her cards. Her explosive means surprised Nik enough to realize that illusions aren’t the only thing she specializes in. As for her unshackled bloodline… if Nik can have it, why can’t she? Yet, Ray handing over the distribution of rewards caught him by surprise. It’s like—

“Yeah,” Ray leans back on her chair, revealing a knowing smirk. “The whole shit about partners would have never worked. We already saw two teams showing how far they are willing to go against each other.”

Nik sinks in silence as Ray continues. “It’s lucky our natures don’t conflict. But what about others? The Paradise put two individual-centric hosts together. Of course, there would be casualties. As for us… you saved my life.” She shrugs. “Doesn’t take a genius to realize your claim of always relying on luck isn’t entirely true since a Deity would have burnt us regardless.”

“And if I distribute things incorrectly?” Nik raises an eyebrow. While he did most of the work, including getting Limiter Rings for Ray, she was merely caught lacking due to her lacking experience. After all, this travel must have a higher rating, something Ray never delved into.

“I’ll hold a grudge,” Ray admits. “I won’t say a thing. The grudge will turn into annoyance and then fester hate. Before long, we’ll stop trusting each other entirely.”

Yet, Nik doesn’t feel aggressive.

“I think partnership works,” Nik refutes her claims, surprising her. “So, there isn’t a need for one of us to be the leader and the other to be a subordinate. I’ve grown hearing how I should do things the way I’m taught and never urge for more.” His calm gaze settles upon Ray. “I don’t give a rat’s flying shit if you’re spooked by Accu-mulet’s actions. Do you think Accu-mulet and GOTY-13 flirt and play around like us?”

Her pink pupils flash.

“Or do you think that robotic bastard is capable of resting his hand to avoid dragging innocents into our mess? We’re not the same. Accu-mulet fucked over his partner because he felt being alone was better. I’d fuck you before I fuck you over.”

Ray thins her lips before cooing, “Ooh~ should I prepare my bu—”

“I’m gonna kick your face in if you complete that sentence—”

“—bussy for you?”

Nik cringes. His eyes visibly crinkle as he offers Ray a disgusted glance before he scoffs and crosses his arms. “You know what. Your face is girly enough. I’d give that a ride.”

Ray’s pink lips part open as she rolls her eyes.

“Are we… good?” Nik questions before Ray settles for a slightly flat yet grateful smirk. “We are. Sorry for getting the cold feet. But can you blame me? You could remove Auction’s shackles from those women. I thought…”

“That I can kill you,” Nik completes her sentence. He matches her gaze before admitting. “I didn’t know I could do that until I tried. So…” He stretches his arms.

“Let’s see,” Nik clears his throat. “I think the Diamond Gift Boxes should belong to me. What do you think?”

Ray tilts her head. “The mystery boxes are geared towards the Mission’s Ranks. Silver, Gold, and Diamond Boxes reveal the rarity of available offers. So… those Diamond Mystery Boxes will have peak Rank 6 rewards. I think that’s a bit greedy.” Her smirk widens. “But, that’s fair. While I was planning to tackle a measly Rank 2 mission, you went ahead and completed a Rank 6 mission. Though I worry for our next world since our rating has probably shot through the roof.”

Nik nods. He isn’t being shameless in coveting the Diamond Mystery Boxes. He continues, “I’d like to keep one Golden and Silver Mystery box. That will leave you only with a Golden Box. Is that fine? Or would you like to make some changes?”

Ray momentarily muses.

“You know,” she points out. “My bloodline being unshackled is due to a high-ranked reward. So, I’m not hurting for good rewards. It’s a shame I don’t have a paradox that allows me to ignore worldly limitations.”

“Mokshi says it is willing to share his essence through me,” Nik knowingly smiles as he feels Mokshi’s annoyance.

Rolling her eyes, Ray states, “I don’t mind you having the three Diamond Boxes. I didn’t do anything deserving of it. But a single Diamond Box is better than Gold and Silver ones combined. So, it’s slightly disheartening. How about this? Help me hatch my Familiar without further costs, and let me solo the mission against the Hight Table.”

Nik scoffs.

“Disheartening? You just said you get to live because of me. Even if the Golden Mystery Box from Rank 2 Mission is nothing compared to the one from Rank 6, it is SOMETHING. And your Familiar Egg drains me for the whole day, too. Why don’t you settle for the Silver Reward and let me take both the Golden ones if you want to play it like that?”

Ray deadpans. “Have some heart. We’re the Dundies!”

Nik stays firm and shakes his head. “I’m trying to build my Scar of Infinity. And I have others I want to take care of. Every reward matters to me.”

Suddenly teary-eyed, Ray pouts, “And I don’t?”

“You don’t compare to my fiancees,” Nik sneers. Though he lets his gaze linger until she huffs. Shrugging, Ray responds, “Fine! Have it your way… How about I offer you my knowledge of different power systems? You asked me a few things before. Of course, I have a vast collection of it. The information will also solve your issue about not wanting to know about the characters but the world instead. But as usual, I follow the animated media, so all I can offer you is everything from that area.”

Nik frowns, “You never thought of expanding your knowledge base?”

“Not before getting stuck with you,” Ray scoffs. “I was happy grinding the low-ranked missions.”

“That’s… fair.” Nik nods. “Sure. I’ll accept the information. But it needs to be detailed.”

“You got it, Boss,” she mocks a salute before the duo confirms the formalities and accepts the rewards. But Ray has more to question before Nik can leave.

“About them…” Ray blinks. “Those women GOTY-13 had purchased from the Infinite Auction… what do you plan on doing with them?”

“Not what your hentai-riddled thoughts hope for, that’s what,” Nik grumbles. “I’d like to know about them and their worlds. They also knew GOTY-13, and she had some way to let others out without affecting them negatively. Let’s see what I can gain from them.”

“Then?” Ray continues.

“Then they live?” Nik blinks. “Why would I bother with them?” he notices something in Ray’s gaze as he questions. “Are they important?”

“Well…” Ray lowers her head. “They are kind of…”

“Are they from some anime?” Nik tilts his head before grunting. “Of course they are. People sold to the Infinite Auction are known in ‘media.’”

“It’s not my place to say, but please treat them kindly.”

“We’re partners,” Nik chides. “It IS your place to say.”

Ray glances up at him before smiling. “Oh, and please look after Hansel and Gretel while I’m dealing with the High Table. I don’t want to waste more Limiter Rings, so it might take some time. And about that information exchange… I will add a freebie since we’re partners and all~!”

“If it’s another fucked up live action, then I’ll—”

Ray beams, “Trust me. You’re going to want to read it.”

Nik would rather not trust a troll. But he’ll allow himself to stoop at such a level due to the hidden depths in Ray’s gaze.

“Another thing,” Ray sniffs. “Be sure to keep track of Saki.” She reaches for the door as Nik receives the transmission of information through the chat system. “Her father might try to rape her.”

Nik falls into a daze as Ray leaves.

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: What?!]

[Smexy-succu-succu: Yep. Saki’s from a hentai, and her father’s feeling hot and bothered for her. So, unless you plan to sleep while playing Gut’s theme, I suggest you show Saki how an incubus takes care of things. If I were you, I’d seal the deal by ‘saving’ her right before it happens.]

The funny thing is, Nik will never know how low of a blow Ray caused by using the term ‘Gut’s Themes.’

‘Hehe~ I hope some writer across the multiverse writes the same line,’ Ray giggles as she leaves the building. ‘Still, how would we fare in Berserk? Gods! I hope it’s not an AU with another world like the Claymore mixed. Is this called… raising the flag?’ Frowns Ray, almost becoming a self-aware threat.

<<<>>>

Nik appears in the Arctic paradise. He hopes to resolve all the issues before settling in one spot and going through all the loot. After all, Nik knows that Duck-Tape possesses an item capable of controlling minds. It must be within the pile of items from where Nik picked the AP Chip. Similarly, GOTY-13 must have some good things since every host sent in this mission was capable in different manners. The central structure in the Arctic Scar of Infinity stands 4 floors tall. Though worse, the building is in a better condition than the one housed by Duck-Tape.

He enters the building, finding two familiar figures awaiting him.

Faye Valentine and Yor Briar.

Nik admits the duo are beautiful. Faye has chin-length, purple hair, the same depth as Roberta’s. Her eyes are vivid green, forming a lasting impression if one forgets her pale skin and slender body. Faye’s provocative yellow-gold top and shorts leave little to imagine her curves fitting naturally on her skinny frame.

Meanwhile, with her wine-red eyes and honest smile, Yor has a refreshing innocence if one ignores the black dress with rose patterns inside and her choice of weapon—needles. Nik glances at Yor’s bruised cheeks, holding back the urge to heal her.

“Roberta and you really went all out, huh?” Nik observes her as the honest smile disappears from Yor’s face, leaving a cold scowl. “That woman is not right… em, what should I call you?”

“Nik is fine,” he offers. “And I’d wager Roberta will say the same thing about you.” He smiles. “So? Where are the rest? I’ll remove those bracelets, and you can decide how to live.”

“You… don’t have any conditions?” Faye cautiously questions.

“I suppose… well, I do have a condition. Just don’t go acting violently. I’m sure others will eventually accept you guys.” Nik questions. “Can I come in? I’m curious about… where you came from.”

A loud crash echoes in the surprisingly warm building despite the chilly weather as a figure darts out of the room.

“Is this the man who killed her?” Her blonde hair flies around as she’s surprisingly quick—no worse than Yor or Roberta. Her blue eyes blaze with curiosity and gratitude as she stops beside them. “Please, take it off others before anything.”

Nik blinks before questioning, “You are…”

“My name is Samus,” she offers before blinking in surprise. The woman stops speaking before glancing at her wrist. “It’s gone… ehm, of course it has. I didn’t doubt—”

“You’re not speaking the same language as Yor and Faye,” Nik blinks. “How can they… how can I understand you?”

“Is this how you show someone our hospitality?” A motherly yet mischievous voice chides them as Nik finds another woman walking down the stairs. Her neck-long dark purple hair parts primarily to the left as she beams at Nik. “Welcome, dear—”

“Oi?! Don’t! We don’t know what kind of man—”

More and more figures pop out from the various corners of the building as Nik’s expression turns strange.

GOTY-13… purchased a Harem?

Now, Nik isn’t into kink-shaming, but he would never purchase affection. So… he does feel that GOTY-13 was more pathetic than they let on.

“Hello?” Nik waves his hand.

“Are you our new owner?” A voice coolly cackles as Nik gazes at the petite, dark-skinned woman. Nik also notices a trio huddling together on another side.

“I’m not your owner, I’m afraid,” Nik remains cordial as the woman presses. “No need to be afraid. We could use some change in faces. I do hope you bend over for me, Senpai~!”

Nik thins his lips together before glancing at Yor, Faye, and Samus.

Yep.

THIS is way more dangerous than just accepting a bunch of villagers…

Damn, GOTY-13…

The shapeshifter had a fine choice.

***

Alternate Title: Nik Gets a New Harem… Literally; Annoyed Roberta; Revy Will See To It That Things Don’t End There; Roberta: Kindly Kill Yourself, Mister Nik; GOTY-13 Really Going Broke For a Harem; GOTY-13 Crying In Nothingness; The Plunderer Strikes Again; Nik: Thanks For a Harem, Bud. Rest In Torture; Dividing Rewards; Clearing The Air; Ray’s Got a Partner; Ray: You Got a Friend In Me~ *Nik: Ok* Ray: Damn! You NEED To Watch Good Animated Movies; The Harem Booms; Please Bend Over *Nik: No U*; Assistance; Ray’s Plan Forward; Dem Rating’s Going To Fuck Em Up; GOTY’s Hidden Treasury—The House; Nik Hits The Jackpot *Also Nik: Fuck My Luck*’; Mokshi: Do Not Share My Essence! I Repeat, Do NOT; Nik Solves The Age-Old Questions of Thirsty Traps: Blowjob; Nik: Looks Female Enough *Ray: My Bussy, Right?* *Chuckles Nervously: Right?*; Ray: Would You Do Me As a Guy or a Gal? *Nik: Yes*; Today Ray Felt True Horni Fear For The First Time; When An Unhinged Succubus Meets An Over-The-Top Incubus; Ray: You Can Have The Rewards, But Be My Familiar’s Daddy *Nik: Bet*; GOTY-13’s Harem: Look People, A New Sacrifice~!