Paradise of Infinity: 339

Title: Nippon Speed Line NP435 Time

Saki’s eyes widen as she peeks a glance at a hooded figure. He may be in a simplistic black hoody, hands stuffed inside his pocket. But his stature is as impressive as she—giddily—remembers. It was a sudden glance, really, leading her to locate the youth. The brunette beside him also wore different clothes to attract less attention.

“Eh? Where’s Sensei?” One of the boys grumbles in dissatisfaction.

“Joseph-Sensei suddenly fell ill. His condition is terrible,” the school’s P.E. teacher arrives, sighing. “The school sent me and your literature teacher to care for you.”

Meanwhile, a peculiar distance away—

Irina’s every step garners the attention of her male counterparts. Equipped with branded goggles, a stylish hat, blouse, and skirt, she walks to Class 3-E’s group, each heeled step at a time. Although, she momentarily pauses. Be it womanly instincts or the fatal intuition crafted as an Assassin, Irina forces herself to peak at a slightly conspicuous figure. Something feels off. Irina cannot help but raise her guard once she observes the black-haired, slender woman. Her eyes are wine-red, the same as the polish on her nails. The two distinct features of the stoic woman dazing off are her golden headband with gold roses extending into two spikes and a strange bracelet around her hand.

The bracelet on the woman’s hand seems extraordinary at a glance. It’s not any metal or rare stone Irina knows, which is saying something. Pitch-black as a moonless midnight, the bracelet gives rise to waves of apprehension and disgust within Irina.

All this is gathered in a glance. Irina doesn’t stall and moves ahead. Her heart jerks at the thought of another assassin riding the same train. Is it one of the government employees—Irina wonders? No matter. She recovers her smirk, not knowing how a short, purple-haired woman, perhaps more charming than the red-eyed woman, greets the latter before the duo enters the train. Another bracelet of the familiar make can be seen on this newcomer, too.

“Ah, Bitch-Sensei is here.”

“Whoa! So stylish!”

“She looks like a model!”

“Maybe for a dog catalog.”

Irina ignores Karma’s scathing comment. It’s a wonder how the red-haired boy can get on her nerves. But she feels good nonetheless. Her reputation as the ‘Bitch’ comes nowhere near close to Nik’s more reviled one… even if he did nothing of the sort. In retrospect, maybe Irina was a little too impatient to ‘seduce’ someone. It almost got her killed.

So, the lack of the murderous white-haired twins and their jovial ‘big sister’ makes Irina just as happy as the disappointment of Nik’s absence. He hadn’t returned to the school since he left in a hurry. Revy was the same. Not that Irina cares about the latter in any form. In Irina’s mind, it’s Revy’s fortune that Nik didn’t get enough time to spend with the former. The blonde seductress licks her lips. It would be easy to charm—

Irina’s thoughts stall as Tadaomi makes his way with a stormy look.

“This is a school trip,” he snarls. “Change your clothes.”

“Hmph~!” Irina tilts her head with a cocky smirk as she reveals a generous swath of her smooth skin. “You should be grateful. My experience will help the students understand how to adapt to the external environment through fashion and—”

Veins map Tadaomi’s face. It’s more than stress, Irina notices. His expression doesn’t require a refusal as he growls, “Change your clothes.”

If it wasn’t for the threat of Tadaomi leaving her here, which he would should she keep testing him, Irina would not have cared.

As things are, she falters, feeling hurt and disappointed. Pouting, she drags her suitcase onto the train. “Fine,” she grumbles.

Koro arrives on time, more than excited. He wears a shoddy disguise. Seeing him, Tadaomi opens his mouth to say something before growing silent. Instead, he gestures to Nagisa.

“Nagisa-kun,” Tadaomi calls.

“Yes, Sensei?”

“Keep a close eye on your classmates once you board the train. You and Karma ensure that others inform me before they leave their seats for any purpose.”

Nagisa blinks in surprise.

Meanwhile, an unsightly expression appears on Irina’s beautiful features. More than half of the seats in the compartment belong to the students. However, the remaining compartments already have other passengers seated.

One glance at them allows Irina to understand all of them are…

Seasoned.

Well, all of them being Russians might sound stereotypical, but it ain’t racist if you’re right.

Irina knows she’s right.

Murderers and killers—all of them. No wonder Tadaomi looked stressed.

Even Irina’s stressed.

Her reputation amongst Russian Dealers isn’t the best.

Thinking of something, Irina moves back and enters a different cart before her expression stiffens.

Other passengers might seem ordinary, but that’s not true…

<<<>>>

‘Everyone is dangerous,’ Nik frowns as he leans against one side of the engine room. He isn’t alone. And perhaps the most dangerous man stood not far from him with a gentle smile on his aged features. Shoulder-length white locks scatter as he matches Nik’s violet orbs with his quiet blue hues—Accu-mulet.

“It is nice to meet you again, Nut-Cracking-Messiah,” the self-proclaimed interplanar merchant greets with a straight face. “Have you and your partner been well?”

Nik nods with a smile, not letting his caution betray his expression. “We are well. What about you? Is your partner with us today?”

“Oh, yes,” Accu-mulet chuckles. A three-piece suit covers Accu-mulet’s metallic body to meld into the crowd and not induce unconsciousness into everyone wherever he goes. Like Nik, Accu-mulet’s partner is nowhere to be seen. As for Ray? She is on the train. However, things are too strange. They decided to practice caution and spread their options by not huddling together.

Another presence enters the cab compartment of the train before Nik can ask about Accu-mulet’s partner. The newcomer is a green-haired youth looking no older than 15. But this boy might be the most high-profile case after Accu-mulet!

The Herd. It isn’t the boy’s chat ID but the name granted on his bounty after he cleaved through almost half of the underground lords using… insects.

This boy and Accu-mulet inspired Nik to target the country’s underwater defenses by going after the nearby submarines.

“Welcome,” Accu-mulet smiles. “Let me make introductions since I have met every remaining host.” He speaks as Nik discreetly using spirit senses to measure the Herd’s energy reserves.

‘Slightly more than me,’ Nik observes. ‘But his reserves seem to be of higher quality than mine despite the similar quantity. It should be the effect of walking a defined power system.’ Nik lacks this since he only went through one world.

“Nut-Cracking-Messiah, this is Managed-Ant,” Accu-mulet introduces. The green-haired Managed-Ant nods at Nik before sending a friend request, something Nik accepts.

“What kind of chat handle is Nut-Cracking-Messiah? Is it a kink?” Managed-Ant questions rhetorically as he sits on the empty chair. “I use the name Managed-Ant since I like using all sorts of insects.” He doesn’t bother hiding his skills.

“Shouldn’t it be Managed-Insect, then?” Nik ponders.

“Ah, I began with ants,” the green-haired boy smiles.

‘So, what kind of bloodline does he have? Is he also unshackled?’ Nik returns the smile.

“It’s not a kink,” he answers the previous question as the silence descends on the compartment.

“Oh?! I thought I smelled you!” A cold cackle echoes as a figure draped in dark robes barges into the compartment. He tugs his hood back, revealing a pale face, deep red eyes, and shoulder-length black hair. Violence and peace somehow co-exist in his gaze as he beams at Nik before glancing at Managed-Ant.

“You, too,” Lava-Head narrows his eyes. “You’ve been a pain in my ass. I would have killed you if it wasn’t for paradise’s restrictions.”

“Please,” Managed-Ant smirks. “Stop with the bullshit. My dearies would suck on your vampiric blood.”

“Welcome, Lava-Head,” Accu-mulet interjects.

“Hmm,” Lava-Head grunts as he finds a spot for himself. “How many of us are joining?”

“Who knows?” Managed-Ant shrugs. “How many of us remain, Accu-mulet?”

“Including us, 9. I hope more comrades join,” Accu-mulet replies. “But we will begin the meeting once the train begins moving. The information about the method to tackle the mission should remain with us, too.”

Their wait doesn’t last long as one final host steps into the compartment right before the train starts moving. The figure looks more conspicuous than the pale Lava-Head or the cyborg Accu-mulet. But Nik is keenly aware that three other hosts, including Ray, are on this train but not present in the meeting.

This individual removes his mask and hood, revealing a blue-skinned man. His eyes and hair are crimson red as a dark blue, heart-tipped devil’s tail curls behind him. The man smiles at the other four, saying, “I’m Duck-Tape. Pleased to meet you.” His teeth are sharper than Rosarita’s as he observes everyone.

“Right, I know Accu-mulet,” he mumbles, “And you’re called the Herd by the government.”

“Managed-Ant,” the boy replies.

“Hmm,” the devilish host nods. “You’re Dracule.”

“Nah,” Lava-Head shrugs. “They took my bloodline skills too seriously. I’m nothing compared to the progenitor. It’s Lava-Head.”

Duck-Tape nods and glances at Nik.

“Nut-Cracking-Messiah,” Nik offers, letting his gaze wander onto the devil. Nik is sure that Lava-head and Duck-Tape have a better-ranked bloodline, most likely rare ones in their respective ranks, too.

As the train moves, Nik continues, “Before we begin this meeting, I have something to say.” His words attract their attention as he flips his hand and produces pictures. “These men and women are abducted for the Infinite Auction. Or perhaps personal amusement. No matter which, I would like to have them back. I’m willing to pay.”

The pictures belong to Dutch, Benny, Chang, Eda, and Garcia.

Other hosts glance at them before Duck-Tape admits, “I have them all. How much are you willing to fork out?”

Conversations like these are the norm among the Hosts. They don’t care about killing each other as much as maximizing their profits. So, Duck-Tape doesn’t mind selling his ‘gains’ without being stubborn about things or making it more difficult for Nik and having a host as an enemy.

“I believe the slaves sold in Auctions are ranked 1-6 based on their talents and origins. Aside from the main target, everyone else should be considered a Rank 1 commodity,” Nik continues calmly. Maybe Ray would have trouble calling someone a commodity, but Nik doesn’t. He’s willing to use even more derogatory terms if it would let him earn Garcia back safe and sound. As for others? His concern for Chang is the least. Meanwhile, Eda, Dutch, and Benny must offer compensation once he rescues them.

“Rank 1 Slave can go for upto 150 Rank 1 AP,” Duck-Tape smirks.

“Special ones, yes,” Nik nods. He’s learned much about the Infinite Auction from Ray.

“All of these are special,” Duck-Tape scoffs, increasing the value of his goods. “I don’t mind telling you that I read their minds using the Mind-Altering Scepter. Each of them is resourceful, even the kid. I also used them as bait for other inhabitants of this world to enter the train,” the devil crosses his arms. “But it seems they have your support. I won’t make things hard, but I’m here to profit. 80 AP each.”

Nik deadpans at the devil as other hosts remain quiet.

“Don’t bother hiding your concerns,” Duck-Tape’s crimson pupils flash. “I just exchanged 20 AP with Lava-Head for the information about you having a soft spot for the kid and you being in a team of sorts with the men named Dutch and Benny. Although, I already knew some of it by controlling their minds, too.”

Nik blandly glances at Lava-Head, who snickers shamelessly. “What? We’ll be rich after completing the mission. Don’t mind these small plots.”

Nik hums, nodding, “Let’s commence the trade once we deal with the target.”

As he says this, Nik also sends out a message.

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: Found the host who has Garcia and the others. It’s the same blue-skinned devil that almost got you with the twins. He’s Chat ID is Duck-Tape. It’s as we thought. He can read their minds and induce obedience. He should know more about us than we know about him.]

[Smexy-succu-succu: Got it. Keep me informed about Accu-mulet’s plan, too. Also, Nik… the train is packed with assassins.]

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: Them and two other hosts. One of them is Joseph. He must be upto something since he isn’t with his class. The other one… he’s in the last compartment. Stay away from that host if possible. I don’t like how his chi feels.]

“Wonderful~!” Duck-Tape beams.

“Now then,” Accu-mulet exhales. “Let’s begin.” The man takes out a strange item. It’s a semi-elliptical device with strange grooves on its surface.

These grooves are scratched a centimeter into the item, forming strange marks.

“Oh?” Duck-Tape perks up. “Are these runes?”

“Runes?” Lava-Head blinks. “You mean the high-quality language the Paradise won’t translate?”

Nik and Managed-Ant remain clueless as Accu-mulet explains patiently.

“The paradise instills an auto-translation amongst other hosts through the Scar of Infinite blessed onto us. However, it cannot translate ‘languages’ capable of manipulating the forces of the world. The cost adds up. Runes is one of the most well-known languages, classified into several groups based on different worlds.”

Explaining so, Accu-mulet waves his hand. “This item is called—Will’s Collection. It’s one of the series items ranging from Rank 1-9, costing 350 AP of the corresponding rank. It extracts and stores the target’s will.” Before continuing, Accu-mulet inquires, “Are you all aware why, aside from exceptions, we need to use the limiter rings to display our true might?”

The question is rhetorical, as Accu-mulet explains, “It’s because of the World’s Will. Every world, plane, planet, or extraterrestrial dimension capable of hosting life of any nature has a conscious will. It’s why hosts like us cannot devour different planets for AP. This consciousness instinctively rejects outsiders like us.”

“This will, or radiation, suppresses us. Of course, it’s useless if we’re sufficiently strong. In some cases, there are inhabitants of the world so strong the World’s Will itself experiences a mutation, lifting some of its constraints and positively reinforcing the other individuals to balance the stakes.”

“Chances are, the Rank-6 target’s existence will eventually raise the limits of this world. After all, humans have great adaptability to the supernatural. So, the odds were stacked against us when it comes to killing the target.”

“What exceptions?” Managed-Ant suddenly questions. “You said there are exceptions the World’s Will cannot deal with.”

Accu-mulet nods. “I will explain these exceptions at the end. Please don’t interrupt my flow.”

“Hmm, I apologize,” Managed-Ant nods, his attitude surprising Lava-Head.

“As I was saying, our target is a result of an experiment. The target’s unnatural occurrence ensures that even if not immediate, the World will adapt and give rise to figures stunningly strong enough to tackle him, in other words—Rank 6 powerhouses. But we aren’t afforded the luxury of waiting till then.”

“Here, take a look at the data I collected.”

Accu-mulet offers a folder to the present hosts as they go through it. Nik’s expression changes, like the rest. But he’s shocked about other things. ‘Does Accu-mulet also have metaknowledge, or does he have someone near Kunugigaoka High? Well, someone does fit the description.’

“Damn,” Duck-Tape grits his jaws. “How are we supposed to kill someone like him? It’ll take a host with Legendary or Mythical Bloodline!”

“Or similar gene upgrades,” Managed-Ant hisses.

“Here, look at the psychological weakness. We can use the students he’s protecting,” Lava-Head mutters. “No,” he suddenly frowns. “He’s too fast. He’ll kill us before we even register our first threat.”

“That’s where this plan should come in, right?” Nik glances at Accu-mulet. “So? What is it?”

“This Will’s Collection has my homeworld’s Will,” Accu-mulet smiles. “Once set, it will change the metaphysical radiations inside the train to match my homeworld—”

“Hell, no!” Lava-Head snorts. “We’ll be at your mercy. Won’t you be free to deal with us if this item changes the train’s interior to match your homeworld? We’ll be suppressed while you will be free.”

“Wait,” Nik frowns. “You’re forgetting something. Look at the file. Accu-mulet went out of his way to collect all this data, including this creature’s behavioral patterns, to get late when excited. That’s why this creature… er, this Korosensei got to train on time. Accu-mulet wouldn’t set this farce if things were so simple.”

“Nut-Cracking-Messiah’s words make sense,” Duck-Tape hums.

“Indeed,” Accu-mulet sighs. “This item’s use requires a medium. I cannot just ‘activate’ it with a chant since its theological foundation stems from a sacrificial power system. Once used, my body will disappear.”

“You will die?” Managed-Ant looks weird.

“Only this body will,” Accu-mulet shrugs. “Everything else, including my Scar of Infinity, will transfer to the clone waiting at the Kyoto Station.”

“So, your plan is to make us do your dirty work?” Duck-Tape scoffs.

“My plan is to create an environment where our target will be forced to become as mortal as the rest,” Accu-mulet smiles. “Meanwhile, hosts like you will have the convenience of limiter rings.”

“What are the exceptions you mentioned earlier?” Managed-Ant repeats his question.

Accu-mulet smiles.

***

Alternate Title: Saki Got That Dawg In Her; Sniffing Nik Out; Hentai Characters Do Be Freaky; Irina; Irina’s Senses; The Two Strange Women; Train of Assassins; A Cart of Russians?; Strange Seating Plans; Strict Tadaomi; More Than Stress; The Trip Begins; The Students Amongst Assassins; The Meeting Spot; Arrivals; Managed-Ant and Duck-Tape; Ants Are Supreme; The Polite Herd?; Initiating Trade; The World of Hosts; There Are No Arrogant Youngs Masters, Eh?; Finding Target; Close Communication; Will’s Collection; The Suppression of World; Jujutsu Lore Convention; Korosensei: I Alone Am The Tentacled One; A Challenge Word High Bloodline and Gene Warriors; The Runic Language; The Sacrificial Item; A Simple and Drastic Plan