Paradise of Infinity: 326

Title: Arrogance’s Price

“Ah, you are—”

Ray smiles at the bespectacled girl sitting on her lonesome in the school library. Fair-skinned and as elegant as the woman looked, she was still mesmerized by Ray’s appearance up close as the white-haired minx sat across the schoolgirl with a charming grin.

“I’m Ray,” the woman with sincere and ‘illicit’ goals introduces herself, “I’m the new staff addition to class 3-E’s building.”

“Yukio Washimine,” the girl strains a smile as Ray’s grin broadens. “Don’t worry. Nobody will think less of you chatting with someone from 3-E, even if it’s a staff member.”

“I didn’t think that,” Yukio shakes her head.

“What are you reading?” Ray leans forward, glancing over the texts. “Oh? Philosophy? It’s motivating, right?”

“Yes,” Yukio replies reservedly, unsure of her meeting with the woman she saw this morning by the school gates. Ray leans back, wondering what to do. She planned to take things seriously until Koro ‘mildly’ threatened her, giving the succubus enough reason to shit her pretty pink panties and direct her focus on the primary target.

‘Even though us hosts are changing things, it’s not enough. The chances of Balalaika confronting Tsugio, killing him, and the event forcing Yukio into a life of crime are high. I would rather not try and control Balalaika, risking Nik’s ire. A sour partnership could be the quickest way to die.’

Ray would wonder if it’s moral of her to control Yukio and keep the woman off such a life. She already dealt with Chaka, but he was merely the trigger. Yukio’s always been too intelligent for her well-being, willing to be a sacrificial pawn if it means proving she’s resolved in her decisions. Of course, such doubts of ethics flew out of her mind alongside her plan to slowly ‘seduce’ Yukio out of such a life when Koro wrapped one thick, slimy tentacle around her neck as he continued to refurbish her office space with a grin so cruel that the Succubus couldn’t easily match the being with his manga counterpart.

‘I can’t focus on Yukio, the twins, and others around Koro. No wonder Nik feared the creature. I forgot that anything that strong and unknown is scary because I remember the Manga.’ She exhales, noting. ‘Actually, I can’t even be sure they are the same Korosensei! It’s just better if I take care of it now. Besides, none of us are immortals. Yukio will die eventually. I just don’t want her to commit suicide.’

“Yukio,” Ray rests her face on her hand, muttering in boredom. “Are there any philosophical quotes on the term ‘Power?’”

“Hmm?” Yukio glances from her book, reflexively stating, “Absolute power corrupts.”

Ray blinks, interested, “What if it’s from one perspective? What if the individual with absolute power knows what he’s doing, but the people on the other side cannot perceive his intent?”

The succubus doesn’t claim to be better than others just because she reads Manga. Yukio is a girl who spent her life learning knowledge, so Ray believes she stands to learn something new.

“Are you talking about God, Ray-Sensei?” Yukio inclines her head.

Ray shakes her head, “A human.”

“Then Power always corrupts,” Yukio smiles, explaining herself with slight eagerness. “Humans cannot stay the same and change. Since we are perishable, time corrupts our existence from the moment of our birth. It ages us and eventually rots us. Anything in a human’s possession has the strength to change and corrupt the person from what they were at the time of gaining it.”

Blushing, Yukio looks into her book. “I didn’t mean to lecture, but that’s my belief. Corruption and change are one and the same with slightly different results.”

“You are truly an intelligent girl, Yukio,” Ray smiles as a subtle scent emerges from her, prompting Yukio to look at Ray and meet the latter’s hazily glowing pink irides.

“I want you to stay away from Washimine Group’s issues and live a regular life with your guard, Ginji Matsuzaki. Oh, and you don’t ever think of suicide.”

Yukio nods in a daze until she snaps out. The Class 3-A’s princess looks around, finding nobody as she frowns in confusion.

Unknown to Yukio AND Ray, a creature with his skin shifted dark hides in darkness, grinning and whispering a low giggly, “Nyufufufufu. Isn’t that a dangerous skill? These two are different from Class 3-D’s Homeroom teacher.”

---

A beige sedan pulls over to a small club as the passenger seat’s window rolls down, revealing Tsugio Bando’s grim appearance. He stares at the two bulky Russian ‘friends’ of his flanking the club’s entrance, intimidating any and all customers away.

One of Tsugio’s subordinates steps out of the sedan, opening the door for the main boss as the Washimine Group’s leader steps out, adjusting his coat and walking into Kousa Council’s Club, only to find the two Russians intercepting his path. Knowing these two cannot speak Japanese, Tsugio gestures to one of his men to accept the note from the guard’s hand, reading it aloud.

“Boss, that woman wants you to enter alone!”

Tsugio frowns as Yoshida, one of Washimine Group’s enforcers, grits his teeth. “It’s a trap, Boss!”

“It’s alright,” Tsugio dismisses Yoshida’s concern. “Stay here.”

He walks ahead, his path unbarred by Balalaika’s men, as he steps into a destroyed location.

*Bzzt*

Dim ceiling lights flicker alongside electrical buzzes as Tsugio hears the crunch of a breaking glass under his shoes. He looks around, observing broken counters, splintered chairs and tables, bent poles, and a pool of unconscious men spread all around the floor. Some hang from the broken railings of the first floor, while some lie face-first on the dancer’s platform.

Tsugio soon notices one untouched booth with working lights, making his way to it. He comes across a peculiar trio. There was Balalaika, of course, alongside a slightly scuffed Revy and an unbothered Nik flipping pages through an engineering book for some reason. However, Tsugio’s gaze cannot linger on the trio longer than necessary due to the small hill of pistols and other firearms on the table.

Taking a seat, Tsugio begins as he lights a cigarette. “It’s quite the location you chose for our meeting.”

“It’s not something Vasili Laptev would dare do,” Nik translates Balalaika’s response, continuing, “Granted if you think he is still alive and believe he didn’t use your situation as a means to force me to stay in this Country.”

“I don’t understand,” Tsugio narrows his eyes.

“You lied to me,” Balalaika smiles, her blue eyes shimmering with surprising amusement despite being blindsided. “I would offer you the hospitality of a drink. However, we don’t have any workers. Not yet, anyway.”

Tsugio’s expression slightly darkens as Balalaika continues, “It will be an adequate place to operate in the next few months. I am not thinking of adding prostitutes and whatnot. They muddy the business since sex gets men talking, even my own. Ah, I do need you to do one thing. You, Tsugio Bando of Washimine Group, will occupy this club in your group’s name.”

“Absolutely not,” Tsugio curtly replies.

“I’m not finished,” Balalaika smiles. “I never told you what kind of dancers I’m thinking of having, did I?” The scarred woman leans back, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. “I’m thinking of inexperienced schoolgirls.”

Nik frowns slightly but keeps his thoughts until the third party isn’t present.

“Girls ripe for taking, just a few months short of their graduation. I hear it’s becoming a rising issue in Japan, no? Young girls wandering the streets, looking for illicit communions with wealthier, lonelier men forced to work till they tire their bones and spirit alike, tch, tch—how sad.”

Tsugio’s frown deepens as Balalaika sips her drink, adding, “Girls like Yukio Washimine.”

The leader of Washimine Group stills after hearing the name of his previous boss’ daughter. He grounds his jaw and snarls, “Listen—”

“You will compensate for spitting on my good faith,” Balalaika continues. “I came all the way to Japan to solve your problem. It was going to be direct, simple, and bloody. However, the Washimine Group cannot even match the integrity of the scummiest of my men. THAT will cost you.”

The woman leans forward, “You are lucky that I’m in a good mood, Mister Tsugio. I won’t ask for compensation next time. And if there IS a next time, I will make you watch how the ones you swore to protect work for Kousa’s strip club before I pick one of these guns and empty it inside your head.”

Tsugio glances at Nik and Revy before staring at the guns.

“Pick it up,” Balalaika smiles. “See what happens next.”

“The Washimine Group cannot be seen working together with the Russians,” Tsugio forcibly calms himself. “Not only the Kanto Peace Council, but even the Leader-”

“The White Death,” Balalaika hisses softly, “Does not care. Do you know how I know this? Because he and the others up above us have a different natural disaster to tackle. Look around yourself, Tsugio Bando. No gun took these men out. What do you think will happen when I pick the gun and point it at the Washimine Group instead?”

The corner of Tsugio’s eyes twitch as his restless hand urges him to pick one of the guns and unload it on the dangerous woman Laptev promised to deal with!

However, they can’t possibly be loaded.

“Yukio Washimine is not part of the Washimine Group,” Tsugio points out. “She has nothing to do with this.”

Balalaika doesn’t reply and sips her drink instead, as if not hearing Nik’s translation.

“If we’re seen working together, the initial reason for your arrival would become pointless. The Washimine Group will be surrounded by the entire Underworld Organization in Japan if the Kanto Peace Council disapproves of our action!”

“Would you rather die now knowing everything you sacrificed to keep your Group alive is pointless, or later knowing you did everything you could?”—Questions Balalaika with peculiar depth in her voice that communicated more than Nik’s translation.

“You already sold your soul to the devil once the Washimine dabbled in drugs and trafficking,” Balalaika chuckles. “Wouldn’t you want to see it all the way?”

Tsugio’s expression slightly shifts as he leans back, expressing, “I need some time to think about this matter.”

“Of course,” Balalaika smirks. “I still expect you to lay claim on this club. You may leave when you like.”

Tsugio frowns, not waiting for another second to escape the room, leaving the trio alone.

“Wow,” Revy picks up her glass of rum. “I never thought I’d see Anego bargaining.”

“Do you expect me to pick a war with two gangs without proper ammunition?” Balalaika sneers, glancing at the small hill of guns. “These shitty guns would never get the job done. And I can’t keep sending you and Nik to hospitalize others when I clearly said they’re fine if they can move and hole themselves in one spot.”

The blue-eyed woman glances at Nik, “Anything to add?”

“Not really,” Nik sniffs, picking up the book again. “I just thought it’s better to break a few bones.”

“I don’t pay you to think,” Balalaika scoffs.

“I never got paid for it,” Nik shrugs. “I was promised a payment. Who knows when that happens?”

Balalaika exhales as she questions, “Do you know why I wanted to join you two tonight?”

“Because it’s Japan, and you’re bored like me?” Revy offers.

“Because you miss me already?” Nik questions with a hopeful expression.

Balalaika stares at the duo, sighing, “It’s to see how you make buildings disappear. Was that so hard to guess? And Revy? Did you hit a salon? What’s with the hair and nails?”

*Snnrk*

Nik muffles his laugh while Revy glares at the youth, snarling, “Not a word!” She snorts, looking at Balalaika, “It was nothing.”

“Hmm, I see. There’s one more thing, Revy. Could you leave the two of us alone?”

“Why?” the brunette frowns.

“You know why. Or would you like to see the lick of payment Nik’s demanding?”

Revy matches Nik’s stare, frowning harder as she chews her lips in frustration. She doesn’t answer as Balalaika puts her cigar out, scooching to Nik’s side of the U-shaped sofa and slowly taking the book away from him, tossing it away.

“Last chance, Revy,” Balalaika breathes against Nik’s jaw as the girl clenches her fist, contemplating if she should point one of the guns at Balalaika since they didn’t remove the ammo. Realizing that the act may excite Balalaika further, Revy tosses the idea out of her head while staring at the Russian’s illicit hand atop his crotch. It’s a wonder how Nik can get hard so quickly since he’s pitching a tent against the blonde’s hand.

“Quite the audience,” Balalaika whispers, pecking Nik’s ear and blowing hotly as her other hand runs over his chest, unbuttoning his shirt as the lower hand unzips and unbuttons his trousers. Glancing at Revy from the corner of her eyes, Balalaika licks her lips, “I would even offer you to join us, Revy. Unfortunately, I’m not as good as you to share what I like.”

“Oh, yeah?” Revy snorts, crossing her arms as Sofia tugs his meat out, stroking it in the private booth surrounded by beaten and unconscious men. “Say that again when he sleeps with me tonight.”

The Russian smirks, eyeing Revy the entire time as she brings her lips onto Nik’s, sliding her tongue inside his mouth. Meanwhile, he simply enjoys the moment, not bothered by their words enough to intervene.

His experience suggests that the ladies should work things out until the process is verbal.

Balalaika glides her hand across his shaft, shifting away from his lips to whisper, “Is this taste enough?” Her grip tightens, and her coo turns hotter, “Or will you continue saving these men by crippling them?”

Nik chuckles. There’s blunt defiance in his gaze as he replies, “I am sorry about lying. However, I can’t just conspire the death of strangers.”

Balalaika shifted her lips onto his jaw, peppering her way down to his neck and licking his flesh. “You’re still deluding yourself as if you’re better, aren’t you?”

“Just different,” Nik glances at Revy as she refuses to look away, adding, “Not better.”

“Annoying, certainly,” Sofia remarks, bending down further until her lips reach his twitching tip. Her warm exhale leaves it wanting more as it strains and hardens against her grip. “What about you, Revy?” Balalaika pecks the cock head, kissing away the moist build-up of precum. “What’s your excuse? Or did you lose your nerve?”

She tucks her bangs behind her ears, glancing at Revy. “Did you feel different and entered his world?”

If she didn't understand her statement, Revy would assume that Balalaika knew about Nik. The brunette’s gaze shakes slightly, faltering under Balalaika’s mocking glance until a large palm gently seizes Sofia’s ponytail.

“Oh? And YOU know of my world, do you?” His free hand slams down on her free ass, making her yelp with the sting. “Stick to sucking me off, Sofia,” Nik glances at Revy, winking. “And you best believe I’ll be showing you a brand new world, too?”

---

The ride back to Hotel Moscow was silent, with Nik shifting uncomfortably. It isn’t until Revy gasps that the silence breaks.

“Alladin! I knew I heard those words before!”

“I haven’t watched it,” Balalaika shrugs. “What is it? Hollywood?”

“Uh, a cartoon. One of the rare few I ever got to watch,” Revy smirks and glances at Nik, who scoffs, “I still stand by my words.”

“Oh?” Balalaika licks her lips. “Do you?”

Nik winces in pain as he works his jaws, “Never interfere in a conversation between two women.”

“I thought the takeaway from the booth was never spanking Anego while demanding to suck you off, or she’ll bite you,” Revy clicks her tongue.

“And I saw how buildings can disappear. So it was a fruitful evening for all of us,” Balalaika blinks, smiling somewhat sweetly. “Isn’t that right, Nik?”

“You know, it won’t hurt me tomorrow. But I bet it’s taking all out of you to sit like that without showing it on your face,” Nik retorts, watching the passing streets until he speaks up, “Can you make a left here, Boris? I’ll return to the hotel later. You guys go on without me.”

Boris glances at Balalaika, who nods.

The interior turns silent once again after Nik’s departure. Balalaika and Revy quietly stare at each other until the former raises an eyebrow, “Now that I look at it closely… you even got your brows threaded, Revy.”

“S-Shut up!” Revy blushes, vowing vengeance upon the ‘confidential’ creature as she crosses her arms, adding, “And I didn’t lose my nerve.”

“You’re still on about that?” Balalaika blinks, waving her hand, “Cheer up, that was just teasing. You should have seen what Nik and I did the first night. He nearly blew my brains out.”

Revy’s lips part open until an egg can fit in as the Russian continues, “I AM a little peeved we had to end our little break that way. What do you think I should do, Sergeant?”

Boris thins his lips before shrugging quietly.

“Why don’t you go fuck yourself?” Revy scoffs, glancing away.

Their car thumps suddenly as Balalaika’s expression changes. Fortunately, Revy doesn’t notice Balalaika’s cheeks rebelling against the slightest turns of the car as she clears her throat, “If it bothers you so much, why don’t you join us? I’m thinking of calling Nik tonight.”

“He isn’t your whore,” Revy replies blandly.

“Am I paying him?” Balalaika smirks. “Anyway, my room will be unlocked tonight.”

---

“Yo! You look carefree,” Nik smiles, greeting Ray in a cafe as she smirks. “I am. What about you? It looks like someone kicked you in the balls, Mr. Nut Cracking Messiah.”

Nik grunts as he sits, “Not my balls, but something similar. Although, it’s already starting to feel better. So? How can I help you?”

[Smexy-succu-succu: Let’s chat here.]

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: Ok. What’s up?]

[Smexy-succu-succu: I purchased something intriguing from Accu-mulet that needs a man’s touch. Remember when you found me with those men? I had them partially ‘drained’ to feed that item.]

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: What is it?]

[Smexy-succu-succu: Do you know what a Familiar is?]

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: I can guess.]

[Smexy-succu-succu: Well, the process is simple. You just have to touch the Familiar’s Egg for 10 minutes. I’ll pay 5 AP for every session. We can stop if you feel weak before ten minutes.]

Nik contemplates the offer over coffee, questioning a few things for confirmation’s sake before agreeing to the matter. Their conversation shifts from the topic of Ray’s Familiar to Koro as Ray affirms they can take him out in the most favorable situation. All they need to do now is lay the groundwork for their mission since the existence of another host in the school means that not all teams gave up on the assignment.

The first week into their world had the duo working with Lagoon and Yellow Flag, but Nik believes that convenience will soon end. It’s a shame, he admits. He did want to get to know Eda and Shenhua better.

‘Balalaika won’t say why, but her trip’s extended for the year. Could it be because of Koro? Still, she’s paying for our stay. Not that I need it, but Revy does.’ He exhales.

---

*Bang*

*Bang*

*Bang*

Roberta continues shooting in the darkness, and the odd scream of Garcia fades into the distance as she bites her bottom lip until blood drips down her chin. Her expression violently changes as she clenches her fist and shouts!

Remembering something, the maid dressed in a bloodied gown rushes past darkness, quickly locating a weak figure.

“Master, it’s alright!” She hurriedly speaks, checking the man’s pulse before reaching for the nearby telephone.

Someone attacked the Lovelace Manor!

***

Alternate Title: Yukio Washimine; Ray’s Determination; Power Corrupts; Mortal Always Corrupts; The Wise Girl; The Succubus’ Act; The Creature in the Darkness; Nyufufufufu Intensifies; Korosensei Planning His Own Death As If His Birthday Party; The New Club; Balalaika’s Threat; The Stripping Game; Compensation; A Negotiation Tactic?; Balalaika’s Payment; Revy Likes To Watch; Chomp Chomp; Can’t Sit Still; Balalaika’s Apple Ass; Ray’s Task?; Good Payment; Affirmation; Laying Groundwork; Where They Are Meant To Be; A Pity; Garcia Can’t Catch a Break; Caught; Injured Diego; The Creature in the Darkness

***

Tsugio Bando

Yoshida

Yukio Washimine