Chapter 4: Home 1

  I could barely keep the smile that threatened to split my face in two under control.

  I watched my beloved niece with a mix of pride and happiness as she entertained herself by making origami figures and having fun with the rescued. We had already gotten everyone aboard the paper airplane and were on our way to the city of Catalxor.

  Getting them on board hadn’t exactly been a walk in the park: I had to knock them unconscious so they wouldn’t panic when they saw me using my insects to pull them out. Then convincing them they were safe and getting them to step onto the paper airplane was a whole different story.

  But Paper managed to encourage them to get on and relax. One of the countless reasons I’m proud of her.

  During the trip, I took advantage of the moment to rest briefly and review information about recent events, including the criminal organization we’d destroyed. That was where my pride in my niece came from.

  She didn’t know it, but that small army she faced was no joke. That group of two hundred and thirty-two members could have crushed most Rank 7s in the world. And yet, she killed them all with an unbelievable ease. How could I not be proud of that achievement?

  How could I not swell with pride seeing how much my little paper scrap has grown? She went from being a defenseless little girl to the most adorable superpower in existence.

  Pride ballooned in my chest. All the effort, sweat, and tears she poured out to get here made me feel incredibly proud.

  I watched her laugh as she distracted the poor children who, until then, had only known hell. Even the older ones had their spirits lifted by her antics.

  I was in such a good mood that I had to close my eyes for a moment so it wouldn’t show on my face.

  I felt at peace.

  Moments like that hadn’t been so common lately. But my little paper scrap had grown.

  “Maybe I should let her fight a Rank 7?”

  I wasn’t so sure about that thought. On one hand, Paper could easily handle most Rank 7s worldwide. On the other, I didn’t like the idea of letting her face an opponent that dangerous.

  Don’t get me wrong—she’s so powerful now that almost no one in Rank 7 could put her in a tight spot. But her attitude… doesn’t inspire confidence.

  I could almost imagine her playing around with an enemy of that level and getting herself killed without even realizing it.

  It might look like she beat one with absurd ease, but that was because I didn’t underestimate him!

  As soon as the fight began, I attacked him with everything I had, avoiding only the double-edged techniques. Her… I can’t see her taking even a Rank 7 seriously.

  As I turned my eyes back to her happiness, I noticed one of the newly rescued slaves.

  Her height, build, and hair were almost identical to Paper’s. She looked like a shadowy, washed-out version of a Rank 6 Paper.

  The poor girl laughed beside my niece, probably enjoying these brief moments of peace. They looked like sisters.

  “So weak… everything she must have suffered?”

  I couldn’t help that sad thought.

  The girl might be Rank 6, but her aura was extremely weak—especially compared to Pap’s right beside her.

  Her conceptual ability was so dim you’d barely even notice she had one.

  Seeing that child made me think about how lucky Paper is now. Even though she had her difficulties, she was born with monstrous talent… and with an uncle who knew how to guide her down the best path.

  That’s key in this world.

  Talent!

  Unfortunately, without talent, it doesn’t matter how hard you try in this life: you’ll never amount to anything.

  That’s how cruel this world is.

  But don’t get me wrong. If you work every day to increase your power, you might surpass someone talented who doesn’t work hard.

  But you will never defeat someone talented who worked just as hard as you.

  This girl, like everyone here, was not born with the incredible talent that Paper and I have.

  Pap not only has impressive control over both her conceptual ability and her internal energy. She has also learned to push them to the limit, creating paper attacks that move at speeds close to light.

  This is mainly due to her perfect control, her incredible learning ability, and above all, the perfection of her reflexes.

  As for me, I’m so in tune with my conceptual ability that I’m practically a magnet for vermin.

  In my hive I have all Ranks, from 1 to 10. Though starting at Rank 8, the strain in my body is so intense it becomes unbearable.

  You’re probably wondering:

  Internal energy? Numbered Ranks? Conceptual abilities? What are all those things?

  I’m not entirely sure myself. It’s said that three thousand years ago, “The Great Dinamo” created this world and all life in it.

  He created the Ranks with a fixed amount of energy that separated them. That is, all individuals of the same Rank have the same amount of energy.

  But if that’s true… how did two Rank 4s take down so many higher Ranks so easily?

  The answer is simple and complex at the same time.

  First, even though internal energy is equal within a Rank, both the output of that energy and its quality are not.

  Output depends on your birth. Technically it can be increased, but it’s difficult.

  That’s how unfair this world is.

  The same goes for quality.

  And conceptual abilities?

  Dinamo created those too. He gave one to every übermensch on this land.

  These abilities can be anything: a material object, an animal, a plant, or even an abstract concept.

  Anything!

  If I’m being honest, I’m not completely sure about these claims. I feel like something doesn’t add up, but I can’t identify what information I’m missing.

  Besides, there are other things that don’t sit right with me: the domes and the humans who live in them… why doesn’t Dinamo allow Ranks 9 and 10 on the planet? Why does he allow criminals to roam freely if he’s supposedly “benevolent”?

  There are many more questions, but I don’t want to give a lecture right now.

  In summary: if you aren’t born with talent, this life will be practically impossible for you.

  But the better question is:

  Why am I rambling about all this when I have a criminal to interrogate?

  Stopping my time-wasting of staring at my niece and reflecting on how cruel the world is, I took a look inside my hive, where I’d left him… right next to his boss. So he could see, from the front row, what awaits him if he’s lying to me.

  “Guess it’s time to read his memories.”

  With that in mind, I split off part of my consciousness and plunged into my hive.

  NARRATOR: PAPER

  “Can’t you see you’re embarrassing me?!” I complained mentally to my super mega affectionate uncle.

  I could see him trying—unsuccessfully—to hide that creepy smile of his while he stared at me.

  Didn’t he realize how weird he looked right now?!

  I’d noticed a while ago, so I was speeding up the paper airplane to reach Catalxor as fast as possible and escape this torment. Meanwhile, I distracted myself by giving these poor souls—at least for a while—something to smile about.

  I will never understand why there are people who like tormenting others… Well, as long as they aren’t bad people or fire users. How I hate them!

  They were all women, and you didn’t have to be a genius to imagine the hell they’d been through.

  “Maybe I should’ve killed them more cruelly?”

  Sometimes I was too soft when the gap in power turned a fight into a bland massacre. But those bastards didn’t deserve my mercy!

  We were already close; I could even see the city on the horizon. We’d arrive in a few short seconds.

  “Finally! I’ll be able to get rid of my unbearably sweet uncle.”

  —Aaah, it’s a shame, girls, but we’re almost there.

  Once inside the city, we’d have to guide them to the Civil Affairs Municipality. They handled everything related to this kind of situation.

  It wasn’t the first time we’d rescued slaves… and it probably won’t be the last.

  “Though lately it’s becoming frequent…”

  —So soon?

  One of the smallest girls—who couldn’t have been more than ten years old (those bastards were sick!)—asked me with her adorable little face tinted with sadness, staring at the floor.

  —Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll take you and your sisters for a walk around the city before leaving you in the Empire’s care. I promise all of you will be safe.

  I knelt to her height, looking her in the eyes. I wanted her to understand that as long as the Empire didn’t fall, it was impossible for anything to happen to her in Catalxor.

  —Y-you mean it?

  It was a question… no, a plea. She was almost crying.

  And she wasn’t the only one with that doubt. They were all looking at me with a mix of hope and fear.

  —I can promise that inside Catalxor, you’ll be safe. The Empire of Messias has very strict rules. They will protect you.

  Well… there were certain things I wasn’t going to explain to them right now, but it was true that the Empire would keep them safe.

  —Besides! The city is protected by a Rank 8.

  Just the mention that a Rank 8 kept the city protected seemed to ease most of them. In this land there were very few beings of that level or with similar power.

  Knowing you’d be under the protection of one was a great comfort.

  —A-and… will you visit us?

  —Of course I will! How could I not visit my new friends?

  With that sharp, direct remark, the heavy, gloomy atmosphere that had formed upon our arrival in the city finally dispersed.

  For now, the only thing I had to worry about was landing the plane.

  I could feel many powerful auras watching me from the city’s entrance as I looked for a good place to bring the plane down.

  “How strange, there are more guards than usual.”

  From the privileged view my altitude gave me, I could see a large concentration of soldiers gathered together. What’s more, there were even imperial guards.

  “Is there a party going on?” I thought with irony. It was strange for imperial guards to leave the capital. Something important must have happened.

  As I brought us closer to the ground, about a dozen meters from the gate, a group of soldiers mobilized to wait for us.

  —Who are you and what is your purpose?!

  The moment we touched down, that was our welcome: the interrogatory shout of what seemed to be an imperial guard… and a dozen soldiers aiming their weapons at us.

  It was a pretty tense situation, at least from an outside perspective.

  “How rude… Don’t they teach manners in the capital?”

  —Yes, sir. Here are my credentials. We are Volunteer Soldiers. We’ve just returned from a mission. Has something happened?

  My uncle stepped in before I could tell them what I thought about how they greet people in the capital.

  The guard who seemed to be in charge didn’t even bother looking at my uncle while he disinterestedly checked the documents verifying our identity. Until…

  —Rob?! T-the Endless Hive! Forgive my discourtesy, Sir Rob. Please proceed and ignore our presence.

  Faster than he’d arrived, the idiot handed the documents back to my uncle, turned around, and ran off.

  The idiots with him looked at each other, confused, until they realized who he was dealing with… and fled like their boss.

  —Well, that was fast.

  I tried to crack a joke to lighten the mood, but those real bastards didn’t hold back their auras at all, causing panic among all the girls.

  “If I see him again, I’ll make sure to punish him.”

  How could they harass a visiting group like that?

  Even if we were some kind of enemy—which would be unbelievably stupid, walking in this openly—that’s not how you do things.

  Worst of all: when they realized they were dealing with beings far above their level… they ran like cowards.

  —Ugh, let’s just go, Pap. We still have a lot to do before lunch.

  But don’t worry, I’ll make sure to notify the city’s leaders.

  Rob looked as indignant as I felt as we headed toward the entrance to register our access.

  The girls were quiet. All the good mood that had formed during the trip had disappeared.

  “I hope I can cheer them up on our shopping trip…”

  Instead of lining up, we went straight to the entrance. Because of our identities, we could enter through the VIP gate.

  The crowd waiting in line looked at us with admiration or fear, and it was obvious why. They had front-row seats to see us. Hehe.

  —Hi! Carlitos, Juanito, and Joaquincito, on duty as always—anything fun happen lately?

  —Grr, no. When are you going to stop calling me that?

  Carlitos was the first to answer my friendly greeting. He looked particularly annoyed today; I thought if I greeted him, he’d feel better. Did I do something wrong?

  —Don’t mind her, Pap. He’s just upset because he didn’t get the promotion he was expecting.

  Juan decided to be a good little brother and tease his older brother.

  —Yeah, the poor guy woke up this morning fully confident he’d get his long-awaited promotion… only for it to be denied instantly. Hahaha! You should’ve seen his face.

  Joaquín, not wanting to be left behind, also mocked his older brother.

  —Haha! I wish I could’ve seen that.

  It was a shame I’d been on a mission these last three days.

  —Ugh, stop teasing me, you vermin! Didn’t you come to register your entry? Then do it already and get out.

  Carlitos’s indignation only increased our laughter… and his growing irritation.

  These were Carlos, the strict and reliable older brother, and Juan and Joaquín, the lazy twins.

  They were the sons of an important merchant couple in the city. Since they had numerous older siblings, they weren’t expected to inherit much, so they joined the army.

  After some back-and-forth, here they were: guarding the VIP entrance of the second-largest city in the empire.

  They were all like carbon copies, almost like NPCs. White skin, dark brown hair, and hazel eyes—typical of the empire. Average height, wearing the city’s standard armor.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  The only remarkable things about them were their mermal ears and webbed hands. Oh, and the incredibly powerful Rank 7 aura they hid pretty well.

  Yes, though it might not look like it, these three were among the strongest people in the city.

  Of course, to me, they were still harmless.

  —Carlos, why are there so many imperial soldiers in the city? Has something happened?

  As always, Rob decided to ruin the vibe with a logical and direct question.

  —I don’t know all the details, Roberto, but it seems a criminal organization is roaming within the empire’s territory. You should be careful. For now they only attack villages, but their reach is unknown.

  Surprising, right? You probably didn’t expect my uncle’s name to be Roberto, haha. Well, it’s also alarming that organized criminals are walking around the empire.

  —I also see you have company. It would be best to take them to the shelter for now. They’ll need specialized care.

  —Thank you. We’ll leave immediately. Have a good day.

  My uncle quickly registered our entry, including the note that we were bringing freed slaves, so we wouldn’t keep wasting time.

  —We’re going.

  —Bye, grump! Pap, if you’re interested, in eight days we’re having a barbecue. Come whenever you want!

  —Yeah! We got Rank 8 minotaur meat. It’s gonna be incredible. See you!

  —That sounds wonderful! I’ll be looking forward to it. See you soon, Carlitos, Juancito, and Joaquincito.

  With that last goodbye we kept going so the girls could receive the corresponding checkups before our walk.

  “I wonder if they’ll want to come…”

  The girls looked truly exhausted. They were probably beginning to understand they were safe. Their bodies would give out every now and then, but luckily they had me.

  I was using my paper to keep them upright or simply carry them floating.

  We moved calmly through the city. The people around us greeted us as we passed or celebrated our presence. It was pretty pleasant to hear.

  Every so often, I tossed little colored paper bits into the air and made fun figures for the kids, or lifted them off the ground for their entertainment. It was like a carnival.

  But everything has to end. Within a few minutes we were standing before the doors of the Civil Affairs Municipality.

  “Strong.”

  That thought flooded my mind when I saw who was coming out of the building’s entrance. There were nine individuals: seven men and two women.

  From the eight in the back I could feel the powerful Rank 6 aura. They all wore a tight leather suit with plates on the shoulders, knees, and elbows, all in different shades of dark yellow.

  Just by feeling the aura they exuded, I could tell that if any of them had faced the group of criminals I crushed, they would have won.

  At the front of the group was who I assumed was the leader. He emitted the energy of a Rank 7, and he felt like one of the most powerful individuals I had ever seen.

  Almost at the level of the Rank 8 who guards this city. That strong.

  “Is he Rob’s long-lost brother? Or some ambitious fanatic?”

  Yes! This weirdo had the brilliant idea of collecting nails with his head. Literally!

  His skin was white like badly washed chalk, and his face… ugh, a constant grimace of “I’m constipated and I’m very serious.” His eyes were dark, sunken, and cold—like someone who has never tasted a good cup of hot chocolate or an honest hug.

  But the best part—THE BEST—was his outfit: a shiny, tight dark-yellow leather suit, like someone had decided demons can be tropical fashionistas too. And of course, the macabre details were there: stitches everywhere, pieces that looked like hanging meat (eww), and those long hands that seemed made to crush watermelons… or hearts, if you’re feeling dramatic.

  He looked like the kind of guy who takes himself way too seriously and wouldn’t understand a joke even if you tattooed it on his forehead. But well… something about him screamed: “Hi, I’m here to ruin your day with style.”

  He was the most striking in the group. So much so that I couldn’t even focus on the others to describe them.

  Seriously, who thought dressing like that was a good idea? It wasn’t my fault!

  Then he approached.

  His eyes landed on my uncle and me. I could see them widen with pure ecstasy, and then he rushed toward us, a huge smile forming on that macabre face—clearly to complete the look.

  I had a stray thought as I watched this group from the Belicist faction approach, surely for what would be a very entertaining conversation:

  “I’m still stronger.”

  NARRATOR: ROB

  —What is one of the Belicist faction’s executors doing here?

  This was a rare event. That Dinamo’s followers had sent an executor to support the Empire could only mean something momentous was happening.

  All the executors of the Church of Dinamo’s Followers were world-class powerhouses. There couldn’t have been more than a hundred of them, scattered across the globe. That was precisely why it was so surprising they had sent one here.

  —And on top of that, it’s Cheng Sin, the Fragment of the Machine God.

  He was one of the most powerful executors in the church. He had hundreds of feats to his name. And besides dressing extravagantly, he carried on his back the symbol all executors bore: a four-toothed gear, with four alternating teeth extending like elongated hooks, resembling scythes.

  The executor approached us with a decisive stride.

  —Greetings, born of the Almighty! It is an honor to be in the presence of such renowned warriors. Please, let us clasp hands as a symbol of our commitment to war.

  He seemed excited by our presence, speaking in that grandiloquent manner so typical of the faction he belonged to. All in German.

  Paper immediately lost interest in the conversation and turned to the girls to calm them in the face of that individual’s peculiar presence. His subordinates also greeted us respectfully, bowing their heads.

  —I’m sorry, but I’m the only one who speaks German. Could you stop trying to get close to my niece?

  Cheng Sin stepped away from Paper to look at me with remorse on his face.

  —How can this be?! It is a tragedy that such a promising warrior does not speak the language of our god. We must teach her urgently! Rob, the Endless Hive, please: both of you should join our ranks to correct this dishonor.

  —Listen to me carefully, Cheng. If you dare say something like that again, there won’t be a Belicist faction left for you to return to.

  I never liked dealing with the Belicists. Nor with any of the other two factions, for that matter. They always tried to impose their ideals on how people should live. All under different doctrines of worshiping Dinamo: the Acolytes revered him through prayers and rituals; the Belicists, through violence; the Collectors, through the acquisition of wealth.

  But in essence, it was all the same. And I had no interest in spending my life worshiping anyone who wasn’t María, Paper, and Lucía.

  —Bwahaha! That’s the spirit, young warrior. But tell me, do you have what it takes to back up that statement?

  With a burst, his powerful aura flooded the street. And he was still restraining it: if he unleashed it fully, it would have blanketed the entire city. At least he knew who he shouldn’t mess with… Well, not quite.

  The only ones unaffected by his power were Paper and me. Everyone else—including his own subordinates—was on their knees.

  Before I could do anything to stop him from continuing to affect innocents with his aura, Cheng raised his arm.

  A shield of yellow light appeared on it, with which he stopped a thin sheet of paper that stabbed halfway into his arm, breaking the shield in the process.

  He managed to block Paper’s attack, which would have decapitated him. But not without consequences: he lost most of his left arm and skidded several meters down the street.

  —Listen to me, idiot! I don’t know who the hell you are, but if you don’t stop your aura right now, I’ll kill you!

  Paper’s threat came accompanied by streams of paper spinning around her. She was clearly preparing to launch a Paper Storm and kill him instantly.

  Cheng didn’t seem to have understood what she said, but judging by how he withdrew his aura, he at least guessed what the issue was.

  —Hehe. That girl definitely bites. Are you really not interested in joining the Church? We would welcome you with open arms.

  An awkward silence followed as Paper and I stared at him with murderous intent, without answering.

  —Whew. I suppose you’re not interested for now. No problem! When you are, you’ll be welcomed in our church. Let’s go, brothers! Glory to Dinamo!

  —Glory to Dinamo!

  It wasn’t until all the Belicists walked away that we relaxed.

  “Certainly, that encounter didn’t end the way I expected.”

  —What a disgusting guy.

  —He definitely was.

  Paper looked genuinely angry about how everything had ended. She could barely restrain her own aura: small cuts were beginning to appear in the ground around her.

  —Calm down, Pap, or you’ll end up scaring them. Why don’t we go inside and relax?

  With a hand on her shoulder, I managed to calm her down as we helped the girls pull themselves together so we could enter the building.

  —I see you ran into Cheng Sin. Could you be less scandalous next time?

  Inside, we found the director of the place at reception. Her name was Camila. She had the typical features of the Empire of Messias: brown hair, hazel eyes, Mediterranean skin, a height of one meter sixty. She dressed like a secretary. She didn’t have a single particularly outstanding trait.

  —Can you believe that guy, Cami? We don’t even know who the hell he is and he was already threatening us. If I run into him again someday… I’ll make sure to punish him properly.

  —You know how the fanatics of that church are. You should get used to it. But I see you brought me new “guests.”

  —He certainly was. Could you tell us what they were doing here?

  Camila fell thoughtful for a moment as she organized some documents for the girls we had rescued.

  —Have you heard about the recent kidnappings over the last month?

  —Yes.

  Over the last month, hundreds of kidnappings per day had been reported in imperial territory, mainly in villages with little protection.

  —Seriously? I had no idea. Is some lunatic ritualist behind this?

  Paper looked genuinely shocked by the information.

  “Ah, this girl… but I told you two weeks ago.”

  —It’s still not known exactly who they are, but it’s confirmed they’re slavers. ‘The Black Network’ is involved. The group you ran into at the gate took down one of their main branches, rescuing five hundred forty-three people.

  —The Brain Collector…

  “So he’s behind all of this.”

  It was known in the underworld that the Brain Collector was the leader of the Black Network, the largest human trafficking organization in the world.

  —So you already know. From those with you, I assume you ran into one of their auxiliary branches.

  —Yes. In a while I’ll hand you the documents with all the information I gathered, both to you and to the military chief and the guild leader. For now, I’d like you to register these girls.

  —Ah… this day won’t end, will it?

  The Rank 3 woman in front of me sighed with exhaustion as she filled out the entry papers for the girls. There were forty-six in total, so it would take her a few moments to finish everything.

  Some administrative employees approached to help her register the girls and speed things up.

  —Alright, Pap, you’re in charge. I’m heading to the guild to turn in the mission. See you later.

  —Yeah, yeah, uncle, don’t worry. What could possibly go wrong? Hehe.

  Not entirely convinced, I exchanged a look with Camila before leaving toward the Volunteer Soldiers’ guild.

  —See you.

  —See you soon, Roberto.

  —Bye, uncle! Wait for me for lunch!

  On the way, I nodded to the respectful greetings of some of the city’s inhabitants. For more than two years now, they had seen Paper and me as heroes, which I found somewhat bothersome.

  But my mind was focused mainly on what the Brain Collector wanted. Surely nothing good.

  He was one of the most wanted and dangerous criminals in the world. One of the five great global criminals.

  These five were famous for how long they had remained at the top. They wreaked havoc wherever they went and were recognized worldwide as extreme threats.

  To be considered a global criminal, you had to earn a bounty offered by more than a hundred of the one hundred and ninety-eight nations that make up the World Council. The few who managed it rarely lived more than a year.

  Of these five, the one who has spent the least time at the top has been there for fifteen years, which is why all of them are considered extremely dangerous.

  In fifth place is Arturo Evans, the Child of Perdition—though he’s probably not a child anymore.

  Fifteen years ago, at just eleven years of age, he destroyed the city of Benifez, killing two Rank 7s and most of the inhabitants. Since then, he has been hunted without success.

  He is the only human in the top, and also the only Rank 5—an impressive feat, considering the rest are Rank 7. It is suspected he possesses an ability that allows him to amplify his capabilities, though not much is known about it yet.

  His greatest feats have been escaping a Rank 8 and murdering four Executors who pursued him for months. What stands out is that he did both at the same time.

  In fourth place we have “the Chimera.” It has no formal name, since it was an experiment of the Empire of Qingshun that escaped more than forty-five years ago.

  The empire did not share many details, only warning that it was a chimera composed of parts from multiple Rank 7 creatures. To this day, not all the species that make it up have been determined, but at least two dozen have been confirmed.

  Among its most notable feats are its escape—not only from the laboratory that confined it, but also from a Rank 8—and the destruction of an entire kingdom.

  In third place is Dalil Bin Hamad Abd-Allah—or, for short, the Brain Collector. Born in the desert kingdoms of the west, he is currently one of the most notorious criminals.

  He has spent seventy-seven years at the very top, and his most chilling achievement was brainwashing a Rank 8 and killing him.

  His ability is based on mind control, and he is extremely difficult to kill, since he can transfer his consciousness into the body of anyone he has already enslaved in order to stay alive.

  As I walked toward the guild, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Brain Collector—who he was and why he was here. Of the five global criminals, his story was the most terrifying.

  Without realizing it, I was already standing in front of it. I had already handed over the criminal we captured to the authorities, and now all I had left was to register the mission so I could wait for Paper for lunch.

  When I opened the door, silence fell over the place. All eyes turned to me.

  A few seconds after my arrival, the silence was replaced by murmurs.

  —That’s Rob, right?

  —Yeah, the Endless Hive. The most powerful in this city.

  —Seriously? But he’s only Rank 4.

  —Idiot! Don’t you know the feats that precede him? If he wanted to, there wouldn’t be an empire left.

  —Have you been living under a rock?

  Those and many other whispers followed my steps to the counter.

  “How exhausting.” Because of moments like this, sometimes I regretted being so famous.

  —Hi, Claudia. I’m here to turn in a completed mission.

  —Oh, hello, Roberto! You already finished it? So soon? And… where’s Paper?

  Claudia was the only receptionist at the counter. Well, technically Jazmín was there too, but she seemed to be asleep.

  —She’ll be here in a while. She asked me to wait for her for lunch, so I’ll hand in the mission report and wait until she arrives.

  —Heh, it’s good to hear that. Just give me your credentials and Paper’s, and I’ll be done right away.

  I pulled out my spatial storage device and handed her everything she asked for, along with the mission file and tissue samples from each member of the criminal group as proof of their extermination.

  —Indeed, an S-Class mission. How did you and Paper manage to finish it so quickly?

  At her comment, I checked the screen displaying all the relevant mission data, along with the word “Completed” in large green letters.

  “Paula.”

  In the names section appeared Roberto Romero and Paula Romero—Paper’s real name.

  Snapping back, I answered Claudia’s question:

  —Nah, it wasn’t that hard.

  —Eh, now you’re acting like Paper. Hahaha. The paperwork is done. You can go rest at the bar while you wait for her. Or would you rather I call Sofía?

  With a quick tilt of my head, I stepped away from the counter, ignoring her little giggles. I had no desire to deal with Sofía right now.

  I sat in one of the more secluded spots in the bar and began writing the reports about what I’d discovered in the criminal leader’s mind while I waited for Paper.

  Every now and then, fragments of gossip from the patrons reached me. This was one of the guild’s fifteen branches in the city, currently the busiest one. There was always something juicy floating around.

  —Did you hear the news? Apparently a group of Acolytes killed a global criminal north of Winngary. They even performed a huge ritual sacrifice.

  —Really? Which criminal was it?

  I started paying closer attention.

  “Did someone from the top 5 fall?”

  —Oh, so you’re interested, huh? Well, the criminal they killed in the snowy forests of Winngary was…

  The bastard was getting melodramatic to stretch the suspense.

  —It was… Olu the Giant! Hahaha.

  Huge disappointment. Turned out to be one of those who’d been named just a few months ago. Not top-tier.

  —Ah, it was just him. I thought it’d be someone important.

  —Don’t be stupid. Do you know how powerful those monsters are? Be glad you never run into one.

  “The top, huh…”

  While the rest of the bar entertained itself with trivialities, I found myself thinking about the two remaining spots.

  In second place was Ea, the Forgotten Emperor.

  More than a thousand years ago, he ruled an empire of which not a trace remains today. He enraged the world so much that they erased it through a global coalition. Then they destroyed all evidence that his empire had ever existed.

  But about two hundred and fifty years ago, they found him. A shadow of what he once was. From Rank 8 degraded to 7. Who knows why? Since then, he has wandered aimlessly.

  His feats are legendary. The number of Rank 8s he has killed—even while weakened—is enormous.

  His ability is similar to mine… only with fish.

  And at the very top stands him.

  Elric Craven, Dinamo’s Avatar.

  A carbon copy of Dinamo, with an ability so similar it seems like the same one.

  A walking challenge.

  He is a Rank 7 who dedicates himself to hunting other Rank 7s to see if they are worthy of reaching Rank 8.

  He has led the top for three thousand years, and has killed countless talents.

  Curiously, everyone in the top has passed his trial. Even the Child of Perdition.

  The trial is simple: survive one hour in a fight to the death with him.

  Some organizations use him as a measure of talent. There are even those who take their own lives if they reach Rank 8 without having faced him.

  It’s undeniable. He is the strongest in the world… of course, beneath Ranks 9 and 10.

  Once the reports were finished, I handed them off to a few insects so they could deliver them to their destinations.

  I leaned back in the chair, relaxing as I waited for Paper.

  “I wonder what’s on the menu today.”

  NARRATOR: PAPER

  Entering the guild branch we usually frequent, I greeted the people around me as I looked for my uncle.

  I’d had a wonderful day with the girls: shopping, trying on clothes, showing them the best places in the city, or just eating snacks. Without meaning to, I lost track of time and was arriving a little late for lunch.

  “I hope my uncle isn’t mad, hehe.”

  I’d already left the girls in their new home and was ready for a fun lunch with my uncle, who—as always—had chosen the most boring corner of the bar.

  As I walked over to greet him, I felt it: a mischievous hand trying to grab my butt!

  Without thinking, I used my paper to amputate the offender’s arm, which came with a disgusting laugh.

  —So it was you, you filthy, disgusting old man.

  —Bwahaha! Is that how you greet your beloved grandpa, Pap? Shouldn’t you give me a warm hug?

  The repulsive old man made an even more repulsive gesture with his hands. Yes, hands. The one I’d cut off grew back thanks to his ability. It wasn’t the first time he’d done that.

  —You’re not my grandpa, you perverted old man. And stop calling me Pap!

  —Bwahaha! Oh, dear Pap, you’re still so mean. When are you going to grow up?

  —Grrr… how disgusting. Just leave me alone, will you?

  Not giving a damn about my obvious disgust, the old pervert laughed as he headed over to where Rob was. If we hadn’t drawn attention up until then, his noisy stroll definitely did it.

  —Hello, Rob! You’re still ugly as ever. Hahaha!

  He sat at our table arrogantly, mocking my uncle as usual.

  —Please forgive him, Pap. You know how he is—said one of his people.

  When I turned around, I found the members of the old pervert’s group. All of them wore embarrassed expressions as they apologized for their leader’s behavior. Their appearances were… particular.

  First was Shai Sali. His look is the most exaggerated of the four. He looks like he walked out of a demon bodybuilding contest: screaming red, with more edges than a blade factory. Why does he need so many spikes? Does he fight, or does he roll himself up like a porcupine to get around? Still, I have to admit his posture is imposing.

  Then there was the charming but lethally cold Gina Simione. She looked like an ice statue with a space opera complex. She sparkled more than a diamond. Like a snowflake fused with an alien ship and decided to become a model. But those claws definitely weren’t a joke.

  Third was Gina’s charming husband, Samuel Simione. That feathered suit, that heroic aura… and that cheesy phrase on his chest: “Hopeheart.” Pffft! Seriously? He sounded like the kind of guy who’d punch you with motivation. A speech-giver, by the way.

  Lastly, there was Samira Fei. She was the only Rank 6 in a group of Rank 7s, with more propellers than a discount fan. Still, her neon-green suit with ruffles and transparencies gave her a certain mysterious flair.

  As for the old pervert… I’m not even going to bother describing him. He doesn’t deserve it.

  With no other choice, I walked over to that colorful band to sit at the table. By now, Sofía should already be in the kitchen.

  Her food was the best. Second only to Mom’s, obviously.

  —Seriously, Jeremías? Isn’t she basically your granddaughter? Why are you harassing her?

  —Yeah, boss, that’s not like you.

  Once we were seated, Samuel and Shai questioned that disgusting old man about his sinful behavior.

  —Bwahaha! What do you two know? If you’d seen her three years ago, you wouldn’t say that. Back then, the brat was a bundle of nerves. I’m just helping her stop hating men. Waitress, beer!

  —In case you didn’t notice, you piece of crap old man, I’m right here. And I’m not a kid!

  —Pfff, bwahaha! Hahaha, what a joke… I’m dying.

  Her head fell onto the table without stopping her laughter, and a new one began to grow from his neck. Some of Rob’s insects carried the fallen head off toward his hive. No one at the table flinched at the strange incident.

  —Ha, ha. Stuff like that is why you’re a child.

  —But… how would your harassment help her?

  Gina came to my rescue. Or his? Eh… she asked the obvious question.

  —Ugh, if you’d seen what she did to the poor bastard who ran into her three years ago…

  —Hey! That wasn’t my fault!

  —You literally killed him for asking you what time it was.

  Faced with a point that valid, all I could do was throw up a paper shield.

  —But… I didn’t kill him.

  —Pff, yeah, sure… because people can live without a head. Luckily, I healed him in time.

  Coming to my defense, Rob spoke for the first time since we arrived:

  —He wasn’t anyone important, so it doesn’t count.

  Just to make me feel more guilty.

  —Grrr… whatever.

  While the old pervert reveled in his supposed victory, I could only wish some angel would descend from the heavens and rescue me from my misery.

  —Paper! Mr. Roberto! You’re back!

  From the bar’s doorway I saw the glorious entrance of Sofía, who—if we could consider anyone an angel—would be a bee-angel version.

  That was her vibe: the fusion of a sweet, kind girl and a cute little bee.

  The moment I stood up from my chair, Sofía greeted me with a big hug. She was as sweet as honey, hehe.

  —You have no idea how worried I was when you took such a dangerous mission. I’m so happy you’re back…

  She was practically sobbing on my shoulder while I patted her back to calm her down.

  —You know this isn’t the first time we’ve done this. I’m strong, you don’t have to worry.

  She was starting to calm down a little, though it looked like she’d need a few more seconds.

  —Uggh… why don’t you just kiss already?

  Without letting him finish, the idiot’s head returned to the table, much to his delight.

  —Thank you, Pap. I’m glad you’re back—Sofía said.

  —Don’t mention it, Sofí.

  Now calmer, the reliable waitress/cook got ready to take our orders.

  —So, what can I get you guys?

  —I want a dozen Rank 7 salmon empanadas, and to drink, yellow mushroom tea.

  Samuel was the first to order. He had a particular fondness for fish and sweet flavors.

  —I’d like black gazpacho and water.

  As cold as her appearance, Gina only ordered a cold soup. She wasn’t particularly interested in mushrooms or drinks.

  —Burp. Just give me some spicy Rank 7 croquettes… and a damn white beer!

  As obnoxious as ever, the old pervert ordered his detestable spicy food.

  —High-quality grit, please.

  Shai’s tastes were definitely… unique.

  —Sofí, give me a super huge yellow smoothie and some yellow little mushrooms on the side.

  —Same here!

  Samira and I ordered the same thing. Sharing a knowing look, we ended up laughing.

  “Only Rob’s left.”

  I thought with a bit of melancholy.

  —A-and you, Mr. Roberto? What will you be ordering?

  Trembling a little, Sofía was completely red. She could barely remain standing in front of my uncle.

  “The worst…”

  My uncle looked at her coldly, like a mantis stalking its prey.

  —From you… nothing.

  Without mercy, my uncle crushed any possible approach from Sofía.

  —Burp, why don’t you take her to the back and—

  Before that drunk old man could say something stupid, his head fell back onto the table.

  —A-a-ah, I see. I-I… I’ll bring your orders right away!

  Without another word, Sofía ran like a wounded little bee into the kitchen.

  “Predictable.”

  I sighed mentally. It was always the same. Because of her bee-based ability, Sofía was conditioned to love my uncle, since he was “The Hive.”

  It was because of things like this that abilities could be pretty dangerous.

  Rob would be loved unconditionally by all insect users. And they wouldn’t be able to help it. That was this world.

  Knowing that, my uncle simply decided the best thing was to reject her.

  “This shouldn’t be how it is.”