That's how a pajama party I wasn't invited to started at my house. Fortunately, I have a large room I never use, so I can just herd them all in there.
"What's with that rag?"
"This is my Sword Sect uniform."
If Otis were here she'd be whining about me using such clothes for sleepwear, but since she's not, I don't care.
"By the way, you're staying in Dragon Gate because of that Sword Sect business, right?"
"Exactly. The Black Cloud Society is showing signs of stepping into Dragon Gate."
What drives a criminal syndicate to keep sticking its claws into every region despite ample support?
More importantly: why come to Dragon Gate, the economic heart of Danguk?
"Whatever the case, someone like you could wipe those guys out without breaking a sweat."
"I wish."
Suddenly, I recalled facing Roja. It was the first time I'd been utterly crushed in a one-on-one fight. If all the Wakashu share similar combat prowess… it won't be easy.
"We'll have to work hard. Those bastards are insanely strong."
"You couldn't beat them?"
"Once, I faced a Black Cloud Society Wakashu—roughly the action captain—head-on."
"What happened?"
"Fifteen minutes. He pummeled me like I was a training dummy. He even sliced through my torso. If he hadn't let me live, I'd be dead."
If we were to clash again under the same circumstances, I might survive, but back then I had no chance.
Gasp… Those guys?
"Yeah. They probably came in small cells, which makes tracking them even tougher."
So far they've given me some leeway as part of my acclimation period, but come spring, the real search will begin.
"Keep your eyes peeled. My job now could end at any moment."
In the Guard State, getting stabbed in the back is routine—I'll likely die in a similar fashion if my time comes.
"Being in the Guard State sounds rough."
"Protecting lives isn't easy, of course."
Our duties in the Sword Sect were similar in that sense.
Now the corrupt officials in our homeland are hell-bent on erasing you. It's pathetic.
Even the Mountain Spirit we're always bickering with thinks that.
Those claws inside you are just their byproduct.
But does it make sense that you're going toe-to-toe with someone like the Mountain Spirit?
I don't know the details, and I don't want to.
Sure.
"So, what do you all want to do? There's really nothing to do at my place."
Living alone, I never bothered to buy anything for fun—there's barely time to use any of it.
"Girls' talk!"
"I'm not a girl; I'm a boy."
"Stop being so picky!"
Do girls always behave like this?
How would I know? I've met fewer young girls than I can count on one hand.
I don't remember much from my childhood on Terra, and the Mountain Spirit is ancient but clueless about this, too.
"What are we even talking about?"
"Um… anything. Really, anything."
"…Sword talk?"
"That's off-limits!"
They said "anything." What's wrong with our homeland blade?
"More importantly, I'm curious—Baekhyun, what kind of woman do you like?"
"…!"
"…!"
"…!"
"My taste? You mean my ideal type?"
"Yes, your ideal type!"
"I have no ideal. Probably someone an only child."
"…What does that even mean?"
"Ideal type."
"Stop dodging!"
It's true—I've never had an ideal. There simply wasn't one.
"Um… pretty, kind… something like that… you're not satisfied, are you?"
"That's too ordinary."
"Then what should an ideal type be, miss?"
"Someone with… a lot of money? A beauty that eclipses all others?"
"…How about a strong woman? Someone skilled in the Arts."
"…A cool beauty?"
"Why not."
They're all good qualities.
I need large breasts.
Nobody asked.
Honestly, they're great, right?
Of course they are.
Big breasts never hurt anyone.
"Um… okay. Pretty, strong, good personality, and above all, large breasts."
"Straight to the primal instinct."
"Naturally. That's what my inner voice told me."
A beauty with perfect features and ample curves—who wouldn't like that? Unless you're a fan of flat-chested girls like Pajomka.
"Uh-huh. So that's your preference."
Meanwhile, across the street in the building opposite his, a blue dragon watched from beyond the window as he came to his conclusion. Despite the dead of winter, her relatively light traditional attire stood out against the glittering neon signs, giving her an otherworldly air of mystique.
"Huh? What was that just now?"
Of course, when Baekhyun glanced back in that direction, no one was there.
"Weird… must be my imagination."
"What's wrong? Suddenly."
"Nothing. Just felt like something was watching."
"You're creeping me out…"
"Hey, Meow. Scared?"
"N-no! Shut up!"
"Oh yeah, there should be horror films here. Let's find one."
"What? We're not actually going to watch it, right?"
"We have nothing else to do. Or if you're too scared, say so, Swire."
"I'm not. Fine! Let's watch it!"
Swire took the bait surprisingly easily.
"A horror film, huh… I don't think I've ever actually sought one out."
Talulah perked up with excitement.
"…Suit yourself."
Ling just sat there with no reaction.
"How about The Exorcist? Let's go with that."
I remember it being famous on Terra. I wonder if the content is the same.
We turned off the lights, pulled blankets onto the sofa, and sat down.
"Is anyone there?!"
"Of course! Why invite trouble?"
"Oh… so that's how this goes."
"My daughter is… acting strange, doctor!"
Ancient Sarkaz curse. The girl is possessed by a spirit from the past!
"Heh. Interesting."
"They even have Arts like that."
"It'll come out now, right? I know—nothing's scary… nothing's scary…"
Keeek! Kreeeee!
Screeeee!
"Oh, the reaction is priceless."
"Seriously, Swire, this is scary?"
"Ling, can you let go of my hand… okay, keep holding…"
"It's not because I'm scared. I just… like holding hands."
"Is that so? Well, then."
"Ha—Ling Wuxia, huh? That's quite the Dragon Gate lie."
"Quiet, Chen."
"Talulah, you think Arts like that would be strong?"
"Very strong, and a pain in the ass."
"It's over, right? Right?"
"Yes, so stop clinging, miss."
The film was almost identical to its Terra counterpart. Of course, for us—
A Sarkaz ritual like that… is that really all there is?
It's just a movie.
Still, who came up with a spirit-possessed body that moves so recklessly without restraint?
Hey, didn't you use my body like that too, you bastard?
Well, I thought you could handle it.
Having performed real exorcisms, it left us unimpressed.
"It's already eleven. Kids, time for bed. Get back to your rooms."
"Waaa… l-let's sleep together!"
"No. Too uncomfortable."
"But I'm your bodyguard! I should protect you!"
"Talulah's super strong. With her, no one would dare approach. Ask her."
"Stronger than you?"
"No, I'd win."
"Then you should stay!"
"Well... fine. Just this once."
If we kept arguing, it would never end, so I surrendered first.
"I'm sleeping on the floor. Claim your spots. I'm off."
"I'm here!"
"Have you ever slept on the floor, tiger?"
"You can handle it!"
"I've always preferred the floor."
"Hey, it's cramped. One of you move."
"Alright, you move."
"Chen, you're just trying to get in here too, aren't you? Look at your tail—it'll be tighter than mine!"
"My… tail…"
What is wrong with Talulah?
"It's uncomfortable."
"Tough it out."
"Unbelievable. With guests like this… never again."
"Hyun, want to sleep cuddled with my tail?"
What kind of flirting is that? And why are they blushing?
"My tail is soft because of the fur!"
"Mine is cooler than that tiger's. Right?"
"Why is everyone acting so weird with tails all of a sudden… let's just sleep."
Do you know anything?
Go die by tripping over a rock.
Why? Why are you all acting insane?