NOVEL NEXT Chapter 76: Eve of Departure
"It's been over a year since we met." Shoko propped her chin on her hand, watching Denji and Pochita devour the cake. "Are you happy, Denji?"
"...Yeah, not bad, I guess..." Denji paused mid-lick, mumbled something unintelligible, and resumed his cake-induced frenzy.
Odd. He was incredibly happy, but expressing it aloud was embarrassing.
Just as planned. These words are best saved for last~ Shoko smiled, remembering their contract.
[Denji Favorability: 10]
[Energy Charge Efficiency: 1000%]
Level 10 favorability typically indicated deep trust.
But Denji had reached that level months ago. Based on Otto and Kallen, his actual favorability likely far exceeded the displayed limit. He probably considered her a close friend, even family.
Shoko glanced at Pochita, feeling a pang of regret. Why doesn't the system recognize Pochita? I could get so much energy from him. He was a crucial character throughout the series.
To build a strong foundation for future energy farming, she'd suppressed her true nature, playing the benevolent caregiver, avoiding any actions that might negatively impact Denji's mental state.
But debts must be paid, Denji. There's no such thing as a free lunch. And I've been very lenient.
"Alright, the day's almost over. Let's light the candles and make a wish." Shoko smiled. "I have a secret present for you, too."
Anticipating their gluttony, she had pre-sliced a piece of cake, added candles, and set it aside.
The cake was deliberately simple.
She could easily create a competition-worthy masterpiece, but a clumsily made cake was more heartwarming, wasn't it?
"...Oh, I forgot to buy a lighter." Shoko checked the grocery bag, surprised. "I'll go to the convenience store."
Denji looked at her bandaged leg. "Wait, I'll—"
"This is a special birthday privilege, just for you." Shoko wagged her finger, smiling playfully. "I'm running errands for you on your birthday. Be grateful."
"I know the area. Don't worry about me… I'll get you some candy, too."
She waved before leaving. "See you later~"
"..." Before Denji could reply, the door closed. The once lively room felt empty, missing something essential.
...
Denji sat silently for a moment, then stood up. "Pochita, stay and guard the house."
"Woof?" Pochita, having just finished his cake, looked up quizzically.
"It's late. It's dangerous for her to be out alone. I'll go meet her. I'll be back soon. Guard the cake from stray dogs, okay?"
"Woof!"
Seeing Pochita's confident nod, Denji left, hurrying towards the convenience store down the hill.
"Why are you here so late, Aki-kun?" Shoko stood in a dimly lit alley at the edge of town, arms crossed, looking at the silent Aki.
"Lonely on a single man's night? Sorry, I sell my services, but not those services."
"...Don't be stupid." Seeing Shoko's carefree demeanor, oblivious to her impending predicament, Aki sighed heavily.
"You need to leave. No, leave Japan entirely. Go to Hokkaido. I'll contact someone to smuggle you to the Soviet Union. Then you can head south or west to Europe or America."
So, Public Safety is taking action? Shoko had guessed as much, but she feigned ignorance. "Why? I'm doing fine here. Aside from losing a few body parts every now and then, life's great."
"...Your identity has been exposed." Aki hesitated, then revealed the truth. "The Fox Devil recognized you and informed Public Safety. They're going to arrest you. They want me to lure you into a trap."
"I see." Shoko nodded calmly. "That's inconvenient. I have to take care of Denji. I can't work for Public Safety. Constantly bleeding would scare him."
"That's why I'm telling you to run!" Aki said, exasperated. "Hide somewhere Public Safety can't reach you, like the Soviet Union or America! I'll tell them I'm contacting you tomorrow, so you have to leave tonight!"
"Hmm…" Shoko closed her eyes, feigning contemplation. Then she looked up at the night sky. "I can't leave tonight."
[Energy +4500]
"Huh?"
"It's Denji's first birthday celebration with anyone. I have to stay."
"He only has me. It would be cruel to leave him."
"..."
[Energy +5400]
Aki stared at her, speechless, cold sweat trickling down his forehead.
"Are you joking?!" he hissed. "You're a Devil! He's human! You've only known each other for a year!"
"That's true, but it's his wish…" Shoko scuffed her foot on the ground. "So, I'm his family now."
"Devils don't have families!" Aki's anger flared, then instantly extinguished.
"He's right, Hayakawa. Devils have no families. Their displays of affection are merely a means to an end. You did well, bringing us here."
Aki froze, turning to see a bespectacled man in a black Public Safety suit standing behind him.
More Devil Hunters emerged from both ends of the alley.
"We'll take it from here. The Desire Devil will be contained tonight," the man said calmly.
"Oh dear, I'm surrounded," Shoko said, her expression unreadable.