Looting corpses is fun?

"Huh? What's going on?" Shokuhou Misaki, confused by Jiu Ming's cryptic words, tidied her thoughts.

Devil's Contract?

When did she sign something like that? No, what she should be concerned about is why she believed him. When did that happen?

'Request confirmed?'... 'Of course.'

After that exchange, could she really have messed up this badly? Her goal was to get revenge on Jiu Ming, to embarrass him, even to reclaim her honor after being 'insulted.' But she never intended to get herself into trouble!

If Jiu Ming had actually done what she asked, it goes without saying that by evening, a pinned topic would appear on Academy City's major forums, about a "new pervert."

But now, the situation seemed to have reversed...?

Initially, Shokuhou Misaki thought his words were meant to scare her. But deep down, she felt they were real. If Jiu Ming actually went through with her treacherous 'request' and completed it, she would truly have to pay the price stipulated in the 'request'—herself.

In a way, the rules of the Mysterious Shop were indeed similar to a Devil's Contract. Even if you confirmed it half-jokingly, the Mysterious Shop's rules would still take effect. Even more conveniently, no contract was needed; a verbal agreement was enough!

So, if Jiu Ming really threw all shame aside... it was just a moment of embarrassment, but gaining a girl like this wouldn't be bad?

Not just not bad, but for some foot fetishists, this was a guaranteed win-win situation!

"The rules have taken effect. Do you want to continue? Although I'm feeling quite displeased, in the days to come... hehehe."

A lewd chuckle that sent shivers down Shokuhou Misaki's spine.

"You don't seem to believe me, then don't regret it." Shrugging, Jiu Ming half-crouched. Shokuhou Misaki quickly clutched her skirt.

"I'm serious. You'll be the one regretting it then."

So verbose... Is he bluffing me!?

"You think I'll believe you? Who's afraid of whom!" A forced smile played on her lips. Shokuhou Misaki's other hand had already reached for her mobile phone, ready to capture the scene at any moment.

"Alas, foolish human." Shaking his head, Jiu Ming decided to let go of her leg. What does "not seeing the coffin, you won't shed tears" mean?

This is it!

He kindly advised her, but she wouldn't listen, insisting on thinking it was all a bluff.

BANG!!!

"You again!? Let go of that girl immediately!!!" The door burst open, and the mature woman in uniform, whom Jiu Ming had met a few times, rushed in. This time, her equipment was vastly different from last time.

She was equipped with a machine gun and a riot shield!

"Huh? Huh? Huh?" Jiu Ming turned his head in utter confusion. He casually released the lower leg he was holding. He hadn't expected anyone to see him when he came here, so how did they find him? And judging by their gear, they were clearly prepared this time, very well-prepared. Just from the footsteps he heard, the vicinity must have been sealed off!

"What do you know... Holy crap!" He looked back towards Shokuhou Misaki. She was hugging her knees to her chest, looking like a startled rabbit, her appearance a bit disheveled. Wait, did she pull her skirt down herself when he turned his head just now?

"Hey! Are you all blind? Can't you see she's clearly framing me!?"

"What nonsense are you spouting? You were clearly molesting a minor. If someone hadn't reported it... Hmph!!"

With a few clicks, several dark gun barrels were aimed at Jiu Ming, the meaning clear: surrender obediently and come with us.

Reported?

Jiu Ming nodded thoughtfully, his eyes glancing slightly at the Star-eyed Girl who was feigning pity while secretly grinning sinisterly at him. Since outsiders hadn't noticed, the problem must lie with those lackeys...

In any case, if he were taken away, where he would truly be sent, given his identity, was up for debate.

"Damn it! I have a hostage, who dares to touch me?"

He grabbed Shokuhou Misaki, who was beside him pretending to be pitiful, and whispered in her ear, "Alright, you've got plenty of backup plans. Was selling your legs earlier also for this moment?"

"Of course! You dare to offend me, this is just the beginning!" Since she was already exposed, Shokuhou Misaki stopped pretending and threatened him directly, "We have a long way to go, this won't be the end of it!"

"Shameless!" Those Security Guards immediately hesitated to make a move.

"Oh? Are you sure I won't do anything to you?"

"Of course!"

"Very well, don't forget that 'commission' between us. You've already signed the contract, and all that's left is for me to complete the 'commission'. Remember, the power to end this commission is in my hands... Hmm, I'll be back here at seven o'clock... Of course, you can choose not to show up, but it would be best if you never showed up again."

Seeing the uncertainty on Shokuhou Misaki's face, Jiu Ming grinned. With a swift movement, slap, a crisp sound echoed. The female Security Guards all felt a pang of pain for Shokuhou Misaki upon hearing it!

"Ugh..."

The pain in her buttocks made her whimper. Her teary Star-eyed Girl glared at Jiu Ming. It hurt so much!!

"Bye~"

Jiu Ming released Shokuhou Misaki and waved his hand at her back. "Don't forget what I said. I'm leaving."

He really left, and he walked out openly. The Security Guards' attempts to capture and grapple him were like trying to grab air. Jiu Ming could completely ignore ordinary bullets; the physical attacks from these ordinary people were far from reaching the limit that could harm a Soul Body.

It was only when a female Security Guard pulled out a personal defense electric shocker that Jiu Ming felt a tingling sensation... Alright, electric shocks were effective against a Soul Body, as they weren't physical blows.

It was just a minor inconvenience. In the end, Jiu Ming swaggered out, leaving a group of dumbfounded Security Guards. On a side note, the guns they fired weren't shooting live rounds, but Rubber Bullets... mixed with some Tranquilizer Darts.

But none of them worked.

As for Shokuhou Misaki, she was now looking at her smooth, flawless little feet with a troubled expression. Better safe than sorry. What if Jiu Ming was telling the truth... What should she do?

Wouldn't that mean she'd truly be trapped? The best course of action would be to find a way to break through his Mental Defense and Brainwash him thoroughly, turning him into her unwavering Loyal Dog!!

So troublesome, so troublesome. She was starting to regret it.

A phone call was made, and her subordinates immediately began to carry out the two tasks Jiu Ming had mentioned. For now, they would just deal with the current situation. What if he came back and found that she had done nothing? If he became enraged and actually did that...

While there was a certain thrill in stepping on that bastard's head, the thought of potentially getting herself involved made it not worth it. Trading temporary triumph for long-term despair was a terrible deal!

Even though she didn't want to see Jiu Ming again, he showed up right on time, making her feel incredibly unlucky. Not a second early, not a second late, he arrived precisely at the appointed moment. It was absolutely intentional!

"Yo! I'm back. How's that thing I asked you to do coming along?"

"What's your relationship with Misaka Mikoto?" With a slightly regretful greeting, this time, even though she knew Jiu Ming would come, Shokuhou Misaki was alone, with no one else around. Those who could resist her abilities wouldn't be of much help even if there were hidden reinforcements. She was well aware that Jiu Ming's actions of taking down her subordinates earlier that day were a clear warning.

Whatever grievances she had, she had managed to vent some of them by finding Misaka Mikoto as an opponent while Jiu Ming was away... But Misaka Mikoto didn't know Jiu Ming at all, didn't even know of his existence.

What was going on?

"No relationship. I was just helping someone find her," Jiu Ming replied, shaking his head. He really had no connection with Misaka Mikoto. The only ones connected were the Misaka Sisters.

"Then what about Accelerator?"

"Oh? That? I just found him rather displeasing and wanted to cause him some trouble."

"It's that simple?"

Shokuhou Misaki found it hard to believe. Such a simple reason?

"Huh? Did you expect something more complicated? Like I said, I'm a legendary mysterious merchant. A little sister got lucky and found me, and I took on a commission."

"What did she give you to make you go after Academy City's number one?" Trying to cause trouble for Accelerator, are you tired of living?

"Trade secret. No comment."

"Heh heh! For you to do that, she must have given herself to you as well, right!" Shokuhou Misaki snorted, thinking with a hint of jealousy. It wasn't for any other reason, but the vast difference in power made her feel unbalanced.

A commission with an unknown reward led him to confront Accelerator... Who exactly was that person?

She felt she was more than a step behind. Did Misaka Mikoto have anyone important? Unfortunately, she couldn't read her memories, or she would definitely figure it out... and compare!

"What are you thinking about! I'll say it again, I'm a Ghost!" Jiu Ming raised his hand. Shokuhou Misaki instinctively took half a step back. The pain in her buttocks hadn't subsided yet. If he hit her again, she'd have to sleep on her stomach tonight.

"You're all talk and no action!" Seeing that Jiu Ming had no intention of hitting her, Shokuhou Misaki retorted defiantly. She curiously circled him, then unceremoniously reached out and grabbed his arm.

"Hold on. How did things go?"

"I couldn't find Accelerator, but I 'talked' things over with Misaka Mikoto very smoothly!"

"Oh? You two are on good terms?" Unaware of the truth, Jiu Ming thought he had found the right person.

"Of course! We're both Level 5s, and we're both at Tokiwadai. How could we not be on 'good' terms?" She had him! Gripping Jiu Ming's arm, he was a Ghost? His body temperature was indeed low, but the touch felt no different. It wasn't like touching a corpse...

"That's good... What are you touching me for? Is touching corpses fun?"