9 Chapter 9

After defeating the devil clown, Sam started hunting the possessed humans. They represented a good opportunity for him to increase his experience. But alas, shortly after, the backups arrived. They took care of the rest quickly, and Sam couldn't simply ask them to leave everything to him. Otherwise, he might have appeared like a maniac.

Now that everything was over, Sam realized that what he had killed were actually humans. Ever since then, he had been silent, wondering if he had turned into a real killer.

-x-X-x-

"Why did you come to my place?" he asked.

"I need to take a quick shower, and then we'll leave for the office," Himeno said, undoing her bloody clothes. "I've called Aki to bring my clothes, so it won't take long."

Sam gave her a look. Although she had a shapely body and a large chest, the blood was a big turn-off. He couldn't enjoy the sight with such a smell around.

He sighed, sat in the corner, and said, "Wake me up when you're done. I'll be next."

"Also, don't be sad. The clowns were already dead. You have just set them free."

"Who said I'm sad?"

"Instead of sitting on your bed, you are lying in the corner of your room. That's not a good sign. You seem lonely and sad."

"Heh? I'm too sad because I didn't sleep, thanks to you, last night," Sam almost feigned a chuckle. "Whatever." He then closed his eyes. 'I'm too sad. I can't believe I put 4 points in Agility and 2 skill points into footwork. Feels like a waste now. Man, I just wish that when I wake up, I'll end up at home. Take me home, country road, to the place...'

"Yo. Wake up." Sam opened his eyes when he felt someone kicking his foot. "You can't be asleep for much longer than that."

It was Himeno, who was now wearing casual clothes unrelated to business. Just a normal pair of jeans and a sweater that emphasized her ample chest.

'As a wise man said, "Oppai,"' he thought as he turned his head.

On the other hand, there were a few people in black there. A black-haired swordsman with his hair tied back and another man were present.

'So that's supposed to be Aki, and the other should be just a nameless character. Maybe someone who would die with no body caring about on the screen?'

"Yo. My name is Shu. Heard about your performance, kid. For your first time, you nailed it," said the so-called Shu.

Sam stretched his arms. "What are you talking about?" Then he remembered the clowns, and he frowned. "Oh, right." He then looked at the two guys. "Does anyone have any spare change? I need to buy some coffee."

"You can buy it on the way. Let's go to the headquarters," said the swordsman.

"In case you're wondering who he is, this is Aki. The one I told you about," Himeno entered the conversation.

Sam put his hands behind his back and stood up. "Your partner?"

"Yes." She nodded. "Aki. You remember when I mentioned I used to have a partner? He used to think you were my husband."

"Too naive." Aki replied with a rather lifeless tone. "He's still just a kid. He'll jump to impulsive conclusions all the time."

'Says the guy who loves Makima. Though I can't blame him. She's quite attractive.' Sam shook his head. "Just like you did now?"

Shu chuckled, and Himeno laughed.

Aki didn't reply, turned to Himeno, and said, "Since you have your clothes, I'll be on my way now."

"Thank you," replied Himeno.

Then they all left.

-x-X-x-

"Good job taking care of the devil clown."

Sam watched as Makima handed him a card.

It had his photo, his name, and the title of devil hunter on it.

"You are now an official devil hunter," Makima said. "Keep up the good work."

Although he didn't like the cold way she used to talk, Sam genuinely smiled at Makima and replied, "Thank you." He was about to say something else, but he stopped, thinking that he didn't want to provoke this woman.

"Is there anything else you want to say to me?" Makima asked as Sam hesitated to speak his mind.

"You see… my first paycheck?" he smiled. "And shouldn't there be a bonus for killing a high-ranking devil?"

"Indeed, there is. But you didn't. Himeno did," Makima said.

"She delivered the final blow," Sam replied. "I was the one who brought it to the ground."

"You don't seem like you're lying," Makima turned her eyes to Himeno, who scratched her head.

"It's like he said," the blue-eyed girl replied.

"It doesn't matter. I'll deposit your first payout into your bank account," Makima replied.

"But boss, won't they take it from me due to my debts?" Sam almost cried. He had transmigrated into someone with so many debts and a problematic background. He couldn't even walk down the street normally without attracting suspicious looks from gang members.

"Don't worry. They'll only take half. I have already spoken to them," she said. "Maintain a good work rate, and you'll be debt-free in two months."

"You're the best." Sam almost hugged Makima.

But Himeno wrapped her arm around his neck and whispered in his ear, "Don't forget what you owe me and the promised benefit."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll treat you to a dinner sometime, okay?" Sam said, almost unhappy that he had to repay with benefits. He had thought he could get away with it. Maybe he can.

"You're inviting me on a date."

"Just a meal, okay," Sam said. 'A cheap ramen.'

She withdrew her arm and smiled. "Always. But I have expensive taste."

"Wow. Don't opposites attract?" Sam replied, nervously laughing. "Anyway, I'm tired. I'll be heading home. Call me when there's a job to be done."