Re: Rabbit Eyes

In this world of fantasy, it was undoubtedly exciting and familiar at first for a young man like White.

Someone who had known the game to a level one would call 'proficiency', someone who was a perfect candidate to understand the workings of this strange new world.

And yet, he had been surprised in more than one occasion. Certain differences existed in this world from the game, and that had kept White grounded in reality for the longest time. In order for him to get accustomed to the adventuring lifestyle, White had to forego many game knowledge that bordered on omniscient.

Yet, in the process of it all, White had forgotten one important fact.

In the end, White was still... a "player".

A player stuck in the simple narrative of slaying the aboriginal existence known as "Demon King".

The books he'd read, the stories he was told in the city. He had always been aware of its presence. Yet in the grand scheme of things, what was a Stray but a trifling side-cast? And thus, the belief that there was no role for him to play was created.

And now, White, with his fullest intent of unveiling the individual known as "Amos", stared ahead with insurmountable tension welling up inside of him.

Gift Appraisal.

No, it didn't have an effect. White had an inkling that this would happen. After all, Gifts were talents given from the Goddesses. A demon in direct opposition to good wouldn't have them.

"..."

And left with the one thing that he'd relied on the most, that assimilated his existence into this world, White used it once more.

Status Window—

STATIC. "—Nnghh?!" Static tore through his body, as his vision flickered with a multitude of numbers and indecipherable letters. 

When it cleared, a single red status screen was left.

Status Unavailable.

Recovering from the sudden shock in his eyes, White gasped and slowly recovered himself, only to realize the one named "Amon", was now standing right in front of him. Startled, White backed away a few steps and heightened caution.

All the while, the 'Master' watched amusedly, his face and smile remained ever unchanging as if he was wearing a mask.

"That was a half-decent idea, but come now, isn't it rude to pry?"

"...Demon... what are you... doing here?"

"Ah, finally interested to progress the story I see? Well now, you will be joyous to learn that I have prepared the perfect center stage for you, my dear Apostle!"

Finishing off that sentence, Vincent pointed to two seats of the table.

"First, the tyrannical young master of Halvan, Vincent! No crime or pleasure gets past this work of wonder! Truly, the unanimous villain that is too easy to root against."

Vincent held an expression that seemed all too anxious at this situation. He clearly wanted to leave, yet was only able to enact nothing but a few muscle twitches throughout his body as if paralyzed from the feet up.

"Second, the helpful, impressionable and popular beauty of the Adventurer's Guild, Heinesia! She appears kind when it matters, yet strict at work. Ahh, what a woman people would die for, ...literally~ But oh how and what is her role in the story? Aren't you excited to find out~"

White was slightly surprised that Heinesia reacted weakly to the Demon's words. But perhaps she had been tied down too by the demon. Now that he'd taken a second look at the receptionist, he noticed that her usual guild garments were in tatters. Heinesia's face was lethargic and slightly wrinkled, as if she hadn't had enough rest for some time.

"Oh, you wanted to say something, madam?" 

The demon snapped his fingers, and in that instant, Heinesia leaned out forward and yelled, "H-Help me! Save me! This devil captured me, when I've done no wrong! Please—"

"—Okay that's enough. Wouldn't want your performance to ruin the show."

"!!" Heinesia, realizing that she couldn't speak anymore, dropped her shoulders weakly. Her eyes lingered on White, harboring the thoughts that she'd just spoke.

"...And then comes the final two. Well, she's not here just yet, but, the damsel in distress, the beast-child Ruru." Amos started.

"The subject of human discrimination, and deep traumas inflicted by her aggressors. And in the end, she found solace with an unexpected someone. Now, who knows what became of her?"

"YOU-!"

White's body froze just as he was about to lunge out.

Now, the finger was pointed right at him.

"And finally, our main character of the story. The protagonist from another world! Whiiiiite!"

After a long exhale from speaking too quickly, Amos quickly returned to a state of calm.

"That is the gist of the setting I wanted to have. I've always been enthralled with the idea of theatrics. The things humans come up with, sometimes question my urge for genocide. Perhaps it's better to leave the interesting ones alive in the future."

The things the demon had openly said with a nonchalant attitude was unnerving, as if humanity's extinction was already set in stone.

"Well, I certainly spared no effort in making this meeting happen. Why don't we have dinner for now?"

White felt a streak of heat moving his body into motion, yet he was never able to move.

"...Well, you do want to know what has become of your precious slave, don't you?"

"SHE'S NOT A SLAVE!"

"Oh, a slip of the tongue~ Well then, what will it be? A chance meeting and the cathartic resolution that you desire, or immediate, unjustified death?"

"..." White stared silently at Amos' stretching nails, and calmed down. 

At once, feeling like his body was lifted of its weights, he then slowly sat down before the dining table.

"The two of you as well, why don't you eat up too. After all, it's been a while, yes? Please, don't stand on ceremony."

Heinesia shut her eyes, seemingly accepting of her fate and sat down obediently. 

But Vincent...

"What are you doing still standing there, are you not hungry?"

"...!!..!!!..!!!!!"

"...Haha... it seems like I've not made this clear. ...I told you to eat."

Those words became something of a trigger, as Vincent no longer struggled, and filled his mouth with food without stopping.

To the one in so much control, and to the entire situation, White felt various complications in his mind. What of his revenge? What of Heinesia being here? Why is a demon doing all this? Is it truly all for its entertainment? And is Ruru safe?

With binding words completely controlling their bodies, the four ate in silence, staring at each other. The demon silently laughs as he ate in small mouthfuls, enjoying the situation.