I, Kenneth, am going to get to the root of the problem today.

Page 74

"Hurry up, I'm going to beat you today!"

"Is he using his frustration to cover up his true feelings? What a hypocrite."

Using a mutter that Ryougi Shiki could just hear, Kenneth, who had brought a stool, sat down next to her. Her pretense exposed, Ryougi Shiki once again turned her head away.

"Long-winded!"

The cold pretense was shattered, and all the thorns on his body were pulled out by Kenneth during this time. With a strange sense of satisfaction, Kenneth picked up the controller, selected a character, and knocked out Ryougi Shiki with a combo.

"I'm sorry, you lost again."

Seeing Ryougi Shiki's angry expression, Kenneth's eyes were full of amusement, which made the usually taciturn Ryougi Shiki break down and unlock various expressions. This was already a rare source of fun for Kenneth during this period.

"Again! I wasn't paying attention this time!"

Ryougi Shiki, who had been subconsciously grinding her teeth, tensed up instantly upon choosing a new character, and was knocked out half a minute later.

“There is progress, but it’s not enough.”

"Stop nagging! Let's do it again!"

Half a minute later, KO! Athena, controlled by Ryougi Shiki, was knocked to the ground by the rampaging iron ball. Watching that fat pig writhing on the screen, Ryougi Shiki had arrived at the Red Temperature ahead of schedule today...

"I'll come again tomorrow!"

Leaving behind harsh words of defeat and desperation, Ryougi Shiki, who had been brutally beaten as usual, stormed out of the Hall of Garan. Putting down the controller, Kenneth, maintaining his human habits, walked towards the dining table.

"Ah, Fujino, I really want a bowl of plain congee, and miso soup would be even better..."

With a whiny air, Aozaki Touko sat down at the table early, looking at the food that didn't look like Japanese cuisine. The freeloader Touko sprawled on the table, enjoying the food and drinks.

"No one is forcing you. If you have money, then go out and solve it yourself."

"Never mind, I suddenly think it tastes pretty good."

As a member of the "sunshine tribe" (a term referring to people who spend all their time in the sun), if it weren't for Kenneth, Orange, who never lifts a finger to cook, might have already entered a state of being stuck in a bug. Fujino's cooking skills are very good, but after eating them for a long time, they can become ordinary. Since there is an opportunity, Kenneth really wants to try Ryougi Shiki's cooking skills. As the ceiling that Kinoko (a character in the game) has designated, Kenneth is really curious.

"It's decided, let's add a prize tomorrow."

Thinking to himself, Kenneth left the Hall of Garan after finishing his dinner. He had finished training Ryougi Shiki during the day, and Ryougi Ori awaited him that evening. Putting on his coat, Kenneth went to the place where he had first met Ryougi Ori.

"Who are you from? Out so late, looking for something exciting with the woman next to you? We guys are interested too..."

Perhaps because Shirai Rio hadn't been hunting recently, the restless thugs began a wild party in the night. Without Kenneth's reminder, the fog rolled in, and Kyoko began her hunt. The sound disappeared, and the spirit in the fog took everything away, leaving only a few pools of blood on the ground to prove that these thugs had existed.

After dealing with the trash, Kyoko stood back behind Kenneth. Amidst the faint smell of blood, the sound of footsteps approaching grew louder. As Kenneth turned his head, Ryougi-ori, wearing a blue kimono and a red jacket, appeared at the intersection of the alley.

"Did you kill someone?"

The long-lost smell of rust made Ryougi no longer take action tonight. Instead, she looked past Kenneth at the bloodstains on the ground.

“You stepped on a few bugs, what, you’re not asking for a beating today?”

"I don't want to fight today. I've known you for so long, and I don't even know your name. There's a nice shop nearby, want to go sit down?"

Ryougi stood up, turned her head, and after confirming that Kenneth had no objections, she put her hands in her pockets and walked over the bloodstains on the ground into the depths of the alley. Walking with the locals through the alley, Kenneth arrived at a very quiet ramen shop.

"This shop only offers this one flavor, consider it a late-night snack, it's on me."

The shop is small and there aren't many customers. The elderly owner disappeared after putting down two bowls of noodles. It has to be said that this is indeed a good place for people who crave peace and quiet.

"Can you tell me what it feels like to kill someone? Why didn't you have any reaction after you killed those guys?"

With her legs crossed and slurping noodles, Ryougi asked Kenneth the same question she had asked him when they first met. In Ryougi's understanding, killing leads to depravity; she was abnormal, and so was Kenneth. Ryougi was curious why Kenneth hadn't lost his way because of killing.

“Humans, those things can indeed be considered human from a taxonomic perspective.”

In a simple sentence, Kenneth answered Ryougi's question: Kenneth never considered those rotten things as human beings. When needed, they used the name of the evil party to do whatever they wanted, and when not needed, they sought protection through morality. If Kenneth found them disgusting, he would make them disgusting too.

"I see. So those guys have been expelled from the human race? That makes sense. They were indeed a bunch of rotten to the core."

After finishing the ramen soup, Ryougi Shiki patted her stomach and lay down on the sofa. She had eaten dinner and then had a bowl of ramen. As a normal human, Ryougi Shiki felt a little uncomfortable from being so full.

"You and she are both using morality to restrain yourselves, which is very good. Even when you are restless, you can control yourself, which puts you ahead of 90% of people."

The words made sense, but Ryougi was very unhappy because Kenneth, who had just ripped out the alley, was still using the tone of an elder lecturing a younger person.

"Are you saying you have no morals? I don't need an old man like you to counsel me."

This was the first time in his life that Kenneth had been called "uncle," and his feelings were quite complicated. Looking at Ryougi, who had a "you're right, but I won't listen" look on her face, Kenneth really wanted to teach her a lesson.

"I don't really have much morality. Some people practice what is right, some people stick to their bottom line, while I just follow my own thoughts. In your eyes I am a monster. Yes, I am a monster. As someone who is even more abnormal than you, I think I am qualified to give you some pointers."

"You really are an anomaly!"

At that moment, Ryougi realized the existence of Kenneth, an even more abnormal being than herself. Her inner impulse surged, and after leaving a few banknotes, Ryougi walked towards the store door.

"Fight me, a serious one."

An anomaly has met with an even greater one. Ryougi's inner turmoil is completely drawn to Kenneth, and now, all Ryougi wants is to vent all her emotions—to vent them to Kenneth, who can accept them.

Chapter 190 Competitive Spirit

At Ryougi's insistence, Wing Chun Kenneth made Ryougi feel the destructive power of a charged punch. At sixteen years old, Ryougi, who was leaning against the wall, felt as if her bones were about to fall apart after experiencing the aftermath.

"So, are you satisfied?"

"You win. I admit defeat this time, but I'll come back to you tomorrow."

In order not to interfere with Ryougi Shiki's cooking, Kenneth controlled his strength and satisfied Ryougi Shiki's request on the premise that he would be fine after a good night's sleep. After watching Ryougi Shiki leave, Kenneth, in a good mood, strolled back to Garan no Dou and sat in the dimly lit living room. Unable to sleep for the time being because of Ayaka Sajou, Kenneth enjoyed the silence of the night.

Time passed slowly, and Kenneth, who had no intention of sleeping, found himself in an unfamiliar room. His mind was still clear, without the hazy feeling of his usual dreams, and everything in front of him seemed incredibly real.

"Interesting, is it a man-made dream?"

With a click, the door in the dream opened, and under Kenneth's somewhat surprised gaze, Lydel, dressed in a rather 'special' outfit, walked in. Like a female cat, Lydel clung to him like an octopus.

A few seconds later, the door opened again, and this time Morgan entered, still wearing the same clothes as Gunslinger. In her dream, Morgan perfectly displayed the allure of a witch. After a while, Orange and Aoko filed in, and even Ryougi Shiki changed into a bunny girl outfit. The room was quickly filled, and bodies were clung to by hands. These illusory figures displayed the charm of the human body without reservation in front of Kenneth.

By now, Kenneth was certain who had created this dream. Sensing that presence, the magic of the Third Law dissipated, and the beauties before him vanished like bubbles. Reaching out, ripples spread through the illusory space, and the peeping sprite was instantly lifted into Kenneth's palm.

"Don't rush off, Mary."

"Merry, who is Merlin? I don't know him! I am Merlin in disguise! This was all his idea, it has nothing to do with me! He ran that way, I can help you catch him!"

As the petals fell, Meryl in Kenneth's hands transformed into Merlin's likeness, her large, sparkling eyes gleaming as she relentlessly disgusted Kenneth.

"I see. Since you are the incarnation of Merlin, then you are also a nightmare, the last nightmare on Earth. I'm a little curious!"

"Wait, what are you doing! No!"

Meeker panicked when she met Kenneth's eyes, which were so innocent yet filled with pure desire. Under Morgan's relentless torment, and with a "what the hell" attitude, Meeker decided to absorb some of Kenneth's magic to vent her frustration. Who could have imagined that Kenneth's mental strength was so outrageous? Not only did he enter a dream state while fully conscious, but he also had ways to counter her. This time, she had really messed up.

"Obey, let me see!"

Under Kenneth's watchful eyes, Mary's disguise was utterly ineffective. The aura of the Third Law surged, and Kenneth began to study the scoundrel before him with an academic air. Morgan's workshop—as the scoundrel's body trembled, Mary, completely out of control, opened her eyes. The door to the room opened, and Morgan, who had come to change discs, looked at the suddenly quiet Mary with some surprise.

"Gulp, little Morgan, just kill me, I'm not clean anymore."

"Pah, serves you right!"

With a hint of respect for the scoundrel, Morgan spat and left, leaving only the languid music in the empty room. Returning to Guanbuzi City, Kenneth also opened his eyes at the opportune moment. It was just a projection; Kenneth hadn't done anything to Meryl, just shown her the XP system from the 21st century. Seeing the scoundrel's utterly astonished expression, Kenneth found it genuinely satisfying.

As his vision cleared, Kenneth drew back the curtains, letting the morning sunlight fall upon him. He stretched lazily in the sun, when a knock sounded at the door. Without Kenneth needing to answer, Ryougi Shiki, her movements somewhat stiff, pushed the door open and walked in.

"What happened last night? Why am I so injured? Never mind, I'll find out once I defeat you."

Kenneth, who skillfully turned on the TV and connected the equipment, looked at Ryougi Shiki with a look of urgency in his eyes and a smirk on his lips. Sensing Ryougi Shiki's change in demeanor, he slowly walked to the TV.

"If you can beat me, I can tell you anything you want to know. Oh, and I'm planning to add a punishment today."

"punish?"

......

An hour later, when Fujino returned from grocery shopping and entered the kitchen, Ryougi Shiki, wearing an apron, was stirring the rice porridge in the pot with a frustrated expression. With a thud, the shopping basket fell to the ground, and Fujino's eyes instantly filled with a rainbow light.

"Good choice of vegetables, this is the bet between me and that guy! You're off work today!"

"get off work!"

Like a thunderclap out of nowhere, the light in Asagami Fujino's eyes went out. Turning around, Asagami Fujino looked at Kenneth in disbelief, feeling that she had been stripped of her value.

"Lord Kenneth, is it that the food Fujino made doesn't suit your taste?"

Facing Asagami Fujino, whose expression was increasingly on the verge of collapse, Kenneth said calmly:

"It suits my taste perfectly, but it's a punishment for her repeated failures. If you're worried about it, Fujino, you can prepare it together."

"Yes, Lord Kenneth, I will definitely do my best!"

With a burning passion, Asagami Fujino, who had deliberately honed her culinary skills, rolled up her sleeves and walked into the kitchen. Today, Asagami Fujino was going to show this arrogant woman what true domesticity was.

Ryougi Shiki glanced at Asagami Fujino, who was provoking her, and nonchalantly stepped aside from the stove next to her.

What you want to do is none of my business, just leave me alone!

Ryougi Shiki's indifference completely ignited Asagami Fujino's fighting spirit. Suppressing the urge to roll Ryougi Shiki, who was preparing miso, Asagami Fujino pulled out a kitchen knife and stood in front of the empty stove. Noticing that Ryougi Shiki was preparing a Japanese breakfast, Fujino, who knew Kenneth's tastes well, said: The advantage is in my hands!

Half an hour later, Kenneth glanced at the clearly defined breakfasts on the table and, under Asagami Fujino's expectant gaze, picked up a steamed bun that was still warm.

"How does it taste, Mr. Kenneth?"

"Great, delicious as always."

After receiving Kenneth's praise, Asagami Fujino looked at Ryougi Shiki sitting opposite her. Faced with Asagami Fujino's provocation, Ryougi Shiki crossed her hands and turned her head to the side.

"boring!"

After finishing the steamed buns in a few bites, Kenneth picked up the white porridge cooked by Ryougi Shiki under the watchful eyes of Asagami Fujino. He took a small sip, and Kenneth, who was good at managing his expressions, did not show the slightest change in expression. It was impossible to judge from Kenneth's expression. Just as Asagami Fujino was hesitating whether to try it or not, Orange, who smelled the aroma, sat down with her messy hair.

"This is miso soup! And white porridge! And saury! Fujino, you really do care about me!"

The test subject arrived, and Asagami Fujino, who was continuing to instruct Ryougi Shiki on cooking, glanced at Touko with a flickering look in her eyes. As soon as the white porridge entered her mouth, Aozaki Touko immediately let out an ape-like roar.

"How delicious this is! Mmm, this saury! The perfect balance of oil and smoky flavor! And this miso soup! I feel like every cell in my body is breathing, this feeling of satisfaction... Fujino, your cooking is amazing! It's simply..."

Kenneth glanced at the primal orange and then at Fujino, whose expression kept changing, and then took on the role of a Japanese referee.

"I'm glad you like it, Teacher Orange!"

With a forced smile, Asagami Fujino picked up the white porridge that Ryougi Shiki had cooked, and with a death-defying air, she drank it down. The next second, realizing the difference in their circumstances, Asagami Fujino turned ashen-faced.

"You won this time, lunch! I promise I won't lose to you!"

"boring!"

Ryougi Shiki responded to Fujino's indifference. Uninterested in Fujino, Ryougi Shiki got up and walked to the sofa. Seeing Fujino start grinding her teeth, Touko looked at Kenneth, puzzled.

"None of your business, just eat your food!"

"Oh."

Kenneth gave Asagami Fujino an encouraging look, and Kenneth thought, "It's really good!"

Chapter 191 Root Style

Even though Kenneth didn't say anything, Asagami Fujino realized the gap between herself and Ryougi Shiki through a mouthful of congee. In order to keep her position as a cook and to be needed by Kenneth, Asagami Fujino rushed to the market after finishing her breakfast. With her understanding of Kenneth's tastes, Asagami Fujino would never admit defeat!

Kenneth didn't stop Asagami Fujino from competing with him. Eating on time was just to make Kenneth act like a human being. For Kenneth now, food was only a matter of whether it was edible or not. Feasts were delicious, and home-cooked meals were delicious too. Both could bring Kenneth satisfaction.

The competitive nature of the situation served to distract him, which was beneficial for Asagami Fujino, who was inherently twisted. Kenneth found it quite appealing that it allowed Asagami Fujino to vent her abnormal behavior while also satisfying her sense of taste.

Asagami Fujino was selecting ingredients, and the Nikko clan member Orange kept taking on commissions to pay off her debts. Apart from the diving Kyoko, the only sound in the office was the tapping of a controller.

KO!!

Flame-like characters appeared, and unsurprisingly, Kenneth ended the fight in thirty seconds once again.

"Come again!"

Watching the chubby figure writhe on the screen, Ryougi Shiki's grip on the controller cracked loudly with the characteristic rage of Red Fury. The results screen disappeared, and Ryougi Shiki once again chose the 'Psychic Warrior Team,' randomly selecting a female fighter to face off against, and a new match began.

"Come again."

"Come again!"

"Come again!!"

……

Gradually, Kenneth felt the pressure. Glancing at Ryougi Shiki, who was still in a red-hot state, Kenneth also abandoned his nonchalant attitude and began to fight Ryougi Shiki with all his might.

After five rounds, Kenneth lost, defeated by Ryougi Shiki by a hair's breadth. Putting down the controller, Kenneth looked at Ryougi Shiki, who was still in a red-hot state.

"You're making rapid progress, but I don't think you have anything to ask me."

Her acting skills were exposed, and the aura of Ryougi Shiki that was just a moment ago turned into something ethereal. Faced with this suddenly transformed, Buddhist-like lady, Kenneth could only say, "Whatever makes you happy."