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Chapter 64 - Needing a break

As time progressed and Ohma completed his first mission, the Maivelance squad continued their efforts, having successfully completed 37 missions. They transitioned from one mission to the next, with Daru, Zodiac, Ohma, and Himitsu leading the charge, while Gram and Kono provided support by engaging enemies and casting spells to defeat the creatures.

Ohma: Oh yeah! Another mission completed! But I have to say, this one was kind of easy.

Daru hit Gram on the shoulder.

Gram: Ouch! What was that for?

Daru: Because of this idiot.

Ohma: Gram?

Kono: Why's that?

Zodiac: He picked a 2-star mission.

Gram: Hey! They didn't say it had to be a high-ranked mission.

Ohma: But don't you earn more money from high-ranked missions?

Gram: W-well, yeah.

Ohma: Then we should focus on the highest missions, right!?

Daru: I like the way you think.

Gram: You guys are crazy!

Himitsu: Huh?

Gram: Do you not see anything crazy about doing mission after mission AFTER MISSION!?

Daru: No, what's wrong with it?

Gram smacked his forehead in frustration.

Gram: We've been doing mission after mission, and we need a break—not just me this time; we need a real day off from missions to relax.

Kono: I mean, that does sound nice, I can't lie.

Daru: I think you forgot something, asshole.

Gram: What?

Daru: You're forgetting that Kono is the lowest rank! Yeah, we may have won the Newbie Event, but that doesn't change the fact that we're still at the bottom.

Gram: I won the Newbie Event.

Daru: Shut up!

Gram: Uhh… okay.

Daru: (Sighs) What I'm trying to say is that Kono is the lowest rank, which makes us all the lowest rank. If you look around, the other ranked teams don't live in a house like ours. They have nice homes, while we have a rundown place.

Kono: Hey! It's not that bad.

Himitsu placed a reassuring hand on Kono's shoulder.

Himitsu: It is, Kono… it really is.

Daru: Not to mention we helped save people from Minus One, yet everyone looks down on Kono for trying for years to get her own crew. She asked around, but people just said no and thought she wasn't good enough because she doesn't live in her arrogant brother's mansion. So, everyone dislikes Kono, which means they also dislike us because we're with her…

Gram: So, what I'm hearing is that we're still looked down upon, even though we won the Newbie Event, saved many people from Distinct One and Two, and put him back in the cage. People still look down on us because we're in Kono's crew. They know Kono has been trying for years to assemble a crew, but since she hasn't succeeded and doesn't live with her brother, they think she's inadequate. Is that why everyone looks down on us for being in Kono's crew?

Zodiac: Finally, he comprehends something.

Ohma: Whoa… that was a lot to take in.

Kono: Unfortunately, that is true. People do look down on me for not being on the same level as my brother, and they do not appreciate me. However, in Sampostis, one must earn their place, and that is exactly what my brother did. He worked diligently to attain his position, which is why he is the president. Now it is my turn to ascend.

Himitsu: You're right, Kono. It's your turn to take the lead.

Daru: Do you understand now, Gram?

Gram begins to reflect while scratching his chin.

Daru: You've got to be kidding.

Gram: No, I get it, but I still don't understand why we can't take a break.

Daru: (Sighs) I can't do this anymore. I'm heading to the portal.

Zodiac: That makes two of us.

Daru and Zodiac both proceed to the portal.

Gram: Huh? What did I say?

Himitsu: Let's just return to the house.

The Maivelance returns to Sampostis and goes back to Kono's house, where everyone is sleeping except for Gram.

Gram: (Whispering) Is it really so hard to take a little break? I just want to relax and have fun for once, but Daru's acting like I don't care about Kono. Of course, I care about Kono; I just want to unwind and do something like…

Suddenly, an idea strikes Gram.

Gram: (Whispering) That's it!

He quietly gets out of bed, sneaks out of his room, and notices Ohma snoring on the couch.

Gram: (Whispering) Eww, what is that smell?

He glances beside Ohma and sees half-eaten eggs.

Gram: (Whispering) He didn't even finish them.

Gram tiptoes into Himitsu's room and quietly shuts the door behind him.

Gram: (Whispering) Himitsu, Himitsu.

Himitsu is still asleep.

Himitsu: (Sleepily) Kora. No, Kora, I love you. No, don't do that…

Gram: (Whispering) You have to be joking!

Himitsu: Oh yeah, I've been a bad boy.

Gram: (Whispering) Eww! Himitsu, wake up!

Himitsu remains asleep.

Himitsu: (Whispering) You're the one for me, Kora; no one else…

Gram: Alright, that's enough!

He stands over Himitsu, slaps him gently, and covers his mouth as Himitsu screams.

Himitsu: (Mouth covered) Ahhhh!!

Himitsu sees Gram.

Gram: (Finger over his lips) Shhhhhh!

Himitsu: (Mouth covered) Gram?

Gram takes his hand off Himitsu's mouth.

Gram: (Whispering) Yes, it's just me.

Himitsu: (Whispering) What are you doing up at this hour? And why are you in my room?

Gram: (Whispering) Before I get to that, what's this about you and Kora?

Himitsu: (Whispering) What? What are you talking about?

Gram: (Whispering) You said you loved her and that you'd been a bad boy.

Himitsu: (Whispering) What? I wasn't saying that!

Gram: (Whispering) Himitsu, I was right here and heard everything.

Himitsu: (Whispering) Well, you heard wrong! Even if I did say that, leave me and my dreams alone!

Gram: (Whispering) Okay, jeez, chill out; I was just pointing it out.

Himitsu: (Whispering) Anyway, why are you here?

Gram: (Whispering) Oh right! I had an idea! Remember how I said we need a break yesterday?

Himitsu: (Whispering) Yes, but what does that have to do with waking me up at 3 in the morning?

Gram: (Whispering) Because I came up with a plan for our break!

Himitsu: (Whispering) You did? Doing what?

Gram: (Whispering) By going to a club!

Himitsu: What!?

Gram: (Whispering) Shh! Keep your voice down!

Himitsu: (Whispering) I'm sorry, but what? A club? Are you crazy? Zodiac and Daru would kill us if we went!

Gram: (Whispering) No, Himitsu, it will just be you and me!

Himitsu: What!

Gram: (Whispering) I said to keep your voice down!

Himitsu: (whispering) Okay, sorry. But, Gram, if they find out we went to a club, they'll kill us. Seriously, I think Daru would actually kill us, and he doesn't kill humans!

Gram: (whispering) Don't worry, I have a plan; they won't even realize we left. Wait, what's that smell?

Ohma: (whispering and eating an egg) What are you guys talking about?

Gram jumps in fright and grabs Himitsu.

Gram: (whispering) AHHHH!

Himitsu: (whispering) Ohma?

Ohma: (whispering) Hey, guys!

Gram: (whispering) Ohma, you scared me!

Ohma: (whispering) Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to. I just heard talking from this room and wondered who Himitsu was talking to.

Gram looks at Himitsu with an annoyed expression.

Himitsu: (whispering) I said I was sorry, okay?

Gram: (sighs and whispers) What did you hear, Ohma?

Ohma: (whispering) Umm... I caught something about you guys going to a club and not telling Zodiac and Daru because they'll kill you if they find out. Also, that Daru would actually kill both of you because he doesn't kill humans.

Gram and Himitsu exchange blank stares.

Ohma: (whispering) Why are you both looking at me like that?

Gram: (whispering) So you heard everything?

Ohma: (whispering) Yes, I guess I did.

Himitsu: (whispering) You see, Gram, even Ohma heard it! What makes you think Daru, Zodiac, and Kono didn't hear?

Himitsu, Gram, and Ohma peek out the door to check if Daru's and Zodiac's doors are open.

Himitsu: (whispering) Their doors are closed.

They open Zodiac's, Daru's, and Kono's doors to find them still sleeping.

Gram: (whispering) They're asleep; we're in the clear.

Ohma: (eating and whispering) Yeah, they're really out.

Gram: (whispering) Can you stop chewing in my ear?

Ohma: (whispering) Oh, sorry, I was just hungry.

Himitsu: (whispering) Alright, let's head back to the room.

The three of them go back to Himitsu's room to talk.

Gram: (whispering) Okay, Ohma.

Ohma: (whispering) Mhmm…

Gram: (whispering) Since you heard everything, do you want to come with us?

Ohma: (whispering) To the umm...

Gram: (whispering) The club?

Ohma: (whispering) Yes, the club. What is a club?

Gram: (whispering) You're serious?

Himitsu: (whispering) I'll explain, Gram. Ohma, a club is a place where you can dance, drink, and have fun with others, and you can dress nicely.

Ohma: (whispering) That sounds fun. I'll come!

Gram: (whispering) Really?

Ohma: (whispering) Yeah!

Gram: (whispering) Alright, but on one condition.

Ohma: (whispering) What is it?

Gram: (whispering) You cannot tell Zodiac and Daru where we're going or what we're doing, got it?

Ohma: (smiling and whispering) Got it!

Gram: (whispering) No, not "got it." Say "yes sir, The Great Gram." It's an oath we won't break.

Himitsu: (shakes his head and whispers) Aww man.

Ohma: (whispering) Uhh… okay, I will not break the oath, The Great Gram.

After discussing their plan at night, morning comes by, having everyone in the kitchen eating.

Kono: I can't believe we're flying past these missions.

Daru: We are getting close to that 50 mark. I wonder what the rift mission will be like.

Zodiac: Hmm.

Kono: Anyway, let's get ready and head out to the Order!

Gram: Ummm, about that...

Kono looks at Gram.

Kono: Huh?

Gram: I was planning to do some shopping today.

Daru: Really, Gram? Shopping?

Himitsu: What kind of shopping?

Gram: Well, I don't really know yet, but I'll figure it out.

Zodiac: So you want to shop but don't know what for?

Gram: Yeah, is that a problem?

Daru: Yes, it is. We were going to do missions, and then you suddenly mention shopping.

Kono: That is true.

Gram: Well, I can go on my own, so don't worry about me.

Daru: Really? You were going to shop aimlessly? Do you even know how to use the money we made?

Gram: W-well, no, but Kono can tell me, right? (Looking at Kono.)

Kono: I guess I can, but are you sure you want to shop instead of doing missions?

Gram: Yes, I do! Like I said, you don't have to come with me.

Zodiac: You don't have to tell me twice.

Daru: I'd rather fight something than go shopping.

Himitsu: Well, I might want to go with Gram. I want to explore Sampostis a bit more.

Ohma: Sounds interesting; I'll join you!

Daru: Are you serious, Ohma? You want to do that?

Ohma: Yeah!

Daru: (Looking at Kono) And what about you, Kono?

Kono: Oh, well, I'd like to finish some missions, so I'll stick with you guys.

Zodiac: (Getting up) Then let's not waste any time.

Zodiac walks out the front door, heading to the Order Association.

Daru: (Shaking his head) This guy doesn't wait for anyone.

Kono: If you three are going shopping, I'll need to show you how to make purchases using your Jump Watch.

Kono approaches Gram and demonstrates how to use the bank account.

Kono: Just click this icon, and it will display the crew wallet. After that, scan your Jump Watch on the machine, and it will work!

Gram: So that's how you use it.

Kono: (Confused) What?

Gram: Oh, it's nothing; don't worry!

Kono: Alright, Daru and I will be leaving.

Daru: And Gram.

Gram: Yes, Daru?

Daru: Don't do anything stupid, got it?

Gram: Yes, yes, we won't!

Daru: (Sighing) Let's go, Kono.

Kono: Okay, see you later, everyone!

Himitsu & Ohma: See you!

Daru and Kono exit the door, leaving Gram, Himitsu, and Ohma behind.

Gram: Finally! Now we can get this party started!

Himitsu wipes the sweat from his forehead.

Himitsu: I thought they were going to find out for a second.

Ohma: Is what we're doing wrong?

Gram: What? No! I simply want to keep this between us.

Ohma: Oh, okay then!

Himitsu: Well, I guess we're off!

Gram: It's time to get decked out!

They get ready and head out, walking to locate a nearby clothing store.

Himitsu: How are we going to find a shop?

Gram: I don't know.

Himitsu: What do you mean "I don't know"?

Gram: I'm still learning about this city. There might be one nearby, though.

Himitsu: Why don't we start at Central Point? I saw a lot of shops there.

Gram: Great idea, Himitsu! They must have awesome clothes!

Ohma: Why do we need new clothes? Aren't the ones we have good enough?

Gram: No, Ohma. If we're going to a club, we need to present ourselves at our best!

Ohma: I'm not sure I understand all of this.

Gram: Trust me, Ohma, you'll understand once we take you to the club.

As they walk, they arrive at Central Point, bustling with activity.

Himitsu: Wow, there are so many people here today!

Gram: Alright, everyone, there must be a clothing shop in this area. Stay alert.

They wander through Central Point, checking one shop after another in search of the right one. After a short while, Gram finally spots one and points.

Gram: Look, over there!

Himitsu: Nice one, Gram!

Ohma: What's that place called? Tensiro?

Himitsu: That store is huge! It even has a second floor!

Gram: This is perfect! Come on, let's go!

They enter the crowded store, and Gram is captivated by the sight of so many appealing clothes.

Gram: This is a dream come true!

Ohma: There are so many people here! I guess everyone is having fun.

Gram: Yes, Ohma, they are! Now let's start selecting outfits!

Himitsu: I think I have an idea of what to wear. How about you, Ohma?

Ohma: Ummm, I have no idea!

Himitsu: What?

Ohma: Well, as a knight, I don't usually think about clothes.

Gram approaches Ohma and gently guides him.

Gram: Don't worry, I've got you covered!

He directs Ohma toward a section while Himitsu browses on his own, moving from rack to rack in search of the perfect attire.

Himitsu: Come on, there's got to be something here.

As Himitsu explores another section featuring shirts, he discovers an item he likes and removes it from the rack.

Himitsu: This is perfect!

Iris: Why did you bring me here?

Kora: To make you look pretty, of course!

Himitsu's heart sinks at the familiar voice, prompting him to duck down.

Himitsu: Did I just hear Kora? No way!

He peeks to the side and sees Kora and Iris shopping together. He blushes as he observes them trying on clothes.

Iris: Do you think this looks good on me?

Kora: You look amazing! That dress makes you look so cute!

Iris: Well, if you say so, I won't complain.

Kora: Trust me, I'm the embodiment of beauty in this.

Himitsu ducks back to hide, his heart racing.

Himitsu: Oh my gosh, it's Kora! I can't let her see me!

He stands up and accidentally hits his head on a metal bar, resulting in a loud thud.

Himitsu: (rubbing his head) OWWW!

Kora and Iris turn toward the source of the noise, puzzled.

Iris: What was that?

Kora: I have no idea. It sounded like someone hit their head.

Iris: What an idiot.

The scene shifts to Himitsu frantically searching for Ohma and Gram. Upon finding them, he spots Gram near the changing room, waiting for Ohma to emerge.

Himitsu: (breathless) Gram! Gram!

Gram: Whoa, why are you in such a hurry?

Himitsu: I saw Iris and Kora! They're in here!

Gram: Oh, they are? And why is that a problem?

Himitsu: W-well, I don't want them to find us.

Gram: What? You're not making any sense.

Himitsu: Look, I just don't want them to see us, okay?

Gram: Uhhhh, alright then. But we can't rush greatness. Ohma is about to come out of the changing room.

Himitsu: He is?

As Ohma steps out, he is dressed in a black suit and an iced-out watch.

Ohma: What do you think?

Himitsu: Whoa! You look great, Ohma!

Gram: (chuckling) It's all thanks to me. I picked it out.

Ohma: Thanks, Himitsu! I'm glad you like it!

Gram: And what about you, Himitsu? What are you planning to wear?

Himitsu: I found this nice shirt, but I still need pants to go with it.

Gram examines the shirt Himitsu is holding.

Gram: Hmm, not a bad choice. I can find the perfect pants for you. Follow me.

Himitsu follows Gram to the pants section as he selects garments for him. They continue to gather all necessary items before heading back to the changing room.

Gram: We'll be right back, Ohma!

Ohma: Okay!

Gram and Himitsu enter separate changing rooms to try on their outfits. After a few moments, they emerge, both dressed in their new ensembles—Himitsu in a sophisticated shirt and pants, and Gram in a stylish jacket and pants, complemented by a striking watch.

Ohma: Wow! You guys look so cool!

Gram (with a playful smile): Well, of course. Gram the Great always looks cool.

Himitsu: I'm really loving my outfit!

At that moment, Himitsu spots Iris and Kora approaching, causing him to panic and quickly remove his clothes.

Himitsu: They're coming! Take my clothes, Gram! I'll wait outside!

Gram: W-what!?

Himitsu dashes out of the store, drawing the attention of Iris and Kora, who notice Gram and Ohma.

Kora: Is that you, Gram?

Gram: Oh hey, Kora. How's it going?

Ohma: Hey, guys!

Kora: Uhhh, it's going fine, I guess? Iris and I were just shopping.

Iris: What are you guys wearing?

Gram: Huh? What do you mean? We're wearing drip!

Iris: Drip? You look like a bunch of morons.

Ohma: Oh, thank you!

Gram: Ohma! That's not a compliment!

Ohma: Oh, it isn't?

Gram: NO!

Ohma: (smiling) Oh, okay!

Gram shakes his head.

Kora: She's kind of right, though.

Gram: Man, you guys just don't know style, that's all.

Kora: Actually, I do. You're speaking to the fairy queen, after all.

Iris looks around, noticing Zodiac is absent.

Iris: Where is Zodiac?

Gram: Zodiac? He's currently on a mission with the others.

Iris: Tch, what a disappointment. Let's go, Kora.

Kora: Oh, alright, well see you both later.

Gram: Have a good one!

Ohma: Take care!

Kora and Iris walk away to another section.

Gram: I wonder why she mentioned Zodiac. Anyway, we need to pay. Let's go!

After a few minutes, Himitsu, waiting outside, sees Gram and Ohma with shopping bags.

Himitsu: There you are!

Gram: Yep! We should be good to go!

Ohma: I'm getting excited already!

Himitsu: Okay, so what do we do now?

Gram: We wait until nighttime, and that's when the party begins.

 

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