"The danger just keeps increasing—now, beyond being a terrible degenerate, he's also an immortal cockroach," Koneko said with a dark expression as she fastened a metallic shock collar around his neck.
"I'm a cockroach?" Issei sighed deeply. "Well, at least I'm an immortal cockroach," he said with a pained look, though his mind was elsewhere, filled with different thoughts.
Koneko often picked on him, and from the perspective of his past live, he saw this in a different light. From his experience, when someone didn't like another person, they were usually indifferent toward them or simply avoided them.
People stayed away from what they disliked instead of mocking it all day long—unless, of course, they enjoyed the teasing for some reason, like a bully who liked to feel superior.
However, Koneko didn't seem like she wanted to feel superior, nor was she a sadist who enjoyed causing pain.
He believed she liked him but hated the fact that she liked him, and that contradiction gave birth to these absurd interactions. It was like a noble virgin girl falling for a delinquent—the feeling was there but constantly denied.
Issei chuckled, amused.
"We've got a call," Koneko suddenly said as she stood up and walked toward an empty space where a magic circle shone. "I'll wait for you there—try not to take too long with your bicycle."
"I don't need a bicycle," he sighed, walking beside her as the circle glowed intensely. "Not anymore, at least," he added, scratching his head.
"Wow, looks like our cockroach is evolving," she said flatly. "Unfortunately, it turned into something worse than a flying cockroach—a teleporting cockroach, the ultimate nightmare of housewives."
"I truly am terrifying," he laughed before the scene suddenly changed.
"Where are we?" Issei asked, looking around for a moment as he got his bearings. They were in a large, well-furnished house—more like a luxurious mansion—and they seemed to be on the second floor.
"Are you demons?" a stern voice asked, catching their attention. A man in a suit with a smoking cigar between his lips was staring at them.
Around him were several more men, all heavily tattooed, with sharp eyes and visible weapons at their waists. Facial piercings only made them look more intimidating.
"Supposedly, I am a demon—but honestly, you guys look more demonic than I do," Issei said cheerfully as he stepped forward. The men eyed him up and down as he approached with confident strides.
He stopped in front of a man with a dragon tattoo on his neck and dozens more down his arm, leaning closer to inspect the artwork.
"You're pretty stylish, I have to admit. Makes me want to head straight to a tattoo studio after this," Issei said, inspired.
The man stood still like a wall under his scrutiny. He knew this was a real demon, so he kept a degree of respect—but if Issei were just a regular human, the situation would be very different.
He didn't like it and was tempted to land a solid punch right on Issei's face.
Issei, oblivious, just whistled in admiration until Koneko poked him from behind.
"Issei, he's uncomfortable. Be more polite from now on," Koneko said—and immediately pressed the button to shock him. A flash filled the room, startling all the gangsters.
They all backed away, horrified. Did those demons really treat their own allies like that? Even they weren't that brutal!
Moments later, Issei sighed.
"That actually hurt a little—but we need to recalibrate the voltage, still feels a bit weak," he said, looking at Koneko, who gave him a thumbs-up and began adjusting the device.
"Anyway, what does the mafia need from us?" Koneko asked coldly, turning her gaze to their leader. The man who had seemed so proud and confident a moment ago now looked shaken.
"W-well…" he coughed harshly. "We have some enemies we'd like you to deal with."
"Dealing with humans sounds easy. What do you offer in return?" Issei asked.
The boss coughed again, then shook his head.
"If they were just humans, we wouldn't need you. They have their own supernatural beings helping them—and they're holding important hostages. The situation is delicate, you understand?"
Issei nodded with an amused grin. The mission still sounded simple, but with these new details, the contract's value had just gone up significantly.
"Are the hostages' lives in danger?" Issei asked curiously.
"Yes… my daughters are among them, as well as the wives and daughters of other key members. According to the letter they sent us, unless we pay an absurd ransom and surrender part of our territory, they'll execute all of them at midnight tonight."
Issei and Koneko exchanged glances, silently evaluating the situation. This contract would demand an extraordinary reward. The only question was—what could they ask for?
"And what are you willing to offer?" Koneko stepped forward. "Our services don't come cheap."
The boss took a deep breath before answering.
"We have many treasures stored—gold bars, art pieces, ancient armor. It all amounts to a considerable fortune. And if that's not enough, I can promise more long-term rewards. If even that isn't sufficient… I can offer one of my daughters as a servant."
"A servant?"Issei's eyes lit up for an instant—just before the room flashed again.
A sharp cry escaped his lips this time.
"That won't be necessary… Make an inventory, please. We'll retrieve everything once we return," Koneko said calmly.