My Scumbag System Chapter 484: Morning, Scumbag, and Other Royal Proclamations

Sunlight pierced my eyelids, and a weight settled on my chest—definitely not blankets. Celeste was sprawled across me, her silver-white hair tickling my chin. She slept with her mouth slightly open, appearing younger and far less formidable than the ice princess everyone knew.

The events of the previous night with Maki flashed through my mind. My familiar had ambushed me for a quick encounter while Celeste slept nearby. And I, like the scumbag I was, had indulged.

Nel chirped within my head.

I recalled the details.

A gentle tap on the door broke my morning cycle of regret. I carefully disentangled myself from Celeste, who stirred with a soft protest before burrowing into my pillow.

Slipping on sweatpants and a t-shirt, I opened the door. Isabelle Okoye stood in the hallway, already clad in full combat attire—black tactical pants, a reinforced chest plate, and her spear, reduced to a portable size and secured on her back.

"Nakano. You're alive. Good." Her regal tone made her pronouncements sound like royal decrees.

"Just about. What time is it?"

"Seven-thirty. We need to converse."

I glanced back at Celeste's sleeping form. "One moment."

After a quick teeth brushing and splash of water on my face, I stepped into the hallway, quietly closing the door.

Isabelle’s crimson eyes scrutinized me, their penetrating gaze seeming to catalogue my every weakness. "You appear less deceased than yesterday. An impressive recovery."

"Appreciate the medical assessment, Doc."

"Your sarcasm remains unimpeded. How reassuring." A slight quirk touched her lips. "Accompany me."

We proceeded downstairs in silence. Isabelle moved with an uncanny grace for someone armed with a collapsible spear—like royalty gliding through her domain. The common area was sparsely populated, save for Juan, who had once again managed to nap while standing against a wall, and Marco, preparing coffee with the focused intensity of a neurosurgeon.

Isabelle guided me outside to the rear porch, which offered a view of the forest. The morning mist still embraced the trees, lending an otherworldly aura to the scene.

"I require your cooperation," she stated directly.

"Regarding?"

"A Gate expedition."

I met her gaze. "You propose undertaking a Gate run? Now?"

"Precisely." She rested against the railing. "My usual companions desire rest, citing trauma from witnessing your near-fatal broadcast."

"Understandable."

"However, I cannot afford to forgo a day." She turned her scarlet eyes toward me. "Nor can you."

"Why me specifically?" I inquired, already knowing my affirmative response. Isabelle rarely sought assistance; this was practically a singular occasion.

"Your performance yesterday demonstrated capability, notwithstanding your... unconventional strategies." She examined her nails, painted a deep shade of crimson. "And it appears we've had limited interaction, with your schedule occupied by your... associates."

"They are—" I began instinctively, then stopped myself. "Very well. What is this Gate?"

"A C-Rank Blue located in the eastern sector. A standard clearance mission." She stood upright. "The VHC anticipates minimal opposition, implying we should brace for the unexpected."

"When do we depart?"

"In twenty minutes. South dock."

"I will be there."

Isabelle gave a nod, then paused. "One final matter, Nakano."

"Yes?"

"Bring your bat." Her mouth formed a shape resembling a smile. "It appears to be remarkably effective."

She departed, her posture unwavering. Even in casual conversation, Isabelle maintained an air of fallen royalty.

I returned upstairs to retrieve my equipment, contemplating how to explain this to Celeste. Or, more dauntingly, Natalia. My mind cycled through potential scenarios, none concluding favorably.

Nel offered.

Upon opening my door, I found Celeste sitting up in bed, her hair disheveled and her eyes still clouded with sleep. She looked at me, then at my hand on the doorknob.

"Leaving somewhere?" Her voice was soft yet alert.

"Gate run," I confessed. "With Isabelle."

"Isabelle?" Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "That is... unexpected."

"Her team is taking a break."

Celeste nodded slowly. "And you are not?"

"My recovery is swift."

"Indeed," she concurred. "Supernaturally so."

A silence hung between us. Celeste possessed a keen intellect and was undoubtedly aware of the discrepancies in my narratives, my abilities, and indeed, everything about me. I wondered how long it would take for her to piece it all together.

She slid out of bed, still clad in my oversized t-shirt that barely concealed her thighs. "Exercise caution, Satori. C-Ranks can still prove fatal if one is not vigilant."

"How did you ascertain it was a C-Rank?"

"Because that’s what’s available today according to the Guild board." Her smile was slight, delicate, like the first snowfall of winter settling on glass. "I do pay attention."

She crossed the room with unhurried grace, her bare feet silent on the wooden floor, and kissed me softly. The gesture was simple, chaste even, but the warmth of her lips lingered like the phantom heat of summer sunlight after dusk. "Come back in one piece."

"That’s the plan," I said, my voice rougher than I intended.

Her fingers remained on my arm for a heartbeat longer than necessary, the touch light as snow yet somehow weighted with unspoken concern. "Natalia will be upset."

"I know."

"I’ll handle her." Celeste moved toward the bathroom, her hair swaying like liquid moonlight with each step. Before she disappeared through the doorway, she glanced back at me over her shoulder. "You owe me for that."

"Add it to my tab."

I quickly changed into combat gear, each piece of equipment snapping into place with the practiced efficiency of routine. The regenerator brace went beneath my shirt first, the metal cool against my skin, then the reinforced vest, the arm guards, the knee and shin protection. Finally, I grabbed my bat. The weight settled into my palm like an old friend returning home—familiar, balanced, perfect. The damn thing had been through hell with me. Multiple Gates, the Hydra, Reyna’s lightning, Celeste’s ice. It wasn’t fancy or magical, didn’t glow with divine power or hum with arcane energy. But it worked, and that was enough.

After one final check of my gear, I headed downstairs again, my boots thudding softly against the wooden steps. The common room had filled up slightly since I’d first passed through, the morning energy of the Hounds slowly building as students emerged from their rooms. The smell of cooking drifted from the kitchen—butter, vanilla, something sweet and warm that made my stomach twist with hunger I didn’t have time to indulge.

Emi stood in the kitchen doorway, her blue hair pulled back in a ponytail that made her look younger somehow, more innocent. She wielded a spatula in one hand like a weapon of domestic warfare, and her face lit up like someone had flipped a switch the moment she spotted me.

"Satori!" Her voice carried that perpetual note of sunshine that somehow never grated on my nerves the way it should have. "I’m making pancakes!"

"Can’t today. Gate run."

The brightness dimmed immediately, her smile flickering like a candle in a sudden draft. "But... you just fought yesterday. You should rest." Her brows knitted together, genuine worry creasing her features. "You could get hurt if you’re tired."

"I’m fine." I didn’t have time for the full Emi worry cycle, the spiral of concern that could trap you for fifteen minutes if you weren’t careful. "Save me some for when I get back?"

"Of course!" She nodded so eagerly her ponytail bounced. "I’ll make extra blueberry ones. Those are your favorite!"

I wasn’t aware I had a pancake preference, but I nodded anyway. "Thanks."

"Who are you running with?" Skylar’s voice came from behind me. She lounged against the wall, headphones around her neck, wearing black leggings and an oversized purple hoodie.

"Isabelle."

Skylar’s eyebrows shot up. "The queen asked you? Interesting."

"Probably just desperate."

"Or smart." She tilted her head. "You do have a habit of surviving impossible situations."

"It’s just a C-Rank."

"Everything is just a C-Rank until it isn’t." She pushed off the wall and walked past me. "Try not to die. You still owe me dessert."

I made it to the south dock with two minutes to spare. Isabelle already waited there, her back straight, her wine-red hair catching the morning light. She’d added forearm guards and a utility belt since I’d last seen her.

"You’re on time," she noted, sounding mildly surprised.

"Don’t act so shocked."

"Most men I know operate on their own schedules." She turned toward the waiting boat. "Let’s go."

The ferry ride to the mainland was quiet. Isabelle stared out at the water, lost in thought, while I ran through my available abilities. Lightning Rod would be useless unless we encountered electrical monsters. Steel Body gave me ten seconds of invulnerability, but the cooldown was brutal. Kinetic Absorption would help in a sustained fight. Shade Cloak for mobility.

Not a bad toolkit, but not ideal for unknown threats either.

When we arrived at the eastern district docking area, a VHC representative met us with paperwork. He wore the standard black and gold uniform, complete with the overly stiff posture they all seemed to share.

"Guild affiliations?" he asked without looking up from his tablet.

"Onyx Hounds," I replied.