Chapter 1: Karin’s Tragedy

This is the first part of a three-part series.
Although the world-building was carefully considered,
since it turned into a simple script-style short story, it might be hard to understand.

“Who’s your employer?”
“There’s no employer! I’m the free-spirited ninja, Karin-sama!”
“It seems like you don’t want to talk.”
“What are you gonna do if I don’t? If you can silence me, go ahead and try!”
“Then, you’re going to drink this.”
(Sound of a black orb being placed on the table)
“Huh? You think you can threaten me with this? What a joke.”
“This is a magical tool that absorbs ether from your body.”
“Oh? And? What’s that got to do with me? It won’t work on a ninja like me.”
“You’re an interesting one. Let me tell you something then. I already know where all your friends are.”
“What!?”
“And you’re just bait to lure them out.”
“Bullshit! You think I’m just gonna let you do whatever you want?”

“Hey, do it.”
“D-Don’t touch me! …Ugh, damn it… stop it…!”
(Sound of drinking)
”Hmph, you can only act tough for so long.”
“W-What are you talking about!? There’s no way that’ll work…!?”

“THROB!!!!”
(The sound of the magical device suddenly swelling inside her stomach.)

(Sound of the abdomen suddenly expanding)
“Wha-!? W-What is this… ughhh!!”
“Let me tell you, this magical tool grows larger when it absorbs ether.”
“W-What…!? Ughhh!?”

“How’s that? It’s already grown this big from absorbing your ether.”
“Ugh… I’ll puke this thing out right away…!”
“How do you plan on puking it out?”
“Gghh… guhh…!”
(Sound of struggling and retching)

“Don’t choke on it and die a pointless death.”
“Cough… guhhh… gagging… haah…!!”
“Got it? This magical tool won’t come out unless you cut open your stomach.”
“Stop… this… damn it… this is… not happening…!!”
“Well, I’m leaving now. I don’t like getting dirty. Do as you please.”
“Hah, don’t mess with me… damn it… this… don’t underestimate me… ugh…!!”
(Sound of the door slamming shut)

“N-No… what should I do…?! Aghhh, it’s going to tear… stop it…!!”