My Measurement: The Villain Desires a Satisfying Payback

The Absolute Contract was relatively simple, and could thus be summarised in 5 sentences:

1. Selina would use her Measurement to protect me and others I want her to, to the best of her ability, and at any time I require and/or request it.

2. I would provide Selina with a sense of 'freedom' as well as the ability to socialise with others her age by personally guaranteeing the security of both her person and personal information, ensuring that she is not harmed and that information does not leak to a third party.

3. I would not exploit the use of her Measurement, identity, or personal information in any way, and I would not leak any information about her to a third party.

4. Any and all contact between Selina and I has to be moderated and monitored by Minami Mochizuki.

5. I would be responsible to ensure all conditions on my side are upheld―if any are deemed to have been broken, then the contract is annulled and I will die.

Oh, and, the contract lasts until the end of my contract with Minami; so, about mid-July, which also happens to be around Selina's birthday.

There was some more, but that was the gist of it. In reality, the majority of the conditions were making sure I didn't do anything to exploit or take advantage of her in any way.

The main point of resistance was the thing about taking her outside to socialise, but as previously mentioned, I already discussed the matter with Minami beforehand; we came to the conclusion that she wanted to allow Selina outside but was afraid of people finding out about her Measurement.

I managed to convince her that it would be fine by stating a few facts, like that it was impossible for anyone to know what her Measurement was unless she either told someone directly or unless that person had an ability akin to a 'Measurement of Measurements', but the chances of that happening were abysmally low.

In addition to that, I signed some conditions stating that I would be required to monitor and ensure Selina's safety at all times when outside, as well as that I would ensure there are no third parties who find out about her identity through the use of my own Measurement―if someone did find out, I would dispose of them ASAP.

In any case, because she had my Measurement of Truth to rely on, Minami was honestly more willing than I initially expected to allow Selina access to the outside world.

It might look like a risky idea because I'll die if I break the contract, but it was truly a great deal for me.

The relief of knowing that no one will ascertain or discover Selina's identity is, for Minami, a feeling akin to breaking a long streak of constipation. Without me, she could not have this solaced comfort that indirectly allows Selina to socialise and make friends, and so she is unexpectedly welcome to this kind of deal.

The conditions on my end weren't that big of a deal, either. All it boiled down to, in reality, was to kill anyone who found out about her Measurement, and then I would be able to pretty much use it as I pleased.

It's not like I wanted anyone to find out about her, after all, and I would probably kill anyone that happened to discover that secret anyway, so it worked out perfectly for me.

Of course, I would prevent it if I can, but people finding out is an inevitability.

Now, unfortunately, despite obtaining such a great shield to use against my enemies and to protect myself against the Order, Wardens and other Concepts, it was still not enough. In the current situation, all I have to rely on for protection is the twins, Sophie Asanami, and now Selina.

It may even seem like an over exaggeration for me to say that this may not be sufficient, but that's just how it is.

An ideal scenario would be to get myself a guarantee, but such a thing doesn't exist.

The force that the Wardens possess is that much, after all.

"Selina."

Opening my mouth towards the girl in front of me, she looked at me and tilted her head, subdued thrill present within her gaze.

"Shall we take a walk?"

My only option is to make do with what I have... and to prepare.

❖─────❖─────❖

We were strolling through a verdant park.

It was only the dawn of a sunny Saturday noon, and so there were many families, couples, friends and dog-walkers strewn about the place.

Promenading through this peaceful piece of land that sat not too far from the city centre, were me and Selina.

Fortunately, there didn't seem to be anyone I knew around, so I could operate without fear of being needlessly harassed or interrogated.

Giving a sidewards glance to my left, the elated and brightly smiling face of Selina entered my vision. She seemed happy that she could go outside after such a long time.

"I told you that I wanted your protection, but I didn't exactly tell you the details," I began.

Turning her head to look at me as we went, Selina politely listened to my words with her ears peeled.

"There are people who would celebrate my passing, you see. I want to get rid of them. Among the many who pray for either my interminable incarceration or my eternal death, there is one individual in particular who I stand to be wary of."

After a second of silence, Selina nodded.

"And this person is the one you want me to protect you against? I don't know if I'll be capable, but I can give it my all."

Well now.

It's admirable, but that's not how things work.

"Selina, I do hope you come to properly understand the situation we are in."

"Yes, excuse me?"

"I didn't sign an Absolute Contract with you just so you could 'give it your all'; I did it so you could 'succeed' in protecting me. You will do so whether you end up liking it or not, as that is your side's condition of the contract."

"...Forgive me if I am wrong, Truth-san, but if I remember correctly, the condition was simply to protect you to the best of my ability, which is what I said I will do. If me giving it my all is not sufficient, then that will bear no fault on me."

Aye. However, there's something you misunderstand.

"There is a difference between thinking 'I'll give it everything I've got' and 'I will succeed no matter what', Selina."

It may not seem like a lot at a glance, but the reality was absolutely different.

"Between someone who thinks it's fine if they fail so long as they've given it everything they have, and someone who cannot accept any possibility other than their own victory, who out of the two do you think will win?"

Needless to say, anyone with even half a brain would be able to tell that the one who would give anything to win will be the inevitable victor versus the person who doesn't care if they win or fail.

"You do not realise this because you have never been so desperate in your life that you've had no choice but to succeed, but it is simple human psychology."

Once she has experienced the world more and realises such things, she will come to understand.

"...I see... Well, if that's what you say, Truth-san, then I will take it into consideration and reflect upon it."

She appears to have come to some sort of understanding on the matter, so I will leave it at that for now.

Aside from that, there was something else.

"Moving on, you do not have much proficiency with your Measurement, do you?"

Selina nodded, her expression faltering slightly with nervousness.

"That's right... I've been told of how incredible it is, but also how dangerous it can be, so I'm reluctant to use it... Oh, um, of course I'll use it whenever necessary if you request it, Truth-san! Don't worry about that!"

She jolted up and hurriedly reassured me about the latter, but I already knew she would be fine when it came down to it anyway, so I was never concerned.

"That's fine. I want you to start practising with it more."

To get used to using it, what it feels like, the limitations, et cetera.

Selina understood where I was going and nodded her head.

"If I am to protect you to the best of my ability, then I was thinking I should do so, yes... Although I am partly hesitant due to anxiety, I will do my best-- No, I will become more proficient with it!"

Perhaps reminding herself of my previous words, she clenched her fist and told me with a firm look of determination in her eyes. Seeing that, I knew I didn't have to say any more.

"..."

"..."

There was a brief period of silence for a while as we strolled while taking in all the serene peacefulness of the warm and lush surroundings, listening to the calm ambiance of the natural environment and cheerful laughter of parents and children in the distance.

It was subtle, but as we walked, I noticed that with every step she took and with every breath she exhaled, Selina emitted a kind of aura of vitality to her surroundings. Her body seemed to constantly emanate this kind of animating atmosphere that innervated up the vicinity.

Each blade of grass, each tree, each duck in the nearby pond seemed revitalised and invigorated.

When I thought about what her Measurement was, I considered it intriguing.

That one could have such an effect on the world by merely existing.

Ordinarily, I might have supposed that that was the reality of living with a classified A-rank Concept Measurement, but when I considered what stood at the top of the ladder, I shook those thoughts away.

"Shall we head back? I'm hungry."

It was interesting―That a single power can so easily give such life to those around it.

"Oh, alright. Thank you again for taking me out like this, Truth-san. Also, I will think back on what we discussed today."

And what was doubly interesting...

"Good. Make sure you train all aspects of your Measurement, not just your favourite thing."

"Understood."

―Was that the same power could just as easily take that life away.