Does a Doll Deserve to Live a Happy Life? (Patreon)

Chapter 30: Where Shadows Answer Strength

Stepping outside the building, I blinked at the sight before me, piles of unconscious bodies scattered across the street. Heroes and police officers lay sprawled everywhere, surrounding two very familiar figures: one radiating smug, playful royal energy, and the other standing proud and knightly as ever.

Well… there goes our anonymity. I deadpanned internally.

“Sieg-kun~ We’ve been waiting for you,” Tamamo called cheerfully, waving as if she hadn’t single-handedly dismantled half the local hero force. Not a hair out of place, not a wrinkle in sight, just a fox goddess posing casually in the middle of the carnage.

“Sieg, I take it it’s done?” Artoria asked calmly, unconcerned with the ring of unconscious defenders around her.

“Yes. Let’s get out of here before more heroes show up,” I replied, stepping toward them. Tamamo immediately claimed my left arm, hugging it happily to her chest. “We still need to get Eri’s things.”

“Very well. Let us make haste,” Artoria nodded, falling in at my other side. “I take no pleasure in fighting those tasked with protecting this land.”

Together, we leapt to the nearest rooftop, then another, putting distance between us and the chaos just as the first wave of sirens wailed in the distance.

“I think for our next date, we might have to pick a new city… or country,” Tamamo mused casually as we moved.

Artoria and I exchanged identical looks, flat, unimpressed, silently judging Tamamo’s priorities, before facing forward again.

“…Yeah. I think so too. Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay~” Tamamo chirped. “It just means we get to explore even more of this world! So exciting~”

Her infectious enthusiasm pulled small smiles from both me and Artoria as we slipped out of the city, heading toward an art store to fulfill Eri’s request.

“I see. Well, if you’re happy, that’s what matters.”

=====

With Heroes and Co. — Several Hours Later

Once more, the Nighteye Agency was filled with heroes gathered in the meeting room to discuss the events of the Shie Hassaikai raid.

A heavy air of defeat weighed over everyone. None looked more crushed than Mirio Togata and Izuku Midoriya, who had not only failed to learn anything about Eri, but had been effortlessly defeated, their spirits shaken.

“Haah… let’s begin this meeting.” Nighteye started, hiding the frustration in his quiet sigh.

“What’s there to discuss? We got our asses kicked.” Rock Lock said bluntly, tone sharp with irritation shared by many in the room. “What I want to know is if we learned anything about those three strangers who wiped the floor with us?”

Murmurs of agreement followed, souring the mood even further.

Nighteye exhaled softly and continued, “Before we get to that, I would like to note that we did successfully subdue the entirety of the Shie Hassaikai and recovered both the sample bullets and finished serum of the Quirk-Destroying Drug. They are being transported to a secure location by police and select heroes as we speak.”

A few heroes relaxed slightly at the good news.

“That’s one good thing, I guess,” Fat Gum nodded, his big form sagging in relief.

“Too bad we didn’t defeat any of them. Those strangers handled everything.” Kirishima muttered, head lowered.

 Everyone managed to hear him unfortunately, and the mood dipped again instantly.

“Continuing on,” Nighteye cut in quickly before morale sank deeper, “we unfortunately did not recover any information on the whereabouts of Eri, nor the identities or location of those who took her.”

The following silence was heavy and bitter.

“Not even the blonde girl who fought us?” Ryukyu asked, brows knit. “She wasn’t with the other two previously. And considering her appearance, she didn’t look older than fifteen, not much older than the U.A. first-years here.”

“In fact, all of them looked like students that should be attending school right now.”

Nighteye closed his eyes a moment. “Nothing.”

Frustrated groans and clicks of tongues echoed around the room.

“So we're still at square zero regarding them,” Aizawa stated, face unreadable but voice sharp.

“As painful as it is to admit… yes.” Nighteye nodded. He cleared his throat as morale dipped again.

“On another note, I’d like each of you to recount your battles with them. We need every detail. As far as we know, and according to their own words, Eri is with them. Even if they don’t appear villainous, we cannot leave her with unknown individuals with unknown motives.”

His voice hardened. “For all we know, this is the start of something more nefarious.”

“That sounds great~! We can go first, right Ryukyu?” Nejire beamed, waving energetically.

Ryukyu sighed, exhausted but resigned. “Very well, Nejire. Anyone object?”

No one spoke.

“The girl we fought was blonde with really bright green eyes,” Nejire began excitedly. “She was dressed in a really pretty and elegant outfit that looked like a knight's uniform. Ooh, do you think she’s actually a knight? Anyway, she was suuuper strong, she even overpowered Ryukyu in her dragon form! And she seemed totally unaffected by my quirk! Also, I’m pretty sure she was holding an invisible sword, which is sooo cool, and I really wanna know where she got it. With it she somehow blasted all of us in one move, then it was lights out!” Nejire rambled, pouring out every thought in her head and confusing several people in the process.

Ryukyu, already used to Nejire’s energy, took a moment after her student finished to clarify the details and answer questions. When she finished, silence settled again over the room.

“A sword, huh?” Nighteye murmured. Seeing their attention shift to him, he continued, “The boy we encountered also wielded a sword. And like you described, he handled it with incredible skill. A level like that requires years of practice, and real combat experience.”

“Yes,” Ryukyu agreed. “I am far from an expert on swordsmanship, but even I could tell she was a master. She moved like someone who had fought countless battles.”

“There’s a pattern, then,” Aizawa cut in. “The girl we encountered, the one with fox ears and tails, also fought like someone with extensive combat experience. As if she’s been in life-or-death situations hundreds, maybe thousands of times.”

At the mention of the fox-eared girl, Tamaki visibly shivered, shrinking in his seat as if expecting her to suddenly materialize and assault him again.

“And her abilities?” Nighteye asked, focusing on Aizawa.

Aizawa frowned slightly. “Other than the fire and ice she displayed, which are already documented, we don't know. She knocked us out so quickly we couldn’t identify what else she could do. One thing I did note, she reacted violently when she was called a mutant. Likely tied to some trauma or discrimination in her past.”

Tamaki flinched again, clearly remembering who had said that trigger word.

“Very well, now it's our turn,” Nighteye said before looking to Mirio, who straightened immediately. “Mirio, since Midoriya and I arrived late, please explain your encounter with the boy.”

“Of course, Sir!” Mirio responded with a salute. “My opponent was a tall man, around my age, maybe a little older, with brown hair, red eyes, and a powerful build. When I arrived, he already had Chisaki on the defensive and seemed to be winning.”

He drew in a deep breath, his frown deepening. “He didn’t seem worried at all. If anything, he looked irritated, like we were inconveniencing him. He told me to stay out of his way, then dealt Chisaki a mortal blow, Chisaki survived only because of his Quirk. The guy was clearly analyzing his quirk as he stated that once both arms were gone, Chisaki wouldn’t be able to heal anymore.”

Some of the younger heroes flinched at the brutality; the veterans simply hardened their expressions.

“I intervened of course, and we ended up fighting in a three-way battle. None of us gained the upper hand at first. He was incredibly fast and strong, and he seemed to have some kind of hardening quirk since none of my attacks did anything. He also figured out my Quirk’s weaknesses after seeing it only twice.” Mirio paused, jaw tightening in frustration.

“I didn’t realize at the time that he was just playing with us. Then, once he stopped analyzing us, he stopped holding back and released his power. For a moment...” Mirio’s eyes softened, voice lowering, “it felt like standing next to All Might. His presence alone was crushing and overwhelming.”

He exhaled, defeated. “Right after that, the fight ended instantly. He released his power, and the next moment, I was unconscious.”

“…Like All Might?” Kirishima asked, eyes wide. Several others shared his disbelief.

Mirio inhaled to answer, but Nighteye stepped in. “I’ll take it from here. This is when Midoriya and I arrived.”

He adjusted his glasses, tone steady. “When we entered, Mirio was already down. Chisaki lay nearby, bleeding out with both arms severed at the elbow. The stranger assured us Mirio was only unconscious and tried to leave. That’s when I stepped him.”

“We fought for a brief moment. As Mirio described, he was impossibly fast and strong, and he moved like a seasoned war veteran, reading every attack with ease. Sadly, shortly after combat began, I was knocked unconscious. The next thing I remember is waking up when everything was finished.” Nighteye finished with a quiet sigh, rubbing his eyes in frustration.

“R-Right, I guess I’m next.” Izuku said, realizing it was his turn. “To be honest, I only lasted a few seconds after Sir Nighteye went down.” He admitted with a frown, staring at his knees while his fists clenched tightly.

“None of my attacks did anything to him. Like everyone said, it was like he had a hardening Quirk along with some kind of strength or enhancement Quirk because of his speed. He swatted my attacks away like nothing and even told me that my current strength wasn’t enough for him to take seriously. When I asked about Eri again, he just said not to worry and that she was fine.” Izuku inhaled shakily.

“Then I used my strongest move and he once again blocked it like it was nothing before he got annoyed and knocked me out in one hit.”

He let out a frustrated breath, shame heavy in his posture.

“Don’t blame yourself, Midoriya,” Aizawa suddenly spoke, turning his tired gaze to his student. “If several Pros and a powerful villain couldn’t do anything to him, don’t be arrogant enough to think you’d be different.”

“That’s correct,” Nighteye added with a nod, surprising Izuku, who’d knew wasn’t the biggest fan of the man. “You’re still young. You have plenty of room to grow. Don’t let one setback discourage you.”

Multiple supportive voices chimed in, and Izuku’s shoulders relaxed as he wiped away a stray tear.

The atmosphere in the room lightened, faint relief settling over the heroes after such a crushing day.

“Still, there’s a possibility that boy has multiple Quirks, based on everyone’s accounts,” Aizawa noted thoughtfully.

“I believe so as well,” Nighteye agreed.

And so the meeting continued, each hero contributing what they knew, piecing together the puzzle of the mysterious trio.

By the time everyone left for the night, one thought echoed quietly among them.

This wasn’t the end. Sooner or later, they would face those three again, and next time, they would be ready.

=====

Back with Sieg — Demiplane

After getting everything Eri asked for, and stopping for ice cream at Tamamo’s enthusiastic insistence, we finally made it home just before sunset.

The moment we stepped through the portal into the Demiplane, a small white blur slammed into my legs and clung to my pants with adorable ferocity.

Already familiar with such ambush tactics thanks to Sakura, I looked down with a fond smile and saw Eri, eyes squeezed shut in excitement.

“Sieg-san! Tamamo-san! Artoria-san! You’re back!” she beamed, opening her eyes and gifting us a toothy grin bright enough to put suns to shame.

“Of course we are, Eri-chan.” I chuckled, bending down and scooping her up into my arms. “Were you good for Aunty Kiara?”

I glanced ahead to see Kiara waiting with a serene, welcoming smile.

“Mhm! I was~ Me and Kiara-san played video games while you were gone!” Eri announced proudly, completely unaware she’d just betrayed a secret.

I raised an eyebrow not knowing liked that sort of thing getting a small blush in return.

“…Eri dear, that was supposed to be our secret, remember?” Kiara gave a tiny sigh before stepping forward and pulling us into a quick hug, squishing Eri lightly between us. “And welcome home, Sieg, Casko-san, Arturia-san.”

Tamamo’s stare sharpened like a blade at Kiara’s proximity, but Kiara gracefully retreated before foxfire grudges ignited.

“It is good to be back,” Artoria nodded, calm and composed as ever.

“Home sweet fluffy den~” Tamamo chimed in cheerfully, tails swaying as she gave Kiara one last, tiny death glare for good measure.

“Speaking of home…” I said, retrieving the strawberry cone Tamamo handed me. I held it out toward Eri with a warm smile. “Here. Eat it before it melts, and then I’ll show you what we bought.”

“Ice cream~!” Eri cheered, hugging me again before taking it with shining eyes and immediately diving into it. “Thank you, Sieg-san!”

Her joy struck straight at my heart like a divine spear made of sugar and innocence. I could only smile, hopelessly defeated.

“You’re very welcome.”

We moved to the living room, and once Eri finished her ice cream, we revealed our spoils: hundreds of coloring books, mountains of crayons in every shade imaginable, and backup supplies just in case she somehow conquered them all.

“You’re the best, Sieg-san! Everyone!” Eri shouted, practically glowing. “Thank you so much, I love you!”

For a heartbeat, the world stilled. Then I folded her into my arms, and the others followed, even a flustered Artoria joining awkwardly, cheeks pink, as we surrounded Eri in warmth.

“We love you too, Eri~”

And just like that, every risk, every battle, every future consequence faded.

Her smile, pure and unguarded, made everything worth it.

Looking around at the faces beside me, I knew they felt exactly the same.

=====

Following Day

Forced to lay low for several days thanks to yesterday’s… loud entrance into the hero world, I decided now was the perfect moment to finally use the reward I’d been holding onto since winning the Grail War, my Companion Ticket.

A ticket for a Tier 9 or lower Nasuverse companion.

And I already knew exactly who I wanted.

I still had far too much to learn, strength to gain, techniques to master, and if there was anyone who could sharpen me like a blade on divine stone, it was the woman I was about to summon.

So here I was, standing alone on a quiet beach, waves rolling softly at my feet, the morning sun stretching gold across the water as I steeled myself.

Not without first assuring Tamamo and the others I’d be perfectly fine, of course. (Tamamo pouted but eventually relented. Artoria nodded with a regal tone while her cheeks were stuffed full of food. Kiara winked suspiciously. And Eri begged for seashells to make a necklace.)

Now came the true test.

I wasn’t afraid of her of course, I was afraid of disappointing her. The woman I was calling forth had a strong personality forged in blood and myth. And she would only take on as students those she saw as worthy in her eyes.

Even with the Company’s influence ensuring she wouldn’t immediately despise me, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of nerves.

‘No time like the present,’ I exhaled, summoning my Company Phone. My finger hovered over the ticket reward.

Then I tapped.

A pulse of blue light burst before me, the air rippling like reality itself bowed beneath a greater will. A silhouette formed, tall, lithe, and as the glow faded it revealed an extremely beautiful woman with long purple hair, crimson eyes, and a flawless body. She was wearing a full-body outfit that highlighted her curvaceous body, along with metallic shoulder pads.

In simple words she was regal, dangerous, and beautiful beyond measure.

“I came from the Land of Shadows,” she announced, voice cool and steady as she locked those piercing red eyes on me. “My name is Scáthach. Now, what should I call you?”

‘Yep. That’s her. Her aura is intense.’

Not letting any emotion show on my face I stepped forward confidently, meeting her gaze head-on.

“My name is Sieg,” I answered calmly, willing myself not to glance anywhere besides her eyes, which, honestly, was a battle of its own. “And I summoned you here for but one purpose.”

She raised a delicate eyebrow, amusement ghosting across her eyes.

“Hoh? And what purpose is that?”

With my held high, I stated my request.

“I want to be stronger.”