Date Before World Destruction (Patreon)

…………………………………..

Hector P.O.V.

I am still of the mind that meta-knowledge is a cheat as great as the two “mechanics” that I got from my traveling power. The fact that I can travel to worlds that are previously fictional only makes my life so fucking easy.

If I were more like Rick Sanchez, where the Omniverse is an unknown territory, I would have to be suuuuper careful every time I travel, discover things on my own, etc etc.

Well, if my “jump” was as convenient as his Portal Gun, things would be easier too.

But anyway, knowing the history, inhabitants, and even what is gonna happen to the worlds that I'm traveling to is really a cheat code.

Now I understand those MCs in fanfics that tried their best to keep things as close to the canon as possible. You don’t ned to be a genius or a great manipulator to make things go your way.

I can wait for two characters to almost kill each other to reap the rewards alone. I can go to where something important is hidden. I know the answer to questions the greatest minds of the universe still haven’t figured out. I know what the girls like and how to seduce them. I know who is trustworthy and who is not.

Haah~ So nice!

Of course, it is not perfect. Reality will have “more things” than what is shown in any piece of media, but that adds a certain “flavor” too.

That is another perk: when I get tired of knowing all the “spoilers”, I can start traveling to AUs(Alternative Worlds) and have some fun too.

I love my life. It has its downsides, but I can even manipulate the difficulty. I am playing the greatest game ever! I can change the themes and everything.

When I don’t want a challenge, I just will not have a challenge… 

Exactly like now, I am waiting for the Green Dragon Keeper to end his fight with that snake executive of the Invaders… What was his name? Let me check my documents…

Magatia… that is his name. 

Now, why am I not there to mess with the combat written on destiny in the pages of the manga? Because it is really problematic.

They fight in some sort of illusory pocket dimension that deteriorates the mind of anyone trapped in it… This Executive is even more annoying than Peltrola, and that guy was a cockroach. Get it? COCKroach… because he is a male chicken… Ahem…

So no, thank you. I am not gonna go inside enemy territory to have my mind attacked by a bastard who will be hiding like a coward.

I am the only one who can hide like a coward here.

Over the last few days, I observed the Green Battalion (it was pretty boring) and waited for them to start their investigation in the Ouroboros group. Yada, yada, they enter a school and are sucked into a dream world.

Now I am just a little outside the area, waiting for things to end.

Depending on how well Magatia does in the fight, I will jump the Greek Keeper, but otherwise I can wait for him to be off guard. 

Well, this one right here is not even the perfect opportunity to attack him. I am just following the guy all the time to learn his habits so I can ambush him.

Later, I can even jump him with Suzukiri to make things easier.

That is why I am not worried; I don’t need to participate in this Arc. 

I let out a big yawn while lying on the branch of a tree nearby. I have a good view of everything, so I don’t need to pay full attention.

As long as I don’t sleep, I will catch them when they come back.

Of course, there is a small chance of the Green Keeper losing and… pfft, okay. Impossible. The Rangers are cheaters on this world. 

But okay, I won't rule out this chance… It would even be a little interesting, things derailing from Canon without me doing much. I mean, it would be my fault, right? In some way… Unless I unknowingly came to a universe where the coin flip fell on the opposite side.

“Laying an ambush and following someone is boring as fuck…” I yawn again and continue to go through my notebook.

It's one of my favorite hobbies to pass the time, daydream about what I am gonna do in the future in other worlds.

“That idea of taking the character’s place is very good… If I got something like Mystique's power, it would be even more perfect. Even better if it is some self-biokinesis.” I mutter, “Then I will just need to be able to take away people’s power, and I will no longer be tied to being a ‘Drop-in’, and instead I could be a ‘Self-Insert’.”

Kinda sad I need to do all of this on my own instead of just selecting some perks on a CYOA, but I can’t complain… my life is easy enough.

“The problem will be Destiny/Fate and Plot Armor. I can’t steal that from the character… But that is where meta-knowledge, the GOAT, makes itself known again to save the day.” I smirk evilly

Is Luffy such a charismatic guy that always says the right thing? Well, I know those things he says. 

I can walk on anyone's toes, and even correct their mistakes. I can even do my own thing while taking their place. Missing-nin Naruto will be a nice comeuppance for that shity Leaf Village.

I only need to be a little careful and not wear “clothes” that are too heavy for my little body… meaning, not to insert myself in the life of some poor soul that is fated to struggle.

Out-of-context powers are gonna help with that, but I'd rather take the life of the lucky son of the bitches.

Like Issei… I just need to get Ddraig and… Wait, why do I even need to insert myself into him? DxD is not that uptight; I just need to deal with him before he can get strong, like how I read in those fanfics.

It will be easy.

I don’t even want his life of being a pawn of Rias.

Certain Isekai MCs, on the other hand… The ones who don’t meet a God or get a System are gonna be great targets. Sorry, dudes… Your new noble life, destined fiancée, and conveniently acquired harem will be mine.

Oh, Yuuki Rito is perfect! Normal, but in the right place. Wait, I kinda don’t need to take his identity to steal his girls. He is a pussy.

“But that is too far in the future…” Ignoring all the troubles that I will need to go through to perfect this method, being a Drop-In has its perks.

It will be useful to have an Origin in those worlds that is not advantageous to be anonymous, but for now I can deal with the disadvantage.

What is the problem with not having documents? Can’t take a loan? Please… I can simply rob the bank.

A loud sound takes me away from my musings, making me look up.

“Finally, they are back.” I sit up and watch as the illusory space crashes back into reality. “Hmmm. Yep! Unscathed… Rangers are bullshit. I am glad that I took a Divine Artifact early on.”

To the surprise of zero people, the Green Dragon Keeper emerges with a swing of his enlarged Divine Artifact. The space breaks with that hit, and everyone that was imprisoned in that dimension comes back.

“Yeah… it would be a fucking mess if I attacked him now.” I scratch my jaw as I watch Magatia being completely dominated. “Maybe I should really have entered the illusion and defeated everyone inside; this way no one from the outside would be able to intervene.”

No point in regretting now; I still didn’t want to deal with whatever mental attacks Magatia would throw at me. He was defeated so easily in a direct confrontation because he is a sneaky bastard who fights with tricks.

My main objective was accomplished; I confirmed the Green Keeper's identity and had an excuse to tell Suzukiri. I don’t want to sell myself as an omniscient person who knows everything; she is getting too wary of me, after all.

Not gonna lie, I put the “ball of betrayal” in her hand so she could shoot, but I kinda like our dynamic and want it to last as long as possible.

It will be a sad moment, our eventual confrontation… I think. Probably. Well, at least I will kill her with pity in my heart. Another reason I passed the “ball” to her, to lessen my guilt.

Hehe, this is a little fun… giving people the chance to betray me and waiting for them to do something; it is like gambling. I could start getting addicted to this… The human psyche is one of the most interesting things, even in the context of the whole Omniverse.

……………………………………….

Later, I meet Suzukiri and show her my phone screen.

“Chidori Something is his name…”

“This is the Green Keeper?” She raises an eyebrow at the picture.

“Surprising, huh?”

Beyond the color and the helmet, every Ranger has an “extra characteristic” to separate them from the rest.

Well, the Red is the “standard”, pretty boring if you ask me, but whatever…

The Pink is a woman, and that is the most obvious difference from the rest.

The late Blue Keeper, who left us too early(poor guy, R.I.P.), has a lot of scars.

The Yellow has a smile full of teeth that reminds me of Shinji from Bleach. Maybe his design was inspired by the guy…

And the Green Keeper, beyond being the only one that does not have his mouth exposed(because an Incantation of his Divine Artifact uses a Bite Attack), is the most muscular.

Those Japanese guys are pretty slim, athletic but slim… Like ninjas from Naruto. But the Green Keeper’s muscles bulge a little under the suit. Nothing on the level of Baki, but it is something you would see in a manga where the author likes to draw well-defined muscles.

And Chidori, the Green Dragon Keeper, has none of this macho aura in his civilian form. He looks like a street punk, with his spiky hair, baggy clothes, piercings, tired face… He even uses lipstick, and his nails are painted. Are you a JoJo reference, dude?

“Yeah, pretty surprising… Are you sure that it is really him?” Even Suzukiri is doubting me; that is how good the disguise is.

“Yep, he even changes his personality, right? As the Green Keeper, he is pretty boisterous, but look at him…” Very smart, something no one would expect from the “Brute” of the Dragon Keepers.

If one day I play the hero or villain, I will remember to change my personality too.

Ah, Superman does that, right? He gets all “mousy” as Clark Kent, and Bruce Wayne is a himbo playboy.

Hahaha, sometimes I forget that.

“He is surprisingly sly.” Suzukiri comments

“Not surprising when you remember the Battalion he leads… He is not muscle-brained, and probably is only behind the Yellow Keeper in smarts.” I comment

“Yeah…” If I am not wrong, the Yellow Keeper is the one Suzukiri is the most wary of, and that is why I am leaving him for last.

She will need me to deal with him… that and the fact I also know very little about him beyond the fact that he is the real mastermind behind this whole shit, the “hidden boss” instead of the Red Keeper.

The Yellow Battalion also has the greatest number of people, and the Yellow Keeper stays holed up in the hidden research facility. Tsk. I really don’t want to attack his base.

Those geniuses are always prepared on their turf. But I feel it will be the only choice when he is the last one- anyone with a brain would get pretty cautious when all his friends are targeted by a super awesome dude that apparently can’t lose.

“And what are you gonna do with this information?” Suzukiri asks

“Of course, follow him and kill him when he is off guard.” I shrug

“Cold.” She says witha  creepy smile

“He is a pretty problematic enemy to fight against… Not because he is stronger than the others, well, he is, but that is not the point.” 

“What is the point then?”

“He has the most destructive powers, very showy… It will attract attention. He is a tank too. It will be hard to kill him fast.” I sigh before focusing on her. “Did you find that?”

“Boohoo~ Too late… The Rangers already got into contact with the new Blue Keeper, Soma. He is keeping the last Incantation of Leviathan pretty close to his chest.” She says while pouting cutely

“...is that so? Too bad then.” Bitch, please… I bet you made no effort in finding him just so that I couldn’t get my hands on that Time Stop Incantation.

“Yeah… too bad.” She sighed sadly, but the emotion didn’t reach her eyes.

“...”

“...”

“......”

“......”

“Whatever, no point in thinking about it now. All Divine Artifacts and the Cartridges with Incantations will fall into our hands.” I say

Most of the time, the Dragon Keeper holds 3 or 4 of the five Cartridges with Incantations, giving the rest to their direct subordinates. But there are also copies that can be given to other trusted members of the respective Battalions.

The Blue Keeper didn’t have the Time Stop Incantation with him, the real one, because I bet it is hard to create a copy of such an overpowered ability.

On the other hand, D fought an average member of the Blue Battalion who apparently had a copy of Kuramitsuha, the incantation that produces and manipulates acid.

Suzukiri has a replica of one of the Incantations of the Yellow Keeper, her TV remote. All Junior First Class Rangers have at least a replica. She doesn’t have a real cartridge because the Yellow Keeper is cautious.

Kanon of the Green Battalion has a cartridge on her Replica, that mouthpiece of hers. But I saw her give it back to Chidori because his hammer now has five cartridges.

“By the way, the Green Battalion is right now celebrating their victory at a restaurant. I will continue to follow Chidori to get a grasp of his weakness, but as a member of the Rangers Cops, you can simply go there and see from up close.”

“Hmm, good idea… I will do that.” She nods to herself, ”But if you are gonna follow him later, I want to be included too.”

“Eh, whatever…” I shrug. “I will give you a call probably tomorrow.”

“It is a date then…” She smiles slightly

“...”

……………………………………

Third Person P.O.V.

Next Day

Hector is waiting in a hidden spot where he can observe the entrance of the Green Battalion Headquarters.

Thanks to the technology he'd accumulated in more advanced worlds, he could monitor the entire perimeter on his tablet.

‘Drones are so useful; now I know why Octavius used them when he became the Superior Spider-Man.’ He was engrossed in the screen, waiting for Chidori to leave the headquarters when his enhanced senses detected a familiar presence.

His senses are not anything ridiculous that allows him to hear and recognize heartbeats from a distance, but at this point he has a great spatial awareness (a combination of all his five enhanced senses), so he can immediately identify when someone is getting too close.

The rhythm of the steps, the smell… So it is no surprise when he looks up from his spot crouching down behind a wall to see Suzukiri standing there, looking down on him.

The surprise is her choice of clothes.

The blonde woman is wearing a beautiful dress; she looks like someone trying to impress a guy on their first date…

“...” Hector continues to look up, mouth a little open in surprise.

“...” She continues to look down at him.

“...”

“That is the moment where you compliment me.” She deadpans, “But I will take your silence as being too stunned to speak because of my beauty.”

“Meh… you can interpret it that way.” He doesn’t care, shrugging and standing up. “I just never thought you would be the ‘frilly dress’ type of girl.” Suzukiri's clothes are a little too bubbly for her personality, he thinks. “Gothic? Maybe. Virgin Killer? I can see that. But refreshing sundresses with frilly things? Nuh-uh.”

She slowly raises her knife as her eyes darken so much that sucks the light around her. “I am a ray of sunshine…”

“...you look the exact opposite.” He deadpans, “Is this what they call ‘Gap Moe’?” He questions himself.

“Don’t go into contemplative monologues, just say that I am beautiful.” She tries to stab him.

“Okay, okay… You are beautiful, and the dress complements all that.” He says while catching her wrist

“...hmpf, it means nothing when you say it like that.” She pauses for a moment before turning her body to him and pouting.

“...???” ‘Are all women across the Omniverse like this?’ “You enjoy being this annoying?”

“Yes.” She answers shamelessly, “Because this is just me being honest, can you believe people don’t like me just because I am honest? I thought it was a quality everyone praised.”

“Yeah, I can totally believe people don’t like you.” He nods

“...”

“Don’t worry, I found your annoying ways endearing.” Hector smiles brightly. “So I am happy to be your only friend.”

“...” Suzukiri looks at him with a surprised face, taking in his honest expression. “Oh my… I really hit a low if you are my only friend.” She then sighs and looks to the side while supporting her cheek with one hand. “Maybe it's better to be alone?”

“Hey.” He is about to retort, but a movement on his tablet takes his attention away. “He is moving…”

“Oh… your voyeur tendencies are getting at a creepy level,” Suzukiri comments while leaning forward to look at the screen.

“Yep, totally believable you don’t have friends.”

……………………………………….

That is how the two villains start following Chidori around the city on a weird date of sorts.

They follow one or two blocks away from the Greed Dragon Keeper in his civilian identity, watching his routine. Chidori acts as an information broker in his secret identity, so they see him meeting a lot of people around the city, proving himself surprisingly sociable despite his appearance.

He seems to have a good relationship with a lot of shop owners, and every time he leaves one, Hector and Suzukiri enter to buy something. That is how their “date” went; Chidori unknowingly created the schedule.

“You should learn a little for him… He is pretty amicable.” Hector commented with his mouth full of a crepe they bought at the last shop.

Suzukiri ate a little more elegantly as they walked side by side. “He is fake.” She says, “It is not possible to please everybody.”

“Just because he can get along with everyone doesn’t mean he is lying to their faces. People don’t always expect you to please them, either.” Hector explains

“No one can get along with everyone without lying.”

“Sometimes it's just omission… maybe you don’t need to be brutally honest all the time. People are kinda fragile, and words can hurt.”

“You are not hurt by words… or blades…”

“I am made of rougher stuff… Words only have the power that you give to them.” It is just him choosing to look down on everyone who talks shit.

“It doesn’t look fun to police myself just to get along with someone.”

“That is true… Living your own way is the best way, but there are consequences, and it pushes people away… You just need to live with that. Not everyone can handle people that don’t give a fuck.”

The small talk meant to tease each other suddenly turned philosophical.

“Being a loner is a small price to pay then.” Suzuki shrugs

“That is exactly the conclusion I arrived at early on!” Hector snaps his fingers and nods. “Well, I am destined to be a loner for a looong time, so whatever…”

This is only his choice, because if he wants, he can settle and give some decades of his life to build a family, friends, and a social circle on any world… But none of that is worth stagnating for so long now. None of that can make him pause his steps for so long.

His little alien harem was just him willingly stepping into the trap to see how strong the hold was, and he got out.

During this development phase of his life, till his power grows enough to allow more freedom, Hector will maintain his sight on the bigger prize instead of the momentary pleasure.

He will have time to rest later. All time in the world.

When he can jump around universes without cooldown, when he can bring people with him…

“So here we are… two loners…” Suzukiri smiles as they walk together. “Are we still loners if you meet each other?” She asks playfully

“Now that is a good question…” Hector answers in the same tone, “I think… It doesn’t change the essence?” He talks unsurely, pondering like it is some great question about the universe. “Loners that are not alone? Maybe?”

“That doesn’t make sense… but it does at the same time…” She says, unsure too.

“A paradox! Maybe two things can be true at the same time.” Hector nods sagely

………………………………………..

The strange date-stalking situation ends with the disappearance of the Sun. The unusual duo follows Chidori long enough for him to walk into an isolated area.

“It seems even this guy has a base where he rests,” Suzukiri whispers close to his ear as she and Hector follow the Green Keeper.

“He is only human in the end… Humans need to sleep, eat, go to the bathroom, and even have sex… That is when we are the most vulnerable… and that is the best time to strike.” 

“Are you gonna attack the guy while he is fucking? That is nasty.” She looks like she is having fun; they're face-to-face

“You focused on the most awkward thing I said just to get a reaction, right?” Hector rolls his eyes. “Whatever, better than ambushing him in the toilet… I mean, they all shit themselves, but let’s be a little honorable and kill him in his sleep.”

“If we are honorable, we would not be killing him in his sleep”

“Most would consider dying while sleeping the best way to go.”

“Others wish to die in battle.”

“Well, most people don’t have the luxury to choose how they will die.”

“But you can choose how to kill them.”

As they are talking, Chidori finally arrives at his destination.

They follow the punk-looking guy through a forest, and it suddenly opens into a clearing with a house. Chidori walks to the front door and doesn’t even bother knocking before pushing it open.

As he removes his shoes, the residents appear to greet him… a beautiful woman with long hair and a little kid come, the kid jumping on his arms and the woman smiling softly.

“...”

“...”

The duo of villains looks at the warm scene for a moment before looking at each other… then, in a synchronized fashion, they both smile evilly.

“Someone has a beautiful family~” Suzukiri’s eyes darken as her smile widens creepily.

“So the Ranger without openings in truth has the biggest weakness… How ironic.” Despite already knowing it, Hector can’t help but find it funny when he sees it for himself.

“Fufu~”

“Huhu~”

Their laughter grows darker and darker, along with the sky above them.

Now they will just wait for the sky to be at its darkest to strike.

…………………………………………………