Constant Variable (Senku x Reader)

9: Let There Be the Light of Science

Under normal circumstances, any person would be scared to death in this type of situation, especially when weapons were being pointed at them. However, the stranger didn't even react at all, painting the picture of calmness as a corner of his lips pulled up into a smirk.

"Hey, I wouldn't mind being taken out by a cute girl like you, but I think you have me confused for someone else. I don't know anything about a long-haired man." The figure started in a teasing voice before releasing a small sigh and lifting his head to meet Senku in the eyes, finally revealing his face. "I've been by myself ever since I'm un-petrified."

"I thought I'd seen your face somewhere," Senku responded with a small smirk, his arms folded casually.

"You're Asagiri Gen!" You chimed in, eyes lighting up with recognition.

"Are you acquainted?" Kohaku asked as she glanced over her shoulders at the two of you with a slight tilt of her head, her posture still tensed with alert.

"No, not one bit. He's a magician who used to write trashy psychology books." Senku explained offhandedly.

Gen raised a brow, his mouth curling up into a tight smile as he responded, "You've read my work? I'm so happy. Calling it 'trashy' hurts though. Call me a mentalist."

Then, he turned his attention to the bowl of ramen in his hand and said, "Look, I'll apologize for taking the ramen, so would you please lower your weapons? I'm so scared, my arms and legs are trembling. I might spill this delicious ramen."

"I-I'll hold on to it for you!" Ginro was quick to fall for the mentalist's words as he threw his spear to the side and reached for the bowl with grabby hands, drooling at the thought of being able to have a taste for himself.

'He's full of crap.' You couldn't help but think to yourself as you saw right through Gen's words, noting how his words were meant to convey how afraid he was yet his posture was the epitome of calmness.

The teen continued on with his charade, playing the sympathy card as he went on with his story. "I was out looking for food by myself when, surprise, the nostalgic scent of ramen hit me, and I wandered over."

'This man isn't the least bit terrified.' Your frown deepened when you noticed how relaxed said person was despite being surrounded by weapons whose owners wouldn't hesitate to strike at a moment's notice. 'And the words he weaves with his mouth carry as little weight as a feather.'

You were startled out of your thoughts when Senku let out a chuckle next to you, saying, "Sure, whatever. I'll take your word for it."

"Senku?" You muttered, furrowing your brows in confusion at his words as you tried to figure out where he was going with this.

There was a cunning look in those gleaming ruby reds as Senku unfolded his arms and placed them on his hips, a smirk on his lips. "Either way, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Everyone who's had ramen has work to do."

You felt a chill going down your spine at your friend's challenging look directed at Gen who returned the stare with an unwavering gaze, a brow raised in question. You could sense that the routine as you knew it was going to change now that one Asagiri Gen had entered the picture.

Time skipped

The air was filled with screams of pain as Senku kept to his words and had all those who ate ramen, including Gen, be put to work in taking turns to pump oxygen into the furnace to maintain the temperature needed to turn iron sand into iron.

"We upgraded the blowing function!" Chrome exclaimed with clenched fists. "Iron mill furnace, level two!"

"I think this'll work if we take turns!" Kohaku added as she took over another villager who immediately fell onto the ground out of exhaustion having been worked to the bones.