Chapter 65

– Excuse me, Mr. Chairman, what do you mean by that…?

– Enough! No objections. Since our grand ambition has been discovered by Silk, we must not provoke her. Therefore, we will thoroughly ignore and remain passive.

– …….

– Don’t be too disappointed. Abidos is crumbling anyway, like a castle of sand. Consider this as one of our strategies for the future.

– …Alright. Understood.

– Someday, I will definitely repay this grudge. Kaiser does not forget its enemies… Silk, your head will be mine, and then my grand ambition will…”

At the time, the director hadn’t fully understood the conversation, but now, in the moment, the chairman’s instructions became clear.

Ignore it. Stand by and do nothing.

These words were equivalent to letting the creature they had been suppressing run rampant.

“Seems it was Chairman’s decision all along.”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing. But what about the creature’s movement pattern?”

“That…”

“Don’t hesitate, just answer.”

“Yes! It’s heading towards the city center! If this continues, there will be massive casualties…”

“No. That’s enough. We are withdrawing from this. Let the hero take over this one.”

“But, if we do this, the citizens of Abidos…”

KUNG!

The director slammed his fist down on the desk, glaring at the soldier.

Rising from his bulky frame, the director’s intimidating glare caused the soldier to bow his head in the face of overpowering authority.

The director placed his hand heavily on the soldier’s shoulder and asked,

“Is there any reason for us to care about them?”

“No! None at all!”

“That’s right. Didn’t Silk say not to cause trouble in Abidos? There’s nothing we can do but let the hero, as they wish. It’s a matter beyond a mere corporate interest, isn’t it?”

“You are absolutely right…!”

It should be, obviously.

Satisfied with the soldier’s answer, the director nodded and moved towards the tent’s exit.

Now our only task was to sit back and enjoy the show.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

To the suffering of Abidos, and of Silk.

…

…

…

[…What bastards.]

A certain prodigiously intelligent girl couldn’t help but curse under her breath after eavesdropping on all the conversation.

Though unnoticed by Hiiro, her tone had grown sharper like that of her junior because of frequent exposure to various human behaviors while following Hiiro.

2.

CREEEAAAAAAH──!!!

A sound akin to a splitting void reverberated, silencing the bustling streets all at once.

The barrels of guns that were just aimed at each other were now dropped and the confrontation of students collapsed as the crowd’s faces shifted to confusion.

“Guh!”

“What, what is that?!”

Even the teacher who was starting to take charge of the situation turned towards where I stood, startled.

No, this wasn’t just noise—it was an overwhelming level of sound capable of inducing mental confusion.

The looks on people’s faces said it all:

“What just happened?”

It wasn’t surprising. Hard to comprehend, right? This wasn’t merely amplified sound but a form of ‘sonic attack’. In the original work, the ‘Tom Ford Tuxedo’ suit was nothing more than a self-defense tool for dealing with a Winter Soldier. I aimed to adapt it into a combat suit, and I succeeded.

Thus, I created the ‘Tom Ford Suit’ which only resembles the original in form and composition.

More overpowering, more aggressive volume.

With the ability to control range and direct the attack.

The suit also had many additional features embedded within.

It lacked repulsors or an arc reactor, but it wouldn’t be wrong to call this my “first” Iron Man suit.

“I thought I said it.”

Having cleared my thoughts, I approached the scene about to spiral out of control.

Regardless of my satisfaction with the Tom Ford suit, I found the spectacle unfolding before me far from satisfactory.

“Not to make a mistake.”

Even if Kibotos was chaotic, and all conflicts seemed solvable through violence…

The sight of Ako standing firm with her own opinion even in this situation couldn’t help but evoke a strong sense of anger within me.

Especially for such a frivolous reason of trying to capture the teacher.

“Did my warning seem so light to you? Amaw Ako.”

[Heh. Of course not. I merely don’t want any disruptions before the Eden Treaty is signed-]

KOONG─!!

I interrupted Ako’s response by stamping down on the ground with all my “force.”

The ground fractured like a spider web under the power of the attack, leaving everyone, including Ako, in the vicinity speechless as they stared at the scene.

Amidst the silence, I spoke again.

“Ako. Don’t you understand yet? I mean for you to back off. Even if you take the teacher, I’ll raid Gehenna to bring him back. It doesn’t matter how many troops you bring or if your leader appears—I won’t stop.”

[……]

“Is it worth causing all this damage to capture the teacher? Is he worth it?”

The teacher, and SCALE.

With extra-legal authority, they undoubtedly wield immense influence and are capable of creating numerous variables.

Considering Ako’s respect for Trinity, it also makes sense that she is cautious about SCALE, an equally formidable organization.

However, judging from the teacher’s actions so far, he is not someone to harm students. Regardless of his influence, it’s likely that his actions will benefit all students.

This, I could guarantee.

Of course, I couldn’t confidently say that his presence wouldn’t affect the treaty between Gehenna and Trinity. In fact, it will likely have some impact. But even if it does, to try and control variables by resorting to kidnapping a person out of fear—it’s not something students should do.

‘That’s the act of a villain.’

If such acts are committed, regardless of the reason, once someone commits crimes or evil deeds, I cannot save or protect them. In such actions, they’ve declared themselves my complete enemy.

I didn’t wish for that.

Hence, the emotion I had directed at Ako was a form of anger, and also a kind of plea.

“Is it necessary to go this far?”

She had been one of my favorite students.

Because she was from [Blue Archive].

Therefore, I didn’t want to seriously clash with her.

“Why, as the senior administrative officer of Gehenna, with your brilliant mind, do you only think of using such methods?”

[……]

“If you truly care about Gehenna, actions like this will yield nothing. Don’t you understand?”

The treaty between Trinity and Gehenna, the Eden Treaty.

It makes sense to value the reconciliation declaration between two academies that have long been bitter rivals. Since Hina herself highly values this treaty, it’s likely Ako, following her superior Hina’s lead, is trying her best.

Under the guise of eliminating threats to Gehenna.

Her intent was good. Only the intent.

Had the process of her actions not been criminal, I wouldn’t have interfered.

But since they announced their intention to kidnap the teacher, which would shake Kibotos, I could not stand by.

[……]

Ako remained silent in response to my question, seemingly deep in thought.

Still contemplating?

This is really…

Looks like I’ll have to resort to some last resort I didn’t want to use.

“Ha. Well, then, let me take care of your indecision for you.”

[What do you mean by that?]

“Exactly that. I’ll prevent you from needing to think anymore. That’s what I mean.”

Ako frowned and tilted her head in confusion, and it seemed questions were floating above everyone else’s heads as well who had been listening.

Without offering an explanation, I touched my ‘visor’ instead.

Buster Call ON.

“Initiating communication. Sorasaki Hina.”

[……?!]

Both Ako and those around her gasped in astonishment, having understood what I was about to do. The realization that I knew Hina’s contact information seemed to shock them even more.

[Stop! Right now…!]

Despite Ako urgently ordering the vanguard force to prevent me, I was quicker.

CHACK-!

Before the vanguard force could reach me, I shot spider silk onto surrounding buildings and leaped away.

Somewhere, shots were attempted, but the call connected faster.

TCH-

I immediately activated the amplifier function of the visor, and the voice that came through was:

“Hina?”

[What’s the matter, Silk?]

“I just wanted to see where you’re at around now.”

[Almost there. I’ll arrive soon. Just wait a little.]

“Understood.”

An incomprehensible, strangely familiar voice of Hina that left everyone around completely astonished.

She’s almost here? The director is coming here?

Moreover, how does Silk even know the director?

And… are we screwed?

Such questions spread rapidly through the crowd.

Some became confused, others were shocked, and still others trembled with fear.

[Wh, why!]

“Are you still uncertain even after this?”

[Silk, you… how do you know Director Hina?]

“Does it even matter right now?”

[Ugh…!]

Ako clenched her teeth and displayed an expression of frustration. As all the playable characters were beautiful, her angry expression had a charm of its own, but at this moment, my opinion of Ako had become neutral.

Face it with evil or perseverance.

By the time I wore a smirk, another person had arrived.

“Uh, eh…? What’s going on now…?”

“Hoshino-senpai…!”

Hoshino, arriving earlier than Hina contrary to the original, was showing signs of bewilderment.

The advisory committee was scolding Hoshino for her tardiness, mainly led by Serika.

And then the person I had been waiting for arrived.

“…Ako.”

[D, Director. It’s that…!]

“Please explain the entire situation here promptly.”

[Y, Yes…!]

Hina and Hoshino.

Two figures representing each academy converged.

Through a swift conversation, they quickly wrapped up the situation.

Without giving me a chance to interfere.

With that, the independent actions of Ako have come to an end, as they had in the original storyline.

This probably would’ve marked the end of the Abidos story.

The interference of Kaiser was prevented, Ako’s independent actions were curtailed beforehand.

Now it only remained for the peaceful days of Abidos.

…

Is that really it?

I still had questions.

Is this truly the “story I couldn’t change”?

A problem that could be solved this simply?

“…Is this all there is in threatening me?”

The story isn’t over yet, and my judgment came from one reason.

Piiiiiiii─.

My enhanced senses were still clearly warning me of danger.

So, this isn’t the “story I couldn’t change”.

The event that will threaten me has “yet” to occur.

An event that still needs to change remains.

Amid the arrival of the two strongest representatives from each academy, my heightened instincts were still alerting me to danger.

Questions swirled in my mind.

Exactly what is it?

What is it that threatens me?

Why have I gathered everyone at this moment?

The reasons for persuading Hina in advance, counseling Hoshino, slightly adjusting the timelines of the teacher and Abidos, issuing an indirect warning to Ako, obtaining information by visiting Kaiser—it was all part of some reason.

The fundamental starting point for all the actions I’ve done so far.

It wasn’t a scheme or a calculated plan. It was more of an instinct, a kind of intuition.

By the time I reached this point, that intuition erupted, filling me with an almost overwhelming certainty.

“Fuck.”

And also, that intuition granted me a revelation.

Ah. This is the moment.

This moment is the trial given to me!

Just as this realization dawned on me,

KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!!!!

An enormous explosion erupted somewhere.

This story still isn’t over.

3.

The ground trembled, countless debris flew through the air.

Glass shattered, concrete peeled away, and the sound of people screaming filled the air.

The colossal explosion was followed by a sandstorm. People detected the ominous movements and felt the same chill.

Sudden disaster—an unexpected explosion and storm.

Among the chaos, people saw something.

A ‘gigantic snake.’

“What…?!”

Those who beheld it couldn’t scream.

Suddenly appearing, the unidentified snake was simply too large, too bizarre.

[GRRRRRRRRRR─.]

Facing the overwhelming size and intimidating presence, the students were filled with deep fear.

Such a force was beyond any resistance that fragile humans could muster. A sense of impending doom that the massive being could not be beaten spread like an epidemic through the streets of Abidos.

Death was approaching.

The image of the monstrous entity looming closer naturally formed in everyone’s minds.

That being said,

“Everyone, pull yourself together! Don’t fall into confusion!”

“Everyone, retreat! Don’t go near that creature!”

“Are you all okay? If anyone’s hurt, speak up!”

Thankfully, there were a few who maintained their presence of mind and led others amidst the chaos.

Hoshino, who set aside her usual carefree demeanor, Hina fulfilling her responsibilities as head of the Vanguard Department, and even the teacher prioritizing the safety of their students.

Through their efforts, the chaos was quickly contained and the scene transformed into one of collective effort against the newly appeared threat.

And…

A single phrase resonated in their ears.

“It’s you. You…”

You were my opponent.

A voice trembling with emotion hard to interpret. As the words spoken by the hero faded away,

KAANG-

Everyone witnessed it.

The hero, previously standing still, launched forward like a cannonball towards the enormous snake. And…

BOOOOOOM!!!

The snake’s head bending under the hero’s punch.

The shockwave dispersing the sandstorm.

The hero expelling terror with a single blow.