6 Chapter 6.5: Epilogue: Contrasting Decisions (4)

After parting ways with Horikita, I thought about the future.

The Ryūen Kakeru of my imagination is not the type of person to leave things unfinished like this.

Horikita certainly did a good job this time. She confined Ryūen, who manipulated Kushida, with a well placed preemptive strike.

Originally, her approach wouldn't be very useful during a class conflict where it's difficult for allies to betray each other, but it's truly an effective strategy when a traitor is already lurking. However, her method can't always be used. It's limited to situations such as the sports festival and exams like this one.

That's why she took the initiative to secure her brother as a witness, effectively creating a one in a million opportunity. Class D studied intensively for the month before to the final exam, so it shouldn't be possible for us to lose to Class C. Overall, this could be considered to be a complete victory.

My phone began to vibrate.

[What are you scheming?]

I received such a message.

It's not just me. Aren't you scheming something too, Ryūen?

[I'll make you pay the price for using me.]

He sent another short message, followed by another one shortly afterward.

There was a file attached this time.

It was an image file. After I opened it, it turned out to be a single photograph.

There was no text included in the message because the image alone says it all.

"As expected, Manabe and the others confessed after all."

Although I already knew this the moment Ryūen came into contact with Hiyori.

Even if I don't see how he handles things, I can easily imagine.

He probably utilized threats similar to intimidation and extortion in order to get to the traitor.

And now, names like Keisei's and my own will be on his mind, deepening his suspicions.

However, he has no evidence. He also can't come to any conclusions, given the possibility that the mastermind might still be lurking.

That being said, Ryūen's move to corner me here undoubtedly has to be for that reason.

It isn't necessary for me to think very hard about what his intention is with this photograph.

The fact that he has this photograph in the first place means that her background is known to a certain extent.

Depending on the situation, Ryūen's fangs will also turn towards the person pictured in this photograph.

No, it's more like hanging the bait in front of him is a declaration of war.

"He should've stayed silent after all."

To think that he would reveal the information he obtained so easily. Is he enjoying this?

I was already getting somewhat tired of his obsessive searching.

I closed my cell phone and hardened my will at the same time.

It seems that there's no reason to go about this half-heartedly if my goal is to dampen his mental strength.

If he's intent on waging war, I'll match up with him.

"Come at me with full force so you have nothing to regret afterward. I'll play this game with you on your own playing field."

I was reluctant, but I couldn't help feeling a little excited.