Spy Classroom Volume 4

her. However, reality is often cruel.

—[Homura] had been decimated.

—Kouro was betrayed by an ally, and lost her life.

—The person who wanted to become a hero, saving even her enemies, was
used by her ally, and ridiculed.

Reality repeated itself. Tia was ridiculed by Matilda for her wishful thinking.
At the end of it all, she was left behind as her allies continued to grow, unable
to even act as a commander, forced to see her allies walk into danger.

“…I should just disappear…” Her nails bore into the floor, as she muttered.
“Someone as useless as me should just disappear…”

She hit the ground several times, weeping. Someone who is weak to her own
allies, someone who has no strength to help anybody, someone who thinks
she’s superior just because she has more experience with men than her allies,
someone who acts like a leader with nothing to back it up, someone who is
the weakest member of the team…should just disappear!

‘Aneki.’

From the receiver came a voice. The call with Annette was still going on, it
seemed.

‘The great me doesn’t want you to disappear.’

“You…”

‘I was really happy, when you worked really hard for my sake last month.’
She spoke like she wanted to calm down a small child.

Like this, you couldn’t even tell who the adult was.

‘It’s true that I was surprised to see that Aneki was always meddling with
nothing to back it up, and a total bitch.’

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“You really don’t hold back at all…”

Tia couldn’t argue back however.

‘But, I don’t hate you.’ Annette said, calmly. ‘I’ve been asked by
[Hanazono]-aneki to tell you something.’

“By Lily?”

‘From what she found out, there was a certain rumour going around right
now. They say that when you’re at the depths of despair, a hero will come
save you.’

“A hero…” It was a familiar word to Tia. “Monika mentioned something as
well…that the underling of Murasakiari believed in a Hero as well.”

These were the words left behind by Miranda, who attempted suicide.

—Ahh, I wonder if the Hero won’t come save me.

It said something similar in the report Zibia delivered. Right before he lost
consciousness, the man called Baron used the world ‘Hero’ himself. It didn’t
seem like anything important, but since these cases overlapped, there must be
some meaning behind them.

“…What is this about? Is the source of this rumour related to Murasakiari in
any way…?”

‘On top of that, we even know the appearance of this hero.’

Appearance—nobody talked about this in the reports that reached Tia. Maybe
Lily managed to pick something up regarding that. Tia pressed her ear against
the receiver, and waited for Annette’s words.

‘It is said that this hero—is a beautiful girl with black hair.’

“Eh…?”

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That was oddly specific. Since they were talking about a hero, Tia always
envisioned a strong-looking man. Who even came up with such a rumour?
However, what was even more mysterious—

“Why does that match my appearance…?”

It’s like the rumour was pointing at Tia herself. Black hair, a girl, even the
condition of being beautiful, it matched her all too well.

‘This are the final words [Hanazono]-aneki gave me for you.’ Annette
continued ‘How convenient, is it not? Why not use that, and become a hero
yourself? — That was all. The great me will now return to Aneki.’

Now that she had told everything she wanted to, Annette hung up. Tia was at
a loss. Was it really just a convenient rumour? And that rumour just so
happened to be popular right now?

“What…what is going on…?” Tia put down the receiver, groaning.

So many things were left unanswered, but at least she managed to calm down
a bit. Nothing will start by weeping like that. Instead, she should act for the
sake of the team, no matter how much of a hardship that would be. She
looked at the corner of the room. Past this was Klaus’ room, and she had a
second key for it after Grete stole it. Klaus himself might be out, but there
was another individual inside.

Tia had to save her allies no matter what. For that, she knew a man who
could help. She took a deep breath.

—This is all I can do.

She read the reports again because of Grete’s instructions, and headed over to
Klaus’ room. The room was dark, the lights out. Naturally, Klaus was absent,
as he must be fighting himself. As he was on the frontlines, he must be busy
with Murasakiari’s underlings. The living room showed no signs of anybody
living in here, so Tia went to the heavily-locked room in the back. She used
the spare key, and opened the lock.

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The second the door opened, she saw a man sitting on a chair in the back of
the room. Both his hands had been tied behind his back, heavy locks and
chains everywhere on his body. He couldn’t even move a single finger like
this.

“I was wondering when you’d come.” Roland, the assassin of the Empire,
said.

Even in his current situation, body restrained all over, his eyes were
brimming with fire, possessing force and impact that made you shiver. Not to
mention that this pressure seemed to have grown since the last time she met
him.

So he was anticipating that this would happen…!

He knew Murasakiari, as well as his ways of fighting, surely. He could have
warned them about his overwhelming power here in this city of Mitalio, and
told them that [Tomoshibi] had no way of winning.

“What’s wrong?” Roland smiled. “You didn’t come here just to look at me,
right? Is this the worth time we met? No need to be so scared, we’re good
friends by now.” He spoke all too familiarly.

However, Tia could not mutter any voice. He tried to kill her two times now.
Even if he’s restrained to a level where he couldn’t move, that didn’t mean
she didn’t feel any fear. Her knees were shaking, but she put up with it.

“Hmph.” Roland watched her, and let out a snort. “I get it. You’re being
overwhelmed by all the [Worker Ants], right. Can’t blame you, that is one
hell of a danger you’re facing. I also know why you came here.”

“……”

“You want me to save them, right?”

Exactly. She could only rely on him. He wasn’t on Klaus’ level by any
means, but he held the skill of a first-rate assassin. He could save the
members of [Tomoshibi] at all three locations. Because at this rate, people

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will die. Tia formed a fist with her hand.

—But, can I really trust him?

Roland gave Tia a sympathizing gaze.

“Fine.” He showed a kind smile. “I’d feel bad to see you all get killed. I’ll
help you.”

“……!”

“Don’t be so shocked, I’m telling you the truth. So, would you be so kind to
free me?”

Tia felt like he had grasped her heart, pressing on and on. She was met with
two choices, rushed because of her allies’ situation.

—Free Roland, or ignore him?

She didn’t have anybody to discuss this with. Both Klaus and Grete were out.
Only Tia had a freedom of choice.

“What’s wrong?” Roland clicked his tongue. “If you take too long, your
precious allies will die.”

“………”

“Are you sure you want your allies to get killed because you’re too inept?”

Staying silent, Tia attempted to use her own special skill.

—As long as they looked at each other, she could read the desires of the other
person. If this condition is met, she can read his heart, and control him

I just have to keep his gaze connected to mine…!

It was quite the challenge. Normally, men would always give Tia their gazes
thanks to her charm, but Roland quickly averted his gaze if she went to
overlap hers.

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“Hey, what have you been doing for a while now?” Roland let out a sigh.
“Do you like it when we look at each other? Not really, right? You know, I
don’t think it’s too natural to look someone in the eye who is too scared to
even hold a proper conversation with me.”

“…!”

“Not like your boring skill would even work on me.”

It’s the same that happened with Klaus. A spy’s sixth sense made them
careful of Tia. Not once did she manage to succeed when dealing with a first-
rate spy. It didn’t even work with Matilda. She tried sealing it with a kiss in
Monika’s case, but the risk of attempting the same with Roland was too big.
He might try to bite off her tongue the second their lips overlapped.

As I thought…I really can’t do anything…

She was wasting time, not making up her mind between releasing him or not.
It was the same as before, unable to do anything, merely being played by
Matilda, she decided to save her.

—’Tia-san, you are too much of a nobody.’ A laughing voice reached Tia’s
ears.

“…I see, so you failed once before.” Roland called out to Tia.

Devoid of any pressure, his voice was filled with kindness.

“Looking at your attitude, I can tell. I might have bullied you too much,
sorry.” He sparsely moved his neck.

—He apologized? A first-rate assassin did? To her?

Tia was baffled, but Roland showed an embarrassed reaction.

“I’m the same, see. I failed many times in the past.”

“…The same?” Tia finally gave a response, albeit only two words.

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“Of course. Look at me, I’m the man who called Kakaribi a rival, only to end
up like this, getting ridiculed by the man himself.”

“Ahhh…”

“Let’s just talk things out. Don’t worry, it won’t take long.” Roland showed a
faint smile.

Not even the Office of Foreign Affairs managed to grasp any sort of
information on him, so of course Tia ended up curious.

“I was a pretty boring young man, see. Born into a fairly rich family here in
the Federal State of Musaia, I was tasked to inherit my family, and spend my
days with that goal in mind—when I met this man, called [Murasakiari] by
his allies.”

“Murasakiari…”

“He apparently saw my talent at first glance. I was captured, and made into a
spy. Unexpectedly, it wasn’t as bad as I first thought it would be. I was a
genius after all. I quickly became more efficient than the other [Worker
Ants], and received special treatment. I was sent out into the world, taking
requests, killing spies and politicians.” Roland shrugged his shoulders. “But,
what awaited me—was endless boredom.”

“……”

“You could tell, right? My killing has no meaning. I just killed because of
Murasakari’s orders. I was brainwashed so that I couldn’t ignore his orders. I
was nothing more than a puppet, a slave, a machine. I basically just received
a label with ‘Disposable’.” Roland spoke like kitting was average routine for
him, an ungraspable existence as always.

However, Tia could at least somewhat understand his feelings. To him,
killing was all too simple. Assassinating others was nothing more but a page
inside his daily life. Like breaking an egg for cooking, or like finishing
shopping, he crushed the hearts of others.

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“Why am I even alive—I continued to think that.”

“…I see.”

“But, after a few years passed, a certain person told me. ‘There is someone
who can fulfill your heart’, see. These words made me shiver in excitement.
He was supposed to be stronger than anybody, unable to kill anyone, and
succeeded at every single mission. I thought that my life would find meaning
when I met this monster.” Roland laughed, as if to ridicule himself. “But, at
the end of it all—I couldn’t even put up a fight against that man.”

“……”

“Now, what do you think? Aren’t we fairly similar? Our hearts were broken
because of a great failure, and now we try to fix our lives with whatever
method possible. Don’t you agree?”

He had seen right through her. Tia saw herself in the sight of Roland, as he
sat on the chair. Maybe it was the same. She wasn’t restrained on the chair,
but her heart was tied up with chains. After her failure, she has yet to get up
again. Roland as well, of course.

“Let’s group up, We’re both failure buddies, so let’s take back our lives.” It
was a warm voice.

So much that Tia considered his idea.

“…Your suggestion is weird.” Her voice was oddly fragile. “Shouldn’t you
be a subordinate of Murasakiari as well?”

“That’s right. He calls his subordinates [Worker Ants], and I am one of
them.”

“Then, you shouldn’t be able to fight against your master. According to the
records, Murasakiari has absolute rule over his [Worker Ants].”

“Don’t lump me together with those small fries. His domination is fairly
weak on me.”

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“Where’s your proof…?”

“I haven’t killed myself yet, right? The other [Worker Ants] are programmed
to immediately kill themselves after suffering defeat. Am I wrong?”

Correct. According to Monika and Zibia’s reports, the underlings they fought
tried to kill themselves, or didn’t even attempt to heal their wounds. Roland
was different, so his words seemed to be accurate.

“Now, make your choice. Will you free me, or not?” Roland narrowed his
eyes gently.

There was no more time to hesitate. The more she did, it could be too late.
Her allies flashed up inside her head. They all spent time together, under the
same roof, laughing.

Tia would tell of her love stories, only to be avoided by the embarrassed Lily.
Zibia acted annoyed, but showed faint interest. Sara would blush like a
tomato. Grete would take notes like a serious student, Monika would show a
cold glare, as she covered up Elna’s ears. Annette only tilted her head in
confusion, but didn’t seem too bothered.

Whenever they got excited at the cafeteria, Klaus would arrive. Tia’s allies
would ask him for his experience, but he just ran away himself. Lily would
jump after him in an attempt to have him stop, but fell over, and instigated
laughter.

Tia wanted to return to those days. Succeed this mission, and go back. No
matter the sacrifice—

—She removed the restraints on Roland’s body.

Using her key, she took off the chains, which amassed more than twenty in
total. After removing all the restraints, Roland collapsed forwards, his face
slamming into the ground. His muscles must have been stiff after being
restrained for so long.

Tia felt worried. Would he be able to defeat the enemy like this? He layed

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collapsed on the floor for a while, but eventually grabbed the chair, and
pushed up his body. Even after his body stood, he was swaying back and
forth, left and right. When Tia approached him to support his body, Roland’s
face appeared right before her. And, he smiled.

“Let me add one more thing.” He stretched his already long body. “The fact
that I am special is the truth. But, I wasn’t ordered to ‘Kill yourself if you
were to lose’, but rather ‘Deceive the enemy and return at all costs’, see.”

All the joints in his body gave off creaking sounds. It sounded grotesque, like
his limbs were breaking into pieces, as his muscles woke up. His upper body
suddenly stopped moving entirely, and he stood up.

—She freed him.

—An assassin the world has feared.

Tia tried falling backwards, and had the window of the bedroom at her back.
However, Roland closed the distance in an instant. He was almost back to his
prime, as he didn’t waste a single second to grab Tia by the neck. Her upper
body dangled outside the eighth-floor’s window.

“You really are an idiot. Being deceived this easily.” Roland let out a snort,
and put more strength into his grip on Tia’s throat.

***

Despair started to fill Mitalio, governed by the King. Is there no method to
save everyone?

***

When Tia woke up, she found herself on top of the cold floor. She seemed to
be in some sort of underground building, surrounded by dimly-lit darkness,
no windows in sight. Only the faint fluorescent light allowed her to see inside
the room. It seemed to be a small bar of sorts, offering only two seats. At one
side of the wall, a line of alcohol bottles were lined up, a man standing
behind the counter, polishing a glass.

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Tia touched the floor, and felt something was off. She looked around, and
saw blood covering the entire floor. Just from instinct, she could tell that this
wasn’t a single person’s blood. Countless people had been killed here.

“Where…is this…?” She asked, but the bartender gave no response.

The handgun she had on her body has vanished. It didn’t seem like she was
tied up at least, but when she pushed up her body, she heard footsteps coming
from the door next to the counter. A man appeared, wearing a hat with suit
below. He possessed gentle facial features, with almond-type eyes, that most
likely made him popular with children. He observed Tia, and nodded simply.

“That’s just like him, I guess. He escaped with his own strength, and even
captured the enemy. What terrifying talent.”

Tia immediately understood the identity of the man. Her instincts were
screaming that this is the man they were hunting.

“You are…Murasakiari…?”

“It appears as if a self-introduction is of no need.” Murasakiari raised his hat,
showing a smile. “Nice to meet you. However, I have to apologize, I don’t
have much time, so I need to kill you right away. Please leave behind your
final words, I will gladly listen to them.”

“How kind…”

“Indeed, I have the principle to always be kind to women.”

“Sure does not look that way…”

“I am a feminist, see. I properly reflect on the times I happened to hit a
woman.”

Tia sadly had no interest in nonsense like that. More than that, she was
interested in why he was in such a rush, and what his goal was.

“You’re aiming for…Sensei?”

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“Indeed. If I show him your corpse, even he will be shaken, most likely. I
hate to say it, but he is a tough nut to crack. I sent 73 [Worker Ants] after
him, and he still hasn’t been defeated. Is he even a human, I wonder?”

As Tia thought, Klaus was still fighting. He must be bound down, having to
fight all these enemies. The bartender offered Murasakiari a gun. It was an
automatic handgun, developed here in Musaia. He slowly loaded the gun with
bullets, as if he was thinking with which bullet to kill her. She could already
see the development in store for her.

—She will lay down her life here. [Tomoshibi] will suffer defeat at the hands
of Murasakiari, and will be overrun by this Domination. Klaus will be busy
with the countless [Worker Ants], unable to help his allies.

—However, only if things kept going like this.

Tia gently shook her head.

“…You really are invincible.”

“Hm?”

“Let me state it clearly. Here on this ground this very moment, there exists no
stronger spy than you. We were damned the moment we challenged this
mission.”

“Indeed, as I am the King after all. Why would you say that now?”
Murasakiari answered indifferently.

He seemed to be fairly confident at least. Then again, that was only natural.
He holds enough strength to make servants at his disposal, even making them
commit suicide easily. In this city of Mitalio, nobody could hope to fight
against him.

“—That’s right. ‘This very moment’, you are invincible, and at ‘the moment’,
we were damned.”

Their operation was fundamentally wrong. Challenging him ‘this very
moment’ is impossible. Many other spies must have attempted this, and

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failed. That’s why she needed to change the approach. And now, she finally
understood it, the method of how to banish this despair this man is creating.
“In order to defeat you, we need to change our way of catching you.” Tia
announced. “Not ‘this very moment’. We should defeat you with ‘time’
itself.”
This is the answer she came up with, the truth that could only be earned after
her allies gathered all this information while risking their lives. Tia realized,
and arrived at the reason for this feeling of discomfort she had, and the reason
for this oddly well-timed rumour going around at this city of Mitalio.
In order to destroy this despair, there was only one method—guessing the
name of the ‘girl’ that had died here.
She faced Murasakiari, and said.
“Let me ask you. You were the one…who killed Kouro-san right here, half a
year ago, right?”

Intermission: Violet Ant (4)

Murasakiari spoke up.
“…[Kouro]. That is your codename, right?”
“…Correct.” The ‘girl’, Kouro, showed a resignful nod.
Murasakaiari was quite surprised to see the girl admit it so easily. His
mission was to kill all the spies that snuck around the Tolfa Economy
Conference. It was all to lessen the power of the other countries. The Tolfa
Economy Conference, which would last for roughly half a year, had only
started. He however worked right away, lessening the number of spies. And,

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he just managed to capture a spy from the Republic of Deen. He had taken
her costage as a means of luring in [Kakaribi], who apparently would be
present as well, according to Shirogumo, but to think he managed to capture
that Kouro.

Murasakiari looked at the girl in front of him yet again. Hearing her
codename, she looked even younger. From everything he heard, he assumed
her to be in the later 30s, but she sure didn’t give off that impression. Her
long, crimson red hair was long, and her eyes emitted a burning passion. She
had a deep scar right below her right eye.

“I thought you’d find out right away though.” Kouro held her stomach, the
gun wound more accurately, and forced a smile.

A puddle of blood started to build at her feet, already life-threatening. Her
legs had gone white already. She probably would be feeling much better if
she went to rest already.

“You are quite fluent, I see.” Murasakiariar responded. “You were keeping
quiet this entire time.”

“I tried my best buying as much time as I could. But, it’s too late. What a
shame, I guess I’ll die here. Nothing to do.” A refreshed expression could be
found on Kouro’s face. “I really thought you’d figure it out right away. You
must have information on me, right?”

“Yes, and you’ve been quite famous as well.”

“That’s a bit sad as a spy. Then, how were you unable to tell right away?”

Murasakiari seemed to be hesitating with his answer. It was a rare reaction
coming from him.

“—Because you are too weak.”

“Oh my.”

“Compared to everything I had heard, and your records, you were too weak
for me to even bother.”

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There were many legends she had created herself. During the World War, she
gave military information of the Empire to the Allied Nations, greatly
influencing the result of the war. To the Empire, she was a first-rate spy you
couldn’t hope but respect and fear.

“The disease must have progressed further than expected, it seems. Your
decision ability lessened, your body grew weaker, and you lost against fifty
of my [Worker Ants]. I couldn’t put you and the famous Kouro together.”

“Makes sense…The me right now is just a small fry.”

“So merely a tenth of your strength from when you were in your prime, is it.”

“Not that much, maybe a ninth.”

Was she being modest, or boastful, Murasakiari did not know. Kouro just
shook her head, like she was ridiculing herself.

“Can I ask a question myself? You seem to be quite aware of Klaus, but is he
going to come here? I don’t know myself, see.”

“I sadly have no idea. An ally seems to have lured him into a trap, but he
apparently managed to run away. The Empire doesn’t have his tracks. I was
hoping to lure him here by keeping you hostage, but…”

“Then, he won’t be coming here.”

“That’s what it seems like, sadly.” Murasakiari looked down at Kouro’s
abdomen, and the blood gathered on the floor.

She probably won’t hold out much longer.

“How pitiable.” Murasakiari spoke up. “You fall victim to a disease, betrayed
by your allies, have your other team members killed, and appeared here
without any support. Now, you were trampled by my [Worker Ants], brought
to a place without any ray of hope.”

“………”

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“Is this the path of a girl that had once been regarded as the ‘World’s
Strongest Spy’?”

Sweat build up on Kouro’s face, as she smiled.

“A spy’s path always ends similarly.”

“I see, I will take a mental note of that.”

Murasakiari himself was aware that his death would not be pleasant.
However, Kouro’s death was too much. It was too pointless. There are many
people in the Empire who respect Kouro. Her almost magical skill left many
of her enemies breathless. There were those inside [Hebi] who were terrified
of her.

“So this is a spy’s death—mere despair, is it?”

“No, not at all.” Kouro denied Murasakiari’s words.

In a situation at death’s doorstep, Kouro showed a smile.

“It’s full of hope. The future’s so bright, it’s blinding me.”

“…Your allies have been defeated. Kakaribi will die eventually.”

“No, Klaus is pretty strong.” Her voice was filled with confidence. “He’s my
cute—Son, yeah. We might not be related by blood, but he is my child. He
inherited all the techniques we, [Homura] had. I’ve never met someone with
as much talent as he has in my entire life.”

“………”

“He will fill the hearts you have emptied. I promise you, with my name of
Kouro.”

“I didn’t do something as great as you say.”

To Murasakiariar, it was a confusing promise. But, it made his heart quiver.
Her words held strength enough to be carved into the hearts of other people.

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Is that what you call kotodama1?

“And, there is another person—who will inherit my soul.”

“Oh…?”

That was some information he hadn’t heard about yet. As far as Murasakiari
knew, Kouro had no blood-related successor. Her only family was [Homura],
and she should have no pupil either.

“I knew the second I saw her. She would inherit my soul, and she would
grant my dream. She will save much more people than some trash on the side
of the road like I will.”

“Won’t you tell me what kind of girl she is?”

“Well…I met her seven years ago, I wonder how much she has grown.”
Kouro shook her head.

Her expression was filled with joy you wouldn’t expect to see from someone
about to die. Murasakiari narrowed his eyes.

“A bit hard to believe, is it not.”

She could spread some false information right before her death, and create
disturbance with this. How could she hold any expectation towards a girl she
hasn’t met for seven years? However, he found something familiar in her
words. The phrase ‘save’ sounded oddly familiar to a certain rumour going
around in the city of Mitalio.

“Was it you? Who spun this weird rumour inside the minds of my [Worker
Ants]?”

“Who knows?”

“That when you’re at the depths of despair, a black-haired hero will appear?”

Murasakiari thought it was meaningless blabbering. To think the person who
distributed this rumour was Kouro all along. But, why would she do that?

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“So you knew,” Kouro said, sighing. “I felt bad, you know. What did you call
them, [Worker Ants]? Your subordinates need the ray of hope, so I put them
deep into their brains.”

“How could you crush any possible hope they have.” Murasakiari let out a
snort. “Why is there a reason to show sympathy? Those that I dominate are
merely misfortune trash. They have gained a reason for existing under my
rule. To them, you are the enemy, see.”

They had a reason to live, ignoring all the pain and suffering his world after
the World War. However, Kouro showed him a cold gaze.

“Disgusting. I don’t know what led to such a twisted view, but I myself won’t
forget the pain and suffering the Empire, your country, caused by invading
the Republic.” She spoke with a sharp tone. “A hero won’t discard anybody.”

“…Oh?”

“I’ll teach you the weakness you seem to have forgotten. No matter how
much you try and crush the hearts of other people, no matter how much
violence you may use to dominate them, you cannot erase that small ray of
hope they have inside of their hearts.” Kouro stated, showing no hesitation
whatsoever. “I didn’t give them any fake hope—A hero will come,
definitely.” She continued. “That girl will definitely come here. Klaus will
come here. They will put faith into the people, and defeat their enemy for
them.”

Kouro removed her hand from her wound, and put it into her chest pocket.
She took out a single bullet. She played with it between her fingers, and
showed it to Murasakiari.

“She is my final ‘Bullet’. The one shot that will pierce through you, carrying
all my might.” She must be blabbering on in a daze, as she lacked the energy
to properly think.

“I think that’s as far as I’m willing to listen.” Murasakiari said. “I don’t want
to see any more disgraceful behaviour. The disease must have gotten to your

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head.”
He didn’t even want to see her any longer. It was too pathetic for him to bear.
He readied his handgun, and pointed the muzzle at the girl’s head.
“Then, one last thing.” Kouro directed her gaze at the door of the room,
reaching out her blood-drenched fingers. “—Save me, Klaus.”
“…!” Reflexively, he turned around, fearing that Kakaribi might have
arrived.
However, nobody stood there. He was merely greeted by the closed door.
When he returned his gaze, he found Kouro sticking out his tongue at him.
“You deceived me?” He pulled the trigger.
Kouro’s body flew backwards. The bullet pierced her head, her skull.
Following that, Murasakiari fired five more bullets. They all pierced her
important organs. A large puddle of blood built on the ground, drenching his
shoes red. The bullet fell out of Kouro’s fingers. Murasakiari moved his eyes
away from the body, and kicked his beloved dog.
“Deliver the corpse to the Republic of Deen. Make sure they can’t trace this
location.” Murasakiari left the underground room.
He didn’t feel satisfied. All he had left was sadness about the fact that the
legend of Kouro ended in such a way. He gazed at the Westport Building.
Without saying anything, he just thought of it as a gravestone.

1 The belief that words and letters hold mystical power

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Chapter 5: Domination and
Negotiation

“That’s right, Kouro passed away in this very room. How did you know?”

By the time Murasakiari’s words reached Tia’s ears, she had closed her eyes.
She had no reason to answer his question. What she instead focussed on were
the feelings of the person she owned so much to. Her chest hurt. In this
underground room, Kouro had lost her life. Ridiculed by Murasakiari, she
died.

Tia felt so pathetic, she could barely take it. She could not meet this person
again. However, the message had been left behind. Locked inside this hell,
she must have whispered these words to the [Worker Ants].

—A Hero will appear. A black-haired girl, who will save you from despair.

Kouro remembered Tia, who she had met seven years ago. She remembered
the girl who inherited her dream. And now, Tia fought against Murasakiari to
bring hope to everyone who had suffered.

Thanks, Kouro-san… For always remembering me…

The tears wouldn’t stop running. How many times did she save Tia’s heart
from breaking apart?

No, it’s not just Kouro-san…

She managed to arrive at this truth thanks to her allies. Grete told Tia to ‘read
the reports again’. They had been delivered thanks to her other allies.
Because of them she managed to arrive at the truth. Not to mention that these
reports weren’t just your average reports, but also messages for Tia. At the

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end of Monika’s and Sara’s report, it said the following.

‘P.S. We did our best, so you all better follow up. Especially that shitty bitch.
Get your ass together, you got zero points so far.’

These words were just like Monika. As for Sara…

‘I will make sure that [Hyoujin]-senpai doesn’t read the following…But,
[Hyoujin]-senpai is always worried about [Yumegatari]-senpai, although she
doesn’t want to admit it. Of course, the same goes for me.’

When Tia read that, she couldn’t hold back a smile. Thanks to Sara’s words,
Tia could even read Monika’s kindness. Naturally, Zibia and Elna added a
few words as well.

‘PS At the erotic one of the intelligence squad. Will you cheer up already?
You were in the chosen team, right? I don’t like to say it, but I’m still pissed I
wasn’t chosen, you know.’

‘Elna (Correction, I shouldn’t use my name here)…I know how hard Onee-
chan is working. I love how you’re too kind to hurt anybody.’

Annette already transmitted her and Lily’s feelings over the phone call.

‘The great me doesn’t want Aneki to disappear.’

‘Why not use that, and become a Hero yourself?’

Grete told her directly.

‘Decide on the best you can do. I know you can do it…’

Before she realized it, Tia had been supported by all her allies. Her chest was
filled with warmth.

Sorry, everyone…I must have worried you…But, of course I would realize.
We’ve been living together all this time.

Maybe they had planned for this to happen. That if Tia hadn’t recovered by

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the beginning of the mission, they would send her messages like this. Lily
must have been the one who had planned this. No other spy would show such
consideration and kindness. Although she wanted to complain about that, she
felt happy more than anything.

Finally, the needle that stabbed her heart was Klaus herself.

‘Whenever there is a time when cruelty will save a team, there will be a
moment for kindness to be the savior.’

She finally understood the truth. She could stay the way she was. He accepted
Tia as she was. She should have just believed in his words, and accepted her
naive, kind self.

—Watch me.

—I might be naive, and weak, but I will turn around this despair.

As if she’d bow down to this ridiculousness.

“Hey, Murasakiari-san.” Tia opened her eyes. “I—The hero came.”

“Is that something you should say about yourself?”

“Indeed. I came to end this massacre.” She looked directly at Murasakiari.

Now, she could tell. The one to decide victory and defeat was herself. As the
Hero, she had to defeat this King. Murasakiari took off his hat once, fixed his
hair, and put it on again.

“A black-haired girl…I see, so that Hero was supposed to be you.” He
narrowed his eyes. “I was really excited to see what that was about, but to
think it was a small girl that didn’t even know left from right.”

“Oh my, I know enough, see. I’ve been captured.”

“And you will be killed soon.” Murasakiari looked over at the bartender, and
snapped his fingers. “So, let’s go with a more cruel method this time. I am
quite fond of it, see.”

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The bartender’s body twitched. He seemed to be in his twenties still. He had
kept a calm face this entire time, but being glared at by Murasakiari, he began
quivering.
“Let me introduce you. He was a member of a famous martial arts family,
and I needed to use ten [Worker Ants] to restrain him. After going through
my torture, he trained his skills even further. He can dismember a grown
body in mere 30 seconds.” Murasakiari once again clicked his fingers. “If
you don’t dismember her in ten seconds, you will get some punishment.
>Kill her<.”
The bartender crouched beneath the counter, and brought a large axe with
him. He didn’t even hesitate to swing it down at Tia’s brain. His expression
was distorted in fear. Sweat came out of every pore of his face, as he clearly
suffered.
“—>Stop<.”
The bartender’s axe stopped instantly. Like time in itself had come to a halt.
Mursakiari’s eyes opened wide. That order just now…it came out of Tia’s
mouth. Her order overruled Murasakiari’s Domination. Tia touched her
throat.
“You should know of this ‘voice’, right? Bartender-san, you must have seen
Kouro-san here in this underground room, did you not?”
“……!” A groan came from the man’s mouth.

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Tia inherited this voice from Kouro. The intonation, rhythm, speed, it was
identical. After Tia had lost her voice when she was young, she regained it by
copying Kouro’s. Tia stood in front of the bartender, gently touching his
cheek. She succeeded in exchanging gazes—and could read his heart.
Following that, she smiled.

“…I see, you’ve been waiting this entire time. Ever since this ‘voice’ told
you that a Hero would come, you’ve been waiting in anticipation. You were
seeking out this ray of hope in the midst of this despair, haven’t you.”

To him, Tia’s ‘voice’ had a special type of effect. The psychological
suggestion Kouro had implanted into his heart was now burning with desire,
blooming like a flower.

“Don’t worry, you will be saved. I, the black-haired Hero, came to save you.”
She wrapped her arms around the man’s body, pulling him closer.

She was embracing the enemy, loving the enemy, soothing the enemy. She
gently rubbed his back, accepting him in her chest. And then, she whispered
the words he had always wanted to hear.

“—>You don’t have to kill people<.”

The man’s body collapsed. He embraced Tia’s hips, weeping like a small
child. Tia rubbed the man’s head, and told him ‘Everything will be okay’
countless times. By looking at the man’s heart, she figured out everything. He
had a lover, and dreamed of marrying the girl, so he continued earning money
at an illegal underground fighting ring.

The day before he could propose, he was attacked by ruffians, and tortured by
Murasakiari. Unable to stand his ground against this fear, he was forced to
kill his own lover by his own hands, and continued killing on and on,
working like a slave. This guilt, this regret, this hell, Tia forgave him
everything.

There, a sigh could be heard from Murasakiari.

“…I am quite surprised. To think my order would be overwritten.”

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Murasakiari narrowed his eyes. “But, are you sure? That man is a serial killer.
With a single order of mine, he has killed more than ten people. Is he really
an existence that deserves to be saved?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Something is wrong with you.”

Tia didn’t care what he was saying. She was proud of the way she had
chosen. Because this is the will she had inherited from Kouro.

“Well, nothing will change even if you clear the Domination of a single
[Worker Ant].” Murasakiari put bullets into his automatic handgun, and
pointed the muzzle at Tia. “It can’t be helped, I shall kill you myself. I hate to
hurt women, as I am a feminist, but I will make an exception.”

“Again, you’re nothing close to a feminist…”

“I hate hitting women, see. It makes me get erect, and I feel so embarrassed.”
By the time Murasakiari finished talking, the bartender stood in front of Tia,
as if to act as a shield.

She was thankful for this action, but had no plans of making him a sacrifice.

“Sorry, but I’m not a close-combat type, so let me just say this—” She
directed her gaze at the door. “Save me, Sensei.”

Murasakiari flashed a grin, showing scornful eyes. His expression spoke for
itself, saying that he wouldn’t fall for that lie again. However, there was a
response this time.

“I will do just that.” A strong voice rang out.

Reflexively, Murasakiari averted his eyes, turning towards his back. Klaus
stood at the entrance. The person himself didn’t seem to have any wounds on
him, but his clothes were drenched with blood, a proof of his continued
fighting.

“What an odd sensation.” Klaus nodded. “I’ve always wanted to say these

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words myself, and regretted that I couldn’t.” He showed a saddened
expression, directing his gaze at the traces of blood on the ground.

Murasakiari seemed quite shaken at the appearance of Klaus. He looked at
him and Tia, and moved between the two.

“So you are Klaus-kun…How did you know of this place?”

“I see no reason to tell you that.”

“What about the 73 [Worker Ants] I sent to you?”

“Defeated all of them?”

““…………””

Both Murasakiari and Tia grew silent. The difference in dimension was too
overwhelming. Just a single [Worker Ant] was a lot of trouble for the girls,
but being attacked by more than 10 at the same time was almost certain
death. Yet, he defeated 73, and came out safe.

“I can’t blame you for being surprised.” Klaus crossed his arms, seeming
satisfied. “However, as I am the strongest of this world, something like this is
—”

“Sensei.” Tia cut between.

“Hm?”

“…The numbers are too different that it’s not even comprehensible.”

“…Really?”

“It makes me think ‘Maybe the enemy was just that weak after all?’ that I
can’t even take you seriously.”

“How unreasonable…” Klaus showed a hurt expression.

That being said, since this was reality, Tia couldn’t help but admit it. Though,

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she always knew how amazing he was.

“You see, they weren’t weak in the slightest.” Klaus provided a follow-up,
facing Murasakiari.

Four people were present inside this underground room. Murasakiari, Tia, the
bartender that became Tia’s ally, and Klaus himself. With no rooms, there
was no place to escape. The situation had taken a reverse turn, and the one in
greatest danger—was Murasakiari. Could he hope to win against Klaus in a
one-on-one?

“I see, the rumours have done you justice, it seems.” Murasakiari’s shoulders
went up and down. “However, you shouldn’t act all presumptuous because
you defeated my foot soldiers. I am the King of Mitalio, have you forgotten?”

—Something is coming. He must have felt that way, so Klaus was moving
first. With not even a second passing, he took out his automatic handgun,
pointing it at Murasakiari, and fired it.

“—>Protect me<!”

The body of the bartender suddenly started moving. It wasn’t based on
reason, but more on reflex. It was engraved in his brain. The bullet fired off
by Klaus pierced his shoulder.

“—>Kill them<. Don’t believe their fragile lies. >Kill< >Kill< >Kill<.”
Murasakiari screamed from the depths of his throat, as if to overwrite Tia’s
words from before.

Protected by the bartender, he ran deeper into the underground room. He
touched a certain location on the wall, and ran through the opening that
appeared.

“A hidden passage…!”

He must have prepared an escape route for the worst-case scenario. Klaus
tried shoving away the bartender, who was screaming in rage. Tia called out
to him, trying to calm him down. It seemed as if Murasakiari’s Domination

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hadn’t vanished completely. Just as she thought, they had to defeat him
entirely to save all the suffering [Worker Ants]. Klaus had him take some
sleeping medicine, which finally calmed him down.

“Let’s chase after him.” Tia called out to Klaus.

At the same time, Klaus showed a bewildered expression, looking at the
ground. He must have spotted something, as he crouched down.

“…It’s the bullet the Boss loved so much.” He held a small bullet between
his fingers.

She—Kouro—really had been killed here. It fell to the floor during her final
moments, and was left alone this entire time.

“Let’s go, Tia. It’s time to get revenge.” He tightly grasped the bullet, and
announced.

“Yes, Sensei. Let’s bring an end to this.”

Murasakiari had already run away through the underground passage.
However, he surely was still on edge, trying to buy himself some time. Most
likely, he was planning on gathering the rest of the [Worker Ants], and
bringing this to an end.

—Thus, the battle at Mitalio entered its final stage.

After running through the hidden passage, Klaus and Tia made it above
ground. Directing their gazes upwards, they were greeted with a large
building, the same one they had seen so many times—The Westport
Building. To think his hideout was located in the center of the city. Klaus
seemed to be tracing the sounds of the footsteps that Murasakiari gave off.
From the looks of it, he ran inside the emergency entrance, up the
maintenance stairs. The security there must be his [Worker Ants] as well, but
they stopped thanks to Tia’s voice.

“—>Stop<.”

They saw Tia, and stopped in their tracks. Although this only lasted for a

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couple of seconds, it was enough time for Klaus to safely knock them out
cold. At the same time, Tia bit her lip.

Just how many people are waiting to be saved by the Hero…?

This psychological suggestion Kouro left inside the heads of the [Worker
Ants]—it granted them a ray of hope in midst of their despair. Met with
unfathomable pain, they were forced to kill on and on. Just the mere idea that
‘A black-haired girl will become your hero, and save you’, it was enough to
leave a bit of hope.

—Tia had to save all of them, even if they tried to kill her in the process.

She ran up the outer stairs of the building. She stopped the attacking [Worker
Ants] with her words, when both she and Klaus arrived at the eighth floor at
the same time.

The eighth floor of the Westport Building had an indoor garden. Since it was
closed because of the Tonfa Economy Conference, and adding the fact that it
was midnight, there were no other people around. It should be the size of
roughly three tennis courts. To the east and west, there were two fountains,
with several flower fields in between those. In the middle it had a bronze
monument, showing a Goddess with wings, tending to the pigeons beneath
her. Standing below that was Murasakiari.

“So this is the place you wanted to fight at?”

“Indeed, and I appreciate it very much that you came chasing after me.”
Murasakiari gently rubbed the statue. “You can also find this statue at the
port. Did you already visit that location? It seems to be a symbol of freedom.
A statue to celebrate the victory during the battle of independence.”

“The exact opposite of an existence that you are.”

“Indeed, and I absolutely loathe it. It makes me want to puke.” Murasakiari
stretched out his hand towards Klaus. “That is why I will kill you in front of
the goddess statue.” At the same time as he spoke those words, people
jumped out of the shadows.

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From what Tia could make out, they were three people. Every single one held
a handgun, pointing it at Klaus and Tia.

“!”

Before Tia could even move her body, Klaus reacted faster. He jumped
backwards, pulling Tia’s arm, and escaped from their line of sight. Bullets
passed by her. The timing was far too close.

The people gathering at Murasakiari’s side were people wearing tuxedos,
nine in number. There was no common ground between them, as they were
young and old, man and woman. There were some younger girls in there, as
well as older folk. From what looked like a housewife to a young man in his
prime. The only thing they had in common were their empty eyes.

“[Commander Ants].” Murasakiari laughed. “That is what I call them. They
are my trump cards.” He sat on the pedestal of the goddess statue, like it was
the King’s throne.

Klaus fired off his automatic gun. As for Tia, she didn’t even see him take
out the gun. However, the bullet aimed at Murasakiari was blocked by two of
his subordinates. Klaus showed an impressed nod.

“They’re different from the other foot soldiers so far, huh.”

“Indeed, I have chosen these nine, and they are greatly stronger than the other
400 [Worker Ants] I have scattered all over the globe.” Murasakiari answered
with a refreshed face.

Tia gave an order right away. “—<Cease this action>.”

However, they showed no signs of listening. Apparently, her orders didn’t
work.

So they didn’t meet Kouro-san back then…They don’t know of the rumour
either.

They were indeed Murasakiari’s hidden ace in a hole. Soldiers solely exist to
protect the King.

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“…Stand back.” Klaus guided Tia behind her back.

Now that her ‘voice’ didn’t work, she was nothing more than a burden. She
didn’t want to admit it, but she needed to retreat for now. Murasakiari
snapped his fingers. That was used as a signal, as the [Commander Ants] all
leaped at Klaus at the same time. Some held knives, others daggers, each of
them aiming to slash at Klaus.

“…!” Klaus blocked the dagger of a woman with his knife, aiming the grip of
his gun at the back of her neck. However, he stopped this mid-motion, and
jumped to the side. The ground where he just stood was shot at, creating
holes in the concrete. A nearly middle-aged man had his rifle aimed at Klaus.
By the time Klaus escaped from his aim, two young boys unsceathed their
longswords, ready to slice at him.

—He’s dead.

The second that thought popped up Tia’s head, Klaus once again managed to
evade right before the blades touched him. Something floated through the air.
It was a cut-off piece of Klaus’ clothes. Seeing this, Murasakiari showed a
satisfied nod.

“I heard that you let our Shirogumo escape when you fought in the
Republic.”

“………” Klaus looked down at his clothes, silent.

Murasakiari spoke up instead, still sitting on his pedestal.

“The reason is simple. Because you let him escape, he gave me all the
information about you that I needed. How you fight, your strengths,
weaknesses, how to defeat you.”

“Sure looks like it.”

“A spy that had their information leaked as no more means of winning.”

At the same time as Murasakiari finished his words, the attack of the

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[Commander Ants] started yet again. It was perfect coordination.

One attacked with a knife, the other fired shots at Klaus. Another defended
against Klaus’ low kick, whereas a long sword came soaring down at his
head. It’s like they were a single lifeform. 18 eyes and 18 hands moved in
unison, taking care of attack and defense. How long have they practiced to
achieve such a level? This is something that must have taken an
unfathomable amount of time.

And, the one that made this possible—was Murasakariari and his
Domination. Even so, Tia had trouble believing the scenery in front of her.

Sensei is being pushed back…?

Klaus of all people was pushed back to defending only. Somewhere deep
inside her heart, she was certain that, if it was him, he could overcome even a
nine against one, or even a hundred against one. That is why this situation
was too baffling to her. How—

“Ahh, I thought so. Just as I had heard.”

As Tia was bewildered, Murasakiari started speaking. His voice was filled
with a sense of superiority.

“You must be concerned about your allies, correct? They might be killed this
very moment.”

“—!” Tia’s eyes opened in realization.

She thought that he was in his prime, but his movement definitely lacked
vividness compared to before. He was slowly being pushed back by the
perfect coordination shown from the [Commander Ants]. Sweat built up in
his face. A super-class first-rate spy like him—was shaken?

“I heard about it before. Coincidentally enough, you had been called a King
before as well, it seems.” Murasakiari continued his provocation.

During that entire time, the [Commander Ants] were attacking Klaus.

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“Living in the slums ruined by the war, you were an orphan with no name nor
parents. You were forced to steal food from the gangs, enduring the suffering.
Feared by your surroundings, you became a brat that lived alone. They gave
you the nickname ‘Trash King’.”

“………”

“Then, you were picked up by a spy, and were granted your first allies. What
a wonderful thing. However, at the same time, this became your fatal
weakness. You started to love your allies as a [Family], right?” Murasakiari
showed Klaus a cold gaze. “It became a trauma, didn’t it—Losing your
allies.”

That moment. A single person of the [Commander Ants] managed to evade
Klaus’ defence, and got up close to him. He fired a bullet right at Klaus’
flank. Klaus twisted his body, somewhat killing the impact, but his
expression was riddled with agony. That was the first time Tia had witnessed
Klaus suffering from an attack.

He immediately pushed away his enemies, and took some distance. For a
brief moment, the onslaught of the [Commander Ants] came to a halt. They
felt confident, showing no signs of rushing this battle. Like a machine, each
member was emotionless, keeping their formation.

“You should have never gathered new allies.” Murasakiari announced. “You
would have been better off living like a King. Use all the people around you
as slaves and disposable pawns—then you wouldn’t have been so weak.” He
sat still on the pedestal, not moving an inch.

At the same time, he watched Klaus with disdainful eyes.

“Sensei…”

She remembered her first chance meeting with him. When they saw each
other at the Kagerou Palace, his eyes were cold, filled with sadness. Most of
his free time he would spend on the painting he called [Family].

—Having lost his family, he continued to fight in solitude.

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However, he now created [Tomoshibi]. As the Boss, the commander, he
decided to make these girls his allies. Overcoming struggles on both ends, he
managed to train the girls, and succeeded in the Impassable Mission together
with them. For the girls, that was an unpayable favor. However, what did
Klaus get back from them?

“How about you give up?” Murasakiari announced. “I don’t expect you to
win against the [Commander Ants]. Especially not in your current state.”

Klaus was clearly at a disadvantage here. He might have come prepared, but
Murasakiari held all possible information on him. As anxiety started to
assault Tia’s body, Klaus brushed the dirt off his clothes.

“…You sure never stop talking.” He still seemed fairly calm, surrounded by
these nine people. “I’m sorry for interrupting your monologue there, but you
seem to have the wrong impression about something. I’m merely
disappointed. I’m starting to get bored of this.”

“Bored? What are you saying?” Murasakiari narrowed his eyes, dubious.

“Let me be straight. I’m getting a bit fed up.” Klaus let out a deep sigh.

“Huh?”

“You acted like these [Commander Ants] would be some game-changing
unit. In the end, they’re mere one-hits. That’s all you can do. Have strong
people swear allegiance to you, and make them your allies. No beauty at all.”

“……” Murasakiari was at a loss for words.

What Klaus said was true. It was quite the strength he possessed, but
Murasakiari had only one talent. Dominate other people, and have them obey
him. It’s nothing more, nothing less.

Is this his breakthrough…?

Tia was trying to guess Klaus’ intentions, as he himself spit cold words at
Murasakiari.

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“Even if you have hundreds of subordinates, they only act according to your
way of thinking. What a boring kingdom this is.”

Those were his usual words—or rather, the idea passed down by Kouro. The
differences between the members are the key to the organization. There,
Klaus turned around.

“Don’t you think so as well, Tia?”

“……” She was taken by surprise.

It took her a second, but she guessed his intentions.

“…Yes, of course. There’s nobody more fit to be led around the nose.”

“I don’t know what kind of joke this is supposed to be, but…” Filled with
anger, Murasakiari held his hand over one eye, snapping his fingers with the
other. “I will just take these words as your testament then. >Take the woman
as a hostage<.”

With his order, the [Commander Ants] started moving again. Their pattern
changed. Seven of them headed towards Klaus, whereas two of them aimed
at Tia, who had been watching from the entrance. Two twin boys attacked
Tia, their blades in hand. Of course, she had no hope of fighting against them,
and neither would Klaus make it in time. However, sounds of a certain man
approached Tia’s ears. He was running up the stairs.

“I’m sure that you aren’t the greatest fan of this, Sensei.” Right as the blade
was about to touch her throat, Tia spoke up. “…But, I chose to make that
man our ally.”

He barely made it in time—Tia’s strongest bodyguard.

“Let me give you the order.” Tia smiled. “>Protect me<.”

The twin boys in front of her came to a sudden halt. A single man appeared.
He possessed two long arms, grabbing both of the [Commander Ants] with
them.

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“Good work.” Tia smiled. “I knew you had it in you.”

“Why thank you.” Roland answered.

He threw the two enemies, slamming them right into the fountain.

“—!” Murasakiari was baffled.

However, this explained how Klaus knew of his hideout. Since he had been
present when Kouro gave out her psychological suggestion.

“You know him, right?” Tia ran her slender fingers down Roland’s chin.
“After all, he was there when you mercilessly killed Kouro—As your
beloved dog.”

***

Around one hour ago—

“You really are an idiot. Being deceived this easily.” Roland heightened his
grip on Tia’s neck.

Feeling his fingers bite into her flesh, she arrived at a certain conclusion.
Thanks to her allies who had gathered information, she heard of this—Hero
of Mitalio. There could only be one person to spread such a rumour.
Someone who lives in this world, having fought the [Worker Ants], and who
knew of her promise with Tia—Kouro.

It was said that she had been killed by Hebi, so she must have fallen victim to
[Murasakiari]’s hands right here, in Mitalio. At death’s doorstep, she had
hypnotized the [Worker Ants]. But, was it only the rumour of the Hero which
she put into them?

No…There is another person who has been acting off…

The fact that he had a connection to Murasakiari was clear from the very
beginning. Even Klaus had his doubts about his odd behaviour.

A certain man, who has been told the lie of ‘Klaus will be your eternal

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rival’ by someone…

Tia arrived at the conclusion. Kouro had everything in the palm of her hand
from the very beginning. The fact that she would die, that Klaus would create
a new spy team, that he would seek out Tia, and that Roland, who had been
lied to by her, would eventually challenge Klaus, even his loss—she had
planned it all. It wasn’t a bad job to inherit from the legendary spy, and her
final plot. That’s why Tia used her voice.

“—Say, do you remember this voice?”

Roland’s movement stopped abruptly. It might have been mere coincidence,
but Tia never used her clear voice in front of Roland so far. She had always
been scared, unable to hold a proper conversation. That’s why he had no way
of knowing her voice. She would use that. She found out his weakness, had
him let down his guard, and influence him. That’s why she had to make him
realize his weakness, and removed his restraints. It was a dangerous bet.

“>Stop<.” She used Kouro’s voice.

In response, Roland was clearly at a loss. He finally showed an opening. Tia
escaped from his arms, grabbing his face instead, pulling it closer to a
distance where they could kiss.

“Codename [Yumegatari] — It’s time to charm and demolish.” She
announced, and looked Roland deeply into the eyes.

She could read his most secret desires like this. What was the most evil
assassin seeking, what was he wishing for? The skill Tia had learned from
Kouro now was searching through Roland’s entire being.

“…Y-You wench…” Roland finally moved his body, and pushed her away.

So that she wouldn’t fall out of the window, she reached for the wall,
supporting her body. By the time she faced forwards again, Roland himself
decided to take some distance himself.

“I see…so you were present after all—when Kouro-san was killed.”

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What came back after reading his heart was Kouro’s testament. As Tia
thought, the psychological suggestion was put on Roland as well.

“…What about it?” Roland clicked his fingers. “The fact that you will die
here won’t change. All I have to do is kill you.” He gave off killing intent
strong enough to make your skin freeze.

Tia had felt this pressure many times before. When she first met him, and
when they visited him in the cell, she couldn’t do anything, merely protected
by others. However, the current Tia is different. A fierce flame was burning
inside her chest.

“Hey, what will happen if you kill me?”

If Roland got serious, she would die, not protected by anybody. And yet, she
showed a confident, kind smile.

“Tell me? What good will come from killing me?”

“That’s—”

“You will be praised by Murasakiari, right? It’d be important, so that you
don’t get punished, right?”

“…!” Roland’s face turned red, like Tia had hit bulls-eye.

Tia put one finger on her mouth, and smiled some more.

“What a wonderful master-servant relationship. Are you going to lick his
shoes and say ‘I did my best, so please don’t hit me’, hm? What a loyal dog
you are.”

“You…bastard…” Even his fingers turned red, as he formed a fist, quivering.
“You have guts…since you wanna play like that, I won’t give you a pleasant
death—”

“I always thought it was weird, but why are you acting so cool? You’re a
small fry that was immediately defeated by Sensei. Not to mention that
you’re as pathetic as to butter up to Murasakiari.” Tia spoke with cold eyes.

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“You don’t seem to be aware of it, so why don’t I tell you a thing or two
about yourself?” She pointed her index finger at him.

Her every word shot at Roland like a bullet.

“You’re a narcissist, arrogant, acting tough towards young girls, talking off
the top of your head, lectured like a dog in some disgusting perverted BDSM
roleplay, thinking you’re the strongest with some unnecessarily high pride,
even though you’re so weak, a foolish killer that has no reason for even
existing.”

“Shut up…”

“Kill me? Let me ask you again. What will happen then? Become
Murasakiari’s beloved dog, and repeat your days in boredom? Kill the people
you are told to kill and stop thinking like a machine? Then you’d get beaten
at your own game, and killed. Ahaha, that’s it, right? You’re not strong at
all.”

“Shut up…What do you understand about me…”

“Don’t go howling like a loser now. You don’t even have the guts to go
against your master, nor run away from your life of boredom, so don’t act
like you have any right to talk to me, you mere pet.” Tia continued to ridicule
him.

Roland was blushing bright red, quivering in rage. His eyes were watery, like
he was panicking. However, Tia showed no restraint. She denied his
personality, denied his life, his entire existence. She had to break
Murasakiari’s Domination. But, that won’t work with just affection. She had
to face him like this, showing nothing but honesty. What she did wasn’t too
far off from Murasakiari’s work. However, she wasn’t planning on making
Roland yield to her.

“That’s why you must have been beyond yourself.” She asked him. “When
Kouro-san—the legendary spy—told you that ‘Klaus would be able to fill
your empty heart’, you felt like it was destiny, right? You thought that a rival
had finally appeared, and were happy.”

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“……”

“You wanted to change yourself, right.”

When she first met him, he kept going on about his ‘boredom’. As if to curse
himself, almost. He was the one who was fed up with Murasakiari’s
Domination.

“Why did you save Olivia-san?”

She asked him with more information. She was the pupil of Roland, captured
by Grete and her team during a previous mission. She herself was put in that
prison, tortured until she spit out all the information she knew. In her past,
she seemed to have been working at a nighttime hostess bar. From her
perspective, Roland was the one who saved her from her unbearable days.

“Was she really just a disposable pawn? Did you not show sympathy at her
situation and surroundings? You saw herself in her, and wanted to free her,
right?”

“…!”

“If you were to turn over to the Republic, you could even save the captured
Olivia-san, you know?”

She was facing him, both on body and mind. She used all the information at
her disposal, and tried convincing him. In her chest, she had this sense of
duty. This is the duty given to her.

Before, she aimed to become ‘A Hero that saves their enemy’. Her naive
heart was used, and she assisted in the escape of an enemy. She was wrong
back then. Saving an enemy doesn’t mean to disregard them.

—It is to make them betray their own side. Make the enemy our own ally!
Deny the other person, charm them, and win them over. That is the path
paved for [Yumegatari].

“Even if you say that…” Roland spoke, hesitating. “What can you do?”

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“I can free you. Because I can read your heart, I can save you from
Murasakiari’s Domination.” She should be able to take control of him.

—Thanks to the psychological suggestion that a black-haired girl will save
him.

It was only Tia who could pull this off.

“If you’d like me to use different words, then…Let’s see, I can steal you
from him.” Tia gently pushed Roland’s body.

His body offered no resistance, and fell backwards onto his behind. He was
merely looking up at Tia. She sat down on the bed, and started taking off the
shoes she was wearing.

“Kneel in front of your new master.”

She pointed her bare leg at Roland, gently touching his chin. A hot breath
escaped his mouth.

“Feel good together—with your beautiful Master.”

It didn’t take long for Roland to fall victim to her smile.

***

Back to the present, on the indoor garden of the Westport Building’s eighth
floor.

“I’ve been meaning to try it, a full-on versus [Worker Ants] battle.” Roland
cracked his neck several times, as he said so. “Seriously, telling me not to kill
them was tough work. Had to go through like twelve of them, and felt like I
was dealing with some other country’s intelligence agency.”

Murasakiari gave him a cold gaze, but Roland skillfully ignored that. He
must have been a bold man from the very start. He held Tia’s handgun, and
played with it.

“I saved the brats, Kakaribi. Focus.” Roland approached Klaus in the opening

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where the [Commander Ants] let off for a moment.

As for Klaus, he didn’t seem too shocked. In reality, he must have been
bothered by this. However, more than anything, he felt the need to be
grateful. As the two looked at each other, another shadow appeared behind
the two.

“Seems like you’re finally doing some proper work, huh.” It was Monika.

Tia sighed in relief that she could meet her sharp-mouthed team member
again.

“I’m glad, you were alive.”

“All the other peeps are fine. Klaus saved Lily and Annette, that Shikabane
man took care of Zibia and Elna, and—” Monika suddenly grabbed Tia by
the collar. “Listen…is my responsibility not a bit too large? The one saving
us…the disguised Grete of all people? Are you making fun of me? Don’t
tempt me, will ya.”

“I mean, you’re alive…”

“Because I worked super hard, yeah!”

“And, Grete was the one who came up with it…”

“You were the commander, right?”

For now, what was important is that everyone survived Murasakiari’s assault.
She was the most worried about Monika and Sara, but they were saved by
Grete, thankfully. The appearance of the fake Klaus must have shaken the
[Worker Ants] enough for Monika to take care of them. Thanks to her and
Roland, everyone survived, and they had gathered at the emergency stairs, so
that their target Murasakiari would not be able to escape.

“We just barely managed to run away. Be thankful that I’m such a genius.”

“Y-Yes, I will do that.”

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“And, there’s no more role for us to play. The ones having to take care of the
mission—” Monika looked over at Klaus and Roland. “Are these two.”

[Kakaribi] Klaus and [Tansui] Roland. Although this is the result of Tia’s
work, it was still an overwhelming scenery. There was no place for Tia and
the others to participate.

“…Roland, let me give you my thanks for saving my subordinates.”

“Mm? Be a bit more honest, will you. How about a ‘Thank you very much’?
If I hadn’t betrayed him, you wouldn’t even have found Murasakiari’s
hideout.”

“You just betrayed someone, can you not act like a saint?”

The two exchanged a few light words, and stood next to each other. They
were surrounded by nine subordinates, glared at from a distance by
Murasakiari. Without even trying to hide his scorn, he carved his nails into a
nearby boy’s back.

“However.” Klaus opened his mouth. “There is one thing—”

“Leave it.” Roland cut between. “This is my distinction. I’m cutting the line
of my life here.”

“…?” Tia failed to understand their conversation.

Klaus didn’t speak any further than that, and directed his gaze at Murasakiari.

“……………”

A long silence passed. Yet it felt tense enough to make Tia hold her breath.
She felt dizzy. Next to her was Monika, watching this scene with wide open
eyes, as if to not miss a single moment. She was planning to learn from this.
This could quite possibly be the greatest battle they would ever get to
witness.

The first one to move was Murasakiari. He slowly stood up, and pointed his
hand at Roland at Klaus.

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“>Everyone<.” His voice resounded. “—>Kill the traitor first<.”

All nine [Commander Ants] started running at the same time. Their aim was,
of course, Roland. Equally, Klaus started firing at them. His bullets pierced
the shoulders of two out of the nine. Yet, their cooperation did not lessen by
any means, as the two wounded attacked Roland as well. A dagger, a
longsword, continuous fire from a rifle, they all relentlessly were aimed at
him. He started firing the gun he borrowed from Tia.

“Eh…” Tia let out a dumbfounded voice.

The following moment, she saw a scenery that robbed her of any words.
Giving a brief conclusion—Roland had not a particle of a chance.

He managed to wound the man leaping at his face, but failed to react against
the woman that attacked from his side, dagger in hand. His arm was stabbed,
and when he faltered, a bullet pierced his abdomen. As if to finish him off,
the twins with their long swords pierced their blades into both his legs.

“Roland…san…?”

Tia could tell from a glance. This was a critical wound. Blood gushed from
his entire body, as body was kicked away, and the [Commander Ants] took
formation again. Tia tried running over there in a rush, but he couldn’t even
move any longer. The wound on his abdomen looked especially bad. Tia
could conduct some first-aid, but it was questionable if that could save him.

“This is a worthy ending of someone who has rebelled against the King.”
Murasakiari let out a cold voice. “There’s no way that man could hope to win
against the [Commander Ants], don’t you think?”

“…!”

Tia was forcefully reminded. Roland was strong, but so were the
[Commander Ants]. Even Klaus had trouble dealing with them, who could
easily defeat Roland. Only Klaus himself could stand his ground against
them.

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“I will admit it. You have created an incident outside my calculations.
Wonderfully done. However, this is still inside an acceptable range. My win
has been determined.” Murasakiari pushed the stun-gun on a wounded
[Commander Ant].

A shriek ran out, and the scent of burning flesh even reached Tia’s nose. It
was to close the wound. Murasakiari seemed to really enjoy this kind of first-
aid method, as he smiled.

“Klaus-kun, your teacher leaked information about you, and Shirgoumo-kun
proved these to be correct. Even at full strength, you cannot hope to win
against my [Commander Ants].”

“……” Klaus stayed silent.

“I will not accept any rebellion, for I am the King. I shall kill you, and all the
brats behind you.”

Klaus stared at the collapsed Roland. Tia was trying her hardest to treat him,
but the blood loss wouldn’t stop. Finally, Klaus looked back at Murasakiari
again.

“Let me ask one thing.” He spoke up. “I hate this man. Even if it was an
order, he killed innocent people. The person himself was prepared for such an
end, and faced you. I can’t muster up any sympathy.”

“Indeed, I agree.”

“However, he was an ally of yours, right?”

“He was nothing more but a slave.”

“I see. I guess I really can’t deal with you.” Klaus started walking forwards,
and the [Commander Ants] started acting themselves.

So that Tia wouldn’t get wrapped up in this, Klaus seemed to be moving
away from her. One of the [Commander Ants] must have guessed this
intention, and fired a bullet at Tia, only to have it blocked by Monika. It
seemed like that was the first and only attempt, as the [Commander Ant]

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joined its other members for the fight with Klaus.

Even after suffering wounds, the perfect cooperation of the [Commander
Ants] did not break down. The dagger and longswords combination in melee
range, as well as bullets from a distance, aiming for an opening. If Klaus
were to swing his knife, someone would jump in to block it off.

Roland didn’t even last three seconds. It’s not because he was particularly
weak. Rather, the [Commander Ants] were just too strong. Klaus had been
fighting them for a minute. However, he was starting to get out of breath.
Maybe battling the other 73 [Worker Ants] had taken a great toll on him.
Slowly—slowly but steadily, he was starting to be pushed back.

Tia could only mentally support him. The other girls were watching this with
passionate gazes, surely hoping for their teacher to win, just as much as Tia
did. However, as if to betray these expectations, Klaus was falling
backwards. Blood flowed on his cheek.

“I told you before, right?” Murasakiari announced. “I know everything about
you.”

“…!” Klaus wiped off the blood.

Murasakiari snapped his fingers.

“Even if you fought at full strength, you cannot defeat these [Commander
Ants]—>Kill him<.” That must have been his final order.

The nine [Commander Ants] all leaped at Klaus at the same time, from all
directions. Those holding firearms, those responsible for defense, they all
switched to attacking. Their breaths were in sync. There was an older man
firing his rifle at Klaus from a close right distance. The twin boys attacked
with their long blades from the front. A man aimed his shield at Klaus from
the left. A woman attacked him from behind, holding a dagger. The others
surrounded Klaus with bayonets and knives.

“I see…By the way—” A voice resounded, followed by the words the girls
had heard so often. “—How long do I have to play along with this child’s

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play?”

As if he had anticipated every single attack, he dodged them—and moved his
feet. A sound of gas being blown out resounded. Some device activated at his
feet. Klaus covered his mouth and nose with a handkerchief. The balance of
the [Commander Ants] broke apart. The flawless cooperation they had shown
—their breathing was in rhythm, which is why they all breathed in the gas at
the same time.

“Poisonous gas…” Murasakiari muttered. “I didn’t hear any reports of you
using such a—”

Tia remembered seeing this. It was the poison gas Lily always used. With
even more perfect timing than the girl herself could show, he used the
paralysis gas to limit the enemy’s movement.

—The scenery that happened after is something Tia would never forget.

It didn’t even last a second, it happened in an even smaller amount of time.
The strongest in the world showed the full strength he was so proud of. He
stepped forward, and moved an entire meter in that one moment.

Six of the [Commander Ants] were sent flying.

Like an invisible explosion had gone off, the people surrounding Klaus
floated up in the air, and crashed down. There, Tia realized. Klaus never had
any trouble to begin with. He must have been worried about his allies, which
influenced his performance. However, this is the difference once he can focus
fully on the battle. He was merely waiting for a moment to use the poisonous
gas. He was acting this entire time.

“Let me point out your misunderstanding.” Klaus’ voice rang out. “You
received information on me when my Teacher was betrayed—that is indeed
correct. But this has happened half a year ago. Even I will grow stronger in
that time.”

“N-No…” Murasakiari was baffled, fumbling over his words. “Last month,
didn’t you…”

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“Ah, I let Shirogumo escape. I won’t deny that. But, if I were to use an
excuse, then it’s that I was not in my prime back then. After all, I had been
working for five hundred days straight with no rest in between.”

That was no fragile excuse by any means. Grete was always pointing out how
he was not teeling up to it. Even after they had retaken the biological virus
weapon, and had taken a two-week vacation, he continued on with his
missions, gathering fatigue. Right after that, he went on to his mission with
[Shikabane]. And if that wasn’t enough, he was searching for the girls who
had gone missing. Most likely, his exhaustion had reached its peak when he
was fighting Shirogumo.

“That’s right, Shirogumo misunderstood. He saw me, clearly not in my
prime, and told you that the information from half a year was correct.” Klaus
announced. “It pains me to say it, but I have grown much stronger
compared to half a year ago.”

When Klaus charged in again, the other three [Commander Ants] were sent
flying. Movement and attack, it was just that simple of a rhythm, but at Klaus
speed, it looked like the enemy was hit by a bullet, blasted off. An
extraordinary fighting style, and his self-proclaimed strength of being the
strongest in the world. Tia had assumed this to be Klaus’ true nature.
However, thinking about it now…

His true essence is [Growth]…?

He possessed inborn talent to master any sort of skill with intuition and
feeling alone.

We used every single skill of ours against him, tried out all sorts of situations,
and challenged whatever stupid plan we came up with…but what if we made
him only stronger thanks to that?

Of course, it’s not like this could be called sparring. However, each of the
girls had some sort of special talent that could not be copied. At the same
time, he had to be ready to be attacked at any given moment. He needed to
prepare against all sorts of traps, and he could observe the girl’s special
talents up close—To someone who held immeasurable talent to learn new

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