Chapter 22

Episode 22: Beautiful Girl (in violation of the景品表示法) is still unable to be regulated by law.

I had thought that ‘Na Takikai’ had a face that suited cross-dressing.

Even in my past life, I was depicted by some crazy people drawing female-character-falling illustrations and such, so as bait in the early stages, I was treated with somewhat affection.

But, I didn’t expect it to this extent.

Apparently, I am a male-dressed beautiful girl (cross-dresser).

Before I knew it, it became like a set of Russian nesting dolls for fetishes.

“Na Takikai seems to have cleverly utilized the preconception that he is a man, but it doesn’t resonate with me. Even your student record is probably fake, isn’t it?”

“…You seem to know quite well.”

It goes beyond whether it resonates or not; your predictions are already all over the place.

No, thinking that someone would do something while cross-dressed might itself be abnormal.

“So, do you have any business with me? Please be brief.”

“Yes, let’s get straight to the point. –Would you help me dismantle Kisou Academy?”

“No.”

There’s no way I’m going along with destroying the original work, idiot.

“…Kisou Academy’s illegal experiments must be known to you. The Demons Gear you’re chasing should also be one of them, right?”

“That’s right.”

Is that so?

Me, chasing Demons Gear?

Is that how it’s turning out?

“Kisou Academy has acquired new Demons Gear using Rokuhara. It’s the individual from the Phectom research facility.”

Ah, that’s right, Rokuhara was looking for it.

I did think that if anyone could find it, it would be him, so yeah, they found it.

That’s good… or rather, not so good.

“…With this, Kisou Academy will possess two Demons Gears.”

“That’s correct. If a second compatible user is found, Kisou Academy will likely declare war on other schools. We must stop them before it comes to that.”

I understand what you’re saying.

But, Tourak will handle things around there, so it’ll be fine!

Moreover, Rokuhara likes Tourak and will betray them (spoiler alert),

so effectively, Kisou Academy only has one Demons Gear.

There’s no way Eina and Lutra can be defeated with just one.

Because I know the original story, I can afford to be optimistic.

However, from Jouka’s perspective, it must be an extremely dire situation.

I’d like to reassure her somehow, but…

“I won’t move for now.”

“Why not? You must know the terrifying nature of Demons Gear!?”

Hmm, maybe I should just confuse her with vague statements for now.

“…It’s simply not the right time yet.”

“Solciera, what exactly do you know?”

At this point, I meaninglessly look up at the sky.

This kind of gesture suits a beautiful girl.

“It’s not yet time to act. Everything depends on the alignment of the stars. When the opportunity comes, you’ll naturally understand.”

“…Are you expecting me to accept that?”

You don’t have to, but please understand. Even if you were to act now, you wouldn’t stand a chance against them.

Especially Rokuhara is dangerous.

You need to wait until he switches sides to Tourak’s side, or you’ll really get hurt.

Don’t make him your enemy. I speak from experience; it’s definitely not a mistake.

“But, if you’re there…”

Isn’t Solciera being evaluated too highly?

Sure, she’s a mysterious, flawless, absolutely strongest, top-tier beautiful girl, but when it comes to fighting Rokuhara, her strength is probably about the same or slightly lower?

If she encounters the Student Council President of Kisou Academy by bad luck, she might even lose confidence in herself.

“Are you really only considering these threats? …You’re too focused on what’s right in front of you and failing to see the bigger picture.”

Jouka remains silent, biting her lip.

Why does she hate me so much? Anti-fans can be scary when they reach this level.

But if I leave it as is, she might act on her own.

“…When the time comes, I’ll call you too. Is that acceptable?”

Hearing my words, Jouka looks up.

Alright, let’s restrict her actions here.

“Really?”

“Yes. Besides, it’s not something far off in the future. The collapse of Kisou Academy.”

In the original story, they’re one of the big bosses early on, so they’re taken down pretty quickly.

Until then, Jouka, please bear with it.

“Could it be…you already have a plan to destroy Kisou Academy!?”

“Yes.”

Let’s say that for your benefit.

So, indulge my whims a bit.

“They intend to use the Demons Gear in a way that deviates from its original purpose. It was created for the survival of humanity. A weapon only reveals its true value when used correctly.”

“How much do you actually know about the Demons Gear…!?”

In response to Jouka’s question, I give her my most determined expression.

“Everything.”

Hearing my words, Jouca freezes in surprise.

Ahahaha, this person is great.

She reacts to everything I say.

Alright, let’s go a little further with the mysterious beautiful girl act!

“Originally, they were manifestations of artificial myths created to counteract a single phenomenon. The first hope born into this world.”

Original knowledge fits perfectly with the mysterious beautiful girl act.

I’m just spilling huge spoilers, but in this world, it holds the power equivalent to omniscience.

I stare deeply into Jouka’s eyes.

“Therefore, we have been monitoring the Demons Gear all along.”

“My… us?”

“Yes. Us—no, let’s stop there. You just want to destroy Kisou Academy, don’t you?”

Gently stroking Jouka’s hair.

Safe because I’m perceived as a beautiful girl!

Just barely safe because I’m perceived as a beautiful girl!

Then, I give her a faint smile.

“There’s no need to delve deeper into the abyss.”

Perfect…

Beautiful…

Calmly speaking, I realize I’ve been freely giving away important-sounding information without being asked and declaring not to delve deeper, which makes me sound crazy, but Jouka is lost in the atmosphere and hasn’t noticed.

Playing pretend as a mysterious beautiful girl is fun!

“Solciera, what exactly are you… what are you guys planning?”

“Our goal has always been one thing—the salvation of humanity.”

Saying that, I sweep my long hair aside with my hand and strike a pose.

…Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!?

My hair is growing!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!? Wha!?

“That appearance…”

Jouka is surprised.

“What are you surprised about?”

I’m also surprised.

Despite the uniform remaining unchanged, my appearance has completely transformed into how Solciera looks when she’s active.

Why???

‘■■■i!’

Was it you?!

…Eh, seriously, what did you do?

A performance enhancement?

I appreciate the consideration, but how am I supposed to explain this to Toa?

What am I supposed to tell her if the male student who came with us suddenly has long hair when she wasn’t looking?

She’ll be confused.

‘■■■■’

Ah, can you retract it?

So it’s extendable.

…Then, I don’t need a wig.

You’re occasionally useful after all.

‘■■■■■!’

But it’s kinda scary.

You’re interfering with my body, right?

Isn’t that dangerous?

‘…’

Ah, don’t fall silent.

Hey!!

“Haa”

I couldn’t help but sigh.

Rather, if you’re going to grow my hair, why not turn me into a proper beautiful girl?

…No, never mind. Using me to become a beautiful girl sounds kinda ominous.

“—I,”

Hm?

“Even so, it doesn’t matter. If it can destroy Kisou Academy, even if it involves delving into the abyss… No, if it can fulfill my revenge, that’s fine.”

Jouka says this with a determined expression.

What’s she talking about?

Don’t simultaneously progress things I can’t comprehend both internally and externally.

“Yes. You seem somewhat promising, despite everything.”

But the mysterious beautiful girl act continues.

It’s fun, after all.

I send my contact information to Jouka via Dive Gear.

“…What is this?”

“I’ll inform you when the time comes.”

You’re interesting, so I’ll call you sometimes to tease you.

Also, I’d like to maintain a connection in case I need to silence you when my true identity is revealed.

Then, someone called out to us.

“The beacon settings are… done!”

The words were barely out of her mouth when my hair trembled. Whoa, I got a sudden chill!

Running my fingers through my hair, it has returned to its original length.

Hmm, this is convenient!

‘■■■■■’

But, I haven’t decided to sell it just yet.

‘■!?’

I whisper quietly to Jouka, whose attention has been drawn to Toa.

“That concludes our discussion.”

Jouka gave a slight nod.

“I’m sorry! Since it was my first time finding a dungeon, I got confused with the beacon settings…”

“No, it’s alright. Ideally, I should have done it, but I apologize as well.”

“Not at all, Kei shouldn’t apologize for such a thing… So, um, it seemed like you two were discussing the stream?”

Toa’s words cause us to exchange glances.

“…We ultimately decided that a meeting with the Student Council President would be better. Nothing was really decided, just idle chatter.”

“Yeah…”

“Oh, s-so that’s it?”

Approaching Toa, Jouka bows her head slightly.

“Well, I’ll be going now! Good luck with the dungeon exploration!”

“Ah, thank you very much!”

“Thank you, Jouka-san.”

Waving at us, Jouka gives a small wave back.

I felt like she nodded slightly at me, but it was probably just my imagination.

“Well then, let’s tackle the dungeon.”

“Uu, I’m nervous…”

“I am too. Who would have thought it would come to this?”

Saying that, we exchange glances.

And then, with determination, we headed towards the dungeon together.

Please let it be easy enemies, please let it be easy enemies…

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