Mind Bewitchment

Chapter 42

Chopsticks were set over a lighter, its flame spitting pale blue fire.

"As long as it's heated to a certain temperature..." He gave his wrist a slight shake, and the sugar granules formed a honeycomb-like shell of brittle caramel at the bottom of the spoon. "The sweet surface reveals its sharp edges."

"Horikita didn't accept those terms."

Sakayanagi slowly delivered the outcome.

The outcome was realistic enough. If Classes B, C, and D joined forces, Class D would still suffer the most.

Because they were the ones at the bottom.

If they wanted to climb upward, they had to step on Classes B and C. Once that happened, the alliance would cease to exist. The foundation for an alliance between Classes D and C was simply too weak.

Ever since Sakamoto had used Tokito, and Tokito had gained nothing from it—especially since he had brought it upon himself by breaking their agreement—

His unwillingness to submit, along with his strong sense of justice, meant he was doomed to be tormented by his own conscience.

But Ryuen didn't see it that way. Outsiders dared lay hands on people from Class C? They had used people from Class C twice—

Ryuen personally wasn't afraid of Sakamoto, but he wasn't foolish either. He clearly understood the gap between Classes C and A. To close that gap, he needed help.

Although Classes C and D had not formed an alliance, they shared a common enemy: Class A!

Since Class B had signed a cooperation agreement with Class D, they would also help Class D.

From the look of things, Classes B, C, and D were besieging Class A.

They thought it was Liu, Guan, and Zhang fighting Lu Bu.

In reality, it was the Eighteen Feudal Lords taking on Dong Zhuo.

More importantly, Sakamoto was not a stubborn and self-important Dong Zhuo. He was a transmigrator with cheats—

[Flip Like a Salted Fish: I'm Just Playing Around (Completed)]

Description: Due to his outstanding performance, he was recommended by the swimming instructor to participate in a swimming competition against Koenji Rokusuke.

Completion Condition: Make Koenji go all out in the swimming competition, but deliberately hold back.

[Farce: Don't Laugh Challenge? I Accept! (Completed)]

Description: Obtain Tokito's photograph while continuing to keep a low profile.

Completion Condition: During the Sudo fighting incident, redirect the main figure's (Ryuen's) attention onto someone else (Ayanokoji).

[Achievement Trace Compendium] Notice: Five or more achievements unlocked. Special ability obtained: Mind Bewitchment (Lv. 1)

Mind Bewitchment (Passive)

Description: During verbal negotiations (such as persuasion, negotiation, deception, and so on), this subtly strengthens the persuasiveness and credibility of one's words. Targets unconsciously lower their psychological guard and become more receptive to the character's viewpoints or requests, even temporarily overlooking logical flaws or contradictions.

This skill was undeniably powerful. In terms of practicality, it was far more useful than the [Castling] the system had given him the first time.

Ever since he had used that skill to intimidate Kushida, its cooldown still hadn't ended. But [Mind Bewitchment] was a passive skill with no cooldown. That alone made it more useful than [Castling].

And judging from the way he had unlocked these two achievements, all he needed to do was get close to the major figures of this world. Obtaining achievements would then be as easy as turning over his hand.

The corners of Sakamoto's mouth unconsciously curled upward.

"Um, Sakamoto... could you give me back my spoon...?"

"Of course."

The evening sky was overcast, and the wind rustled through the leaves.

Two people from Class A strolled down the path together.

"How did your talk with Katsuragi go?"

"He doesn't seem to have made any clear indication yet."

"Mm."

The rustling of the leaves gradually faded, and the sounds around them slowly fell quiet.

"Your recent actions have been far too reckless. It seems you still haven't made any progress."

A sharp rebuke suddenly rang out. It was Horikita Manabu and Horikita Suzune.

Suzune raised her head and stubbornly replied, "I'm only doing what I believe is right, Brother."

Horikita Manabu's brows drew together, and his voice became even harsher. "What is right? You still haven't recognized your own flaws. That is why you remain in Class D."

"That's not true, Brother. Being assigned to Class D was only a misunderstanding. The school must have... must have made a mistake."

"The school's accuracy is backed by data. Everything here proves that you were alone throughout middle school. Suzune, leave this school."

"I won't leave. I'll rise to Class A."

"Foolish!"

Horikita Manabu raised one hand, pinned both of Horikita Suzune's wrists against the wall, and lifted his other hand high, seemingly intending to discipline her. But at that moment, a figure drew both their attention.

"Excuse me, Horikita-senpai. Are you playing with your little sister? You're taking things pretty far."

Sakamoto had somehow appeared in the shadows beneath a tree ten paces away. Beside him stood the silent Hashimoto Masayoshi.

Realizing that two other boys were present,

Horikita Manabu calmed down as well and shook out his hand.

"I've seen you before. First-year Class A's Sakamoto Shunichi, and Hashimoto Masayoshi."

Horikita Manabu's voice was like an ice-tempered blade. Though calm, it concealed a nearly imperceptible trace of anger.

"Eavesdropping on someone else's family affairs is no reason to spread rumors."

"It's nothing. I'm just a kind-hearted person who can't stand seeing violence, so I stepped in deliberately. A righteous student like Horikita-senpai surely wouldn't want bullying incidents happening at school either, right?"

Horikita Manabu's pupils contracted slightly. This Sakamoto was sharp-tongued and troublesome to deal with. Suzune, Suzune, when did you get to know someone like this?

"Suzune, it seems you have indeed grown somewhat. Let me see what kind of performance you can give me."

After leaving those words behind, Horikita Manabu disappeared into the dusk.

Horikita Suzune remained where she was, head lowered and utterly motionless.

Seeing this, Sakamoto found himself an amusing little opportunity. He still hadn't tested the Mind Bewitchment ability he had just acquired.

"Horikita..."

Horikita Suzune did not answer, like an empty shell.

"Horikita, do you want to catch up to your brother?"

As though a keyword had been triggered, Horikita Suzune immediately reacted. Her eyes fixed on Sakamoto, filled with obvious wariness.

Her willingness to listen meant it was working. Seeing the effect, Sakamoto began slowly.

"Speaking of which, Student Council President Horikita Manabu excels in academics, intelligence, and leadership. He is also highly skilled in both karate and aikido."

With every word Sakamoto spoke, the emotions in Horikita Suzune's eyes became more complicated. Most apparent was her admiration.

"No wonder he entered Class A without question and became the student council president. He truly is the most outstanding person in the school's history. Someone like him has long since opened an unbridgeable gulf between himself and ordinary people. Don't you agree, Horikita... Suzune?"

Horikita Suzune shuddered, then answered firmly.

"I'll catch up to my brother."

What stubbornness. That was exactly what made it interesting. Sakamoto spoke again.

"Do you think that, as a defective product assigned to Class D—someone with no power, no one's trust, and no one's recognition—you can really catch up to him?"

Remembering everything her brother had accomplished, Horikita Suzune wavered slightly. In her eyes, Sakamoto's face seemed to overlap with Horikita Manabu's.

"You're unworthy. You're too weak, Suzune!"