Mental Defense Line (Part 2)

In the hallway, Chabashira handed Tang Yu a document: "The School Board has officially notified us that Tsukishiro Shuhei will serve as the head judge for the debate. Furthermore..." She lowered her voice, "He has applied to conduct a 'Special Ability Assessment' on you, right after the debate concludes."

Tang Yu frowned: What is the nature of this assessment?

"Nominally, it's a psychological test, but in reality..." A flicker of worry crossed Chabashira's eyes, "Most students who have undergone this assessment in the past have either transferred or dropped out."

Tang Yu's heart tightened: Thank you for the warning.

Chabashira hesitated, showing a rare display of emotional fluctuation: Tang Yu, I don't know what is special about you, but Tsukishiro is no ordinary person. He...

Can he influence people's thoughts? Tang Yu asked directly.

Chabashira's pupils contracted slightly: How did you know?

Intuition. Tang Yu answered evasively, I will be careful.

Returning to the classroom, the rehearsal had already begun. Horikita Suzune was delivering her opening statement, her logic as precise as a clockwork mechanism. Tang Yu stood in the back row to observe.

Through the "Emotion Weaving Network," he felt the overall state of the class—focused, confident, and united; they were a completely different class compared to last semester.

When it was Karuizawa Kei's turn to speak, she stepped onto the podium, her gaze sweeping across the entire class:

"...We in Class D have been labeled as 'defective products,' but that is precisely what makes us understand the pain of being misunderstood better, and why we appreciate the unique value of every individual more..."

Her voice was gentle yet firm, and several girls quietly wiped away tears. Tang Yu noticed the back door of the classroom open at some point; Tsukishiro Shuhei was leaning against the doorframe, a playful smile on his face.

Karuizawa continued her speech, and when she reached the part about her personal experiences, Tsukishiro suddenly cleared his throat.

This seemingly ordinary action carried a specific frequency, and Tang Yu's "Emotion Shield" immediately detected a mental fluctuation—Tsukishiro was attempting to influence Karuizawa!

Tang Yu quickly activated "Group Emotion Resonance," synchronizing the emotional frequencies of the entire class to form a temporary mental defense net.

Tsukishiro's mental fluctuation collided with this net like a pebble thrown into a thick blanket, stirring up only a faint ripple.

Karuizawa's speech remained undisturbed; on the contrary, it became even more fluid due to the sudden, highly concentrated support from her classmates. Tsukishiro raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Tang Yu, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.

After the rehearsal ended, Tsukishiro walked forward and applauded: A brilliant drill. Class D is truly... impressive. His gaze lingered on Karuizawa for a few seconds, "Especially Karuizawa-san's speech, it was very... moving."

Karuizawa thanked him politely, but Tang Yu noticed her unconsciously leaning closer to him. Tsukishiro seemed to notice this small movement, and the smile at the corner of his mouth deepened.

Tang-kun. Tsukishiro turned to Tang Yu, Don't forget our 'Special Assessment' after the debate. I look forward to... getting to know you better.

The sentence sounded ordinary, but Tang Yu's "Emotion Shield" detected a strong mental suggestion attempting to intrude. He instinctively activated his "Emotion Mirror" ability, reflecting the energy back.

Tsukishiro stumbled back half a step, his eyes widening behind his glasses. The two locked eyes for a second, both realizing the other's abnormality.

See you tomorrow. Tsukishiro returned to his normal state and left with refined courtesy.

The atmosphere in the classroom instantly relaxed. Horikita Suzune frowned: That person is Tsukishiro Shuhei?

Tang Yu nodded: Everyone did a great job today, especially Karuizawa.

Karuizawa blushed: It was everyone who gave me the courage.

Hirata Yosuke said excitedly: At this rate, we will definitely win!

After school, Tang Yu stayed in the classroom alone to organize materials. As the sky grew dark, he received an anonymous text message: [Want to know Tsukishiro's secret? Meet at the old school building at midnight. -- A friend]

Tang Yu stared at the message; the system could not track the sender. This was clearly a trap, but it could also be an opportunity to gather intelligence. Just as he was about to reply, the classroom door suddenly opened, and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka walked in silently.

Don't go. Ayanokoji said directly, It's Ryuen's trap.

Tang Yu raised an eyebrow: You're monitoring my phone?

Just a guess. Ayanokoji remained expressionless, Ryuen and Tsukishiro have reached an agreement. Tsukishiro gave him some kind of 'enhanced ability,' and in return, he is responsible for crushing you and Class D during the debate.

What kind of enhanced ability?

Ayanokoji shook his head: I'm not sure, but Ryuen has changed a lot recently. He's more... dangerous.

Tang Yu recalled the news he saw last night: Is Tsukishiro using students for experiments?

Very likely. Ayanokoji showed a rare hint of emotional fluctuation, Be careful with Karuizawa Kei. Tsukishiro is paying special attention to her, perhaps because her 'transformation' was too sudden.

Tang Yu's heart tightened. If Tsukishiro discovered that Karuizawa's changes were related to his system...

Thank you for the warning. Tang Yu said sincerely.

Ayanokoji turned to leave, then paused: Tang Yu, your ability... it's not just simple observation, is it?

The two exchanged a look, understanding each other without further words. After Ayanokoji left, Tang Yu stood by the window, watching the sunset dye the campus the color of blood.

Tomorrow's debate would no longer be just an ordinary school event; it would become the stage for a duel of extraordinary abilities between him and Tsukishiro Shuhei.

Karuizawa Kei, the students of Class D, and even Ryuen Kakeru might all become pawns in this shadow war. Tang Yu clenched his fists as the system interface unfolded before his eyes:

[Current Emotion Value: 105400/∞]

[Available Abilities: Emotion Weaving Network, Group Emotion Resonance, Emotion Shield]

[Mission: Protect Class D, Expose Tsukishiro's Experiment]

[Danger Level: Extremely High]

As night fell, Tang Yu's phone vibrated again. This time, it was a message from Karuizawa: [I can't sleep, can we practice the speech one more time?]

Tang Yu replied: [Get some rest, we need to be in top form tomorrow.]

Karuizawa replied quickly: [Actually... I'm just nervous. What if I mess up tomorrow and drag everyone down...]

Tang Yu thought for a moment and dialed her number: Listen, you won't mess this up.

No matter what happens, we are a team. Remember? Everyone has unique value; that's what you said.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by Karuizawa's soft voice: Tang Yu, do you know? You are the first person... to truly see me.

Not the Karuizawa who pretends to be strong, nor the Karuizawa who is terrified, just... me.

Tang Yu's heart skipped a beat: After tomorrow, everyone will see the real you. I promise.

Hanging up the phone, Tang Yu looked at the full moon outside the window. Tomorrow's debate would be a battle concerning the fate of Class D, the future of Karuizawa Kei, and his own secrets.

And Tsukishiro Shuhei, that mysterious psychic, was waiting to reveal his true colors in front of everyone.