Subjugation

Just like that, in the days that followed, just as everyone in Class D thought they could finally enjoy a moment of peace.

A piece of extremely bad news once again shattered the beautiful dreams of everyone in Class D.

Sudo Ken.

That's right, as the primary target for expulsion during the last midterm exam, having just emerged from the whirlpool only a few days ago, he had once again fallen into an expulsion crisis due to violent assault.

Moreover, the accuser this time came from the class ruled by Ryuen Kakeru of Class C.

What this meant—anyone who had heard of Ryuen Kakeru understood almost immediately—was that it would likely be difficult to avoid trouble after school from now on.

Under the glares of many, although Sudo Ken tried his best to explain that the other party had invited him over and thrown the first punch, and that he was merely acting in self-defense.

However, the medical report showed that the three people on the other side had all sustained minor injuries, while Sudo Ken, the supposed victim, had only suffered slight abrasions.

Thinking about it—it was indeed hard to find convincing.

Unable to argue his case, and never being a patient or even-tempered youth to begin with, Sudo Ken simply couldn't be bothered to pay attention as a group of people pointed fingers at him; if he was going to be expelled, so be it.

Seeing this from their seats, Ayanokoji and Horikita Suzune exchanged a subtle glance, the meaning in their eyes self-evident; clearly, they both felt this matter was not simple.

At this moment, Hirata Yosuke, the class's resident "good guy," immediately displayed his leadership skills, and under his calm and peaceful persuasion, everyone finally chose to remain silent.

As for the class angel, Kushida Kikyo, she walked over to Rinya's seat at this time.

After all, having heard that he had spent a large sum of money to save Sudo Ken last time, she had always felt this person was far from simple, but when she tried to investigate, she frustratingly discovered that he was the only one in the entire class whose contact information she had yet to obtain.

Thus, taking advantage of Sudo Ken's current predicament, she wanted to hear his thoughts and find an opportunity to see if she could get his contact information in the process.

However, just as she was thinking about how to phrase it so he couldn't refuse, Rinya, who had been staring silently out the window, suddenly changed his usual demeanor. After a friendly greeting, he actually took the initiative to propose exchanging contact information, hoping that she could help him look for any signs of foul play in this incident, and if she found any, to notify each other immediately.

Faced with this unexpected surprise, Kushida naturally wouldn't refuse. She just hadn't expected everything to go so smoothly; she had an obligation to help with this matter anyway, so it was even more necessary to find some clues as a reward.

That night, in Ayanokoji's room, the trio of Horikita, Kushida, and the "idiot" (Sudo) were all present. Of course, when they invited Rinya, he once again declined to join, citing poor health.

Even so, everyone's motivation remained high, simply because there were too many suspicious points in this case.

Among them, one sentence from Horikita Suzune became the point of suspicion that everyone agreed upon that night.

During the day, because of Sudo Ken's incident, when Kushida invited the whole class to help, everyone's eyes were focused on Kushida, but only Sakura Airi had been timidly keeping her head down.

What did this mean? From a psychological perspective, she was very likely the third witness at the scene.

It was just a pity that they tried calling her, but no one answered in the end.

However, even so, after the meeting ended, Kushida still sent this potentially useful piece of information to Rinya.

What she didn't expect was that this time, he replied immediately: "I seem to have discovered some important clues. It's hard to explain clearly over the phone; why don't you all come over to my place and take a look?"

Although Kushida felt it was strange, since he had discovered important clues, how could she possibly notify others to come along?

After all, holding such important clues and then grandly announcing them at tomorrow's class meeting would surely attract plenty of praise and recognition.

"Hehe... Horikita Suzune, don't think you can beat me!"

Just like that, after walking for a short while, Kushida Kikyo quietly snuck to the door of his room.

"Knock, knock~"

"Excuse me, is Rinya-kun home?" Perhaps out of fear of being discovered, Kushida deliberately lowered her voice.

"Mm, the door isn't locked, come in."

Hearing this, Kushida immediately walked inside and then quietly locked the door behind her. After all, in a place where boys lived, if she were accidentally seen by someone else suddenly barging in, she really wouldn't be able to explain herself.

If you like this book, please remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid not being able to find it next time.

"Eh, Rinya-kun, what are you doing?"

As soon as Kushida entered the room, she saw Rinya sitting in front of a computer in the other room, not knowing what he was looking at.

However, Rinya didn't rush to reply, instead feigning confusion and asking in return: "Eh, it seems like it's just you. Where are the others?"

"Them? I asked, and it seems they all happen to be busy at this time."

"So I came over by myself. Rinya-kun doesn't dislike me, does he?"

"Oh~ I see. How could I dislike you? I couldn't be more welcoming." Rinya replied with a faint smile.

But deep down, he was sneering incessantly: "Kushida Kikyo, your choice is exactly as I expected."

Because his back was turned, Kushida couldn't see the eerie smile on his face at all.

Seeing that he wouldn't turn around to talk, although Kushida felt a strange sensation, the thought of obtaining important clues and being the first to gain everyone's recognition made her decide not to worry about it.

"Is that so? I'm very happy to have your approval, Rinya-kun."

"So, Rinya-kun, what is the important clue you mentioned..."

"Oh~ this? I'm looking at it right now. Kushida-san, don't be so reserved, come take a look together."

"Is that really okay? Then, excuse my intrusion."

However, just as she walked in full of anticipation, the next second, she froze instantly.

She saw that his computer was actually playing a video recording of a private conversation between her and Ayanokoji by the side path.

"How is this possible~!!!"

Kushida Kikyo let out a hoarse cry.

The gaze that had been gentle and kind just a moment ago transformed in an instant into a hideous and terrifying expression.

"Who exactly are you, and why are you doing this? Tell me!"

"Hehe~ so you've finally revealed your true self? Things are starting to get interesting."

As the boy began to clap, Rinya, who had been facing away the entire time, suddenly turned around with a wicked smirk and said indifferently, "I am merely inviting you to become my first tool, so there is no need to be nervous."

"You bastard, you pervert, you delusional freak, keep dreaming!"

"Get out! Get out!..."

Just as Kushida was hurling insults, she seized an opportunity and, without any warning, launched a furious kick, aiming directly at the computer that was playing the footage.

However, while anyone else might have actually succeeded, it was a pity that the person she was facing was Rinya, an existence who had already broken through the shackles of humanity; how could such a petty move possibly succeed?

"Smack!"

A crisp sound rang out heavily. Before the girl could even complete the motion of her kick, she was slapped across the face by Rinya, sending her sprawling to the ground in a daze.

"You... you... how dare you hit me! I'm going to report you, I'll have you expelled, expelled!"

Kushida clutched her swollen, reddened cheek and roared incessantly. However, Rinya, seemingly indifferent, grabbed her by the collar and hauled her back up in front of him, stating coldly, "I think you've misunderstood one thing: whether or not you become my tool is for me to decide. You have no right to refuse."

As he spoke, Rinya's half-lidded eyes suddenly snapped wide open.

"Hum~"

Under the direct gaze of those dark red pupils, Kushida felt a buzzing in her brain. The arrogance and bravado she had possessed just moments ago were instantly washed away by a terror that seemed to emanate from the very depths of her soul.

"Who... who are you really~" Kushida choked out, staring at the boy before her who looked like a demon god. In that moment, she suddenly felt as though she had provoked an existence she never should have crossed.