Chapter: 101. The Protagonist’s Plan (6k6) (17/46)
“I am truly sorry for having Tsukimi Kanade come all this way.”
In the Ark Academy, in the chairman’s office.
“Uh, um, Mr. Kurokawa, as a senior, your polite attitude makes me feel a bit…”
After waiting in the corridor for quite some time, Kanade finally received the notice from Kurokawa to go to the chairman’s office.
So, while Manaka was accompanying Nagino, Kanade hurriedly made her way to the chairman’s office located in District 1.
“No, after all, this was a work-related oversight on our part, which caused Tsukimi Kanade to waste a lot of time.”
After not seeing Kurokawa for a day, he was now dressed in a clean shirt. His scholarly appearance, combined with his stern and handsome face, inadvertently gave off the impression of a science teacher.
“What oversight are you referring to?” Kanade was curious about what he was saying.
“Some things are better confirmed with your own eyes than by hearing me say them.” Kurokawa pulled open the bottom drawer of the desk and pulled out a document from the very bottom.
“Based on my relationship with you, this document is for your eyes only here; there will be another report for cover purposes handed to you later.” Kurokawa turned his head to look at Kanade seriously, as if he intended to see a hint of panic or fear on her face.
But unfortunately, he did not get his wish.
Faced with Kurokawa’s advice, Kanade’s heart remained unmoved.
She had long been aware of her somewhat unique situation.
Whether it was the pure white space that existed only in her consciousness, her ability to rewind time, or the supernatural power she exhibited even in front of Nanjou, nothing about her was ordinary—not to mention that her abilities seemed to have a particularly powerful effect on end-level fantasy creatures like the End.
She had never heard of any other ability user possessing such immense power right after awakening.
“It seems you are already prepared.” Kurokawa put away his serious expression and handed the report to Kanade.
Though she didn’t understand why Kurokawa suddenly said that, she still received the document with modesty and began to browse it after getting a nod of permission from Kurokawa.
Kurokawa watched as Kanade flipped through the report, reflecting on the stark contrast between the seemingly earnest boy before him and the “beast” he had seen yesterday in the hospital room.
If he hadn’t witnessed that drastic change in character, even Kurokawa, with his rich experiences, would have found it hard to believe they were the same person.
—So, was it only matters related to that girl that could trigger such a transformation in him?
—Then it seems I need to apply for protection from my superiors sooner rather than later…
As Kurokawa was lost in thought.
Kanade had already finished reading the examination report about herself, which included the category of her awakened ability, the function of that ability, and the changes to her body after awakening her powers.
There was one particularly special aspect of the report that puzzled Kanade.
So she reached out to point at that part and asked Kurokawa, “Mr. Kurokawa, why is the name of my ability left blank—”
“Ah, about that…” Kurokawa paused, pulled a pen out from his chest pocket, and handed it to Kanade: “Tsukimi Kanade, your ability is not in our database, so it’s up to you to name it—”
——
「▍▍▍▍」
「▍▍▍▍」
「Unable to determine」☆
……
“I, I don’t know…..” Kanade, who received the pen, pondered for a long time but still couldn’t write anything down.
【Naming the ability】.
To an ability user, this was the highest honor.
According to what Kanade learned in class, this ritual had existed since the establishment of the Special Circle SEMA and the Three Great Academies, initiated by the former savior, the “Elemental Sovereign.”
Moreover, it wasn’t the case that just any user awakening an undocumented ability could gain the qualification to name it.
Generally, it would still be named by authoritative figures from Special Circle SEMA and the Three Great Academies based on the specific effects and operational modes of the ability.
Even if the ability had been previously named by non-authoritative ability users or organizations, it would be preserved or modified according to the situation.
For instance, Manaka’s ability.
In the anti-ability organization “Stellar Society,” it was named “Supreme Masterpiece.”
However, after Manaka arrived at Ark Academy, her ability was officially named “Fictional Monarchy.”
Looking back, the occurrence of students naming their abilities autonomously could be said to have never happened before.
But in the face of this supreme honor, Kanade still couldn’t bring herself to write, and as a boy in the throes of adolescence, to say her heart had no hints of delusional thoughts or vanity would be a lie.
In reality, several names that sounded incredibly powerful flashed through Kanade’s mind.
But deep down, she had a vague instinct urging her not to write—
【Don’t write, don’t write, don’t write】
Under Kurokawa’s watchful gaze, Kanade ultimately decided to return the pen and report to him.
“I’m sorry, I really can’t—”
“It’s fine, don’t worry too much.” Kurokawa, looking at the apologetic Kanade, consoled her as he took the paper and pen from her hand: “It was merely an opportunity for you to name it, not a forced request; even if it’s left blank, later professionals will name your ability.”
After this little interlude.
“Alright, this is your ‘forged report,’ it has information about your health and the name for your camouflage ability.”
Kurokawa took back the report from Kanade and handed her another document.
This was a file that would be kept in the archives of Ark Academy.
The data above was a version subtly adjusted based on the true situation, with most modifications regarding the abilities.
“…..Nameless Beast?” Kanade looked at the name of the ability on the document and murmured softly.
“Yes, it’s a common ‘physical enhancement type’ ability, the report contains a detailed introduction about this ability; in simple terms, it allows the ability user to undergo beastification, gaining extraordinary physical capabilities.” Kurokawa explained to Kanade as he placed the document into a specially-made folder: “Moreover, due to individual differences, the forms of beastification can vary. For example, there are lightning beasts that emit electric current, rock beasts that petrify their skin, and so on…”
“In terms of external presentation, it can provide excellent cover for your abilities, Tsukimi Kanade, such as generating flames as a fire beast.”
“I, I understand.” Kanade nodded at these words.
In the report in her hands, just as Kurokawa had said, it thoroughly introduced the ability called “Nameless Beast.”
Although it was one of the more common abilities, it was by no means weak due to its high ceiling.
Records indicated that in the past, some ability users had attained ACE level with this ability, their forms even producing beastly silhouettes formed from magical power on the surface of their bodies during beastification.
From the descriptions, it indeed resembled the black flame that emerged when she used her abilities.
If used as a cover, this ability was indeed the best choice.
“By the way, there’s also new first-hand information regarding the phenomenon of infantilization that I need to hand over to you.”
What Kurokawa mentioned naturally referred to the “nurturing” content that Kanade heard from Manaka today.
However, there were also parts that were news to her, such as—
“Although this was not our original intention, it seems that some students couldn’t help but act against their infantized girlfriends last night, only to find that even though the target’s appearance had become infantile, one of the basic biological abilities was still functioning as normal.”
“……Huh?” Kanade blinked rapidly, thinking that Kurokawa had just casually mentioned something astonishing.
For a moment, she thought she must have misheard.
“So, we temporarily added these examination items to prevent this infantilization ability from being a way for fantasy creatures to reproduce, allowing us to be prepared with a response strategy at all times.” Kurokawa handed Kanade the added examination documents, which contained items and specific procedures regarding this phenomenon.
“Although it might be more appropriate to give this information to medical professionals or researchers, based on our arrangement, this part must be completed by you personally and reported back to me.” Kurokawa reminded: “Although the report is for you to complete, please remember this is all to ensure that girl’s safety. Within appropriate boundaries, please report truthfully so we can formulate corresponding plans to protect her.”
Looking at Kurokawa’s serious expression, Kanade couldn’t help but show a serious demeanor herself and nodded.
If she had bothered to open the document for just a moment, perhaps she might have discussed other methods with Kurokawa—
But she missed that opportunity.
“One last thing, it seems someone wants to meet with you.” After completing everything, Kurokawa finally relaxed the expression on his face.
“Meet me?”
————————————-
“Student Council President…”
District 4 of Ark Academy is home to the area with professional-grade ability medical equipment.
After receiving Kurokawa’s permission, Kanade came here and met with the Azure Dragon, who wanted to see her.
The Azure Dragon had suffered unimaginable injuries that night, losing not only his powers but also being injected with special pollution from a chimera while in his weakest state.
At this moment, he was completely unable to move and occasionally felt the devouring effects of the chimera’s abilities.
He had to rely on the set of professional medical equipment in front of him to sustain his life.
However, the good news was that he was at least out of immediate danger, but the intense pain that occasionally flared up would still take a while to persist.
When Kanade heard this news from Kurokawa, she couldn’t help but feel guilt.
If she could have awakened a bit earlier, neither Nagino nor the Azure Dragon would have had to endure such suffering.
But when Kanade arrived at the ICU and saw the Azure Dragon with her own eyes, she was pleasantly surprised to find his spirit was quite good.
Although his complexion was so pale that he hardly looked alive, his eyes still shone brightly.
“This title needs to be changed from now on.” The Azure Dragon lay in a transparent treatment pod that resembled a capsule filled with greenish, translucent liquid, with only his head, equipped with an oxygen apparatus, protruding above the surface.
Though his body, looking healed on the outside, occasionally tore apart, causing purple-black magical elements to spray from the wounds, corroding his flesh and bones like strong acid, only to be healed again by the green liquid, repeating this process endlessly.
—Is this the chimera’s corrosion?
Watching the purple-black magical elements, Kanade felt an odd sense of familiarity, but her focus was quickly drawn back to the Azure Dragon’s words—
“……Changing it to what?”
“I am no longer the Student Council President of Ark Academy; just yesterday, I submitted my official resignation verbally to the school.”
“What?!”
“…..Why is Tsukimi-san so surprised at this point? The mistakes I’ve made can’t merely be rectified by stepping down.” The Azure Dragon chuckled lightly from the treatment pod.
“But you, the Student Council President, were also a victim of deceit…”
“Nonetheless, it remains a fact that I have placed the academy in danger and nearly killed the students I should have protected.” The Azure Dragon replied:
“Thank you, Tsukimi-san. If it weren’t for you, I might have committed an even greater error. Thank you for fulfilling the responsibilities I should have taken, protecting everyone.”
“No, I merely—” For Little Nagino. Kanade never got the chance to express her true feelings before being interrupted by the Azure Dragon.
“—I know, but regardless of the motives, a fact is a fact, and without a doubt, everyone is safe because of Tsukimi-san. So I believe you can hold your head high and accept this honor.” As one of the individuals involved, the Azure Dragon seemed to have sensed what Kanade was thinking at that moment.
Still, he chose to express his sincere gratitude to his junior.
After saying this, he added, “Also, congratulations on becoming a couple with Nagino-kun.”
“Eh? How do you know that, Student Council President…” Kanade was taken aback.
To which the Azure Dragon responded jokingly, “After all, she is a girl I once confessed to, so naturally, I pay attention…”
Kanade only then remembered that the Azure Dragon had indeed once confessed to Nagino, but from the current state of the Azure Dragon, she could no longer sense any lingering affection he held for her.
What she felt in his words was straightforward and sincere blessing.
“Thanks to you, Tsukimi-san, this fool finally noticed who he truly cared for.”
“…..Speaking of which, how is Ayako-san…”
“Ayako is doing well; like Nagino-kun, she has turned into a little girl… Ugh, I don’t want to be misunderstood as being like you, Tsukimi-san…” The Azure Dragon spoke with a troubled tone.
“Huh? What does that mean?” Why does it seem like everyone in the academy has noticed… no, that’s wrong. Are they misunderstanding that I’m into lolis? Kanade was left with a head full of questions.
However, the Azure Dragon didn’t seem inclined to dwell on this topic too long; a few exchanges later, he returned to the main subject:
“Tsukimi-san, I wanted to meet you for one more reason besides thanking you—”
“Would you be willing to become the next Student Council President of Ark Academy?”
Based on the tone in which the Azure Dragon spoke, Kanade sensed that this question carried a different implication, but he was certainly not joking.
“I—I become the Student Council President? No way, I’m not cut out for that…” Kanade instinctively shook her head.
“Don’t rush to refuse. Well, even though I’m asking this, I don’t have the authority to make you the Student Council President by myself.” The Azure Dragon continued: “However, compared to others in the academy, I think you would be a better fit for the position.”
“Because of my, Ayako-kun’s, and that person’s resignation, there will be a new evaluation of student rankings at Ark Academy soon, right? According to the timeline, the results of the upcoming academy league will probably be crucial.”
The academy league is an event held annually at Ark Academy. For ordinary students, it is like a collective school festival hosted by multiple artificial academies, but for students in special courses, it is a platform to compete for the best students from each academy.
In previous years, Kanade, who had not awakened her abilities yet, could only cheer for Manaka and the others from the audience seats.
But this year, both she and Little Nagino, having awakened their abilities, might be required to participate—
“Well, this is just a heads-up; you have plenty of time to think it over.” The Azure Dragon concluded the discussion with that statement, not demanding an immediate decision from Kanade.
At that moment, a knock echoed as if timed perfectly.
“Knock, knock.”
Kanade was puzzled by how the other party could knock so gracefully in front of an automatic door.
As the white automatic door slowly opened, a petite figure came into Kanade’s view.
“A-Ayako-san…..”
The one who arrived was Ayako, who had been infantilized under the influence of Hydra’s power. She currently looked like an adorable little girl resembling Nagino, with a graceful face.
As she entered, Kanade felt she was exchanging glances with the Azure Dragon.
Before Kanade could understand why Ayako, who should be in District Zero’s medical area, was here, Ayako took the initiative to speak in a cute yet monotone voice devoid of any emotional inflection: “Lord Tsukimi, I have something to discuss with you, may I inquire if you have time?”
After saying that, she even supplemented with lip reading:
—About Hoshimiya Nagino and the protagonist.
————————————-
Every era has its protagonist.
Ayako could no longer clearly remember when she first heard that statement.
After becoming a close aide to the chairman of Ark Academy, she increasingly encountered work related to “the protagonist” and gradually came to understand the meaning and origin of this uniquely special term.
The origin of this term came from Special Circle SEMA, particularly from core personnel in high positions, while ordinary Special Circle SEMA ability users and staff were completely unaware of the relevant plans.
“I… am considered a protagonist by Special Circle SEMA?”
In District 2 of Ark Academy.
Following Ayako out of the ICU, Kanade was led to a hidden corner that was in one of Ark Academy’s surveillance blind spots.
This was a public park within the artificial academy island. Hidden behind lush trees and bushes, next to a red vending machine, became a surveillance blind spot.
There, Kanade learned about the “Protagonist Project” from Ayako.
Perhaps in gratitude for Kanade saving the Azure Dragon and Ark Academy, Ayako took a huge risk to share these confidential details.
According to the information Ayako had gathered.
Whether it was Special Circle SEMA or the Three Great Academies, they believed there was always a “leader”-like figure in each era to guide humanity against the invasion of fantasy creatures, and they called that person the “Protagonist.”
After the death of the Elemental Sovereign, they sought to create a new protagonist.
However, they employed different methods.
What was already evident was—
Special Circle SEMA’s method involved seeking new “protagonist candidates” and cultivating them into “new protagonists,” with Tsukimi Kanade being one of those candidates.
Ayako had heard that one of the Three Great Academies, Hoshido Academy, planned to “revive” the deceased Elemental Sovereign, but reliable evidence and proof of the Elemental Sovereign’s resurrection had not been found.
As for Tsuki Academy…
“Although this may sound like I’m shirking responsibility, if I had investigated earlier, perhaps I wouldn’t have been deceived by Nanjou Akane…” Ayako murmured quietly with her head down.
After experiencing all this, she naturally realized that everything Nanjou had said was a lie.
The claims that the Elemental Sovereign had never died, that the Elemental Sovereign was a girl, and had been studied as a test subject by Tsuki Academy, were all lies to infiltrate Ark Academy.
“But I concluded that Tsuki Academy’s Protagonist Project was an experiment on other ability users to replicate the powers of the Elemental Sovereign…….”
“Tsuki Academy… would actually do such a heartless thing…” Kanade found it hard to believe and covered her mouth upon hearing this.
“Tsukimi-senpai, while kindness is a virtue, you should understand, now that you’re in this world, that justice and peace are not always glamorous.” Ayako said with utmost seriousness while looking at the seemingly honest boy before her, aware that such truths were very harsh for him, but at least it would prepare him mentally for the day he might suddenly step into this dark world without knowing what to do.
“Lastly, regarding Hi Academy, I’m sorry, but I have no information about it. If they haven’t launched an appropriate plan, then they must have a very tight lid on their secrets.”
“Thank you, thank you for being willing to take such risks to tell me this, Ayako…” Kanade took a deep breath and temporarily calmed herself.
“No, I still haven’t mentioned the most important part.” Ayako shook her head and added: “Considering I may be silenced in the future, at the very least, Tsukimi-senpai and Manaka should be informed about this truth…”
Upon mentioning Manaka, a flicker of emotional fluctuation appeared on the previously cold expression of Ayako.
“Please let Manaka know for me, and if possible, please tell her I’m sorry…” Ayako said while bowing her head.
“Ayako-san…..”
“Now, getting back on track, regarding Tsukimi-senpai and the Protagonist Project—” Ayako quickly adjusted her state of mind and, before Kanade could think of any comforting words, she reverted to her robot-like, emotionless demeanor.
“In the plans of Special Circle SEMA, to create a new protagonist, they will interfere with the candidate and their environment to simulate the experiences of the previous protagonist, the Elemental Sovereign, in an attempt to stimulate the birth of a protagonist—”
“Nishikawa Fuko, she is the person sent by the Special Circle SEMA headquarters to Tsukimi-senpai’s side, positioned as the female lead next to the protagonist.”
“W-What!? Fuko-san is—”
“—Besides her, Shishidou Takayuki is also arranged by Special Circle SEMA, but he is unaware; he has just been artificially placed on the opposing side to you, positioned as the protagonist’s rival.”
“Omae Karouemon, like Shishidou Takayuki, is also an unwitting academy-arranged individual, positioned as one of the protagonist’s friends.”
…..
As Ayako listed one familiar name after another.
Kanade realized that a large portion of the people around her had been arranged by Special Circle SEMA; although most were unaware, the sheer number of them made Kanade’s mood plummet.
—So I have been under surveillance by Special Circle SEMA all along?
—Why does Special Circle SEMA consider me the new protagonist?
It seemed Ayako noticed Kanade’s thoughts, as she took a moment of silence before saying to Kanade, “Unfortunately, I don’t know the reason you were chosen; I only know that your name is on the list.”
“If you want to figure all this out, the method is… the academy league.”
“……The academy league?”
“Exactly. Actually, the reason the young master just mentioned to persuade you to become the Student Council President and participate in the academy league is a cover under surveillance cameras. This was actually my suggestion to the young master, as I understand it, it’s the only way to get you close to the truth.”
“The comprehensive champion of the academy league can receive a personal greeting from the upper echelons of the Special Circle SEMA board; perhaps that’s where you can learn the truth about all this.” Ayako revealed the true reason.
“……”
“And finally, this is the last thing I must tell Tsukimi-senpai…….”
“According to the internals of Special Circle SEMA, although I don’t know what the basis is….. however, without exception, the female leads next to the protagonist are bound to encounter accidental deaths.”
“This is one of the reasons why only Nishikawa Fuko, as the female lead, is a knowledgeable party.”
“Special Circle SEMA seems to be remarkably certain about this.”
“If you truly become the new protagonist, the person closest to you in the role of the female lead is—”
“…….Little Nagino.”
