When the Kaiser PMC director stared at me, I was staring right back at him.
I suddenly felt that this man, someone I had once underestimated, now seemed oddly unfamiliar.
I narrowed my eyes and gave him a polite, businesslike smile. "What an unexpected meeting, Director."
"Yes, truly unexpected," he replied with an equal smile. "I never thought you'd actually have the courage to come alone, walking straight into the cage I prepared especially for you."
"Oh?"
To my confusion, the Kaiser PMC director perfectly embodied a villain's composure as he began to explain, step by step.
"This all began with the Helmet Gang's report."
"A bicycle faster than a truck... I thought that was just an excuse they made up, but it turned out to be real."
"So, to neutralize your most advantageous weapon, I chose this place."
"First, I mobilized forces to pin down the other students, then leaked the location of the Abydos Student Council's vice president."
"I assumed you might use your mobility advantage to arrive ahead of the students and scout the area, that was the plan."
"In my original setup, after you fired the shotgun, we'd pretend the door lock had broken."
"But when I saw the ram attached to your bike's front, I suddenly had a better idea."
"I admit, there was some gambling involved, but thankfully, I won that gamble."
"As things stand, I've successfully trapped you here, face-to-face with me."
It was indeed my blunder, but I didn't regret it. What the Kaiser PMC director had really gambled on was whether I would risk myself for Hoshino's safety.
With the forces I'd gathered, I could have used strength to counter cunning, but that mechanical serpent, which wasn't in my plan, had destroyed the helicopter meant for rapid transport.
So yes, I'd fallen for an open trap, and bad luck sealed my loss. There was no point crying over it.
Now, my focus wasn't on self-blame as it was on stalling for time until the students arrived.
Knowing his tendency to answer any question directly, I sighed and said, "Alright, this round is yours. So what is it you want from me?"
The Kaiser PMC director instead spoke in a tone of reflection.
"Sensei, perhaps you and I are alike."
Outwardly I listened attentively, but in my heart I was thinking, what nonsense is this man saying?
"I've already heard about your conflict with the Abydos vice president. To suppress your personal feelings and act rationally, purely for benefit, that's a trait an adult should have."
"To be honest, Sensei, I despise you. You've ruined my plans time and again, cornered me over and over… and yet, while I loathe your actions, I can't help but admire your talent and intellect."
"I've wanted to have a face-to-face conversation with you for a long time, but the right opportunity never came. You ask what I want from you? Heh…"
He took half a step forward, reaching out a hand, his tone sincere.
"Sensei of Schale, I hope you'll become a partner of the Kaiser Corporation."
"There's no true conflict between us, is there?"
"With your ability and position, and our vast resources, together we could build something magnificent."
"To be frank, our focus on Abydos is part of our plan to create our own academy, a place shaped by adult methods, to lead Kivotos toward a better tomorrow."
"You, of all people, can understand that, can't you? After all, you're an adult too."
"All you need to do is abandon Abydos. Leave behind these ordinary students that fill Kivotos. From this moment on, we could move forward together."
"What do you say? Not a bad proposal, right?"
"Sensei, I believe that with your wisdom, you'll make the right choice."
Takanashi Hoshino listened to the Kaiser PMC director's eloquent persuasion, her face expressionless, her eyes cold. But within, she had already decided.
'A hypocritical adult like him… of course he'll agree. If I hadn't hesitated back then… would things have been different now?'
Thinking this, Hoshino's heart sank further into regret and self-reproach.
Meanwhile, after a long silence, I finally asked, uncertain, "So if I give up on Abydos… and work with you… you'll let me go?"
The Kaiser PMC director's voice brimmed with amusement. "Of course. I'm a man of my word. Congratulations! You've made the right choice! Then, Sensei, let's hold a dinner tonight to celebrate our partnership!"
Hoshino closed her eyes, tears glimmering at the edges, hating herself for ever doubting.
BANG——!
But that familiar gunshot, the same sound she had heard countless times from her own hands, made Hoshino's eyes fly open in disbelief.
"But I refuse! My favorite thing to do… is to say 'no' to arrogant bastards like you!"
I held Hoshino's shotgun, smoke curling from the muzzle.
The situation no longer allowed for talk, that was my judgment. Rather than waste words and risk alerting him, it was better to strike first.
Yet the Kaiser PMC director, chest riddled with dozens of bullet holes, merely lowered his gaze to inspect the damage, then shrugged.
"A disappointing choice."
He grabbed the shoulder of his suit jacket and threw it upward. The bullet-holed fabric flew away, revealing a massive body of forged steel.
Where the pellets had struck his chest, only shallow pale marks remained as he brushed them with a hand, and the bluish-gray alloy gleamed beneath.
"Kaiser technology, Sensei."
He wound an orange scarf tightly around his right hand, then clenched his fist.
"I have nothing left. The president discarded me as a pawn. My only remaining chance of survival lies in making you part of the Kaiser Corporation.
"Since you refuse, then let us fight! I'll make you understand what is right, through power!
"My name is Antonis of Kaiser.
"Sensei of Schale, be careful.
"And don't die too easily."
Before his words even finished, the orange glow in his electronic eyes flared brightly. He stomped down hard and charged at me, fist raised.
The gale rushing at me made my hair stand on end. I had no doubt, if that punch landed, I would die instantly.
The difference in strength between a human and a machine was like heaven and earth. I finally understood that now.
I threw myself into a roll to the side, narrowly dodging his straight punch. Immediately after came a crushing stomp that grazed my arm as it struck the ground.
I knew the Shittim Chest was working at full capacity, otherwise my arm would have snapped clean.
The power gap was enormous… and the energy reserves were nearly depleted. I couldn't last much longer.
Aside from trickery, I had only one thread of hope left...
"Hoshino!"
Dodging desperately, I shouted toward the bound girl.
"Look at me!"