The Cursed Children always considered themselves monsters, because that was the only identity the world gave them, and the only thing that proved their existence.
But, in the end, a Cursed Child... was still human, and there were still those like Tina, who yearned for genuine affection, and not for the loss of their humanity.
Sadly, the only affection she felt came from a stranger she had met over three short days, and not from the "father" she had served all this time.
He saved her life and fed her simply because he needed a test subject, a tool for himself.
That was not affection.
In her final moments, Rentaro's voice suddenly echoed in her head.
"Oh no, the kid isn't lost; she's just gone to school."
Although she couldn't see his face, Tina thought Rentaro sounded very happy from his tone.
"His Initiator... must be very happy too..."
Tina murmured, then closed her eyes.
Suddenly.
CRASH!
A windowpane shattered, followed by a figure who launched out from the broken glass. Two powerful arms stretched forward, embracing Tina, who was too astonished to utter a word.
"Don't be afraid."
A steady voice came from behind the mask. Recognizing this familiar voice, Tina's heart skipped a beat.
Holding Tina in his arms, Rentaro successfully landed on the ground, causing no damage except for a slight crack in the pavement.
"It's you..."
"You forgot your gear."
Tina whispered, unsure of what to say next. Rentaro didn't press her, simply taking the bag off his back.
Tina wiped away the tiny tear at the corner of her eye. What kind of bodyguard would return a weapon to an assassin? Wasn't he afraid of being fired by his client?
Although she thought this, she still felt incredibly warm inside.
However, this sentimental moment did not last long. The four people had also descended below, surrounding Rentaro and Tina.
"So, this is why you betrayed us, Tina?"
Someone spoke. The tone of this person no longer just held cold calmness, but also hidden anger.
"And you."
"We've investigated you. Your combat strength isn't bad. But since you're here, no one will protect your client, while our Captain is heading there now."
Hearing this, Rentaro showed no reaction, but Tina was visibly afraid, anxiously pulling on his shirt.
"Our Captain from HYBIRD is ranked IP #21! You must go back! Don't worry about me."
If his client were to be assassinated just because Rentaro was busy saving her, she would absolutely regret it to death.
But his reaction surprised her greatly. Rentaro merely shook his head and smiled.
"There is still someone stronger than me guarding that place. IP Rank #21 is indeed formidable, but I'm sure he'll be fine."
At the same time, at the Tokyo Embassy, Seitenshi's residence.
BOOM!
A wall exploded, throwing several guards flying. Stepping into the hole was a little girl with light purple hair and matching irises, calmly scrutinizing her surroundings. Her entire body was covered in a close-fitting suit convenient for movement and mobility. Surrounding her were small drones with scanning, targeting, attack, and shield functions.
The soldiers continuously fired, but they fundamentally could not penetrate the shield generated by the drones.
Rita Salisbury, the Captain of HYBIRD, globally ranked IP #21, also known by the title "Pluto."
Unlike her close-combat sisters, Rita fought similarly to Tina, primarily using specialized support equipment through mechanical modifications. However, Rita was superior to Tina in every aspect.
For example, with the number of drones she controlled. In the previous assassination attempt, Tina, with three drones and a firearm, was enough to make Rentaro struggle. But Rita could control six drones at once, double that of Tina. And her actual combat power was not simply twice as much.
Facing an enemy of this caliber, if Rentaro had not been there, even if Seitenshi's guard squad had been increased tenfold, it would have been useless except for sacrificing their lives.
Fortunately, Rentaro had prepared a contingency plan in advance.
"Get out of the way, you brats!"
A voice, old and somewhat unruly, rang out, making everyone—the guards and Rita alike—turn their heads to look.
The person who arrived was just an old man with a sword at his hip, wearing a white martial arts uniform with a black belt. In the current context, he looked extremely out of place.
If in a room full of people pointing guns at each other, someone suddenly appeared holding a melee weapon, there could only be two scenarios.
One: This person is crazy or severely delusional.
Two: ...Self-confident.
And Sukekiyou was clearly the latter case.
Sensing the level of danger hidden beneath this ¥100 million bodyguard mission, Kisara had implored and persuaded her master to come along and protect Rentaro.
This time, it seemed like the right move by the President of the Tendou Civil Security Corporation.
Rita's eyes immediately locked onto Sukekiyou, completely ignoring the weak guards. Because from this old-fashioned man, she sensed a great danger, a threat to her life.
Without a word, Rita directly pulled out her gun and squeezed the trigger, but Sukekiyou reacted quickly, dodging to the side as if he had instantly teleported.
She seemed to realize something and quickly jumped backward, but Sukekiyou had already advanced right in front of her.
"Sharp move."
He said with encouragement, though the sword in his hand did not slow down a bit.
Out of the sheath!
A flash of the sword was too fast for the naked eye to grasp, but it did not slash Rita; it cut one of her drones in half.
Rita had retreated backward, sweat dripping down her forehead.
This person... is incredibly dangerous.
Returning to Rentaro and Tina.
Knowing that Rentaro had made prior preparations, Tina felt relieved. But there was one problem: things were fine over there, but what about here?
They were currently surrounded, after all.
Ashley Springsteen, also known by the title Giga Hedgehog, ranked IP #100. Irene Spencer, also known as Meteorfall, ranked IP #95. Faye Kronmiller, also known as Fer-de-Lance, ranked IP #88. Louise Zelazny, also known as Blood Creek, ranked IP #70.
Four people, all Initiators ranked in the top 100, and three of them were ranked higher than Tina. There are not many situations in the world where a team like this is assembled for a kill.
Therefore, Rentaro no longer held back.
He activated his full-body suit. It contracted into a small piece of metal hidden on his body.
Although the suit was excellent for defense, Rentaro's strongest state was when he was released from the suit's weight.
At this moment, Rentaro felt lighter than ever before. It seemed as if a mere push-off the ground could propel his body onto a high floor, as if he were flying.
But that feeling passed very quickly, in less than a blink of an eye. Rentaro raised his fist, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.
"Satomi Rentaro, please allow me to teach you a lesson!"