Ch: 189-194 (Complete-ish)
chapter 189
Amid a shrill crackle of electricity, it linked to the ark system.
"You said abusing the network is a serious crime, right?"
Tengen Gai pressed on, utterly unaware of Bingo's anomaly.
"I merely…"
Bingo's voice stuttered and broke.
—
Having seen it before, Hiden Wato instantly recognized what was happening.
"Nurse Bingo, snap out of it!"
Hiden Wato shouted, heart torn.
Tengen Gai sorted the situation in a heartbeat.
This was exactly the scenario he wanted—let Humagear expose its flaws so the world would accept the necessity of the Zaiya Connector. Only then could the Zaiya Connector reach the summit of tech.
"In this digital era, a little data tampering turns machines into murder weapons—Humagear is no exception!" Tengen Gai sneered, regarding the AIs as code tools he could toy with at will.
Hiden Wato rushed up to him. "Humagear isn't at fault; it's humans who spread malice!"
Tengen Gai paid no heed. "Does this lawyer have a data backup?"
"What?"
"I'm asking if this Humagear has backup data!"
Izu answered, "A backup exists."
"Then it doesn't matter."
Wang Haoyu understood Tengen Gai's intent, but chose to honor his promise and stay out—unless things spiraled completely out of control, he wouldn't act. Seeing Wang Haoyu remain still, Fuwa Isamuand Yaiba Yua also held back.
"Mr. Wang Haoyu, are we really just going to watch?" Yaiba Yua couldn't help asking.
"This is a trial Wato and Humagear must face," Wang Haoyu replied calmly. Since it couldn't be avoided, better to let it run its course.
Tengen Gai suddenly produced the Thousand Driver.
"How do you have that?" Izu exclaimed.
"None of your business." Tengen Gai dismissed her; in his eyes Izu was just an AI tool with no right to question him.
—
(Story continues from the original narrative)
Piercing screams filled the room.
"What truly terrifies are the tiny lies and tampered data."
Tengen Gai watched Nurse Bingo gradually transform into a mechanical monster.
"Humagear indeed has fatal flaws."
He locked the Thousand Driver at his waist.
"It must be completely destroyed!"
Just as Tengen Gai prepared to transform, Wato grabbed him.
"Stop!"
Tengen Gai ground his molars, furious that this brat was in his way.
He'd thought the kid would back off in fright, yet here he was blocking the path.
Tengen Gai shot Wang Haoyu a puzzled look, unable to fathom the man's intent.
This grand contest should have gathered the world's top talent.
Yet Wang Haoyu sent a child to compete!
Was this meant to humiliate him? Was Wang Haoyu overconfident, or had he underestimated the man's strength?
There was no time to ponder; top priority was to wipe out the mechanical monster before him.
But Wato's entanglement left him unable to transform.
Losing all reason, Nurse Bingo began attacking nearby humans.
Busy grappling with Wato, Tengen Gai could only defend.
Seizing a chance, he shoved Wato aside and swiftly circled behind Nurse Bingo.
"Extinction Evolution"
"Ruin Tentacles"
"Ultimate Enhancement"
"Pentastar Crest Golden Warrior ThousArrives!"
Tengen Gai plunged straight into battle.
Not yet a Kamen Rider, Wato couldn't control the transformation power.
Only Wang Haoyu could use the zero-one system for now.
Though he could copy a driver for Wato, Wang Haoyu had no intention of doing so yet.
To save Nurse Bingo, Wato had no choice but to turn to Wang Haoyu.
"Mr. Wang Haoyu, only you can save Nurse Bingo now."
The usually cold-blooded Wang Haoyu had no wish to intervene.
Yet facing this child, he wavered after all.
At the very least, he had to preserve the boy's convictions.
So long as the final outcome wasn't affected.
He could always reload Nurse Bingo's data later.
"zero-one driver"
Fierce Showdown
For safety, Tengen Gai took Nurse Bingo outside the office building to continue their duel.
"Made by Zaiya"
Every strike of Tengen Gai's landed squarely on Nurse Bingo.
"Shining Leap"
"Kamen Rider, Transform!"
"Rising Hopper"
Suddenly, Wang Haoyu joined the fight.
Oddly, every one of his moves targeted Tengen Gai.
Tengen Gai keenly sensed that the attacks were deliberately restrained.
"You've put quite some effort into training this kid, haven't you?"
He knew in his heart that if Wang Haoyu truly wanted him dead, he'd already be defeated.
"This is only for Hiden Intelligence's future. Once I acquire your Zaiya Group, this kid can still be your heir!"
The provocation enraged Tengen Gai.
"Stop your daydreaming!"
The battle intensified.
"As Zaiya's helmsman, you can't even stomach this? Squabbling with a kid—what would people say?"
Wang Haoyu deliberately played the age card.
Tengen Gai exploded: "Wang Haoyu! You know perfectly well this robot must be eliminated!"
"Bingo, wake up!"
Wato's shout to the mechanical Nurse was filled with urgency.
Wang Haoyu sighed inwardly. These days of companionship had forged a special bond between Watoand the AI—something ordinary people could hardly grasp.
"Enough! I don't have time for your sentimental show!"
Tengen Gai lost patience.
Just as he prepared to deliver the fatal blow, Wato stepped resolutely in front of Bingo.
"If you want to touch Bingo, you'll go through me first!"
Tengen Gai's attack was already unleashed; there was no taking it back.
Once force is set in motion, how can it be casually withdrawn?
"Get out of the way, brat—are you courting death?!"
Tengen Gai's heart pounded; though dissatisfied with Hiden Intelligence's Humagear, he bore no malice toward the boy.
He didn't want to hurt the innocent!
"Wato!"
"Wato!"
Hiden Isamu and Fuwa Isamu shouted in alarm.
Both were too slow to reach him in time.
Wato didn't move a muscle.
At the critical instant, Wang Haoyu stepped in to save him!
"Blazing Fire"
"Program Upgrade"
"Flaming Tiger!"
He successfully blocked Tengen Gai's killing blow.
For some reason, seeing the boy unharmed made Tengen Gai secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
Thankfully… he actually felt glad Wang Haoyu was here.
The thought itself startled him.
"How could I think that? This brat clearly doesn't know what's good for him, ignoring life-and-death danger—otherwise that Humagear would've been destroyed by me long ago!"
Tengen Gai rationalized it this way.
"Intercept & Destroy!"
"Zaia Corporation!"
His target had always been Nurse Bingo.
With no protection left, Bingo had no strength to resist this fatal strike!
A loud "Bang" rang out.
Nurse Bingo became a pile of scrap metal.
"Bingo!"
"You actually destroyed Bingo."
Wato roared.
His expression looked ready to devour someone.
"Humagears are just tools; their life or death is for humans to decide!"
Tengen Gai stated bluntly, hiding nothing.
How could Wato endure that?
He regarded Humagears as close friends!
"You don't understand at all! A cold-blooded guy like you won't last even if you acquire Hiden Intelligence—someone with your mindset isn't fit to be CEO!"
Wato's eyes were blood-red.
He completely ignored how powerful Tengen Gai was.
Too impulsive! Five.
"You've got quite the nerve, talking to me like this! I worked with your grandfather for years—he respected me. Since you like this Humagear so much, go keep it company!"
Tengen Gai raised his weapon at Wato, sanity gone from his eyes.
"Tengen Gai!"
Wang Haoyu barked, simultaneously twisting the progrise key at his waist.
No one expected Tengen Gai to lash out in shame at the defenseless Wato.
"Super Leap"
"Ultimate Enhance"
"System Upgrade"
"Alert, alert—combat mode initiated"
"Composite Upgrade—Gleam Raid"
"Desperate Counter"
Wang Haoyu's finishing blow drove Tengen Gai back.
"This grudge is between you and the Humagear—don't take it out on Wato! You'd better know what you're doing!"
Wang Haoyu pointed out coolly.
Tengen Gai had completely abandoned the principle that the strong should protect the weak.
"Losing control and reason—how are you any different from a scrapped Humagear?"
Tengen Gai argued plausibly.
"Save the lecture."
Wang Haoyu remained unmoved.
As long as he didn't break Dao Fa Lou's rules, as Wato's overseer he had authority to deal with anything.
"You've gone to such lengths for this kid; if former president Shinnosuke knew, he'd be deeply grateful."
Tengen Gai's tone carried jealousy.
Who wouldn't want a brilliant and brave man like Wang Haoyu looking after their grandson?
Unfortunately, they stood on opposite sides.
"Strongest zero-one—your tech is mine now!"
"Data Capture!"
"Zaia Group"
That zero-one tech had been deliberately yielded by Wang Haoyu.
What was Tengen Gai's real objective?
What storm could he possibly stir up?
Only by letting him succeed could they find out.
Mere zero-one tech was something Wang Haoyu didn't care about at all!
"Plunder Upgrade"
"Plunder & Upgrade"
"Plunder & Destroy"
"Zero-One—Annihilation"
Tengen Gai thought mastering zero-one tech would give him the upper hand… Unexpected—"How is this possible?!"
When he attacked Wang Haoyu, he was shocked to find his opponent unscathed while his own energy drained drastically.
He had seen Wang Haoyu use zero-one tech many times without harm and assumed it was harmless to the body.
Only after trying it himself did he realize… the consumption was so intense!
In other words… the only explanation was: Wang Haoyu's strength was unfathomable!
Even continuous use of zero-one tech was effortless for him!
What kind of existence was he?!
"If that's the case, we'll settle it in court. At the current score, if we win in court, Zaia will have two victories and the advantage will grow. Then your Hiden Intelligence Group will be acquired! All Humagears will be decommissioned!"
Tengen Gai chose to back off in time.
At least he hadn't lost yet.
If he truly enraged Wang Haoyu into action, the consequences would be unimaginable!
"Acquisition? Dream on! The match isn't over—stop spouting nonsense!"
Fuwa Isamu loathed Tengen Gai's arrogant attitude.
Clearly old in years, yet insisting on acting young.
Even worse, after transforming he tried to ambush Wato!
"You won't succeed."
Wang Haoyu's tone was calm.
As if Tengen Gai's threat meant nothing.
"We'll see! Market trends aren't decided by you or me. Everyone knows the Zaia Connector's advantages—demand is booming; wanting to push Zaia out of the market? Keep dreaming!"
After saying that, Tengen Gai turned and left.
"Everyone return. Izu, prepare to copy Nurse Bingo's data."
Wang Haoyu issued the order.
As long as the match proceeded smoothly, nothing else mattered.
The advantage of Humagears: even if the main body is destroyed, perfect restoration is possible through backup data.
Tengen Gai walked out of the outer area; instead of returning to the company, he headed straight for the underground secret laboratory.
Hidden directly beneath Zaia Group headquarters, this lab had tight security—absolutely safe. It stored Zaia Group's most confidential data; only Tengen Gai's most trusted confidants could enter.
"President Tengen Gai!"
"President!"
Chapter 190 Chapter 190
Passing through the electronic access control, Tengen Gai stepped into the inner room. Nakanatsu Rin, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately stood up to greet him.
"President, Satellite 137 is still operating in its designated orbit, but the system detected an abnormal situation..."
Rin quickly brought up a star map projection, which marked the positions of various satellites—blue dots for regular satellites, and red dots for their clandestine satellites.
"What's the situation?"
Tengen Gai's voice deepened slightly. Regular inspections had never stopped; this satellite should have been foolproof.
"The satellite returned a set of abnormal data, indicating it had suffered an external intrusion. But strangely, the satellite's built-in defense system never triggered an alarm..."
Rin skillfully pulled up the data log. As an expert in electronic warfare, this was her foundation. But at this moment, this anomaly left her utterly bewildered.
All satellites are implanted with an automatic alarm program upon launch, specifically to guard against external signal interference and deliberate attacks. To prevent false positives caused by signal overlap with other satellites, Zaiya Group even installed an additional protection module. Theoretically, any unauthorized signal access to 137 would immediately trigger an alarm.
"Arrange for a maintenance team to go up and check."
Tengen Gai's eyes narrowed slightly. This satellite had been exposed for who knows how long, yet not a single bit of information had leaked..."Understood."
Rin was about to turn and leave when Tengen Gai suddenly spoke again: "Wait. How is Catherine's progress? Has she contacted A.M.S.?"
Tengen Gai recalled the scene where Catherine and Fuwa Isamu had a brief conversation during the illustration contest.
Catherine's excellent performance earned Tengen Gai's considerable praise.
However—
Considering Catherine had worked for A.M.S., her true loyalty remained questionable!
Tengen Gai, naturally suspicious, never easily trusted others.
Especially those who had worked for the investigating party!
After hearing Tengen Gai's words, Nakanatsu Rin immediately understood his concerns.
"I've been monitoring closely. Catherine has had no contact with A.M.S. or related personnel recently, and all assigned projects have been completed."
Nakanatsu Rin reported truthfully.
"Are you sure?"
Tengen Gai pressed.
"Yes, if A.M.S. knew, they would never allow us to proceed with the project. But so far, everything is going smoothly."
Nakanatsu Rin secretly rejoiced.
Fortunately, she had been careful and monitored Catherine in advance.
Otherwise, she might have been caught off guard by Tengen Gai's sudden inquiry.
"Then should I go prepare for the satellite matter now?"
Nakanatsu Rin tentatively asked for instructions.
"No need to rush. I called you here to develop a lockdown key, specifically to counteract the zero-onesystem!"
Tengen Gai had carefully weighed his options just now—the lack of reaction from all parties indicated either they were observing, or it was just a false alarm.
That satellite attack was just a regular fluctuation, not targeted.
After actual testing, the zero-one system's own load was too heavy.
Since it cannot master this technology—
Then create a lockdown key specifically to suppress zero-one!
Completely destroy it!
Nakanatsu Rin entered the data into the terminal.
"Is what we're doing... appropriate?"
She frowned, raising the question.
This was simply too unfair to Wang Haoyu!
"A forbidden key must be developed to seal zero-one."
Tengen Gai's mind was made up.
"But as long as the acquisition of Hiden Intelligence is completed, Wang Haoyu will lose the right to use the zero-one driver. Why go to all this extra trouble?"
Nakanatsu Rin found it hard to understand.
Tengen Gai had been scheming to acquire Hiden Intelligence, but now he was suddenly turning to technological research?
Once Hiden Intelligence changed hands, Wang Haoyu would completely lose the authority to activate zero-one!
"The former Hiden President, Shinnosuke, developed zero-one as a technological product to counter ark, so we must not take it lightly."
Tengen Gai hid his unspoken words.
A certain intuition told him that this acquisition plan might fall through.
The immediate priority was to develop a progrise key specifically for zero-one.
Since zero-one was created to restrain ark, then—
Only ark itself could defeat zero-one.
"Use ark to create a progrise key!"
"Understood."
"This way, Hiden zero-one will be completely finished."
Tengen Gai was lost in his fantasy!
He eagerly awaited the ** of zero-one!
Thus, Thouser could become an unparalleled existence.
No one would be able to restrain him anymore!
He would reach the pinnacle!
...Hiden Intelligence Secret Laboratory.
"Data loaded, initiating!"
"Backup unit activation complete!"
"Restarting!"
"Nurse Bingo, Lawyer-type Humagear!"
The backup unit in the connection pod awoke.
Wato was the most excited.
"Oh my god! It's exactly the same! Bingo, do you still recognize me?"
He worried that the Humagear in front of him might have forgotten him.
"Wato, my partner!"
Nurse Bingo responded accurately.
"That's great! It's great that you're okay!"
Wato embraced Bingo passionately.
The sudden intimacy made Bingo slightly hesitant:
"Please keep your distance. As a lawyer-type Humagear for maintenance and governance, please consult other models for special needs."
Its functional modules were clearly complete.
The adult Wato instantly understood the unspoken meaning.
"What are you thinking! I'm not that kind of person!"
He blushed and stepped back half a pace.
"Yo, Wato, Bingo is your old partner. It's normal for him to read your mind after working together for so long!"
Fuwa Isamu hooked his arm around Wato's neck, laughing.
"The backup unit's data integrity is 100%, there will be no errors."
Hiden Isamu also added with a smile.
Everyone watched the embarrassed Wato, laughter echoing in the laboratory... (
**Judgment Day**
"Time's up, court convenes this afternoon, are you all ready?"
Wang Haoyu's gaze swept over Wato and Hiden Isamu.
Both responded almost simultaneously:
"No problem!"
"Ready to go anytime!"
Wang Haoyu moved his lips, as if to say something, but in the end, he just shook his head gently.
Let's talk after the trial, anything said now would be futile.
Some things cannot be rushed; what is meant to happen will happen.
"Let's go, don't waste time." Wang Haoyu looked down at his wristwatch.
"Yes."
"…"
**Inside the Courtroom**
The judge struck the gavel: "Court is now in session. Prosecutor, please state your case."
Procedure: The prosecution has the right to present evidence and summon witnesses. The defense, based on the accusations, needs to secure every possible defense for the client.
"Your Honor, given the numerous disputes in previous communications with the defendant, I request to summon the key witness in this case, Ms. Chiharu, to testify." Prosecutor Murakami Moose went straight to the point.
"Granted."
The judge nodded without hesitation. After all, the entire case originated with Chiharu.
Staff guided Chiharu to the witness stand. Fuwa Isamu in the public gallery couldn't help but let out a scoff.
"Mr. Wang Haoyu, don't you think this person is stupid? Scamming money is one thing, but leaving such a pleasant-looking girl without marrying her, then running away after scamming? His brain must be waterlogged!" He looked indignant, waiting for Wang Haoyu to agree.
To his surprise, Wang Haoyu merely glanced at him indifferently: "So you like this type? That's good, I can arrange some work for you then."
Fuwa Isamu was taken aback: "What? What did I do wrong?"
He had learned a lot from Wang Haoyu recently, and this was a critical period; he didn't want to give up halfway.
"Aren't you envious of others dating? You're old enough, you really should consider your personal life." Wang Haoyu's tone was completely serious.
Fuwa Isamu chuckled dryly: "Cough... I think being single is more comfortable!"
The envious expression on Fuwa Isamu's face instantly vanished.
It was better to focus on the task at hand.
"Ms. Chiharu, please answer my questions truthfully next." Murakami Moose exercised his prosecutorial duties.
"Okay, please ask."
Chiharu nodded gently.
"How long have you known the defendant and when did you start dating?"
Chiharu recalled: "He suddenly proposed after only a month of dating. I had no idea it was a scam at the time, and I will never forgive him!" Her tone grew increasingly agitated.
A loss of three million Japanese yen is a heavy blow to anyone, let alone an ordinary girl. Getting married after knowing someone for only a month was indeed too hasty.
"The defendant claimed that he was watching a performance at the theater when the fraud occurred." Murakami Moose reiterated the content of the previous trial.
It was because of this alibi that he was speechless last time. This time, he would use the same argument to silence the defense. As a seasoned prosecutor, he was well-versed in the techniques of courtroom debate. This was experience accumulated from tens of thousands of trials.
"It must have been a carefully planned scam!" Chiharu now only wanted to recover her losses. She had thought she found true love, but it turned out to be a loss of both person and property.
"If the defendant fabricated an alibi, he will be severely punished. Ms. Chiharu, what do you think?"
"I'll follow your arrangements."
Chiharu, who knew nothing about law, completely trusted the prosecutor.
"My questioning is concluded."
Murakami Moose was very satisfied with this interrogation. This was his proper standard.
"Does the defense need to cross-examine?"
The judge turned to Nurse Bingo.
Faced with Murakami Moose's tight logic, Nurse Bingo couldn't find a breakthrough for a moment.
"No questions."
But he firmly believed that Kamiyuin was innocent, just lacking decisive evidence. The clues collected previously had all been refuted in this exchange. Only evidence that could withstand scrutiny could turn the tide.
No one had anticipated this situation before.
Wang Haoyu specifically arranged for Wato to handle this matter.
Since he could secure the important evidence for the first round, he could naturally secure it for the second round too!
However, this time, he hoped Wato could discover the key evidence himself.
Rather than relying on his assistance.
"Court adjourned!" the judge announced.
Murakami Moose looked smug.
But Wato and Nurse Bingo looked dejected..."If we don't find key evidence soon, we'll lose!" Izu noticed Wato's anxiety.
The situation was not optimistic!
"Don't panic." Wang Haoyu advised.
Panicking now was useless; calm thinking was the best strategy.
In the corridor, Wato still had doubts about Nurse Bingo's judgment.
"The situation is bad! But Bingo, do you truly believe the defendant is innocent?"
Wato found it hard to understand.
He was, of course, willing to believe that Humagear wouldn't lie.
"Yes." Nurse Bingo's tone was firm. "I scanned and analyzed the defendant's sound wave data, and the matching results show he is not lying."
Since that was the case... they chose to trust Nurse Bingo.
Chapter 191 Chapter 191
"The verdict is tomorrow. Only a Humagear like you can find the breakthrough point in this case, so you must give it your all!" Wato cheered.
"Understood."
Nurse Bingo's programming is set to respond truthfully to human questions.
As for the result, he can only rely on data deduction.
While they were discussing the final judgment here, Tengen Gai suddenly appeared.
"I advise you to consider selling off the company sooner rather than later."
Tengen Gai scoffed at Hiden Intelligence Group and looked down even more on Humagear.
In his eyes, Hiden Intelligence was already within his grasp.
"This old man is competing with a child; he has absolutely no class!"
Fuwa Isamu's disgust toward Tengen Gai grew stronger.
Tengen Gai was now targeting Wato—
An opponent more than ten years his junior; this level of aggression was truly ridiculous.
("
There's no need to worry. Mr. Wang Haoyu has absolutely no interest in acquiring the company!"
Wato retorted directly.
He was thoroughly fed up with Tengen Gai's condescending attitude.
Although Tengen Gai was the President of Zaiya Group, Wang Haoyu also controlled Hiden Intelligence Group.
The status of the two was inherently equal.
Not to mention, the Humagear developed by Hiden Intelligence was already globally leading.
Meanwhile, the Zaiya Connector, as a new product, frequently suffered malfunctions.
Whether it could gain a firm footing in the market was still unknown.
Tengen Gai's arrogance was truly repulsive.
"Have you ever considered that perhaps one day Zaiya Group will be forced into auction, and what will you, the person in charge, do then?"
Wang Haoyu said calmly.
Tengen Gai's words failed to shake him in the slightest.
Compared to Wang Haoyu, Tengen Gai was far inferior.
He probably still didn't know that his so-called achievements were merely Wang Haoyu's charity.
Wang Haoyu was even curious what expression Tengen Gai would show when he learned the ** truth.
Would he completely break down?
But now was not the time for the reveal.
"Don't change the subject! Answer my question directly—you don't want to sell the company? Then you should have a deeper realization, because what you inherited from Shinnosuke was not an enterprise, but sin!"
How much hatred must one harbor to use a word like "sin"?
"Sin?"
Wato looked at Wang Haoyu, full of confusion, waiting for his explanation... However, before Wang Haoyu could speak, Tengen Gai continued sternly:
"Humagear have committed so many heinous crimes that cannot be fully documented, even without the ** Xunlei Station!"
"As the President, you must bear responsibility for all the evil deeds of the Humagear!"
Tengen Gai's emotions grew increasingly agitated, his finger pointing directly at Wang Haoyu.
"Who exactly is the true culprit!"
This paranoid attitude was completely different from Tengen Gai's usual demeanor.
He still insisted on the ridiculous belief that "humans do not need artificial intelligence."
This was the true sin!
The sorrow of all humanity!
This was not only absurd but a colossal joke!
Artificial intelligence had been integrated into human society for many years.
Its value never depended on Tengen Gai's personal likes or dislikes, but on the choice of the entire era.
0.1
People's lives were already inseparable from Humagear.
This was an undeniable fact!
Does theory need verification? Of course—but the answer was already clearly presented in practice.
At this moment, Tengen Gai was already routed, his last shred of dignity completely gone.
The creed he held sacred now resembled an absurd satire.
"Since you are so obstinate, prove it through a duel—just how capable is the Zaiya Connector you are so proud of."
Wato looked directly into Tengen Gai's eyes, his voice clear and resonant.
This audacity made Tengen Gai's pupils tremble slightly. In his perception, this wet-behind-the-ears kid should have been timid and cowering.
To dare provoke him like this, could it be... "Is Wang Haoyu guiding him from behind?" Tengen Gaisecretly clenched his fists.
He stepped past Wato and sneered at the silent Wang Haoyu: "Well cultivated. But can a hothouse flower withstand the storm?"
"You—!" A vein bulged on Wato's forehead.
This complete contempt thoroughly ignited his anger.
Tengen Gai threw off his coat and turned: "Save your strength for tomorrow's court session, kid."
Amidst the engine's roar, Wang Haoyu signaled everyone to depart.
Inside the sealed carriage, Wato's knuckles were white from clenching.
"Humagear rampaging one after another, Grandpa's instructions..." He suddenly looked up, "Are these truly just coincidences?"
Fuwa Isamu, in the passenger seat, turned his head slightly. The rearview mirror reflected the deep shadow beneath Wang Haoyu's brow bone.
The Trial of Trust
Wang Haoyu glanced sideways, asking tentatively, "In your opinion, why would I do this?"
Wato pondered for a moment and replied seriously, "In my memory, my grandfather never showed you any kindness, so the reason of repaying a debt of gratitude is invalid."
"Very good." Approval appeared in Wang Haoyu's eyes. This answer proved that his guidance was not in vain.
"There is a reason for letting you interact with Humagear." Wang Haoyu's voice suddenly deepened, "That is your grandfather's life's work. You must believe that, given his character, he would never create something useless to humanity."
The glass curtain wall of the Hiden Intelligence Building reflected the silhouettes of the two men.
Tengen Gai's relentless pressure on the Humagear was distorting public perception. With public opinion surging like a tide, would Wato, standing at the center of the storm, destroy his grandfather's masterpiece with his own hands? Everything exists for a reason—this was the truth Wang Haoyuwanted Wato to understand.
But for society to accept Humagear, they had to uncover the root cause of their loss of control.
"Think about it," Wang Haoyu posed the final question as he got out of the car, "Who is controlling the Humagear's rampages?"
Watching Wang Haoyu walk away, Fuwa Isamu patted the stiff Wato: "Don't stress too much, we'll help you."
"They lose control even without the Xunlei Station...' Wato muttered, repeating Tengen Gai's hint. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, "Fuwa Isamu, you just said you'd help me, right?"
The smile that revealed his fangs sent an inexplicable shiver down Fuwa Isamu's spine—Wato, at this moment, seemed to be transforming into a person unrecognizable to everyone.
The smile became ominous and terrifying... "Wato, what's your plan?"
Fuwa Isamu asked.
"I need to find Metsu, so I need your help to take me to A.I.M.S. Headquarters."
"What do you want to ask Metsu?"
"I think I've already guessed the mastermind behind the frequent Humagear rampages."
"What do you mean?"
"It's the guy who taught Xunlei Station to learn human malice!"
Wato wanted to use Fuwa Isamu's authority to enter A.I.M.S. Headquarters.
This special organization was completely closed off to ordinary people.
Only Wang Haoyu held the highest level access card due to his cooperation with A.I.M.S.
"No problem."
Fuwa Isamu agreed readily.
In the Underground Room cell, the metal bars gleamed coldly.
"Why is someone always coming to bother me lately?"
Metsu seemed extremely impatient.
He didn't understand why Wang Haoyu would still send people knowing the ** situation—especially sending a greenhorn this time!
"Where exactly is the Humagear Rampage Device that you manufactured hidden?"
Wato cut straight to the chase.
"Rampage Device?" Metsu's processor quickly whirred, "Are you talking about the Destruction Sublimator? That's just ark's toy, specially used to turn Humagear into weapons for slaughtering ** kind."
"ark..."
Just then, Wang Haoyu's encrypted communication suddenly connected:
"Ask Metsu why the President of Zaia Company has the Destruction Sublimator."
This latest clue might be closely related to the previously missing Zaiya Connector.
"So, why does the Zaia President possess the Destruction Sublimator?"
("
Wato repeated the exact words.
"That's impossible. Is Zaia behind this?"
Metsu's eyes were filled with disbelief.
"Ahhh—"
Metsu suddenly curled up, his face twisting and deforming.
Although he had a mechanical body, he instantly analyzed the full scope of the event.
"Vile humans dare to manipulate ark... unforgivable."
Metsu had seen through all the mysteries.
"Metsu, what exactly did you discover?"
"What is the connection between the Assault Upgrade Device and the Zaiya Connector? What role does Tengen Gai play?"
"You have ** solved the puzzle, haven't you?"
Wato's pressing questions intensified Metsu's pain.
Amidst his blurred consciousness, the mechanical body trembled violently. Even with the cage separating them, Fuwa Isamu worried that a rampaging Metsu might harm Wato—if anything happened to this important witness, they couldn't explain it at tomorrow's crucial trial.
"Too dangerous! Don't go near him!"
Fuwa Isamu pulled back Wato, who was trying to step forward.
"Why is he silent? Is ark restricting him?"
Wato clenched his fists. The answer was close yet unreachable; intense frustration tore at his sanity.
"Now is not the time to press him."
Fuwa Isamu's attitude was resolute. Wang Haoyu had used precious materials to repair Metsu's precision body; if it were damaged again, he might disappear forever. This action was originally intended to monitor ark's movements—the satellite that had evolved self-awareness had long surpassed its original settings, becoming an intelligent entity more dangerous than humans.
After forcibly leading Wato out of the cell, Fuwa Isamu handed him a tranquilizer.
"What exactly did your previous question refer to?"
He knew this was Wang Haoyu's instruction, yet he hadn't received any briefing.
"I need to track down the culprit who attacked Bingo, the human who became a Magia." Wato wiped the cold sweat from his brow, "Could I ask you to assist Bingo?"
Hearing this, Fuwa Isamu suddenly stood up.
"You want me to cooperate with a Humagear?"
Although he was no longer hostile towards Humagear, working side-by-side was still far from possible.
"Isn't this A.I.M.S.'s responsibility? Besides, this concerns the innocence of the defendant!"
Wato placed a hand on Fuwa Isamu's shoulder.
Ultimately, this matter involved a human; Fuwa Isamu should intervene regardless! Otherwise, he would be completely derelict in his duties!
"Fine, I'll help you. But whether we succeed, I can't promise."
Currently, Fuwa Isamu had no evidence whatsoever, and the case leads had dried up.
He agreed to help purely because Wato was a junior whom Mr. Wang Haoyu valued. If it were anyone else, he would never take on such a troublesome task!
Zaiya Group Underground Laboratory.
"Data verification in progress."
"Data matching in progress."
"Satellite connection established."
"Connection successful."
"Data transmission initiated."
"Transmission complete."
"Replication program running."
"Replication complete."
Every mechanical prompt made Nakanatsu Rin's heart race. This task was extremely difficult.
Chapter 192 – Chapter 192
"The Extinction progrise key is complete!"
A black key, gleaming with an eerie light, is lifted out; its purpose needs no explanation... it is a lethal weapon aimed squarely at zero-one. The moment it meets the zero-one driver, the battle will be to the death!
Tengen Gai has resolved to stake everything on a single throw. But will reality really bend to his will?
Of course not!
Chusho placed the key into a Sandalwood Box and locked it inside a triple-encrypted safe. Ever since the Rampage Key was lost, her security protocols have tolerated not the slightest lapse.
Hiden Intelligence HQ, CEO's office.
Wang Haoyu watched the deepening night, his reflection cast on the glass like a deep silhouette.
The lights outside blazed as bright as noon.
Humagears by the roadside were performing their duties to the letter.
"Mr. Wang Haoyu, why do you think Metsubou said that?"
Wato recounted in detail his visit to the A.M.S. cage.
The surprise Metsubou showed had definitely not been feigned.
Earlier, Wang Haoyu had met Metsubou.
The first time he encountered the Assault Upgrade Device, Wang Haoyu had already sensed something off.
According to Metsubou, the Assault Upgrade Device had nothing to do with Tengen Gai.
This point had been confirmed after Wang Haoyu checked.
Whether Tengen Gai later researched it on his own was still unknown.
"Maybe Tengen Gai is running secret experiments! His Satellite might exist just to connect to the Assault Upgrade Device!"
Hiden Isamu voiced a bold conjecture.
Everyone waited quietly for Wang Haoyu's view.
A heavy expectation filled the air.
"Metsubou hinted that Tengen Gai exploited the ark."
"Wato, someone can give you an answer."
Wang Haoyu looked toward the sky.
"It's the Zea Satellite!" Izu blurted out.
"The Zea of Hiden Group?"
Wato had witnessed Zea's power during the astronaut case.
Passed down to this day, every Humagear relies on Zea's data.
That Satellite is effectively the nerve center of all Humagears.
"Can we ask it now?"
Wato could hardly wait.
"During tomorrow's Trial I'll take you there myself."
This Trial will need Zea's help.
The secret of the Assault Upgrade Device is about to be revealed!
"All right."
Wato couldn't hide his disappointment, but he trusted Wang Haoyu must have a deeper reason.
"Rest well tonight; tomorrow we head for the final Hearing!"
Everyone answered in unison.
Alone, Wang Haoyu closed his eyes and pondered.
The decisive battle was drawing near... dawn broke.
"Bingo, you're in great shape today; I'm counting on you for this mission. Sorry, Bingo, I can't fight alongside you today."
The previous day Wang Haoyu had already arranged for Hiden Isamu to accompany Bingo.
Wato, meanwhile, had to stay at Hiden and go to the lab with Wang Haoyu.
"Understood." Bingo answered obediently.
"Don't be nervous, Isamu will be with you. I've also assigned an outside helper—Fuwa Isamu will gather Evidence."
"No worries, you'll be on live comms; he's your partner!" Wato said in a slightly mature tone.
His manner made Fuwa Isamu burst out laughing.
"All right, stop fretting. I have to hunt for Evidence—gotta run."
For Fuwa Isamu, time was extremely tight.
He had no clue where to start.
"Fuwa Isamu, I've sent possible locations to your phone; follow those leads and things'll be much easier," Wang Haoyu said.
He wanted to save Fuwa Isamu time.
Fuwa Isamu hadn't expected Wang Haoyu to do this.
He immediately stepped forward, excited.
"Mr. Wang Haoyu, you're a lifesaver—I absolutely love you!"
With that, Fuwa Isamu rushed over to give Wang Haoyu a hug.
In the end... luckily Wang Haoyu dodged in time and wasn't knocked down.
Still, after long training, Fuwa Isamu had excellent balance.
He didn't fall... "Since you know, move out now!" Wang Haoyu urged.
"Yes, sir!" Fuwa Isamu said and left.
"Everyone, move to your posts." Wang Haoyu gave the order.
"Roger."
"Copy."
...Hiden Isamu and Nurse Bingo arrived at the courthouse.
Summary... requesting sentence; the final Hearing begins.
"Regarding the Marriage Fraud case, we now proceed to the final ** Trial. I hereby declare it officially open."
With a bang the Gavel fell.
Marking the formal start of the Hearing.
"Prosecutor, present your Evidence."
Murakami Moose stepped forward: "Investigations show the Defendant obtained money and property through multiple Partners and made a living this way. Substantial Evidence proves he approached the Victim, Chiharu **, for financial gain. Your Honor, he deserves **!"
While speaking, Murakami Moose submitted the Evidence.
Nurse Bingo was in dire straits.
Overturning the case seemed impossible.
The Defendant, Kamiyuin, had indeed behaved similarly in the past.
However!
Past conduct doesn't prove this instance is the same.
People love to define others by their past without a second thought.
Utterly unscientific!
"I'll definitely catch that despicable Lion—stall for time as long as you can!"
Fuwa Isamu kept in live contact with Bingo.
Whatever Bingo saw, Fuwa Isamu knew at once.
The situation was urgent, especially against Prosecutor Murakami Moose.
Finding a flaw in him was harder than reaching the heavens!
Wang Haoyu's first pointer for Fuwa Isamu—Catherine.
Recently Catherine had been entering and leaving Zaiya Group frequently.
To avoid blowing his cover, Fuwa Isamu could only wait in the Underground **.
Hoping to run into her when she started work!
Sure enough, before long Catherine's figure appeared at the drop-off point.
"Catherine, I need to ask you something."
Fuwa Isamu blocked her path.
"Sorry, time is tight."
Though both belonged to A.M.S., the two had never crossed paths.
Catherine's mission was equally critical.
She wouldn't delay her own progress by 0.1 second just to accommodate Fuwa Isamu.
When forced to choose, the mission came first.
"I heard Murakami Moose's Zaiya Connector was stolen—true?"
Fuwa Isamu cut straight to the point.
Catherine stopped and frowned. "After the first Hearing, back of the courthouse lounge."
"So the culprit is that Lion?"
Fuwa Isamu pressed.
Catherine never lied.
She had no reason to fabricate for Tengen Gai… Hiden Intelligence Group Experimental Center.
"I didn't look closely last time—this is incredible!"
Wato marveled at the lab's scale.
"This is the World's top R&D hub, gathering the planet's finest tech."
Izu introduced with pride.
"Unbelievable."
Wato praised from the heart.
Eighty percent of the equipment here was built by Wang Haoyu.
"Pause the tour."
Wang Haoyu linked to the Zea system.
He led Wato to the console. "Voice every doubt; it will answer."
"Got it." Wato nodded.
Then, via Izu, Wato connected to the Zea terminal.
"Zea, tell me ark's true identity."
True man-machine dialogue needs a medium, and Izu is that crucial link. That's why Shinnosukeassigned her as assistant—an AI capable of wireless connection.
"Receiving Zea's query results."
Izu's data stream refreshed: "ark was a communications Satellite planned for launch twelve years ago in the Humagear Trial-city project; developers included Hiden Intelligence and Zaia Technology."
At the time, Hiden Group's head was former president Shinnosuke.
"Zaia's project lead was… Tengen Gai!"
The discovery made Wato's eyes snap open. No wonder Fuwa Isamu said Tengen Gai's résumé ran deep; even Wang Haoyu had mentioned it during their last clash.
At the Metropolitan Police Department, Fuwa Isamu was asking for updates.
"Any new leads?"
"You've been here plenty," the officer shook his head. "Aside from confirming the Zaiya Connector user was Murakami Moose, we've got nothing."
"Understood." Fuwa Isamu turned to leave.
He next investigated around the courthouse.
"After the first Hearing, did anyone suspicious appear?" he asked the guard.
The area was crowded; the guard should have first-hand info.
"Seemed like a shady guy showed up during the recess of the Marriage Fraud case."
"Remember his face?" Fuwa Isamu pressed at once.
"It was packed that day—how could I possibly remember him!"
The guard laughed and shook his head; he lacked that kind of memory.
In the courtroom.
"The Defendant claims that meeting Chiharu utterly changed his outlook, making him realize money can't replace true love."
Nurse Bingo walked to Kamiyuin's side.
"Yes, I understand true love now. I want to stay with her forever; I'd never ** her!"
Kamiyuin answered.
"**, that's a leading question."
Murakami Moose raised his hand.
Leading questions are barred in court.
"** sustained; counsel, rephrase!" the judge warned.
Such phrasing can make the judge think the lawyer is coaching the Defendant to dodge liability, hence forbidden.
"All right, I'll rephrase."
Nurse Bingo's real aim was to buy time.
As long as she could stall Fuwa Isamu a little longer.
Right now neither side had decisive Evidence; victory hung in the balance.
"Do you intend to marry Chiharu **?"
Nurse Bingo tossed out the question.
In the gallery, Tengen Gai already knew the answer—they had this lawsuit in the bag!
At that moment, Nakanatsu Rin arrived carrying a case.
"Looks like the outcome is set."
Nakanatsu Rin spoke calmly.
He delivered a progrise key capable of suppressing the zero-one driver.
Tengen Gai opened the box; inside lay a black key.
The corner of his mouth lifted as he picked it up.
"Well done."
Now he had absolute certainty of defeating zero-one.
Meanwhile, Fuwa Isamu was still questioning the guard.
Since the guard knew something, he had to dig for every detail and miss nothing.
Right now any clue could be the breakthrough.
The fear was finding nothing… "Can we talk inside?"
Fuwa Isamu asked.
He didn't want to expose himself outside for long.
"No problem, come in."
The guard didn't stop him and agreed readily.
At that critical instant, Akira Ishi of the Metropolitan Police Department rushed to the scene.
"Fuwa Isamu, you're relentless; the moment I got orders from above I came running."
The speaker was Akira Ishi, the officer in charge of investigating the Zaiya Connector's usage.
"Time is short—sorry to make you come all this way."
Fuwa Isamu knew the round trip would burn precious minutes; they had to find decisive Evidence fast.
Otherwise Nurse Bingo couldn't hold her ground in court.
Chapter 193 – Chapter 193
At the moment Nurse Bingo's testimony was scattered, but as a Humagear every question he asked stayed locked on the case.
"To keep the investigation transparent, I need to record everything."
Fuwa Isamu had already shown his ID to the guard at the front gate.
When AIMS handles a case, every citizen is obliged to cooperate.
"Understood—we're all professionals."
Akira Ishi nodded, then sat down in front of the camera.
"About that incident—you seem to have gone to the courthouse after the first hearing ended?"
The gatekeeper described the person who'd appeared then as none other than Akira Ishi sitting right here.
Fuwa leaned forward, eyes sharp as they bored into Akira Ishi's.
"What did you go there for?"
Once the defendant is transferred, the case is no longer the Metropolitan Police Department's concern.
Akira Ishi tapped his Zaiya Connector and answered calmly,
"I meant to sit in, but traffic made me late."
He didn't know Fuwa wasn't simply recording—he was live-streaming the feed straight to Nurse Bingo!
The Humagear instantly activated its analysis: "Mr. Fuwa, the readout shows he's lying!"
Nurse Bingo declared without hesitation.
Fuwa rolled his stiff neck.
"Knew it!"
This was the guy who'd sent him running in circles and made his life hell.
Now—how to make him pay?
But one thing still didn't add up: why would a Metropolitan Police officer like Akira Ishi do this?
He was the detestable lion!
In the courthouse corridor.
"Hurry—any more delay and we'll miss it!"
Wato had obtained the conclusion he needed from the Research Institute.
Wang Haoyu had already explained everything to him.
"Mr. Wang, come with me—now!"
Wato urged him on, worried the match might be lost and even more afraid Kamiyuin would suffer an unjust verdict.
"Don't panic—you're going the wrong way."
Izu wiped her sweat, steering him back on course just in time.
Inside the courtroom the three of them chose a quiet corner and sat.
"Defendant, your final statement?" the judge asked.
The crucial evidence still hadn't arrived; even with the Akira Ishi to fight, there was nothing to wield. Kamiyuin shook his head in a daze:
"Nothing more to say."
That answer made Murakami Moose at the prosecution table curl his lips—he had never lost a case, and today wouldn't be the first.
At the defense table Nurse Bingo spun the Driver frantically, trying to link to the database and buy time. A torrent of data surged before his eyes, yet Fuwa still hadn't appeared—
"This court is prepared to deliver its verdict..."
"Please wait!"
Nurse Bingo shot to his feet, voice shaking the room:
"We've uncovered new evidence—the real culprit is someone else!"
The gallery erupted:
"Changing the story at the last second?"
"Courts can be wrong?"
"Prosecutor Murakami has never lost!"
"But a Humagear's data analysis can't be ignored..."
Amid the uproar Wang Haoyu kept his gaze fixed on Nurse Bingo.
Letting a Humagear and Fuwa Isamu work together—what kind of reaction would that produce?
Whatever the outcome, Wang Haoyu believed in them.
"Order!" The judge struck the gavel.
"Counsel, the trial phase is closed."
Indeed, the ending had seemed set in stone.
Murakami Moose sprang up: "Besides, who exactly is the real killer?"
Nurse Bingo stared straight ahead with unwavering eyes.
"The murderer is—"
Before he could finish, the courtroom doors burst open.
"He's the one who did it!"
Fuwa marched Will inside, face showing the wear of a fight. He shoved the man to the floor and raised a sheaf of documents.
"This man is head of the Metropolitan Police Department's Cyber Crime Division—the very officer who arrested the defendant. In that special post he had full access to tamper with the sealed upgrade data."
Nurse Bingo instantly projected the electronic evidence into the air above the court.
"All this evidence was found on Will's computer," Fuwa said, brandishing a laptop and file folder.
"No wonder you stayed so calm, Mr. Wang—you already knew we couldn't lose!" Wato laughed.
Indeed, Wang Haoyu had seen the whole picture.
He could have dragged Will straight to court, but chose to let events unfold. He merely marked a few key areas and let Fuwa trace the trail himself.
"Time always reveals every answer," Wang Haoyu replied meaningfully.
Wato nodded thoughtfully.
"My client is innocent!" Nurse Bingo stated with absolute certainty.
"Counsel Will observe decorum. Defense counsel and related parties Will now withdraw." The judge announced.
Murakami Moose raised a hand: "Your Honor, I move to reopen the trial!"
Gasps swept the room.
Even Tengen Gai in the gallery raised an eyebrow in surprise.
But for Wang Haoyu this was entirely expected—a prosecutor with zero miscarriages of justice must have something extraordinary in him.
"I nearly caused a wrongful conviction," Murakami Moose said, unfastening his Zaiya Connector.
The prosecutor took the device and studied it closely.
What he said next stunned everyone even more.
"Humagears are truly remarkable."
Such praise, coming from a prosecutor.
His gaze fixed directly on Wang Haoyu.
Some in the room cheered, others frowned.
Nothing infuriated Tengen Gai more than this very scene.
Wang Haoyu straightened his coat and stood, staring straight at Will.
"What grudge do you have against Kamiyuin? Why frame him?"
Forcing an upright officer to risk everything and fabricate charges.
Hard to believe this was mere coincidence.
Will let out a sudden sneer.
"Who the target is makes no difference, as long as it boosts my case-clearance rate."
In other words, this entire case was concocted by Will to satisfy his own selfish desires!
Wato was stunned.
"So you just manufacture wrongful convictions at Will, then hypocritically bring the victims to justice?"
Such conduct is simply appalling!
Could this person harbor a serious misunderstanding of society?
How else could he be so utterly twisted?
Wato found Wang Haoyu's words increasingly convincing.
Practice Will eventually verify **.
"Worse still, this man is that despicable lion!"
Fuwa Isamu pulled a crimson progrise key from his pocket.
Earlier everyone had assumed the item was left behind by Murakami Moose.
Because in the first two matches, whoever lost turned into a Demon Machine.
People naturally suspected the prosecutor.
Yet the truth is far more complicated; not everyone is obsessed with victory or defeat.
Some still hold to their original intent and defend social justice!
Fuwa Isamu shook the key in his hand.
Now the ironclad evidence left Will no room for denial.
Besides, he no longer intended to argue—matters had come this far... "Indeed, he attacked me just to divert our attention from Prosecutor Murakami Moose."
Nurse Bingo reached this conclusion.
If not, why would Will attack a Humagear without reason?
Choosing to assault Nurse Bingo had to be linked to the tournament.
That move conveniently led everyone to believe it was Murakami Moose's doing.
Seizing the moment Fuwa Isamu was off guard, Will snatched the progrise key and bolted outside.
"Stop!" Fuwa Isamu scrambled up at once and gave chase.
The scene instantly descended into chaos.
"Yaiba Yua, organize an orderly evacuation." After giving the order, Wang Haoyu raced out in pursuit.
Will sprinted for all he was worth; Fuwa Isamu steadily closed the gap. Just as he was about to grab him, Will activated the progrise key.
Accompanied by mechanical sound effects—"Raid Rise," "The lion is here," "Dazzling brilliance like fireworks," "Assault start"—Kamen Rider completed his transformation.
Will fired at Fuwa Isamu, but every shot was nimbly evaded. Fuwa Isamu activated wolf-type bio-attributes and counter-attacked; the two became locked in fierce combat. Soon Fuwa Isamu began to tire and stumbled to the ground.
Seizing the opening, Will pressed the assault. Fuwa Isamu scrambled to meet him, and the two grappled again.
"Mr. Wang Haoyu, aren't we going to help?" Yaiba Yua asked anxiously.
Wang Haoyu had started forward when he spotted a familiar figure in the distance—Tengen Gaiwalking over with a metal case.
"Daring to misuse the Zaiya Connector for evil!" Tengen Gai was furious. He always prized Zaia's reputation, and now the device had been abused like this.
"Utterly foolish!" the youth accompanying him could not help but exclaim.
Wato's voice suddenly rang out behind Tengen Gai: "You have no right to criticize anyone! You're the one who let Satellite ark learn human malice!"
"So what? I merely let it learn the facts," Tengen Gai replied unconcerned.
"Yet the rampage at Xunlei Station started precisely because of that!"
**1233**
No one expected Tengen Gai to utter such words... How deep did his hatred run?
Did he actually want all of humanity to perish?
If so, why did he create the Zaiya Connector in the first place?
"It was ark itself that concluded humanity should **..."
Tengen Gai tried to continue, but an agitated Wato cut him off.
"Because of that, countless innocents have died in vain!"
Wang Haoyu stood quietly to the side, observing the emotionally expressive young man.
Having Wato confront Tengen Gai was also a way to temper him through Tengen Gai's hand.
The board had been set so large that even Wato, a piece on it, had yet to grasp the whole game.
"This is simply humanity reaping what it has sown!"
Tengen Gai's face was full of arrogance.
He was convinced the green youth before him posed no threat whatsoever.
"Look at how furious you are—what can you possibly do? You don't have a Driver Key in your hand; you don't even have basic access!"
Those arrogant words thoroughly enraged Wato.
But Wang Haoyu, who always protected his own, would never let him suffer such humiliation.
"He may not have one, but I do."
**Wang Haoyu twirled the progrise key in his hand.
"Is it worth giving so much for this kid? I extended you an invitation and you refused! What is there to miss about the Hiden Intelligence Group!"
Tengen Gai had not anticipated Wang Haoyu's appearance.
He could never understand why everyone else could make the smart choice, yet Wang Haoyu was the exception—the Zaiya Group clearly offered far better terms.
"Because Hiden Intelligence has love—exactly what you, Tengen Gai, lack."
"Super Jump!"
The instant the key activated, Tengen Gai, confident he held the key to subdue zero-one, was completely off guard.
"Thousand Driver!"
"Shining Assault Hopper!"
Wang Haoyu's fist slammed into Tengen Gai's abdomen.
"Thousand Rise!"
"Produced by Zaia!"
Wang Haoyu's assault was lightning-fast, every strike aimed at Tengen Gai without giving him a moment to breathe.
"Why so angry? Wang Haoyu, you're only slightly older than that boy, yet I've always regarded you as my equal."
"I always saw you as a partner; I truly believed you would eventually see reason!"
"What did Shinnosuke promise you to earn such loyalty? You're even carefully cultivating his grandson!"
"Don't even think about it! As long as I'm here, Shinnosuke's grandson Will never surpass me!"
Tengen Gai lost composure and roared.
Chapter 194 – Chapter 194
Tengen Gai, usually unflappable, was now driven to the brink of collapse by Wang Haoyu.
He still hadn't realized that everything he'd gained had been carefully arranged by Wang Haoyu.
"The Zaiya Connector you're so proud of—didn't it also breed disaster?"
Wang Haoyu's words struck straight at Tengen Gai's weak point.
Nothing cuts deeper than this!
"You decided Humagears would endanger humanity, so you had ark mimic human malice—did it never occur to you that the Zaiya Connector could absorb that same malice?"
Tengen Gai's assault froze as though every ounce of strength had been sucked away.
"Is that child's hatred what you truly wanted?" Wang Haoyu demanded.
"Anger suits me perfectly—what's controlling him right now is pure human malice!"
Wang Haoyu's gaze swept over the case Tengen Gai still clenched.
What was hidden inside?
"I'd meant to use this key against you, but that's no longer necessary." Tengen Gai sneered, stepping toward Wato. "Since you care so much about him, let him suffer in your place!"
A black progrise key surfaced inside the case.
[Hiden Metal Ability]
[Authorize]
[Program Rise]
[Metal Rise]
Wato's face contorted; Wang Haoyu did not intervene.
Perhaps this was the tempering he needed.
Boom! A storm of energy hurled Tengen Gai ten meters away.
"Such power… you lucked out!" He staggered upright, jealousy blazing in his eyes.
—Why does this brat keep getting all the favor?!
A skyful of mechas suddenly descended in front of Wato.
Before he could react, a colossal energy vortex swallowed him whole.
Blood seeped from the corner of Wato's mouth.
This… is Satellite Ark's space?"
Unlike Zea, this place was suffused with a suffocating chill—could this be malice given form?
"Stop!"
A broken electronic voice echoed through the space:
「Mysterious Material」
「Hiden Metal」
「Metal Cluster Hopper」
「Highest Purity」
Yaiba Hiden's eyes went wide. "Mr. Wang Haoyu, are we just going to watch?"
Wang Haoyu calmly pressed her shoulder. "Don't worry."
Izu's mechanical eyes glowed blue. "Metal Cluster Hopper… it's ark's creation."
Wato, still unable to wield Rider power, couldn't control the progrise key from ark. The instant he transformed, he attacked Fuwa Isamu and Will—no technique, just a single blow that shattered Will's key.
Deprived of the Assault Upgrade Device, Will's form dissolved at once; even Fuwa Isamu's armor was badly damaged as he dodged.
Tengen Gai licked his lips in excitement. "So this is ark's power?"
Crushing an enemy without the slightest effort—such overwhelming might made him shudder.
"Fight me!" Tengen Gai had long wanted to teach this kid a lesson; now that the boy had gained a new form, it was the perfect chance. Fair play had never been in his vocabulary.
Wang Haoyu suddenly shouted, "Wato! Use your kindness to master it! ark's malice Will be purified by your purity!"
Tengen Gai's fist slammed into an invisible wall a meter from Wato. The next second metal claws clamped around his throat as every weapon opened fire—the once-arrogant Tengen Gai became a living target.
A one-sided trouncing, no less.
Even the ThousanDriver couldn't withstand ark's terrifying might!
"Interesting!"
Tengen Gai picked up the fallen Lion progrise key.
It was the spoils Will had dropped during the fierce fight.
Yaiba Yua started forward to retrieve it, but Wang Haoyu raised a hand to stop her.
Wang Haoyu was equally curious: how much power did this key from ark contain?
Tengen Gai slotted the key into the Seizer.
**
"Key authorization confirmed."
"Thousand-layer Enhancement."
"Thousand-fold Destruction."
He was certain this strike would bring Wato down.
Yet… when the smoke cleared, Wato still stood.
"Predatory Rise."
"Seizer Break."
Tengen Gai threw up a frantic guard, but it was too late.
His defense systems might as well have been paper before Wato.
His transformation was smashed apart.
Wang Haoyu walked toward the fallen Tengen Gai.
The onslaught continued; Wato's face twisted. "Mr. Wang Haoyu… I can't hold it back… this power is devouring me!"
Before the words had faded, countless darts streaked toward Tengen Gai.
Wato loathed Tengen Gai, but he'd never wanted him dead.
Stripped of his Rider form, Tengen Gai would die on the spot if those darts struck.
"Look at the mess you made—now I have to clean it up!"
Attacking a defenseless man with an armored warrior was despicable.
Wang Haoyu wouldn't let Tengen Gai die here.
After all… the rest of the game still needed this piece.
Wang Haoyu flashed between Wato and Tengen Gai.
The instant he forcibly ripped the Driver open, the overtaxed Wato collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.
Fuwa Isamu rushed over. "zero-one went berserk?"
"That wasn't zero-one," Yaiba Yua said grimly. "It's something far more dangerous."
Busy fighting, Fuwa Isamu hadn't noticed anything odd.
"Izu, go check on Wato."
Wang Haoyu knew very well: this Driver would drain the user's life force dry.
Tengen Gai burst into laughter.
"Hahahahaha…"
"ark truly is the perfect work of art. With this, our Zaia plan is about to reach **…"
Wato had used the Driver, and with power born of ark; right now he was beyond furious.
It looked as though Wang Haoyu would have to redraw his plans…
"Tengen Gai, is this so-called script of yours actually your final performance?"
Recalling the scene just now, President Wang Haoyu found it absurdly funny.
Only a fool would put himself in danger.
"Tengen Gai, just because you saved me doesn't mean our contest is over!"
Tengen Gai knew very well that, had Wang Haoyu not stepped in just now,
he would already be lying underground, and today next year would be his memorial.
But he had survived... "This duel goes on, and I'm especially curious what your protégé Will become once he touches the ark's power—look at that furious face, he can't wait to kill me on the spot."
Tengen Gai savored Wato's rage with satisfaction.
Since the ark had already learned humanity's malice... then Wato would sprout the very same malice!
Would Wang Haoyu keep nurturing a Wato turned into this?
Cultivating a ** existence?
Letting a man brimming with malice lead the Hiden Intelligence Group?!
Utterly ridiculous!
Things were getting more interesting... Tengen Gai forced himself to his feet; not far off, Nakanatsu Rinhurried over.
"President, are you all right?"
Nakanatsu Rin looked at him, face full of worry.
Tengen Gai's clothes were already tattered beyond recognition.
"No matter—let's go!"
Supported by Nakanatsu Rin, Tengen Gai limped away.
Both Wato and Fuwa Isamu were injured to varying degrees, so Wang Haoyu decided to take them back to Hiden Group.
Inside the secret lab.
"I'm in the latest exo-frame again!"
Fuwa Isamu kept showing off the new exo-frame Wang Haoyu had installed for him.
As for Wato—let him rest.
That afternoon, every eye was fixed on the fraud case.
Reporters on site filed live updates.
Everyone waited for the court's final verdict.
Until... Kamiyuin appeared holding a document.
She unfolded it before every camera—only two eye-catching characters: NOT GUILTY!
Nurse Bingo stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Kamiyuin.
"The verdict is out: the much-watched fraud case ends with the defendant acquitted!"
"Investigation confirms that the key evidence in Mr. Kamiyuin's marriage-scam case—his communication records—was illegally tampered with; the real culprit has surfaced."
"Police announce that the cyber-crime officer ** Will who spearheaded Kamiyuin's arrest was the mastermind."
The media exploded. While an official reporter overwhelmingly scooped the exclusive, Wang Haoyulistened to the live feed from the TV in his office.
"Best of five rounds—we've already taken two!" Izu's voice rang with delight.
The screen continued with the news:
"Insiders reveal that ** Will openly admitted, 'Who the target is doesn't matter as long as it boosts the clearance rate.'"
Wang Haoyu sipped his tea, unperturbed. These contests never registered on his radar—accepting Tengen Gai's invitation had only been to temper the people around him.
"A happy ending at last," Yaiba Yua said, satisfied with the verdict.
"We... actually won?" Wato burst out of the lab.
"Of course!" Izu pointed at the TV. "Kamiyuin was released in court, and the real culprit is behind bars!"
"Great! I knew justice prevails!" Wato clenched his fist. "We can't lose to that dangerous Zaia company!"
Wang Haoyu suddenly suggested: "How about an impromptu performance while the iron's hot?" He wanted to test Wato's recovery—after a short rest the kid was lively; young bodies really were something.
"Right now? In front of everyone?" Wato's ears burned. He hadn't touched his old craft in ages, but he'd long since grown used to Wang Haoyu's special-training style.
"Listen up, Mr. Wang Haoyu!" Wato turned dead-serious. "This year I'll make Zaia trip—and it has to be me, Wato, who does it!"
Applause followed. The lame joke got cheers purely out of respect for Wang Haoyu.
Wang Haoyu couldn't help laughing. Round three had just ended, round four was looming... "All of you—go rest up." When the crowd dispersed, Wang Haoyu took out the secret box—the one Tengen Gaihad taken had been only a replica he'd prepared.
Only Wang Haoyu possessed the special progrise key.
"Fangs"
"Blaze"
"Frost"
"Gravity"
"Leap"
Perhaps because of the key Tengen Gai had given Wato earlier, none responded now no matter which key Wang Haoyu activated.
He could in fact operate the driver with his own strength, but he sensed some deeper meaning behind it all.
"In that case, let's try this one."
He picked up the key created by the ark. The Satellite's malice posed no threat to Wang Haoyu; controlling it was child's play.
"The president is handling affairs and can't receive visitors right now!"
Izu's voice came from the doorway, blocking the way.
"I have something urgent! President Wang Haoyu, please find me a marriage partner!"
A young woman rushed in like a gust of wind—not crazy, just lightning-fast.
Wang Haoyu recognized her: the one who claimed she'd been scammed into marriage—Chiharu.
"What did you say?"
"President Wang Haoyu, I must get married!" Chiharu's gaze was resolute.