"So, what did you want to tell me?"
The figure thought for a moment, finally stopping to listen to her words before asking.
[Unknown Classmate, may I ask a favor of you? If you agree, I can lead you to Ayanokoji-kun's Classmate, and I can also reveal the danger I sense you will encounter soon. Is that acceptable?]
The girl looked at him and proposed a condition-exchange principle exactly like the one at Koudo Ikusei High School.
She approached Chen Yao, and in the girl's clearer vision, he was not the carefree Classmate Chen Yao seen by Yukinoshita Yukino and Horikita Suzune, but rather the ember Knight in heavy armor traversing the darkness, as he had been all along... Chapter 061: Bitter Love Ends in Silence
The pitch-black woods seemed like countless lonely spirits recounting sadness and confusion. The night wind shook the sea of trees, and in the darkness, only that spark of fire flickered and lingered. Chen Yao looked at the ghost girl; ultimately, it seemed only a soul could truly be his confidant.
"Future danger—that is truly unsettling news. I have already arrived in this world; will I still encounter danger?...What is your request?"
Chen Yao looked at the translucent ghost girl and asked.
[...I once studied in a place called the white room. It was a laboratory dedicated to cultivating Japan's top talents, selecting smart children from the population, putting them through high-intensity training with no outside contact, constantly collecting data, eliminating substandard children, and ultimately cultivating artificial geniuses who surpassed ordinary people. This place is known as the "White Room".]
The ghost girl told him about a massive, secret Japanese institution, one that happened to be related to school education.
White Room?
Upon hearing that name, Chen Yao inexplicably felt it sounded like a code name for human experimentation, and a bad premonition arose in his heart.
Furthermore, hearing phrases like "no outside contact," "high-intensity training," and "elimination system" made him inexplicably think of Koudo Ikusei High School, though Koudo Ikusei High School wasn't that extreme.
[I was eliminated because I suffered excessive psychological pressure in that white room. Both my body and mind sustained severe damage. There are many, many people like me. Because the pain was irreversible, after persisting with treatment for several years, I chose to end my life in Aokigahara. Many children like me do this every year...]
The ghost girl said with a bitter smile.
She was certainly not someone who despised life or had a weak will, but the damage to her body and mind, coupled with prolonged isolation from the world, meant that under painful torment, she ultimately failed to persevere until the end.
The most terrifying thing is that this genius manufacturing factory continues to operate at full capacity, naturally producing many unparalleled geniuses, but behind it lies mountains of corpses and utter darkness.
This was simply a tragic continuation of another linking the fire world. This world was obsessed with geniuses, and to create them, it constantly extracted the souls belonging to humanity.
"...Classmate, what do you wish for me to do for you?"
Chen Yao looked at this girl, who should have been naturally cheerful, and also looked at this pitiful soul, asking for her final wish.
[Ayanokoji-kun is a successful experiment who emerged from that white room. I know he succeeded, but he also escaped that white room... Classmate, I hope that when they find Ayanokoji-kun again, you will be able to protect him. I feel certain you can do it, after all, you... seem to have walked the same path of despair as us, yet you are full of humanity and brilliance.]
She directed an angelic smile toward Chen Yao and said.
"So you came to find me for your friend?"
On a dark highway, the white ghost and the person who resembled a tiny spark of fire gazed at each other amidst the hazy woods—a scene like a dream.
[...Mm, perhaps, I was in love with him.]
She said, smiling.
"...I agree to your exchange."
After a moment of silence, Chen Yao agreed to her wish.
[Thank you. Classmate, there isn't much I can help you with. In the near future, your friend will be shrouded in death, and you will eventually go to a place engulfed in a sea of fire to complete your salvation. The only way to break this is to act quickly; do not be lost. I cannot see what your final outcome will be, but please do not hesitate, because I can feel that deep within your soul, you are a precious person who saves the souls of others.]
The ghost girl informed Chen Yao of the future danger; it seemed like a difficult journey, but danger and opportunity always coexist.
"Finally, is there anything else you want to say to Ayanokoji?" Chen Yao asked.
[...Mm, no need. This is enough. Let him not know that I am gone. Let him believe that I escaped the White Room and am living happily in some corner of the world. In a sense, I suppose I am, now. Once I have no lingering attachment, I will leave this place.]
[Thank you, unknown Classmate. I dare not ask your name because I cannot tell you mine, but you are very gentle. I will always bless you with eternal happiness.]
The girl's figure became increasingly faint, her smile gradually blurred, and finally, she slowly vanished before Chen Yao.
Perhaps no one would have guessed that a girl Ayanokoji knew remained here in Aokigahara.
The girl's light guided the pitch-black road, leading Chen Yao to find the missing Sudo Ken.
Like the sound of the wind rushing into his body, Chen Yao felt his body was entrusted with a power of life. He fell silent; this was a small gift the girl had given him.
A sense of melancholy arose in his heart; he no longer needed such gifts from others. At the end of the long darkness, friends who could no longer continue would always leave him a gift: ashes, souls preserving sanity, weapons, etc. But it was precisely the encouragement and support of his friends that allowed him to feel hope and warmth in the cold world, integrating into his very soul. As the flames on his armor dissipated, he was Chen Yao, the one pursuing new life... Meanwhile, on the road, as Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, walking through the dark world, was still searching for Sudo Ken, a warm breeze suddenly blew, as if someone gently grasped his hand. He froze, turned his head to look, but saw nothing in the darkness.
"..."
Yet that indescribable sense of familiarity brought an unknown feeling of nostalgia to his cold heart.
~·~·~·~·~·~·~
Sudo Ken, who had been searching for the way back along the roadside, was already feeling the cold of the mountains. Just as he thought he would have to wait until dawn to return to the campsite, a cell phone light caught his attention.
"Ah... that's great! Hello, someone here needs help!"
Upon seeing it, Sudo Ken excitedly waved his hands for help. He immediately ran toward the cell phone light, but when he reached the source, he clearly saw the face of the person looking for him: it was Chen Yao, his "love rival."
His smile instantly vanished, leaving only silence and awkwardness.
"Sudo-kun, are you alright?"
Chen Yao stepped forward and asked happily.
"Uh... I'm fine, Senior Chen. Did you specifically come out to look for me?" Sudo Ken asked after a moment of hesitation.
Chen Yao nodded and said, "Your older cousin realized you were missing, so he immediately notified us. Everyone in the campsite organized a search for you."
Sudo Ken felt quite touched, and his expression was like that of a confused young man who had done something wrong. He scratched his scalp and said, "Sorry, I couldn't remember the way back while I was walking, and I ended up getting lost. I didn't bring my phone either."
"In any case, it's good that you're safe. I'll let everyone know."
Chen Yao said this, then checked his phone signal, finding none here. He had only found this place under the ghost girl's guidance. In this ominous Aokigahara Forest, it seemed there was indeed a force that interfered with human cognitive direction and electronic signals. They couldn't stay here long.
"We can't stay here long. Let's head back first."
Chen Yao turned his head and said to Sudo Ken.
After Sudo Ken nodded, the two began walking back. Relying on sticker markers, they quickly walked out of the darkness to a place with a signal. Only then did they inform everyone, including Horikita Manabu, via phone that Sudo-kun had been found. Joy and cheers erupted from the campsite.
"That path was really complicated. Senior, how did you manage to find me..."
Sudo Ken followed him out, feeling a bit incredulous, and asked curiously.
"A female tourist told me she saw you heading that way. You should thank her."
Chen Yao stood on the uphill path, turned his head, and said with a smile.
"Yes, but why didn't I see her...?"
Sudo Ken was still a bit puzzled. However, he inadvertently turned his head and saw the hillside where they stood. Below, in the distance, was the town of Yamanashi Prefecture, brightly lit, a scene of such exquisite beauty.
He was stunned for a long while. Why hadn't he seen such a captivating view when he was going downhill earlier...? "..."
Sudo Ken put his hands in his pockets, silent for a moment. In the suddenly clear expanse, he confessed his thoughts: "Senior Chen, I have something to tell you... Actually, I have feelings for Horikita-san. Playing basketball with you was also because I was jealous of how close you were to Horikita."
"I know, and not just me, everyone probably knows..." Chen Yao was taken aback. He hadn't expected Sudo Ken to say this, so he told him the truth.
"Then I'm not an idiot...? But I really am an idiot. Studying isn't my strong suit, and neither is romance... Only sports are my source of pride, but even then, there are geniuses better than me. I was really about to explode with anger back then."
The geniuses Sudo Ken referred to were Kouenji and Senior Chen Yao. But he didn't deny himself; he just disliked losing.
"Strength comes in many forms, and a certain kind of strength is indeed a striking advantage, but it doesn't mean that those weaker than a genius are destined to achieve less. I've met many people stronger than me, but in our contests, I ultimately won, relying on courage and perseverance. You don't need to constantly compare yourself to others."
Chen Yao looked at Sudo Ken and advised him.
"Haha... At first, I also heard that Senior Chen Yao was a very open-minded senior, and smart people know a lot of truths. But someone even stronger than Senior Chen Yao... Please, don't shatter my self-esteem."
Sudo Ken smiled bitterly.
"Senior, I admit I still don't understand Horikita very well, but I have a feeling she's actually someone who lacks a sense of security. Her strong-willed and cold personality is her weapon. At first, I didn't see it clearly and even clashed with her..."
Sudo Ken looked at Chen Yao seriously and said, "She should be like me, lacking someone to tell her what to do. That person must be as strong as President Horikita, yet unlike President Horikita, not skilled in ruthlessness and schemes. I won't let Horikita worry anymore; it's not good for her to be troubled all the time... But can I ask you something, Senior Chen?"
He asked with a smile, yet a hint of reluctance: "At least when she feels lost and helpless, will you help her? Can you do that? Only then will I be at ease."
For some reason tonight, a bunch of people asked him to protect others, which made Chen Yao a bit troubled. It wasn't that he refused, but the number of people to protect was getting a bit overwhelming.
"That's fine, I promise you. You should also try to control your impulsive nature a bit more."
Chen Yao agreed. He could still manage that much.
"Ah."
Sudo Ken showed a somewhat regretful smile. Although he chose to respect Horikita's wishes, the taste of this heartbreak was truly bitter... After the two returned to the campsite, the police had already arrived. When everyone saw Sudo Ken return safe and sound, apart from his dirty clothes, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"I'm sorry, truly very sorry for causing everyone trouble!"
Sudo Kyoichi pressed Sudo Ken's head down, and the two bowed together to apologize. The police officer who arrived thought that finding the person was the most important thing, and Horikita Manabu and Shima Rin, among others, were all in a pleasant mood since the incident ended without major harm.
"I'm sorry, it was too dark, so I accidentally got lost when I walked too far during my stroll. But thanks to Senior Chen Yao, I found my way out. And Ayanokoji-kun and President Horikita, as well as everyone's cooperative help, I'm truly grateful..."
Sudo Ken awkwardly rubbed the back of his head and said to everyone.
"Alright, the most important thing is that no accidents occurred. Chen Yao, thank you very much for saving a Classmate from my school. And Classmate Shima, I will personally express my gratitude to your principal. Thank you very much."
Horikita Manabu, as the Student Council President, bowed to the two students from outside his school to express his thanks.
"No, I didn't help much... but it's good that everyone is safe."
Shima Rin said with a smile.
"You're too kind." Chen Yao also nodded, but he felt that with problems occurring one after another like this, his manga research trip was truly in danger.
"Classmate Sudo, it's really good that you're okay."
Horikita Suzune showed a joyful smile upon seeing Sudo Ken return safely and said.
Sudo Ken said with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, Horikita, for making you worry."
Amidst the commotion, Horikita Suzune stepped back slightly behind the crowd, finally letting out a sigh of relief. Immediately, she couldn't help but glance at Senior Chen Yao again. She had to admit, if the deserted island exam made her start to respect this senior, now she almost felt that he had a sense of being able to do anything.
"Admiration? Don't admire him, because admiration is the furthest distance."
But it was precisely her expression as she looked at Chen Yao that Sakayanagi Arisu saw. She showed a meaningful smile and teased.
"...I don't know what you're talking about." Horikita Suzune paused, a faint blush visible on her pale face under the streetlights, and she said with a stern expression.
Sakayanagi Arisu still wore a mocking smile, but soon, looking at Horikita Suzune's long black hair, it gradually reminded her of someone. She was actually very clear that she and Horikita Suzune were at most junior Classmates to Senior Chen Yao; the one who could truly influence Senior Chen Yao was that girl with the same long black hair... ~·~·~·~·~·
Chiba Prefecture, an ordinary yet not peaceful plain city.
A petite girl in a black cloak stood quietly in a specialty store, accompanied by many elementary school boys and girls, as well as middle and high school students. They were all there for a particular item.
"Sophie, you can do it. In countless battles, you've always been invincible. In this most important battle, you can do it too..."
Like a boxer in a ring, Sophie Twilight closed her eyes and meditated under the pale ring lights, awaiting the sound of the bell.
Today was the limited release day for the latest collector's edition popular character Zashiki-warashi figurine from 'kura kura of haruta street'. She had been waiting here for an hour, and there were an estimated hundred-plus fans vying for it, but she stood in an advantageous front-row position.
Victory or defeat hinged on this!
[Ding ding ding!]
As ten o'clock at night arrived, the sales bell began to ring, and the salesperson shouted: "Sales starting now, please be careful not to cause a stampede..."
Rumble! A group of elementary school students surged into the store aggressively, tearing and pushing constantly. The scene became chaotic. Children snatching things were more ferocious than adults. Sophie was elbowed in the abdomen by a Little girl on her left, then punched in the face by a little boy on her right. She painfully pushed forward, but just as she was about to reach the shelf, the fifty limited-edition figurines were already sold out.
"This is impossible!"
Sophie was completely petrified.
Her complete collection of figurines was only missing the Zashiki-imouto-chan.
[Ding ding ding!!]
"The limited-edition Zashiki-warashi collector's figurines are sold out! Thank you for your support, thank you!"
Accompanied by the ringing of the bell, Sophie was beaten to her knees by the children. As other children wailed, she, like a defeated boxer, thought this was a nightmare.
Walking out of the store dejectedly, she inadvertently bumped into a tall man, which made her pause slightly.
"Long time no see, Sophie, my precious daughter. Are you happy to see your father?"