RosyMiranto18: You know wacky ass substories are going to happen when Like A Dragon is involved. I mean "asspulls" at the beginning are only considered asspulls until further explanation comes forward, ain't it? And funnily enough, this chapter delves into a bit of the Yakuza System... I really do mean A BIT. As someone who only played Kai, but quite translating halfway, I can say I do not know much except for the obvious scenes and understanding context clues lmfao. Hope to read more reviews and hear you enjoying the fic.
Guest: Thanks.
UoDuh: Thanks. Speaking of elections... let me know your thoughts for this chapter-
After finishing dinner with Hikaru, Kress felt the usual weight of the day lifted off his shoulders. It had been an uneventful meal by their standards, mostly quiet, though Hikaru had commented on how his appetite seemed to have improved lately. The fight with those delinquents from earlier likely contributed to his hunger.
Back in his room, Kress closed the door behind him and sat down on the edge of his bed, staring at the wall for a moment before letting out a sigh. It was about time he got some answers—real answers.
"All right, System. While I am grateful for your help in the fight, I need to know what's really going on." He sighed. "Why am I here? Why was I thrown into this world… into Keisuke Hibiki's life?"
The blue holographic interface of the Yakuza System blinked into view in front of him, the familiar mechanical voice resonating in his mind.
[You have been brought to this world for a specific purpose, Young Master. Your journey is tied to a unique role that only you can fulfill in Zemuria.]
His eye twitched, "A role only a nameless mob can fulfill, huh? At least tell me what it is!"
[The details of your purpose will become clearer as you progress.]
[Your current objectives and the challenges you face are meant to prepare you for what's ahead. You will need to gain power and allies to face your future trials.]
Wow, talk about useless. Was it intentionally vague, or it couldn't clear things up?
Another sigh came out of him.
"Can I at least have a hint? I can't just act without knowing where to start if you're that vague with me." The transmigrator reasoned.
The Yakuza System took a moment of silence before another interface popped up.
[Familiarize yourself with the affairs of the Hibiki Clan. That is the only hint I am allowed to give you.]
Brown hues sharpened as the young man digested the System's words. Now that he thought about it, even the original Keisuke Hibiki doesn't know much about his own clan and family's schtick. Closing his eyes, he tried to recall the memories he received upon transmigrating.
The major memories consisted of Keisuke's mother dying after childbirth, a lonely childhood back in the main estate of the Hibiki Clan, meeting Hikaru for the first time as his caretaker at the age of eleven, and being sent away to study at Aramis Academy.
What the transmigrator pieced together was... the original Keisuke "Kress" Hibiki was ostracized and abandoned by his own father, not even bothering to interact with his son after his wife died.
Kress would have laughed about getting the life of a typical fantasy manhwa or web novel protagonist, but the recollection only left a bitter feeling in his chest. It didn't help how it felt like the original was purposely left in the dark regarding the clan's affairs and business in Zemuria.
He supposed he would need to start investigating his own clan during his free time.
"Fine, then. How exactly is this Yakuza System supposed to help me? And what's the deal with these Yakuza Points and Reputation?"
The interface shimmered, and new prompts appeared before his eyes.
[Yakuza Points are the currency of the System, earned through various activities such as completing missions, finishing substories, defeating opponents, or achieving objectives. They can be used to unlock skills, purchase items in the Yakuza System Shop, enhance existing skills, and other useful perks you can use in your daily life.]
[Reputation reflects your standing within the world. It is influenced by your actions and the perception others have of you. A higher Reputation may open doors to new opportunities, while a negative reputation could attract unwanted attention or hostility from other factions in the underworld of society.]
[Your choices will shape how you are viewed by others—whether as a feared figure, a respected leader, or something else entirely.]
"So, the more Yakuza Points I get, the stronger I can become... and the more I build up my Reputation, the more it affects how people react to me?"
[Correct. As you grow in power and influence, new possibilities will emerge. Continue to pursue your objectives, Young Master, and the path before you will unfold in time.]
He leaned back on the bed, still processing the information. It wasn't a perfect answer, but it gave him something to work with. If he was stuck in this world with the System guiding him, then he'd have to play along until he figured out the bigger picture.
"Wait. One last question... Can I return back to my own world if I complete whatever role I have to fulfill in this world?"
[...]
[Transporting your soul to your original world is beyond the capabilities of the Yakuza System. I am sorry, Young Master.]
Well, that's its answer. A bittersweet smile spread across his face, shrugging.
"I see."
His sharp brown hues stared at the ceiling as his mind drifted to his past life.
It wasn't a remarkable life, but it was one that he enjoyed. He did decently well in academics and made close friends during his time in high school.
He wondered what they were doing now...
Then, he recalled the face of his late father— his sole family before he had passed during his second year at high school.
He worked tirelessly every day to prepare the money to send his boy to college. His hard-working and earnest nature would become his downfall— resulting in his death due to overworking and exhaustion.
...Kress wished he could have seen him graduate.
A hollow chuckle would erupt from his chest.
No, it would have been better if he didn't, else he would have to see his own son die and somehow transmigrate into some fantasy world.
Yeah...
...Perhaps it was better that way.
Recalling such precious memories, emotional fatigue hit him hard, and his eyelids finally came to shut.
The following days at Aramis Academy were almost uneventful, a welcome change from the chaos that happened yesterday. He kept his head down, attending classes and going through the motions without drawing much attention. There were no confrontations, no run-ins with Ronald and his cronies, and the day passed with a certain calm that bordered on boring.
Yet, despite the absence of trouble, the rumor mill was still alive and well. This time, the whispers didn't involve him directly but seemed to focus on Renne. As Kress made his way from one class to another, he kept overhearing bits and pieces of conversations from the students around him.
"Did you hear about what happened with Renne yesterday morning?"
"Huh? What is it?"
"Apparently, a portion of the fencing on the rooftop fell right in her direction."
"Oh, that! Yeah, but she didn't even look scared!"
"Mhm. She just used an art to stop it in mid-air like it was nothing. Can you believe that?"
Kress didn't react outwardly, but his curiosity was piqued. He continued down the hallway, listening as more students exchanged stories.
"And then, during lunch, she almost tripped down the staircase! But somehow, she caught herself and even managed to help another student who actually did the trip. It's like she's got the reflexes of a cat."
"You think someone pushed them?"
"Now that you say that..."
The more Kress listened, the more it seemed like Renne had become a magnet for strange situations lately. If he didn't know better, he'd think she was cursed or something, but that didn't seem like her style.
But what made him come to a different conclusion would be from his last class of the day, and one Renne Bright was a part of.
He grabbed the necessary textbooks from his back, and his eyes narrowed. Each page was glued with a little too much adhesive, even being delicate won't make them part unscathed. His ears picked up on the snickering in the corner, and he saw Ronald and his cronies were snickering and grinning to themselves.
But it seemed he wasn't only the source of their twisted joy. Renne's textbooks were in the same state.
Ah.
Of course...
Typical harassment strategies. The brat was more pathetic than he initially thought.
The transmigrator wondered why it had been too peaceful.
So, they decided to strike to squish two "pests" at the same time, huh?
Their instructor took notice of their closed textbooks and frowned slightly.
"Ms. Bright, please read the next paragraph aloud for us."
Ronald and his friends were squealing and giggling in delight. Kress almost lunged himself at them for their lack of shame but resisted. He wasn't worried about Renne.
Why would he?
She was the most intelligent girl in this entire school.
Why she decided to keep a low profile (which she's failing at) was not his concern.
To everyone's surprise except his own, Renne complied and recited the selected paragraph word for word, all while her textbooks were closed.
'She really is a genius.' Kress mused as the rest of their classmates stared at her in shock, Ronald and his entourage included.
The instructor fixed his glasses, still basking in disbelief. "D-Did you memorize the entire book?"
"But of course. As a student of Aramis Academy, I would not dare to compromise in preparing for my lessons."
Her response was graceful and polite, earning sighs and coos of admiration from both her instructors and classmates. It was only Ronald and his people who groaned and gritted their teeth at her.
Their misery only lasted for a moment.
The instructor cleared their throat, gaze landing on Kress. "Mr. Hibiki, please read the next paragraph if you would."
A malicious smirk grew on Ronald and his cronies' faces as they turned their attention to Kress, whispering and murmurs quickly filling the classroom.
The dyed blonde bit his inner cheek. That punk thought he could mess with him? Oh, he'll prove him wrong.
'Is there any way you can help me out, System?'
[Of course, Young Master! For varying amounts of Yakuza Points, I can assist you in your daily and mundane tasks!]
-Spend 50 YP for Daily Assistance-
YES/NO
Kress currently had a hundred Yakuza Points that came from beating up the delinquents from last time. He was going to lose half of his currency if he chose to use the Yakuza System's Daily Assistance.
Would he do it just so he could mess with Ronald's plans?
Absolutely.
[Daily Assistance Activated. Beginning text recitation.]
A new interface window containing the paragraph popped up in his field of view as he smiled and got up.
"Of course."
The transmigrator began to recite the paragraph. The words flowed effortlessly from his mouth, each sentence delivered with a tone that almost made it sound like he was giving a speech rather than reading from a textbook. He could practically feel the weight of Ronald's glare on his back, but Kress didn't let it faze him.
The jaw of his instructor and peers dropped as he spoke with perfect accuracy without his textbook as well. To them, they thought he had memorized the whole textbook just like Renne.
Speaking of Renne, surprise shone in her golden eyes before an amused smile appeared on her face.
When he finished, the instructor looked impressed. "Well done, Mr. Hibiki. I didn't realize you had memorized your textbook as well. Keep it up."
"Sure."
Kress gave a slight nod and sat back down, his expression calm even though he felt a sense of triumph rising within him.
The look on Ronald's face was priceless—a mixture of disbelief and frustration. The punk and his cronies were whispering angrily to one another, their plans to humiliate him having completely backfired.
Unable to help himself, he met their furious stares and smirked as though mocking them for their failure.
If looks could kill, he would have already been six feet under.
He glanced over at Renne, who caught his eye for a moment. Her gaze was as composed as ever, but there was a glint of something like amusement in her golden eyes. She gave him a subtle nod of acknowledgment before returning her attention to the instructor's next words.
The rest of the class proceeded without incident, and by the time the final bell rang, Kress felt a bit of the tension from the day drain away. He gathered his things and made his way out of the classroom, content to leave the chaos of Ronald's antics behind him.
...
Over the following days, Ronald's harassment didn't let up—in fact, it seemed to intensify. His efforts were now directed not only at Renne but also at Kress, as if determined to drag them both down. Ronald and his cronies continued to come up with various schemes, from sabotaging class materials to setting up "accidental" incidents in the hallways. It was as if they were throwing every trick they had to see what would stick.
Despite the escalating efforts, Kress and Renne consistently found ways to turn the situations to their advantage. Kress's responses were often more direct and blunter. Renne, on the other hand, handled each incident with remarkable poise and an almost theatrical elegance.
Her popularity seemed to rise with every harassment attempt employed. Kress's didn't, but he was content as long as he kept messing up Ronald's plans to humiliate him.
Kress had to admit, Renne had a talent for turning even the most petty forms of harassment into opportunities to shine.
It wasn't just that she escaped unscathed—it was the way she made each encounter look effortless, like she was playing along in some grand performance that Ronald didn't realize he was a part of.
It was honestly hilarious to see that punk turn red whenever his plans failed miserably.
Before the transmigrator knew it, classes finally came to an end for the day.
The dyed blonde started making his way home when he took notice of Renne being steering away from the direction of the female dormitory and heading behind the school building.
Well, it was none of his business... until the System made it so.
-MISSION ADDED-
[Espionage and Escort 101!]
Tail Renne Bright and secure her safety!
Rewards: 250 Yakuza Points, 1 Junior Weapon Pack, Medium Reputation Increase
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me..."
He groaned and reluctantly decided to follow, making sure to keep a reasonable distance.
As he rounded the corner, the sight before him confirmed his suspicions. Renne was standing in a secluded area behind the school, surrounded by Ronald and his cronies. The gentleman facade on Ronald's face was gone, replaced by a sneer that spoke volumes of his true character.
"Well, well, Ms. Bright," Ronald began, his tone dripping with venom. "I'm glad you decided to show up. I've had enough of seeing you strut around like you own the place."
"If you wanted to talk, there are better ways to do it than calling me out to a place like this," Renne crossed her arms, quirking a brow. "Or do you prefer sneaking around in shadows?"
"Don't play innocent!" He sneered. "You've been an eyesore from the moment you started showing off in every class. You think I haven't noticed how you've been trying to make me look bad?"
"Make you look bad?" She repeated with a tilt of her head, her tone carrying a faint trace of amusement. "If your reputation has been suffering, you've no one to blame but yourself. I was content with having a quiet, peaceful school life, but you kept pushing me. You're the one who forced me to defend myself and stand out."
"Don't act like you're some victim here! Every time you play the clever little genius, every time you thwart my plans, it just makes me look worse! This is my academy, my status at stake, and you keep ruining everything! You're ruining my chances to be the student council president!"
Kress could hardly believe what he was hearing. It was almost laughable how Ronald's self-importance dripped from every word. The guy was furious because Renne had the audacity to outperform him and escape his petty attempts at sabotage.
And now here he was, confronting her in some back-alley manner like he was in some cheap crime drama.
Contrary to the seething Ronald, Renne remained composed as if this whole encounter was nothing more than an inconvenience.
"Your academy?" She almost scoffed at his remark. "If you're so concerned about your status, perhaps you should try improving yourself instead of wasting time harassing others."
Ronald Griffith grounded his pearl whites against each other before he took a deep breath.
"I don't care what you say! Frankly, this has gone on long enough. So... I'm going to have to ask you to step off the stage for a while."
"What do you mean?"
Her curious brow allowed the teen to regain more of his composure.
"Oh, I meant something very simple. You just won't come to school until the election is over."
"And if I refuse?"
In response, his cronies took a step forward and cracked their knuckles.
Kress continued to observe. He knew of Renne's capabilities, so he wasn't worried about her safety. But since the Yakuza System provided him with such a mission, it meant he would be forced to act soon enough.
"Refusing is not an option, I'm afraid. If you aren't going to oblige me willingly..." A smirk crossed his face. "We just have to make it so you can't come to school for a while."
Unfazed, Renne narrowed her eyes slightly, "Well, that's no good. I think we both know that would constitute a grave violation of the school rules."
"No one's watching a place like this— and even if someone did happen to see, my father is a politician. He can make it go away. If they don't willingly choose to ignore what they saw in deference to my position, that is. Everyone at this academy seems to already know their place, you see... Everyone except you."
So that's how it is. The spoiled punk was the son of a person in power. That was where his arrogance and self-entitlement came from. Now, Kress really, really wanted to beat him up for his nonsense.
But just as Ronald's cronies were about to take action, a girl's shout took away all their attention.
"Stop this at once!"
"And who are you?"
Kress's eyes widened at the approaching figure from the school building. It was the blonde-haired first year he saved last time!
Nervousness was apparent in her shaking figure, but she still stood her ground, standing protectively at Renne, catching her by surprise.
"I didn't mean to listen in, but I couldn't help but overhear what was happening here," She stated firmly despite her slight tremble. "You can't go through with this! What you're doing is wrong!"
"Is it, now?" His cruel smile widened. "Well, how fortunate for me that I have you to show me the error of my ways! Renne can wait. You're a first-year, I assume? I'm going to need to give you a lesson and just how right and wrong works in society."
With a snap of his fingers, his lackeys shifted their attention to their new target.
-MISSION CONDITIONS CHANGED-
Secure Renne Bright's and the blonde-haired girl's safety!
That was his cue.
Without wasting any more time, he sprinted forward and launched himself at the nearest of Ronald's lackeys with a powerful drop kick. The impact sent the guy sprawling onto the ground, and the sudden appearance of Kress caught everyone off guard.
"Sorry I'm late to the party," Kress said, quickly getting back on his feet as the other thugs turned toward him in surprise. "But it looks like I showed up just in time."
"Hibiki?"
"Senior?!"
Renne and the first year were surprised at his intervention, the latter more than the former.
"Hibiki, you meddling piece of—!"
Ronald didn't get a chance to finish as Kress threw a punch toward another lackey who tried to charge at him. The blow connected squarely with the boy's jaw, sending him stumbling backward.
Seeing Kress take out two of their own ignited the anger in the remaining lackeys, and the small group closed in on him. The transmigrator simply smirked as an oppressive pressure washed over the remaining cronies, forcing them to step back from the dyed blonde.
[Menacing Aura has been activated!]
That was only the opening he needed. His stance shifted instinctively into Thug Style, closing the distance between him and one of the lackeys as he gave a swift punch to the face.
The scene quickly descended into chaos, with Kress trading blows with Ronald's cronies while the blonde-haired first-year and Renne watched from the sidelines. Kress was able to hold his ground, but he hadn't expected their numbers to pressure him.
Sure, Menacing Aura made them hesitate, but it was only for a few seconds. Kress wasn't strong enough to completely drain their resolve to fight.
He would soon start engaging against two attackers at once. Just as he prepared to look for a nearby weapon he could use, Renne's voice stopped them all.
"That's enough," she said sharply, and there was a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Her calm yet authoritative tone made everyone pause, including Kress. "I'll do it."
"What?!"
Renne's expression remained composed as she met Kress's gaze briefly before looking back at Ronald.
"I'll step away from the academy for a while," Her gaze turned stern. "Only if it will make you leave these two alone, then I'll comply."
"Renne, you don't have to—"
"It's fine," she interrupted, her voice soft but firm. She glanced at the blonde first-year, who was staring at her with wide eyes, and gave her a reassuring nod. "This isn't worth causing a bigger scene over."
Ronald's smirk returned, triumph gleaming in his eyes.
"Wise decision, Renne Bright. I knew you would see reason."
Reluctantly, Kress lowered his fists and took a step back. Although he didn't like the outcome, Renne must have her reasons.
Ronald chuckled as he adjusted his uniform, clearly satisfied with the outcome. "Well, it looks like this has been resolved nicely, hasn't it? Come along, everyone."
After his cronies recovered and got up, they walked away and left.
Kress reined in his instincts that were screaming at him to charge forward and knock that smug grin off Ronald's face, but he held back. For now, he turned to the first-year girl."
"You okay?"
"I-I'm fine, but..." Her big blues turned to Renne. "Why did you agree...?"
"The experience of studying abroad has been rather tiring for me, so maybe I do need some rest." The purplette showed a smile, offering a comforting rub to her shoulder when she saw the concern in her eyes. "I really am all right. You're very kind to worry."
"O-Okay..."
Kress took a deep breath, suppressing his frustration at the sudden turn of events. Whatever Renne's reasons were, they didn't sit well with him. Still, it wasn't the time to confront her about it, not with the blonde first-year still visibly shaken.
He glanced between the two girls and spoke up. "I'll escort you both back to your dorms, just in case Ronald and his goons decide to come back. Let's not take any chances."
"Th-Thank you, Senior..."
"That's very thoughtful of you, Hibiki. I'll gladly accept your offer."
With that, they made their way out from behind the school building. Kress took the lead, keeping a careful eye on their surroundings while the two girls followed closely behind. On-lookers began to whisper. It was impossible not to, especially when seeing such a trio.
The blonde first-year, who had been quiet during most of the walk, finally spoke up as they approached the dormitory entrance.
"I-I'm Agnes, by the way... Agnes Claudel." The blonde introduced herself. "I hadn't introduced myself when you stepped in to save me from those second-years, Senior Hibiki. And thank you again for stepping in earlier."
"Don't mention it. It was the least I could do," He smiled wryly. "I'm Keisuke Hibiki... But you probably knew that already."
"A-Ahaha..."
"Just call me Kress." He sighed with an amused headshake. "Anyway, you did a pretty brave thing, standing up to Ronald Griffith like that."
Agnes's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked down at the ground. "I-I just couldn't stay quiet... it didn't feel right."
"You did the right thing," Renne chimed in, her voice warm. "It's not easy to speak up when things are unfair. You showed a lot of courage."
The compliment seemed to put Agnes at ease, and she gave a small, grateful nod before heading into the dormitory. Kress watched her go, waiting until the doors closed behind her before turning his attention to Renne.
"Alright," he said, his voice low as they began walking toward Renne's dorm. "Mind telling me what that was all about? You're not the type to back down, so why did you just give in like that?"
"I had my reasons," Renne's expression didn't change as she continued walking, her gaze fixed ahead. "It wasn't the right time to escalate things, and I wasn't about to risk Agnes getting hurt."
"But agreeing to Ronald's demands like that... you know he's not going to stop. He'll just see this as a victory."
Renne let out a soft sigh and finally turned her gaze toward him, her golden eyes meeting his with a mix of determination and something else—something deeper.
"Ronald may think he's won, but this isn't over," Her lips contorted into a sly grin. "For now, it's best to let him think he's in control."
The way she spoke, there was a calm certainty in her voice that Kress had expected. With an amused sigh, the transmigrator shrugged his shoulders.
"If you say so."
"I know so, Keisuke."
"If you're not going to call me Hibiki anymore, then just call me Kress..."
"Oh, I don't think we're close enough for nicknames yet." She winked as Kress rolled his eyes.
They soon arrived at the entrance to her dormitory. Renne turned to him and gave a polite nod.
"See you tomorrow," The former Enforcer said softly. "And don't worry too much. I have things under control."
With that, Renne disappeared inside, leaving Kress standing there. Whatever she had planned, it would certainly cause trouble for Ronald. After all, the former Enforcer's intellect and cunningness were not something to be underestimated.
A familiar chime from the Yakuza System grabbed his attention.
-MISSION COMPLETE-
Rewards Obtained: 250 Yakuza Points, 1 Junior Weapon Pack, Medium Reputation Increase
[Would you like to open 1 Junior Weapon Pack now?]
Kress declined the choice prompt. He didn't wish to gather any more attention by having a weapon appear out of thin air.
He turned and began heading out of the campus where Hikaru waited in front of the entrance once more.
She offered a bow and greeted, "Good evening, Young Master. It seemed you had quite the eventful day today."
"Tell me about it..." The dyed blonde transmigrator groaned.
The two began their stroll back to their home, the familiar silence settling in. Kress would be the one to break the silence as he glanced at his caretaker.
"Hey, Hikaru?"
"Yes, Young Master?"
"Do you know anything about a politician with the surname Griffith?"
"Hmm... I believe there is a prominent congressional member with that name." Her steps came to a stop as she turned her head to Kress. "Why do you ask, Young Master?"
"His idiot of a son is taking advantage of his position to take control of the school and threatened one of my classmates."
Hikaru's eyes widened slightly at his words. The surprise was evident, though she quickly masked it with her usual calm demeanor.
"Young Master," she began, her voice steady, "this isn't the first time you've found yourself in a conflict, but your tone is... different. It sounds like you're genuinely concerned for your classmate's well-being."
Kress held back the urge to click his tongue. Must she really point that out? Next time, she might really suspect he's not her 'Young Master.'
"I just don't want someone like him getting his way after threatening the innocent."
"I see," Hikaru replied, a hint of amusement creeping into her voice as they resumed walking. "I didn't realize you had such a chivalrous side, Young Master."
"Chivalrous?" The dyed blonde transmigrator scoffed softly. "It's not like that. I just don't like people who abuse their power to push others around. Ronald Griffith's the kind of guy who deserves to get knocked down a peg or two."
"Even so, I must admit, you seem more invested in this than usual."
"I just don't like bullies. Besides, I've already gotten mixed up in it, so I might as well see it through." He eventually replied with a sigh. "Enough about this. Do we have any information network we could use to gather dirt on his father?"
"We do... However, Chairman Hibiki doesn't permit us access to it."
What...?
Was he really just a 'young master' in name? Kress knew his father didn't bother taking care of him, but this was ridiculous.
His frustration would be relieved from the next words that came out of Hikaru's lips.
"But we can head to the Blacklight District to see if we can find any blackmail material regarding Griffith."
"The Blacklight District?" He quirked a brow.
"It is the underbelly of Edith. It is known as the prime hub of the underworld of Calvard."
"The underworld, huh?" He chuckled, his voice laced with intrigue. "Sounds like the perfect place to start looking."
"Indeed, Young Master. The Blacklight District is a place where information, goods, and services of all kinds can be acquired... for a price. If there is any dirt to be found on Representative Griffith, someone there will know." "Good," Kress said, a determined glint in his eye. "Then let's head there as soon as possible. If Ronald's going to use his father's position to throw his weight around, then it's time to even the playing field."
"Very well," Hikaru agreed. "We can go tonight if you wish. I suggest you change out of your uniform, else rumors of an Aramis student visiting the Blacklight District start to surface."
"You got it."
As they approached the entrance of their apartment building, Hikaru glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
"A few preparations need to be done. Please take this time to get a bit of rest, Young Master. The Blacklight District is no place to be caught off guard."
He nodded, and they both went inside the building. Once they were in their apartment unit, Hikaru would immediately head to her room before Kress would do the same.
The dyed blonde wasn't sure how much rest he could actually get with everything weighing on his mind, but he would at least try to clear his head before the night's activities began. He supposed he could check out what that Junior Weapon Pack is all about.
[Would you like to open 1 Junior Weapon Pack?]
"Yeah. Let's do it."
A holographic present appeared right before his eyes, slowly twirling in the air before shining as the lid began to open. Kress's jaw dropped at the weapon that came out of the present.
"A-Are you for real!?"
The Blacklight District was not a place most people would willingly venture, let alone visit at night. Located in the underbelly of Edith, it was a world away from the city's bustling, vibrant streets and high-rise buildings.
The atmosphere felt heavier, tainted with the scent of smoke, alcohol, and something more sinister that lingered just out of reach. Dimly lit alleyways twisted and wound between old, crumbling buildings adorned with neon signs that flickered and buzzed, casting an eerie glow on the narrow streets below.
It was a district where secrets were traded, illegal deals were brokered, and those who operated outside the law thrived. The lines between right and wrong were blurred, and survival often meant doing whatever it took.
Kress and Hikaru entered through a special entrance she knew of, located in a quieter part of the neighboring district.
To avoid the rumors of an Aramis student exploring the underbelly of Edith, the dyed blonde transmigrator was dressed differently from his usual Aramis Academy uniform.
He wore a white shirt beneath a black leather jacket paired with dark jeans and sturdy boots. Instead of his usual unruly and careless hairstyle, Kress chose to slick it back, which (to Hikaru's amusement) made him more intimidating than he intended. The casual yet intimidating look suited him, allowing him to blend in more seamlessly with the kinds of people who frequented this part of the city.
"Welcome to the Blacklight District, Young Master," Hikaru said, her voice calm as ever. "Stay close, and keep your wits about you. There's no telling what kind of trouble may find us here."
Kress gave a low whistle as he took in his surroundings.
"So, this is what the underworld looks like... Feels like I just walked into a crime movie set."
"It is more than just a place for shady deals and illicit activities," Hikaru explained as they walked. "It is also a gathering spot for those seeking information. Information brokers, informants, and even former agents of intelligence organizations are known to operate here."
"So, it's a place where secrets are treated like currency," Kress observed, his gaze drifting over to a group of men huddled together near a bar entrance, whispering at each other. "Sounds like we'll fit right in."
Hikaru led the way through the winding streets, navigating the maze-like paths with the ease of someone who had traveled them many times before. The flickering neon lights painted the night in shades of red, blue, and purple, casting long shadows that seemed to dance and shift with every step they took.
Kress could feel the weight of countless eyes on them as they passed through the district.
Some curious, some wary, and others cold and calculating.
It was clear that the Blacklight District was a place where people knew how to mind their own business but also where they would not hesitate to exploit any sign of weakness.
As they turned a corner, Hikaru glanced back at him.
"Our first stop will be a gambling bar known as Beckson. It's a bar frequented by information brokers and those who deal in... less-than-legal transactions. If there's any dirt on Representative Griffith, someone there will know."
"Sounds like a good place to start," The transmigrator nodded, adjusting his jacket. "Let's see what kind of secrets we can dig up."
The Beckson gambling bar stood out amidst the dim, narrow street with its bright neon sign flashing above a booth and outdoor tables and chairs scattered in front of the establishment.
Kress followed Hikaru and took a seat at one of the free tables. As they settled in, a waitress approached them, her attire more suggestive than Kress had expected.
"What'll it be?"
"A couple of drinks," Hikaru answered coolly, "and any information you might have on Representative Griffith."
"Well, now, that's a name I don't hear tossed around here every day," She quirked a brow and smiled slyly, leaning a bit. "But information like that doesn't come cheap."
Kress, sensing an opportunity, leaned forward. "We're willing to pay for it," He said, his voice steady. "So why don't you tell us what you know, and we'll make it worth your while?"
"It's not just about the mira, sweetheart," she replied, her gaze shifting between Kress and Hikaru. "Asking about a politician—especially one as high up as Griffith—could ruffle some feathers. And around here, people like their feathers unruffled."
"Then maybe we can arrange for your feathers to stay nice and smooth," Kress said, his tone growing more confident. "Tell us where to start looking, and we'll keep your name out of it."
The waitress regarded him for a moment before sighing and slipping a piece of paper out of her pocket, sliding it across the table.
"There's a guy who goes by the name 'Bishop'—an information broker who operates in the Blacklight District. He's got his hands in just about everything, and if there's any dirt on Griffith, he'd be the one to have it."
Kress took the paper, which had an address scrawled on it, and nodded. "Thanks."
A few mira bills would be slid under the table, which the waitress gladly took with a smile.
"Just be careful, sweetheart," she said as she turned to walk away. "Bishop's not exactly the friendliest guy in the world."
He watched her go before turning to Hikaru. "So, what's the deal with this 'Bishop'?" The transmigrator whispered. "Sounds like he's our guy."
"Bishop is a well-known figure in the underworld. He deals in secrets and trades in information. But his loyalty is to the highest bidder, and he's not one to give anything away for free," Hikaru answered calmly. "If we're going to get what we need from him, we'll have to be prepared to negotiate."
"Guess we'd better go pay him a visit, then," Kress said, pocketing the slip of paper. "Let's see what kind of secrets Bishop is willing to sell."
The address led Kress and Hikaru deeper into the heart of the Blacklight District. The narrow alleyways grew darker, the neon lights dimmer, casting eerie shadows across the cracked pavement. The entrance was marked only by a dim red bulb above a thick wooden door, the faint sound of muffled conversation drifting from inside.
Hikaru knocked twice on the door in a distinct pattern. After a moment, a sliding panel in the door opened, revealing a pair of scrutinizing eyes.
"What do you want?" The voice behind the door growled.
"We're here to see Bishop," Hikaru replied calmly, holding the man's gaze. "We have business."
The panel slid shut, and there was the sound of several locks being undone before the door swung open.
"Fine, but keep your hands where I can see 'em," The doorman grunted, stepping aside to let them in.
Inside, the room was dimly lit, with thick cigarette smoke lingering in the air. Several men sat around tables in the corners, talking in hushed tones. At the back of the room was a desk piled with documents and maps, behind which sat a thin, middle-aged man with slicked-back hair and a pair of round glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
He looked up as they approached, his gaze sharp and calculating.
"Bishop, I presume?" Kress said, his voice steady.
"Indeed," The man replied, leaning back in his chair. "I hear you've been asking around about Representative Griffith. That's a name I don't hear too often. You must have a good reason for wanting information on him."
"We do," Hikaru answered, her tone even. "We're willing to pay for any dirt you have on him—financial records, political dealings, or anything else that could be of use."
"Hmm, I see. Well, information doesn't come cheap, especially when it concerns someone as prominent as Representative Griffith." He folded his hands in front of him, studying Kress and Hikaru closely. "But for the right price, I might be able to help you out."
The transmigrator took out a small sack of mira, tossing it on the table. Honestly, he wasn't sure how much mira Hikaru prepared, but it was enough that she assured him they wouldn't starve even if they gave this much.
"We can make it worth your while."
"Generous." Bishop glanced at the pouch, then back at Kress. But just as his fingers touched the sack, a cunning smile spread across his face. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid this transaction has become... complicated."
Before Kress could react, the sound of shuffling footsteps filled the room, and a group of rough-looking men emerged from the shadows, surrounding him and Hikaru. There were at least eight of them, all armed with clubs, knives, and brass knuckles.
The young master of the Hibiki Clan narrowed his eyes, clicking his tongue. "You set us up?"
You're sharp, kid. But information on a politician like Griffith is worth more than one sack of mira." Bishop chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a smug expression. "If you want what I know, you're gonna have to earn it."
"You son of a..."
His muttered curse was interrupted by a prompt from the Yakuza System, his lips spreading into a smirk.
-MISSION ADDED-
[Yakuza Showdown!]
Defeat Bishop's hired muscle and obtain the information on Representative Griffith!
Reward: 500 Yakuza Points, Thug Style Enhanced, Major Reputation Increase
The dyed blonde cracked his knuckles. "Fine. Have it your way. We'll beat the information out of you."
"You have chosen poorly to make an enemy out of us."
Ever calm, Hikaru stepped forward and brandished a pair of black twin scythes from under her skirt, connected by a long, chain-like cord. The twin blades gleamed in the dim light as she spun them effortlessly, the chain rattling with a deadly rhythm.
"So, that's your weapon, huh?" Kress chuckled nervously at the sight of the deadly weapons. He was aware of her status as his secret assassin, but the sight of her wielding those twin scythes definitely affirmed his thoughts of her. "Guess I shouldn't fight empty-handed either."
The dyed blonde transmigrator would take out his own weapon, the one that came from his Junior Weapon Pack.
The Indestructible Silver Baseball Bat.
With a smug grin, he taunted one of the thugs with his bat.
"Come and get some."
"You'll regret this!"
The first of the thugs lunged at Kress, swinging a club toward his head. Kress sidestepped and brought the bat down hard on the man's wrist, the sound of bone cracking echoing through the room. He didn't pause to let the thug recover, following up with a strike to the back of his knee, sending the man sprawling to the ground.
Hikaru moved with deadly grace, her twin scythes flashing through the air as she danced around her opponents. With a flick of her wrist, the blades sliced through the air, forcing the men back. She swung one scythe toward a thug's neck, forcing him to duck, only for the second scythe to loop around and cut through the strap of his knife holster, sending the weapon clattering to the ground.
"Behind you, Young Master!"
Noticing two men rush at both his sides, Kress gritted his teeth and swung the bat in a wide arc, catching one of the men in the ribs and sending him crashing into the wall. The other thug tried to take advantage of Kress's momentum to land a punch, but Kress quickly brought the bat up, blocking the blow before shoving the man back with a shoulder charge.
Kress's eyes darted around the room, spotting a stack of crates in the corner. He dashed over, grabbed one of the smaller crates, and hurled it at an approaching thug.
The crate smashed into the man's chest, knocking him to the ground, giving Kress just enough time to close the distance and bring the bat down on his shoulder.
The maid-dressed assassin used the chain of her scythes to disarm an opponent before tripping another with a swift kick. She spun the scythes, wrapping the chain around the neck of one of the men and pulling him off his feet before delivering a quick slash across his chest.
Bishop watched the scene unfold with a look of growing concern. His hired muscle was falling one by one, and it was clear that Kress and Hikaru were not the easy targets he had assumed.
"I should have known better than to trust amateurs," Bishop snarled, pulling out a revolver.
"Not so fast."
The black-haired girl flung her scythe before the chains coiled around his arm, the pressure causing his grip to loosen around his revolver. Kress lunged and smacked Bishop's chest with his bat, sending him flying across the room.
Bishop crashed into a pile of crates, his body slumping against the debris. His face twisted in pain and frustration as he tried to push himself up, only to find Kress and Hikaru looming over him.
"Still think this was a good idea?" Kress taunted, swinging his bat over his shoulder. "We could've handled this like civilized people, but you just had to make things difficult."
"You... don't know who you're messing with. I've got connections—powerful ones! You're making a big mistake."
"You keep talking about power, but all I see is a guy who just lost control of the situation." Kress crouched down before yanking him by the collar, sharp brown eyes boring holes at him. "Now, why don't you be a good informant and start talking?"
Kress was unsure what exactly the informant saw in his eyes, but recognition and fear flickering behind his black frames.
"Fine... fine!" Bishop growled, his voice ragged. "What do you want to know?"
"Tell us everything you've got on Representative Griffith—his shady deals, dirty secrets, anything we can use against him."
"T-There's a ledger in one of my drawers! It details some of his more... questionable transactions. Bribes, money laundering, payoffs to certain officials. It's the kind of evidence that could bring him down if it were to go public."
"Hikaru, watch over him."
"Yes, Young Master."
Releasing his grip on the man, Kress looked around for the drawers, checking each one before finding a pile of folders that screamed 'importance.' The transmigrator looked at each one thoroughly before he found the name Griffith' on one of them.
"Jackpot."
The dyed blonde glanced at the black-haired girl and nodded, making her release Bishop's arm from her chain's prison.
"If this folder is just a bunch of bullshit, we'll be back—and next time, I won't be in such a good mood."
"It's legit! I'm not stupid enough to double-cross you after this... mess."
"Good."
Kress and Hikaru turned to leave, walking away from the fallen broker and the scattered remains of his hired muscle.
As Kress and Hikaru disappeared through the door, Bishop slowly pulled himself up from the debris, clutching his ribs and wincing. He glared at the door, then let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head.
"Those damn eyes…" he muttered under his breath. "The same intensity, the same fire... Just like the Chairman."
The recognition dawned on him as he thought back to the cold and calculating gaze of Kress.
It was an expression that mirrored that of Chairman Hibiki, the head of the Hibiki Clan. Bishop had only seen it a few times during his dealings with the underworld's elite, but there was no mistaking the resemblance.
"So, that brat's his son..." he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and amusement. "Whoever said that he was powerless and unfit to lead is stupid. That confidence and charisma... It almost made me want to work for him."
Bishop glanced around the room, taking in the damage left behind by the scuffle.
His hired muscle lay groaning on the floor, some already dragging themselves up while others remained unconscious. It had been a complete rout—Kress and Hikaru had dispatched them with ease, and Bishop hadn't even had a chance to negotiate his way out of the mess.
"Looks like I'll need to rethink my business strategies," Bishop murmured to himself, rubbing his bruised shoulder. "If that kid's anything like his old man, the Blacklight District might have just gotten a lot more dangerous."
With a weary sigh, Bishop pulled himself up fully and began limping towards the door leading to the back room.
There were still connections to be made, deals to arrange, and contingencies to plan. If there was one thing he learned from his encounter with Kress, it was that the son of the Hibiki Clan's Chairman wasn't someone to be trifled with.
"Guess I'll be keeping an eye on you, Young Master."
Leaving through the door they came in earlier, Kress sighed in relief.
Despite a fight breaking out, it was a fruitful trip to the Blacklight District.
"I know going against a politician is difficult, but do you know anyone gutsy enough to release this?" The transmigrator waved the folder, gesturing to it.
"I do, actually."
"Wait, really—?"
"You were the one who asked, Young Master." A flat look was sent before her calm and stoic mask returned. "He is a reporter but also an information broker.
"Why didn't we go to him then?" Kress furrowed his brows, receiving a stoic frown from Hikaru.
"Because I had already asked if he had any info regarding Griffith, and he said he had nothing concrete." She answered, closing her eyes. "Besides, he can be quite selective with his clients, perhaps even more so than Bishop. He does have a knack for exposing the corrupt, though."
"Huh... Well, you don't see an information broker like that every day."
"Indeed." She nodded. "I can deliver the documents tonight. Please go back home and rest, Young Master."
Rubbing his neck, Kress chuckled sheepishly, handing her the folder. "All right. I know you can handle yourself, especially after watching you fight earlier."
"I was just doing my job."
With a curtsy, Hikaru took off while Kress returned back home, a smile slowly creeping onto his face.
Soon, both Griffiths were going to get their just deserts.
Since the day of the confrontation, Renne Bright kept her word and stopped coming to school, using illness as an excuse.
That didn't sit well with the transmigrator, but he didn't make a fuss, simply letting the days go by until the Student Council elections arrived.
He heard that the academy as a whole placed great importance on the autonomy of its students, and as such, the Student Council exercised an unusual amount of power. That piece of information made Ronald's scheming make sense but also affirmed Kress that the bastard really shouldn't be put in such a position of power.
Kress could hear the chuckles of Ronald and his entourage from the rest area. The son of the politician was just asking for a beating with that arrogant smirk on his face.
Eventually, the time for his speech came. He had to admit that the punk really was the son of a politician. Because if he was none the wiser, he would have probably bought into his bullshit.
"Now, if you could turn your eyes to the screen..."
Everyone turned their attention to the large screen behind him. As for Kress, he was mildly impressed at the advancement in technology at Calvard. It was almost like back in his previous world... Almost.
The video began, and Ronald and Kress's eyes shot wide for completely different reasons.
Instead of the video Ronald had prepared, the screen was playing a video of the son of the politician bribing and threatening his competitors.
Murmurs exploded into loud whispers, and Kress had to slap a hand over his mouth to hide his growing smile. Oh, this just screamed Renne.
Panicked, Ronald turned to the audience to quell the situation.
"Th-This is all forgery! Someone is attempting to frame me!"
"I'm afraid it is all genuine."
Kress's smile grew wider as Renne Bright made her entrance, her clear voice resounding in the auditorium.
She slowly got on stage, brushing her fingers through her hair and flipping it back.
"Bribing potential threats, blackmailing, threatening— even executing violence against others— and many other cases of bullying besides... You are guilty on every single count, Ronald Griffith!"
Seething, the teen snarled, "Damn it, Renne Bright! Must you insist on getting in my way at every turn!?"
"Me? You are the one getting in the way— of the fair running of the important election. Your countless crimes have made a mockery of the whole process.
She would turn her attention from the enraged teenager to the crowd of students as she listed his crimes while the video continued playing. Her voice, mixed with passionate anger, resonated among the student body as they glared at Ronald.
Kress smiled in satisfaction and glanced at the teen. He's so screwed.
"It brings me no joy to say this about a fellow student, but I'm afraid it must be said." She turned to Ronald, pointing at him with a glare. "Ronald Griffith, you do not deserve to even attend this prestigious academy, much less be the president of its Student Council!"
And the crowd quickly followed, rallying together to throw verbal flames at Ronald.
He felt like his whole world crumbled before his eyes. Sending a hateful glare at Renne, he sprinted off the auditorium.
After the heated event in the auditorium, Kress managed to slip away from the chaos and followed Renne down a quiet hallway. She had disappeared backstage almost immediately after her speech and now seemed to be headed somewhere away from the throng of students.
"Renne."
She stopped in her tracks and turned, her expression calm but with a trace of curiosity in her golden eyes.
"Keisuke," Her lips twitched a bit into a smile. "What brings you here?"
"I figured we should talk. That little stunt back there… You planned the whole thing, didn't you?"
"You could say that. Ronald dug his own grave, really. I just made sure everyone could see it for themselves."
Kress chuckled, shaking his head. "You really went all out. I have to admit, it was satisfying watching him squirm. But why didn't you tell me you were planning to pull something like that?"
"I needed it to be a surprise," she replied smoothly. "For the scheme to work, no one could know in advance. That way, Ronald wouldn't suspect a thing until it was too late."
"Fair enough," he said, sighing. "But you could've given me a heads-up before disappearing."
Renne's gaze softened slightly. "I apologize if my absence made things difficult for you, Keisuke. I didn't intend to cause you any worry. But it was necessary to lull him into—"
"You don't need to explain yourself." He raised a hand, smiling wryly. "I had a feeling you had things under control. I just wanted to be informed. My bad."
"That's understandable. I suppose it's also 'my bad' since you are quite involved with Ronald and me after your last intervention."
"I just hate his guts."
"So do I."
They shared a chuckle.
"But I've got to hand it to you—you really know how to make an entrance."
Her smile widened a little, amusement flickering in her eyes. "I'm glad you appreciated the show."
"So, what happens now? You've exposed him, but do you think that'll really be the end of it?" He glanced around, making sure no one was in earshot, before lowering his voice.
"It's not," Renne said, her expression growing serious. "I've sent evidence of his misdeeds to the academy's disciplinary committee. It should be enough to disqualify him from the election and expel him."
"Good," Kress replied, nodding in approval. "The guy deserves whatever's coming to him."
There was a moment of silence, then Renne tilted her head slightly, studying him.
"You went through a lot of trouble on my behalf, didn't you?"
"I just don't like bullies." He shrugged. "And besides, I had a feeling you weren't done with him."
Renne studied for a moment longer; the faintest hint of gratitude crossed her features.
"You truly act differently from your reputation, Keisuke."
"Bringing that up again? I told you I—"
"Thank you." She interrupted him with a smile. "I appreciate your support… even if I didn't ask for it."
Kress stared at the sight before he shook his head.
"Just make sure you're around to make it worth my while next time. You're probably the only one I could talk to here without wanting to run away."
Renne raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Is that your way of asking for my company?"
"Think whatever you want," He turned around to leave. "Later."
As the transmigrator walked away, he could feel Renne's gaze lingering on him.
The streets of Edith were quiet now that dusk had settled in. The student council election had ended in chaos, with Ronald's downfall drawing the curtains on the day's events. Kress found himself walking alongside Renne, who had accepted his offer to accompany her back to her dorm.
The stares were bothersome as usual, and rumors were likely to rise, but he didn't care at the moment.
As they walked, he noticed a subtle shift in her demeanor.
The usually poised and composed Renne seemed more relaxed than usual, her stride leisurely as they neared a small park. The entrance was marked by a rusty old gate, and the surrounding area was eerily silent.
"Why the detour?"
"I thought we could take a little break. It's a nice time for a walk, don't you think?"
Just as Kress was about to press her further, he noticed movement in the shadows.
Ronald stepped out, his face contorted with rage. Behind him stood a sizable group of rough-looking men—likely members of a local gang, given their matching bandanas and the assortment of weapons they carried.
"Well, well, well," Ronald sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "You didn't think you'd get away with this, did you, Renne Bright? You've ruined everything!"
Kress stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. "What's this all about, Ronald? You lost fair and square. Get over it."
"Fair and square?" Ronald snapped, his voice trembling with fury. "You think this was fair? That video, the evidence—it was all a setup! My future was supposed to be dazzling, but thanks to you, Renne Bright, it's all in shambles! Do you have any idea what you've done?!"
Renne regarded him coolly, her expression unyielding. "You brought this upon yourself, Ronald. All I did was expose the truth. If your so-called 'dazzling future' can't survive a little honesty, then maybe it wasn't meant to be."
"Shut up!" Ronald roared, his face reddening with rage. "You ruined everything! I was supposed to be the Student Council President! I was supposed to inherit my father's influence in politics! But you—both of you—you had to go and destroy everything I worked for!"
"Worked for?" The dyed blonde scoffed. "Get real, Ronald. You were just using your father's influence to bully your way to the top."
"You think you're better than me, Hibiki?!" Ronald's eyes blazed with hatred as he glared at Kress. "You're nothing! Just a pathetic wannabe thug with no future! Well, we'll see how tough you are when my friends here break every bone in your body!"
He turned to the gang members, pointing a trembling finger at Kress and Renne.
"Get them! I don't care how you do it, just make sure they're in no condition to get in my way again! My father will take care of everything!"
The gang members didn't need further prompting. With grins and jeers, they began to close in on Kress and Renne, weapons at the ready.
Before he could react, a dark, ominous aura filled the air. Renne, who had been standing beside him, now stood at the center of the park, her delicate features calm and composed, her golden eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity.
In her hands was her signature black and gold scythe, far larger than seemed possible for someone of her stature to wield. The blade's edge glinted wickedly in the faint light, and a cold chill ran down Kress's spine as he gazed at the weapon.
The gang members skidded to a halt, their expressions shifting from cocky grins to wide-eyed horror at the sight before them.
In a blink of an eye, Renne darted passed them.
With one swift, fluid motion, she swung the massive blade, and the nearest thug's club was severed cleanly in half. She continued in a graceful arc, the scythe cutting through the air like a whisper, disarming another thug of his knife and sending it clattering to the ground. Her strikes were precise and deliberate, each movement executed with a lethal grace that left no opening for retaliation.
The gang members tried to fight back, swinging their weapons and lunging at her, but Renne was faster. Much faster.
She danced around their blows effortlessly, the scythe's blade flashing like lightning as she knocked them out one by one. With a flick of her wrist, she slammed the flat of the blade into one man's chest, sending him sprawling. Another thug charged at her with a pair of brass knuckles, but she ducked beneath his swing and struck him in the back of the head with the blunt end of the scythe, dropping him to the ground in an instant.
It was over in a span of seconds.
The gang lay scattered across the park, groaning in pain or completely unconscious. Not a single one of them had managed to land a hit on her.
Renne stood amidst the fallen men, stretching her limbs like a bored child still itching to play.
"Well, that was no fun. I thought they'd have a bit of skill and entertain me, but it seemed they were nothing more than just muscle." The violet-haired teen sighed in genuine disappointment. Then, a dark glint flickered in her golden eyes. "Oh, but don't worry. I didn't actually slaughter them... Would you be open to giving me a little more entertainment, perhaps, Ronald?"
Ronald's legs lost strength as he fell on his rear, inching away from what he saw as terror in human form.
"S-Stay away from me! My father's in parliament, you know! Try anything, and y-you'll regret it!"
"Oh, Ronald... You haven't heard, have you?" Her gaze was filled with pity as she tossed a magazine at his feet. "It's one of today's tabloids. You might find its contents relevant."
The moment he had read the cover, his face lost all color.
Representative Griffith Suspected of Bribery and Connections to Organized Crime!
"There's a whole feature on your dearest daddy, complete with evidence." She momentarily glance at Kress, a knowing glint shone in her eyes before turning back to Ronald. "It mentions that the CID is going to be conducting an investigation as well, so this may be the last day you can say he's in parliament. My condolences."
"N-No... No!"
"So now that he's been removed from the equation, I'll ask again..." She edged closer and closer, a sadistic smile spreading across her pretty face. "Would you be open to giving me a little more entertainment?"
Ronald could only back away in fear as he stared at her like she was the harbinger of death; snot and tears streamed down without a care.
"Be a doll and play with me— then you'll understand why they used to call me the Angel of Slaughter." Raising her scythe above her head, she was about to strike before realization caught up to her. "Oops. A grown woman shouldn't play with dolls, though, would she? And here I thought I could better control my childish glee."
The way she covered her mouth as a blush adorned her cheeks did not stop a shiver from running down Kress's spine.
"I think... he's done for, Renne."
"Hmm? I suppose you're right." Her attention returned to her prey... who had soiled his pants and passed out. A faint frown appeared. "How unsightly... Let's go, Keisuke."
"Uhh, yeah."
As the two of them left the park, a calm voice called out to them.
"Finished?"
Their attention turned to the source of the voice— a brown-skinned young man leaning against one of the trees.
Renne flashed a polite smile, nodding. "I certainly am."
"You know him?"
"A professional reporter a friend of mine introduced me to," Renne replied. "Dingo Brad— he's the one who helped me gather proof of Ronald's misdemeanors and the person who wrote the tabloid regarding his father's corruption."
"A pleasure." The white-haired young man nodded at the transmigrator. "Though, I suppose I should offer my thanks now that the opportunity has presented itself. Thank you for providing a good chunk of evidence regarding Representative Griffith, Keisuke Hibiki"
Kress's eyes widened. "You're the guy Hikaru was talking about..."
"Ah, so Hikaru mentioned me?" Dingo chuckled lightly, pushing off from the tree and strolling over to them. "She's quite the efficient one, isn't she? But yes, I was the one your maid reached out to when you provided that lovely little folder from the Blacklight District. It made for quite the compelling exposé."
"I take it you found the combination of my information and his evidence to be… useful?" The former Enforcer grew a mischievous smile.
"More than useful. It was the perfect match. Your hacking skills provided the digital trail—emails, bank transactions, and insider communications—while the documents Kress gathered offered the physical proof to back it all up. Together, they painted a picture of Griffith's corruption that even his most loyal allies couldn't ignore."
"So, you used the combination of her tech skills and my hard evidence to put the whole thing together for the tabloid." Kress folded his arms, his gaze flickering between Renne and Dingo.
"Exactly," Dingo confirmed, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "With both sides of the story accounted for, we were able to publish the article and create enough pressure to force an investigation by the CID. It's the kind of scandal that politicians don't just walk away from—especially when there's already a history of shady dealings."
Renne's expression softened into something approaching satisfaction. "It seems everything worked out rather perfectly, wouldn't you say?"
"So, you were planning to expose both Ronald and his father from the start? Is that why you agreed to his demands last time?
"Not at all. I didn't intend to go as far as I did... I simply think the students deserve a much better president than him."
"Ah..."
"And besides, I had capable allies who were willing to assist."
The white-haired reporter turned his gaze to Kress, saying, "Let me tell you that you did more than just gather evidence. One of my contacts said you showed up in person to deal with the kind of thugs that someone like Ronald would hire. That's not something just anyone would do."
"Well, I'm not about to let some spoiled punk walk all over everyone just because he thinks he can. It's not my style." Kress scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
Renne's smile grew slightly as she began to walk toward the park's exit.
"We should be heading back now. I believe our business here is concluded."
"Indeed," Dingo agreed. "I'll take care of things on my end and see to it that the news keeps spreading. Good work, both of you. Until next time."
As Dingo disappeared into the shadows of the park, Kress found himself looking at Renne with a mix of respect and wariness.
"You really don't hold back, do you?"
Renne glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "There's no point in holding back when the stakes are high, Keisuke."
She would take a step forward, twilight shining on her figure before she glanced over her shoulder, the same twinkle of mischief glowing in her eyes.
"Besides, sometimes it's more fun to give people exactly what they deserve."
A few days later, the dust had finally begun to settle in the wake of Ronald's downfall. The atmosphere at Aramis Academy buzzed with gossip about the former student council candidate's disgrace and subsequent expulsion. The decision had been formally announced that morning, putting an official end to Ronald's time at the academy.
It was a move that surprised few, given the evidence of his misdeeds and the scandal that had erupted, but it still left a strong impact on the student body.
In the meantime, the responsibilities of the student council needed to be addressed. With the election in disarray and no clear candidate left to take the position, the role of Student Council President fell to Renne, personally selected by the staff to avoid another mess like Ronald. It helped how the entire student body were in agreement with choosing her as their Student Council President.
She accepted the position reluctantly, stating that she hadn't sought it out but would do her best to uphold the academy's values.
And so, in the student council room, Renne was hard at work, already buried under stacks of paperwork and council-related documents. The calm and poised young woman handled each task with practiced efficiency, as though she were used to managing things well beyond the usual concerns of student life.
"President, here are all the documents relating to next month's budget."
Agnes, who had been put in charge of General Affairs, set the documents on Renne's desk.
"Where's Albert and Odette?"
"I believe they're in the faculty office. There were more... documents that needed to be checked."
"The paperwork never ends, hmm?" Renne was more amused than upset at the pile of documents. The purplette was certain she would get them done.
"Uh, President?"
"Yes, Vice-President?"
"Knock that off."
In the corner, Keisuke "Kress" Hibiki had a pile of documents in front of him, a twitchy smile on his face.
"Explain to me why you chose me as your Vice-President?" He asked from his seat... before snapping, "There had to be better options! Why did you give a delinquent like me this kind of position!? The whole student body is still talking about it... and it's been five days already since then!"
Renne glanced up from her paperwork, an amused glint in her golden eyes as she looked at Kress.
"And why wouldn't I choose you? You've already proven yourself capable of handling difficult situations, and you're not afraid to stand up for what's right. I need people like that on the council."
"Yeah, but I'm not exactly the type who fits the image of a 'model student leader.'" Kress's eyebrow twitched, and he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "People still think I'm just some thug with a bad attitude."
"Maybe so, but I think that's exactly why you're the right choice." Renne's expression softened slightly, and she set down the pen she'd been holding. "You bring a perspective that others don't. The students don't need another perfect example of what they're 'supposed' to be. They need someone real—someone who can get things done and isn't afraid to ruffle a few feathers."
Finally, Kress released a reluctant sigh, raising his hands in defeat.
"If you put it like that, then I can't argue with your logic."
I think the students are already starting to see the change," Agnes, who had been listening quietly, stepped in with a reassuring smile. "I've overheard a few of them saying it's nice to see the council being so active and... less intimidating."
"Less intimidating?" Kress repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Agnes. I literally saw first-years running away from me when I looked in their direction yesterday."
"Well, maybe 'less intimidating' is a bit of a stretch for now," she admitted, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "But it's not like you can change everyone's impression overnight. Give it some time, Kress. You're already surprising people just by being here."
"We still have plenty of chances to make an impression. That includes improving their impression of you, Keisuke." Their president added, picking up her pen again as he groaned. "If we manage to follow through with some of the projects we've got planned, it won't matter what rumors are floating around."
"I guess you've already got a list of things you wanna get done as President?"
"I do," She said matter-of-factly. "There are some outdated rules that need reviewing, and some student groups that haven't received the funding they deserve. The academy is all about nurturing talent and ambition, but it doesn't always put its resources in the right places. We can change that."
"You've really thought this through, huh? I didn't think you were that invested in student politics." Kress glanced back at her, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.
"Well, I might as well since I was given the responsibility as the Student Council president, right?" Amusement was clear in her golden eyes as she gave a sly smirk.
"Heh, I should have known that's your reason."
"It's true, though. If I'm going to do something, I might as well do it right. And I expect the same level of commitment from all of you." Her gaze darted to the dyed blonde, smirking still lingering. "Including my Vice-President."
As if the strength was sapped out of him, Kress sagged his shoulders with a sigh.
"What did I get myself into...?"
Ngl, I wonder why both Thors and Aramis don't have a vice-president... So, this is a perfect opportunity to use the position. Also, that bat ain't an Ichiban reference but Majima :)