"Yo."
"..."
A fox masked man was standing on the edge of the window. Hoga stared at the fox masked man blankly while he was sitting in front of his computer.
'Am I sensing a déjà vu?'
Hoga went back to surveilling.
"Are you ignoring me?"
The voice of Yemon did not graze his concentration but he simply replied, "No."
Yemon got in his room, took off his mask and laid on his bed. He sighed as he was tired for the day. The evening light shone orange in the room.
"Where did you go yesterday?"
"Did you miss me?"
"I thought you bled out to death or something like that."
"...? Why would you think like that? Because of my injuries?"
Hoga kept quiet but did not deny his concern. Yemon was appalled at his silence then giggled gleefully.
"You actually care about me?"
"Get serious."
Yemon lept from the bed and hugged Hoga from the back. He trapped him with the chair by tangling his arm around Hoga.
"Oi Hoga~ You are a nice kid."
"Get off of me you stinking bitch!"
"Let's stay like this just a little more."
The joy in Yemon's tone was getting blatant as he continued to hug him.
It has been quite some time since he got words of concerns. It is mostly because he was hiding his injuries from everyone, except to Hoga. He was the only one to witness his wound and take care of it.
Back then it did not look like there was much of a choice. If he would have got to the hospital, then the doctors would raise their eyebrows at the cause of the injuries.
They are professionals so they can deduce how Yemon got the wounds. He would prefer less meddling from the authorities.
"It's enough! Back up."
"Okay, Hoga-chan~"
Hoga twitched with disgust. His ears heard an abominable version of his name, especially from Yemon's mouth. He got pissed.
"Do not call me like that...ever again."
Yemon was thinking otherwise but since he could potentially damage their relationship, he refrained from teasing him.
Yemon went back to his bed and waited for Hoga's next reaction. He wanted to bring out something but it seems like the timing isn't quite right.
Hoga went back to his work, however, he still talked to Yemon about his injuries.
"Why don't you get those wounds treated properly? Go to the hospital."
Yemon appreciated the concern by slightly smiling behind him. He reassured Hoga with confidence.
"Don't worry now. This kind of injury would not kill me. Even though it stings a bit, it is better compared to before. Besides..."
Yemon reduced his voice's volume and a distant tone, he continued.
"I do not like hospitals."
Hoga glanced backwards and reinstated back to his screen as if he heard nothing. Yet, he voiced out his mutual feeling.
"I get you..."
He silently gazed at the monitor while pondering about Yemon's situation.
Did he really become attached to Yemon?
All of those disputes that emerged amongst those two made them understand each other more. Hoga's lifestyle was affected by Yemon as he had company in his room.
Now that he was away, he felt a bit lonely. Hoga shook his head and threw that thought away at the corner of his mind.
"Oh, Hoga. I brought something interesting. Look here."
Hoga indifferently turned around to Yemon. What he saw in Yemon's hand next surprised him.
"A Pielser!?"
"Oh? You know about it? Well, since you probably got to hack in government secrets, it would be a surprise if you do not know about it."
"....."
He did not refute what Yemon said but that was not the problem here. What troubled Hoga was how he got it.
"Where did you get that?"
"That's pretty confidential, I would say."
"Yemon, I have one request."
"Hm?"
Hoga turned around his chair directly towards Yemon and put on a serious expression. Seeing that, Yemon was careful.
"Can you tell me your exact objective here?"
Yemon stayed quiet whilst contemplating if it was a good idea to reveal the entire plan.
Hoga continued,
"I am not going to be used as a scapegoat, right?"
"Huh? Why would you think this way?"
He clasped his hand together and held his calm but serious demeanour. He wanted to confirm with Yemon. He wanted to be reassured. But that device was constantly nagging him.
"That Pielser is only available within the SMF, the Hero Organization and the Upper-level Nobles."
Yemon now comprehended his worries.
"I repeat Yemon. Am I going to be used as a scapegoat till you achieve your mission? Are you working with the SMF, the Heroes or the Noble?"
"..."
".....Are you going to betray me?"
From the outside, Hoga looked defiant and cold. However, the thought of being in an empty room with no one to talk to.
It terrified him.
He has formed a relationship with Yemon. That is why it could impact emotion.
Yemon sighed at his fear. No matter how much you want to trust a stranger, there would still be doubts about him. After all, you do not know everything about him.
"Hoga, you know my real name, my occupation, my background. You know that I am not doing it for the Nobles, the Heroes, the SMF or even myself."
Indeed, Hoga had full information about Yemon's identity and background. But, no matter how good his hacking skills is, he could not pinpoint Yemon's intention.
Yemon assured Hoga with a single phrase.
"All that I am doing is for my mother."
There was a pause between the two. This time, it was Hoga that sighed.
"Is that so...?"
His tense hands relaxed. His serious face faded to his normal indifference. Yemon added to his statement for more acceptance from Hoga.
"Besides, I am working with a bad noble."
The end of Hoga's lip curved as he replied.
"Well, that is obvious. Because I cannot visualise 'good' nobles to pull a stunt like this. Gathering a group of criminals is not a normal occurrence."
"...I'm glad you are smart."
What came out of Hoga's mouth was what Yemon intended to say. Nevertheless, Yemon had one more thing to show him, or rather, it was time for Hoga to show Yemon.
"Hoga, I have got little information from my boss. He said that all the members that I am recruiting are Magic-Users."
"I am not surprised."
"That includes you, Hoga."
His gaze did not budge and he was not bothered by Yemon.
He turned on the Pielser and aimed the antenna part towards Hoga. As expected, it showed high response judging from the distorted lines.
Yemon turned off the Pielser and pushed him for an answer.
"Is there something else that you are hiding from me?"
"My shitting posture?"
"No. Your power, Hoga. What kind of power do you have?"
Hoga took his time. He stood up and declared nonchalantly
"It has been a while."
"Huh?"
Abruptly, Yemon fell from where he sat. He landed on the floor.
"...!"
But it felt different as he if he fell on something smooth. He scanned the surrounding and saw the sun setting. He could gaze at the orange sky while taking in some fresh air.
Wait? The sky? The realization came in fast as Yemon stood up. He looked down and his heart trembled.
He was at a height, more specifically, he was almost at the peak of Mt. Fuji. The snow was below his feet. He noticed some snow on his jeans from his butt area so he patted them. Moreover, it was so cold.
Hoga was sitting and he exhaled cold air.
"Nice view, right?"
Yemon saw this sight and smiled. He sat by Hoga. He did not mind a change of scenery so he agreed, "Yup, it's breathtaking."
They sat there for a while before Yemon asked.
"So your power is teleportation?"
"...Yeah."
That was the only exchange they engaged in before gazing at the view for another few minutes. However, they could not stay longer since it is too cold.
"Teleport us back."
".....Hey, I thought about what you said. About how all members are Magic-Users."
"Yes?"
"I think I found one."
"...Really!?"
Hoga nodded which made Yemon elated.
'This kid does his job really well!' Yemon praised his talent. He couldn't be happier with this information.
Now he wished that all members are competent like Hoga. Yes, that would be ideal.
.........
The bell rang and it was the end of school.
Serizawa Fujita was packing his school books, copybooks and pencil case into his backpack. He got up and went closer to his classmate who was also packing her school belongings.
"A-Ah, Fujita-kun. Wait a second. I'm almost finished."
It was Konishi Rina.
She adapted to using all the club member's first name. Time really helped so she was not stuttering when she would call their names.
Rina stood and took her backpack and went with Fujita.
"Are you okay, Rina-san? Even though you have a small part, Paro-senpai is making you work hard."
"It is fine, Fujita-kun. I think that even if I have a small role, I should put in the effort."
Fujita respected her mentality. He agreed alongside her and proceeded to their respective club.
They walked through the corridor to their destination. Rina's eyes were filled with determination. Even though she is not acting the role too well, she is going to compensate through hard work.
Fujita was above average and the acting members acknowledge his skills. So he does not have any problem with the club.
On the way, they encountered Nami who was waiting by the window.
"Oh, Nami-san. Were you waiting for us?" Fujita asked.
"Yes."
She joined them and continued to walk to the auditorium.
"I think today is going to be a challenge since I have to practice with Kagome-senpai," Fujita announced.
Nami already practised with Kagome because most of the part, she stays with her.
After all, she plays as the maid who always accompanies the princess, meaning the role played by Kagome. So Nami knows her to an extent.
"Be careful not to do any serious mistake. Also, when she tells you a piece of advice, you absolutely have to follow it."
Nami warned the two about any problems that should be prevented from happening. It was easier said than done nevertheless, they were grateful to hear a piece of information.
"Sounds scary."
Fujita could not be more afraid when Nami explained.
"Kagome-senpai is scary." Rina declared as she reminisced one time.
She was just practising when she fell because she tripped on her own feet. Everyone was helping her but at the corner of her eyes, Rina saw Kagome look at her with condescending eyes.
No one noticed except for Rina. It was taking quite a toll on her.
At that time, she wondered if she was even decent in acting at that point. It was as if Kagome was disappointed in Rina.
Yet, she does not give up or back away from Kagome. She wants to be on that stage and perform with the other members.
"It is okay, Rina-san. I too am scared to approach her. But with time and a bit of bravery, we will try to cooperate with Kagome-senpai with the best we can."
Fujita supported Rina. Overall, Rina was a shy girl who only talks with a few students. So he was helping her communicate better and gave her words of courage.
Rina had her mindset with a good foundation consisting of hard work and courage. She was better than before now
"Yes."
"Remember, Rina-san. There are always other reliable Senpais who can aid you."
"Yes, Fujita-kun."
Seeing that this topic reached a good conclusion, Nami digressed and revealed an intriguing inside knowledge.
"By the way, I heard from Paro-senpai that there will be some action from Kagome-senpai and Seita-senpai. In one scene, we will get to see Seita-senpai float with the help of Kagome-senpai's magic."
"Eh? Is that true!?" Fujita was hyped to see a Magic-User in action.
In televisions, where they would display Heroes in action, fighting villainous individuals like terrorists or dangerous criminals or even combat accidents and disasters, they would use their powers.
Some people witnessed their powers in front of their eyes but most of the populace hasn't. That is why Fujita was excited to see this.
That too in school. Originally, people thought it would be dangerous for teenagers who awakened to their powers to go to school.
So, the higher-ups thought of building a school for only the teen Magic-Users. But that was shortly rejected by the Emperor himself.
The only teenagers to have awakened to their powers during their childhood only consists of members related to the Nobles.
Furthermore, the nobles claimed that the next generation was disciplined, well-mannered and won't use their powers for their selfish reasons.
To confirm that assertion, the Emperor decided to put that to the test by merging those few noble students into a school full of 'commoners', meaning students who are Non-Magic-Users.
It worked for a while until one teenager broke that claim because he used his power to beat someone.
The Emperor took action to punish the kid. Firstly, he would not be able to inherit his family's property and authority since he was evicted from the position of the heir of that family.
And secondly, he would not be granted jobs in the upper echelons like doctors, lawyers or architect despite having good grades.
That kid's future was blocked due to his bad behaviour and it set an example to other nobles.
To this day, not a single case of petty misdeed sprout from the noble's children. Partially because their parents instilled fear in their child for the consequences of their misbehaviour.
Until then, everything went smoothly. The nobles would get to school normally and get educated.
It was a good result with the exception of that one teenager who set an example, ensuring a more disciplined environment.
In the first place, the Emperor pondered about not building a special school for the noble's children.
He regarded it as unnecessary. It was primarily because there were very few of the special teenagers. To begin with, the number of noble was scarce so it would be pointless.
Additionally, he thought that all of the noble's children should integrate along with other middle-class teenagers.
Although they had powers, they were not the ones that earned it. Because it was the head of the Noble family that garnered this privilege.
It was a good route to go with as the noble teenagers would get arrogant along the way and discriminate against the Non-Magic-Users, if they would be educated in a different environment.
"If I remember correctly, Harue-senpai told me that Kagome-senpai had telekinesis," Nami added to Fujita's excitement.
"Is that true? Ah, I cannot wait to see this."
Rina walked beside the exhilarated Fujita as she understood his love for Magic.
She too wanted to see Kagome's power directly. She suppressed her delirious smirk but it was hard and uncontrollable.
They arrived at the auditorium and opened the doors. This was the Drama Club.