Chapter 16 Faint Hope
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”—You’re Haruka-kun, right?”
The voice urged me on as I walked around the academy grounds, leading me to a scene I hadn’t anticipated. The sight of multiple people ganging up on a small, physically weak child immediately brought back memories of when my senior disciples attacked me and Cliff intervened.
‘Today’s tragic little boy is right here, folks.’
What did the voice want by bringing me to this scene? Was I supposed to join them in assaulting this Haruka, or perhaps take his place?
”You… what the—”
My appearance must have been unexpected. One of the attackers stammered, his voice filled with panic. It’s understandable that he’d be flustered. I’m Reina Alcott, after all—known throughout the academy as a delinquent with a reputation for erratic behavior.
”What’s a slut like you doing here, huh? Go spread your legs for your senpai somewhere else.”
‘Oof, Homo-chan just got called a slut! How you gonna handle that?’
”…I’m still a virgin, actually.”
What are you even saying? Calling me a slut? Well, it’s true I’ve bared my skin to strangers at the voice’s command, but I haven’t crossed that final line yet. From the way the voice speaks, I suspect it’s only a matter of time before it pushes me further, but my body remains untouched. Yet, after all the degrading acts I’ve been forced into, what does it matter now? How foolish of me to even consider it.
”Huh? You say something?”
”No. Nothing. I just need to talk to him.”
My self-deprecating thoughts must have leaked out. The man, mistaking my attitude as mockery, lunged at me.
”You tryna steal my toy, bitch?”
‘Straight outta the Thug Handbook, huh?’
I hate agreeing with the voice, but he’s right—this guy is nothing more than a petty thug. He flinches when I look at him, yet he still has the nerve to grab my collar and posture. Of course, if the voice commanded it, I’d have no choice but to kneel naked in the dirt for him. But for now, the voice remains silent.
”Let go.”
”You got a mouth on you, girl. You blind? There’s five of us.”
”Only five.”
‘Nice, Homo-chan! Remember, don’t strike first. Gotta bait them into it.’
So that’s it. The order’s simple this time—save the boy. I was bracing myself for something much worse, so this feels like a letdown, but if it’s just this, I have no complaints. All I have to do is make them throw the first punch… which is easy. I just need to give them the same look I used to give my seniors.
”Don’t get cocky!”
”Ah—”
See? That didn’t take long.
‘—Aaand, action.’
A foreign sensation overtakes me, like a part of my brain is being crushed. This feeling never gets easier, no matter how often the voice takes control.
”Huh? What are you—”
‘Grab his arms, pull him in, knee to the gut. Go.’
I seize both of his arms. Ignoring the sickening crunch of bone and flesh, I pull him forward and drive my knee into his solar plexus. His arms crushed, unable to brace himself, he collapses headfirst onto the ground, vomiting his stomach contents.
‘Now backstep—distance from the two in front, then pivot between the ones circling behind.’
I push off the ground lightly, escaping the makeshift encirclement while looking at the dumbfounded faces of the men who haven’t grasped the situation yet.
‘These punks can’t handle Homo-chan’s monster strength, honey. No chance.’
Just as the voice said, a casual blow to the back of the head is enough to take them down. The daily torture has transformed my body into something monstrous, and the fact that the voice can wield such unnatural strength against others fills me with revulsion.
‘Only two left. Quick—step in, one-two, knock ’em clean.’
I lunge forward, closing the distance in an instant, and swiftly deliver uppercuts to the jaws of the two remaining men.
‘—Timer stop. Scene clear.’
I open and close my hands, confirming that my body is no longer under the voice’s control. The mental exhaustion and hollowness from being controlled against my will leave me nauseous. But there’s no time to dwell; the voice is already pushing me toward the next task.
”…Are you okay?”
”…Eh?”
I’m too drained to respond properly, and his weak reply irritates me slightly. But then I realize that the voice, who usually avoids interaction, is actively engaging with someone. A flicker of curiosity sparks within me. My rational mind knows that the malicious voice is undoubtedly plotting something terrible, yet… this foolish, lonely part of me craves connection.
”Are you hurt anywhere?”
”…W-What do you want from me?”
That’s a natural question, I suppose. I still don’t understand the voice’s objective or intentions, but for now, all I know is that I tried to save this boy.
”I wanted to help you.”
”Why…?”
As the boy flinches, I answer, feeling on the verge of tears.
”…I don’t know.”
Looking back, I realize how naive I was. I didn’t fully understand the voice or its intentions. That’s why I clung to the faint hope of having a real friend, and why I ultimately caused that tragedy.
Notes:
• –
• Cliff – Son of First-Class Knight Lilia. Practices Flame God Style. Obsessed with defeating strong opponents, especially Reina Alcott after a humiliating loss.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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