Early the next morning, Hare boarded the usual train to the Tennoz Academy district on her way to school. The familiar seat, the familiar scenery, and the familiar crowd.
"Mm..."
Feeling herself bumped slightly by a newly boarded passenger, she instinctively shifted a little to the side. Around her were the usual office workers and students from her school. Just as before—everything was the same as always.
However... the only difference was the absence of those two girls by her side. It made her feel an unexpected sense of loneliness. Or rather, she had always been someone afraid of being alone. Perhaps it was due to her family circumstances. She feared loneliness and found comfort in the warmth of others, which made her grow increasingly fond of that purple-haired girl. As she thought of this, a gentle smile unconsciously formed on her lips.
Her gaze drifted unintentionally to Shu Ouma in the distance... just like always, he stood alone in a corner, staring at the terminal in his hands.
"..."
Shu...
Looking at his solitary figure, she lowered her eyes with a complicated expression and shifted her gaze away. This time, she didn't take the initiative to approach and speak to him. Perhaps she had already lost the confidence she once had.
Or perhaps... she no longer had the same motivation as before. At some unknown point, she had stopped thinking about him. Instead, the image of that purple-haired girl had taken his place. This realization left her feeling a little lost. She felt like she was truly awful.
Meanwhile, in a corner she couldn't see, a figure was staring intently at her back through the crowd. As the train slowly came to a stop, the figure quietly moved closer through the gaps between people.
"...?"
Snapped out of her thoughts, Hare slightly raised her head and noticed something unusual—today's platform seemed to be heavily guarded by GHQ soldiers. They stood in formation around the area, as if they were waiting to intercept someone.
...Did something happen?
As the train came to a halt, she instinctively glanced at the station name and realized it wasn't her stop yet. She let out a small sigh of relief...
But what happened in the next second was completely beyond her expectations—!
Clatter—!
As the train doors slowly opened, she was about to step slightly aside to let the passengers behind her get off when, from within the crowded gap, an arm wearing the same school uniform suddenly stretched out.
Thud!
"—!"
The hand shoved her hard in the back with incredible force. Her body stumbled forward uncontrollably, and her feet were forced to take several steps ahead—just enough to cross the boundary of the train doors.
"...Eh?"
She froze in confusion for a moment, her mind going blank. Her brown eyes slowly widened as she turned pale, turning her head to look behind her at the train doors that had already closed. Inside was still the same crowded mass of people, all staring at her and the situation in shock—including Shu Ouma. His face was filled with fear. But even so, no one stepped forward to help her. That made sense... in situations like this, people prioritized their own safety.
Whoosh—
As the train began moving again, those figures—including the person who pushed her—gradually disappeared from her sight, leaving her alone in front of the GHQ soldiers.
"...How could this be?"
Her lips trembled as she murmured softly. Her heart pounded violently as she bit her lip tightly, trying not to be completely overwhelmed by fear.
Why?
Why was she being...
...Was it because of that incident before?
Because she saw something she shouldn't have?
Gradually suppressing her fear, her rational mind began to take over again. She tried to recall the reason, her fingers gripping her school bag so tightly they turned pale.
Tap... tap...
Beep— ×N
At that moment, the sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears, accompanied by the faint tapping of a phone keypad. She didn't lift her head, only staring at the ground, her brown bangs covering her eyes.
"Menjou-san."
"!"
A man's voice suddenly called out, making her body tremble as she slowly looked up, wary and tense, at the purple-haired man in a white uniform before her.
"Unfortunately... someone betrayed you. But overall, you can only blame your excessive curiosity. You did something you shouldn't have."
Whirr...
His left eye rotated like a mechanical bearing, sending chills down her spine. She instinctively shrank her shoulders and took a small step back.
"Just a naive little girl, yet dragged into something so unfortunate. Heh..."
He chuckled as if savoring her reaction, then casually turned off his phone and leaned closer, revealing a twisted smile.
"Menjou-san... I'm going to arrest you now."
...
Being arrested by GHQ—this was the first time in her life she had ever experienced something like this. It was something she had never even imagined in her wildest dreams. After all, she was just an ordinary high school girl.
Sitting inside the transport vehicle, Hare lowered her head and thought to herself. After everything that had just happened, she realized that the fear she had felt earlier had faded. In its place was a strange calmness. How odd... she had been terrified just moments ago.
She raised her eyes to look at the soldiers seated in the vehicle, then at the white-uniformed man beside her who had been playing on his phone nonstop. Then she lowered her gaze again to her neatly pressed thighs beneath her skirt, her shoes, and the handcuffs around her wrists.
"Menjou-san."
"!"
The sudden call from beside her made her flinch again. She looked at him, but he didn't look back, still focused on his phone as he played a crossword game.
"I have a question I'd like to ask you."
He spoke while tapping on his phone.
"...W-what is it?"
She replied cautiously, her voice trembling.
"Guess a word. Tight clothing that clings to the legs, like pants or stockings. Also known as tight pants or shaping pants. Eight letters. What do you think it is?"
He finally looked up at her.
"—!"
She immediately averted her gaze, not daring to meet his left eye.
"..."
Seeing her reaction, he lowered his gaze again and tapped his phone, about to try an answer—
"...I-it's... leggings... right?"
Her soft, trembling voice spoke up.
He instinctively entered the word.
Beep—!
Correct!
"That's right, leggings!!! Beautiful!!"
"—!"
His sudden excitement startled her again, nearly giving her a heart attack.
"Impressive, Menjou-san! You've got talent! Sigh... I hate crossword puzzles the most. Aren't they just meant to make things difficult?"
He waved the hand holding his phone and gave her a twisted smile.
"Mm... y-yes..."
She responded awkwardly, subtly shifting her body slightly away from him.
"Since you're so good at this, help me with crossword puzzles, Menjou-san."
He ignored her small movement and continued chatting one-sidedly.
"..."
She didn't respond, her hands resting tightly together on her thighs.
"So we've specially prepared a room for you. It's not big, but it's enough for you to focus on solving puzzles. You can stay there as long as you want until you figure them out."
"Th-that... why—"
"You'll get your answer once we arrive at headquarters."
His tone suddenly turned cold.
"..."
She didn't press further, lowering her head obediently and staring at her fingers as they tightened until they turned pale.
Mio...
Her eyes reddened slightly, but she forced the tears back.
It felt like her life was about to fall apart...
Meanwhile—
Inside the Roppongi stronghold of Funeral Parlor, everyone was holding a strategy meeting...
Naturally, the one leading it was still Gai. As expected of the so-called leader of Funeral Parlor, his explanation of the plan was clear and methodical. Even the Shogun couldn't help but feel impressed. Meanwhile, Inori beside her showed no reaction—perhaps she was already used to it.
In her view, most members of Funeral Parlor trusted Gai deeply. Otherwise, they wouldn't follow him so devotedly.
The objective of this operation seemed to be rescuing a certain Funeral Parlor member who had been imprisoned in District 24. According to Gai, this person was very important to them.
"Haa..."
Listening to the plan, she couldn't help but sigh, resting her chin on her hand as drowsiness crept in—like sitting through a lecture. Anyway, Inori would explain everything to her afterward. There was no need for her to focus on every detail.
At that moment, she thought of Hare again. Last night, she had turned her Gnosis into particles of light and hidden it within the girl's body, allowing her to carry it unconsciously—just in case. She was worried that something might happen to her.
"Mio?"
"...?"
Hearing the person beside her call out, she instinctively turned her head.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing her distracted, the other's eyes were filled with concern.
"Nothing... I was just lost in thought."
She shook her head.
"Mm... I'll explain the mission to you later."
Inori nodded and added.
"Much appreciated."
Beep beep—!
At that moment, Gai's terminal suddenly rang. He paused mid-sentence and immediately unfolded it, looking at the anxious face on the screen.
"Gai! This is bad... that girl has been taken by GHQ!"
"!" ×N
Everyone froze for a moment—including the Shogun and Inori...
"..."
As expected... placing that Gnosis had been the right decision.
"Hare..."
Inori murmured softly.
"Gai, what should we do?"
Ayase was the first to ask.
"Will she reveal everything she saw?"
Everyone began to worry.
"..."
Gai fell silent for a moment, as if thinking, before speaking.
"Whether she'll talk, I'm not sure. But it doesn't really matter. We never intended to stay hidden anyway."
He said calmly.
"But... the mission—"
"Yeah... the mission proceeds as planned. But we'll be adding another objective—rescuing that girl as well."
"Th-then how are we supposed to—"
Everyone showed troubled expressions. Adding another person meant altering the plan on the fly, introducing more uncertainty. It only made things more difficult.
"Leave the rescue to me."
"!" ×N
A cold, elegant voice drew everyone's attention. They saw the newly joined purple-haired woman slowly stand and step forward.
"I'll handle her. The rest of you proceed with the mission as planned. I'll regroup with you afterward."
She crossed her arms slightly, looking calmly at the man before her.
"Mio... what are you planning to do?"
Gai narrowed his eyes and asked in a low voice.
"I have my own methods. The details would be troublesome to explain. Just look at the results."
She didn't elaborate. Explaining her power wouldn't make others understand it anyway.
"I see. Understood. Take this."
Gai took a small earpiece from a subordinate and handed it to her.
"At least wear it. It'll make it easier to contact us once you've rescued her."
"..."
She glanced at the earpiece, narrowed her eyes slightly, and took it. After adjusting the angle, she placed it into her ear, hidden beneath her purple hair.
"Mio... what should I do?"
Inori stepped forward and asked.
"Inori... just go with them. Follow orders when the time comes."
She answered after glancing at her.
"Alright..."
The girl nodded obediently without objection. She trusted Mio's strength.
...
Meanwhile, at Tennoz High School...
"Eh? Hare... was taken by GHQ?!"
As soon as Kanon entered the classroom, she heard the discussion. After asking about it and realizing it was about her best friend, her heart nearly stopped. She slumped into her seat in a daze.
Everyone knew what it meant to be taken by GHQ. Which meant Hare...
"Hare... ugh..."
She took off her glasses, her nose stinging as she began to choke up.
Hare... why...
The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. That girl was so gentle... and a bit timid. She had always been alone and had never done anything wrong. So why?
"Waaah..."
Unable to hold it in any longer, she covered her face and cried.
"Class rep..."
The boys and girls around her felt distressed seeing her like this, but none of them could find the words to comfort her. They felt the same way.
This included Shu Ouma, who sat by the window. His mood was no better. Thinking back to what had happened, he felt both fear and pain. He had watched Hare being pushed off the train, yet he had done nothing—he hadn't dared to do anything.
"Damn it..."
He slumped over his desk in self-reproach.
"Shu..."
Seeing his close friend like this, Yahiro Samukawa wore a complicated expression as he looked at Hare's empty seat. Soon, however, his eyes hardened with resolve.
(I'm sorry, Hare... but if I want to get out of here, I have no choice! This world is just that cruel... I'm sorry!)
Roppongi District 24, GHQ Headquarters—
"You're telling me you arrested a female student from Tennoz?"
Inside the office, Shuichiro Keido frowned at Segai on the screen.
"Yes. I suspect she witnessed a crucial part of 'that incident.' It's very likely she saw the true face of the terrorist who slaughtered those soldiers—or even has some connection with them."
Segai leaned back in his chair as he reported.
"And what makes you think that?"
Keido asked.
"It's just a guess. Normally, after witnessing something like that, one's first reaction would be to report it. But she didn't. Of course, it's possible she's simply timid, or that she didn't see the terrorist's face... or perhaps... she doesn't want to report it."
Segai smiled.
"You mean..."
"Mm. If it's the third possibility, then we have to suspect that Menjou-san might know the person and is deliberately protecting them. Of course, that's something we'll need to confirm."
"In any case, it's best to detain her to avoid future trouble. Unfortunately, she'll be spending the foreseeable future in a GHQ detention cell."
Segai shrugged, his tone indifferent.
"I see. But let me remind you—regarding the Roppongi civilian incident, I've chosen to overlook it. The target wasn't from the quarantine zone. So... watch your limits, Major Segai."
Keido's tone turned stern.
"Understood..."
Segai replied with a smile.
"And one more thing—Funeral Parlor issued a crime notice yesterday. They're targeting our Fourth Isolation Facility."
"Is that so..."
"They claim... they're going to rescue their companion."
"Heh... how audacious, those rats."
He chuckled.
"So... I don't want a repeat of the 'Void Genome' incident, Major Segai."
His voice grew cold, carrying a hint of reprimand.
"Understood."
After cutting the call, Segai stepped out of the office and paused, thinking.
Perhaps he could use this attack... turn that girl into bait and lure out the target. He wanted to see just who this person really was.
"Heh..."
A smug smile appeared on his face as he turned and followed his subordinates back the way they came.
Clatter—
He stopped in front of the girl now confined in a detention room, her limbs bound by restraints.
"..."
Hare, looking pale, slowly raised her head at the sound of footsteps, gazing at the tall figure silhouetted against the light. She said nothing and lowered her head again, shrinking slightly. The chains of her restraints clinked softly. Fortunately, considering she was a girl, they hadn't taken her school uniform—though she had still undergone a full-body search.
The restraints around her ankles had rubbed her skin raw. Even with her knee-high socks, the thin fabric offered little protection.
He moved his finger, seemingly pressing something.
Click...
The restraints on her legs were instantly released, allowing her to move.
"Stand up. I have something to show you."
Segai said.
"..."
She didn't respond, simply standing up obediently and following behind him.
He led her into a hospital-like building within the quarantine zone. The structure was surrounded by transparent glass, giving it a bright, sterile white atmosphere.
"Um... why... are you bringing me here?"
She tried to keep her voice from trembling as she asked softly.
"Curious about who reported you? Or... who pushed you off the train?"
"..."
She glanced at his back, pressed her lips together, and said nothing.
"Silent? No matter. Even if you don't want to know, I'll tell you."
"...?"
She blinked in confusion.
"It's simple. The one who pushed you off the train was Samukawa-kun."
"...Eh? Samukawa...-kun?"
Her eyes widened in disbelief, her voice trembling.
That... Samukawa-kun? Shu's friend?
His figure flashed through her mind...
But... why?
Why would he do something like that to her...?