The Other Ayanokoji

Chapter 18

 Horikita's POV

I make my way toward Sudo. "Sudo, don't give up. We need you in this. You can't let those who talk bad about you win." "I joined this festival for attention, to show them all that I can't be ignored." Sudo's expression is characterized by a defensive tone. "That's not the right attitude, Sudo. You need to fight for yourself, not for others' acknowledgment." I scold him. "I don't know if I can do it..." "You can't give up on yourself. If you do, you'll be worthless, and there will be nothing left for you."

Kiyotka's POV

Before the break ends, I find Kushida. "Kushida, are you the one who leaked the list and sold your VIP information to Ryuen, didn't you? "I don't know what you're talking about." 

"I saw you taking pictures of the list." She smiles. "Oh, I just took pictures so that I wouldn't forget! Is that why you thought it was me? Sorry, sorry!"

 I narrow my eyes a little. "If you think it was me, then didn't change the list if you knew I leaked it?" She smiles again. "Oh, it would have caused other people to be confused." She looked at me. "Yes, I'm the traitor. I discreetly shared my exclusive list and traded my VIP information with Ryuen. I want to see you, Horikita, and that sister of yours expelled. After that, we will all aim for A-class!" 

In the meantime, Horikita makes a final attempt to persuade Sudo. "Sudo, we're the same. I've always been seeking acknowledgement from my brother, pushing others away in the process. But with Class-D, I've learned that I can't fight alone." Sudo sheds a few tears. "Okay, Horikita. I will go back to the completion.

Ryo's POV

After Kushida revealed that she was the traitor, I heard a weak voice. Ryo... I made sure nobody was looking and teleported to where I heard the voice. "Renji...?" Renji was on the ground, covered in cuts and bruises. I place my hand on Renji. His wounds seal up and he opens his eyes. "Ryo?" "Tell me who did this, and I'll make sure they pay," I say with a cold gaze. He smiles. "At least you still care about me." and he whispers who did it into my ear. I stand up and teleport him back to the Class B area. 

Kiyoataka's POV

With Sudo back in the competition, Class-D is complete for the final event, a relay race. However, Suzune and a male student drop out, so Kushida and I step in to take their places.

During the relay race, Manabu and I are next to each other. "You've been quite invested in Class-D's performance, President," I say calmly. "I have my reasons. Just as you possess your own. He replies coldly. "How about we do a race? Just you and me." Smiling, Manabu is amused. "Sure."
As Manabu takes the baton, we both wait for me to get the baton. With utmost ease, we swiftly pass all the other runners, competing neck and neck. The school watches in awe, astonished by our incredible abilities. Not far away I hear a voice. "Onii-chan!" I see Ryo running towards us so fast I could barely see her. I stop for a second, she catches up to me. "Make that later," I say and continue to sprint. She catches up to me but I ignore her. "Later." She sighs, running way ahead, even before Manabu reaches the goal line. 

~Time skip~

"We might have come in last, but Ayanokoji-kun's performance was incredible. He, along with his sister, should have done that earlier, and we could have won." I am both surprised and gratified by Horikita's praise, so I affirmatively nod in response. I turn to my sister. "Now, what did you want to say to me earlier?" "Renji got beaten up by Ryuen's gang because of me." My sister whispers into my ear.

~Time skip~

Horikita makes her way towards the place where Kushida and Ryuen are. "You're the traitor, aren't you? Enough with the fake appearance." Kushida obliges and drops her fake persona. "I've always been envious of you, Horikita. I'll do whatever it takes to see you and the twins expelled." Ryuen smiles. "Does that mean that I'm also one of your targets?" Kushida turns to him, switching to her fake personality. "It depends on the situation~" Ryuen smirks. "Impressive. I will admit, I had Kikyo give the participation list, and I instructed Saki to hurt you and pretend to be seriously injured."

Horikita pulls out her phone and reveals that she had been recording their conversation for protection. "You've been recording too, huh? You and Class-D are quite the masterminds." Ryuen's phone dings. He turns it on seeing my message. 

You have inflicted pain upon my dearest friend, and for that, the darkest of all shudders with rage.

Know this, as you lie in the wake of your cruelty, that I am not bound by the laws of mere mortals. My mind is a weapon honed by despair, and my wrath knows no bounds. You will soon learn the true meaning of terror as the very fabric of your existence unravels beneath the weight of your transgressions.

With each heartbeat that echoes in the night, your fate becomes entwined with the darkness you have awakened within me. The abyss calls out for retribution, and I am but a willing vessel to answer its haunting cry. From this moment forth, you are no longer the hunter; you are the hunted.

You may attempt to hide, seeking solace in the sanctuary of the mundane, but know that there is no escape from my relentless pursuit. Every step you take, every breath you draw, I will be there, an unseen specter looming over your shoulder.

You will never know peace again, for I will haunt your dreams, turning them into twisted nightmares, a reflection of the horrors you have sown. As you find yourself unable to sleep, burdened by guilt, and consumed by fear, always remember that I exist to represent your remorse. I am a living embodiment of the suffering you have caused others.

The heavens weep for the departed soul you left behind, and in the darkness, even the stars tremble with anticipation of the vengeance I will unleash upon you. Your every waking moment will be marred by the knowledge that I am coming for you, and there is no power on Earth or beyond that can shield you from the punisher that awaits you.

In the end, when the final hour draws near, you will beg for mercy, but it will fall upon deaf ears, for you have crossed a line that cannot be uncrossed.

May the gods have mercy on you, for I shall have none. Your doom is sealed, and your reckoning is nigh. Prepare yourself, for the darkness within me is but a glimpse of the abyss that awaits you.

This, I swear, as I unleash the full force of my powers upon you, for the sake of my dearest friend that you beat up.

Hope you can sleep tonight.

Ryuen looks a little bit surprised but smiles and walks away from the area."Well played, Class D. I'll back off for now." I then hear him say under his breath, "Hah! Do you think your mind tricks can scare me? I've seen far worse than what you can conjure. You may be able to play with people's heads, but you're nothing compared to the chaos I can unleash." He pauses, scrolling to the part. "Your friend? Oh, they were simply a pawn in my game, just like everyone else. I revel in causing trouble, and no mastermind like you can stop me. "He pauses again. "As for your threats, they amuse me. I've crushed people far stronger than you, and I'll enjoy watching you crumble just the same. Your vengeance means nothing to me. I do as I please, and no one can control me, not even the likes of you." "Save your tricks for someone who's afraid of the shadows. You can't touch me. I'm always a step ahead, and no amount of mumbo-jumbo will change that. My strategies are unpredictable, and I'll keep twisting the truth to my advantage. Good luck trying to pin me down." His phone dings again. Good luck with that I already know what you are trying to do plus, I'm way stronger than you think I am. I will crush you I write. I shake my hands a little and the ground shakes enough to be an earthquake.