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Kota stepped into the boys' tent. The air was tense.
Takuma slammed his hand on the table and turned to Kota, eyes blazing. "Why did you bring her here?! Even if you're trying to be nice, she's from Class C! What if she finds out where our base is and reports back to her team?!"
Kota let out a tired sigh. "I just thought… maybe she could tell us where their base is. That's all."
Takuma's jaw clenched, teeth grinding with frustration.
Airi, sitting in silence nearby, closed her eyes briefly—then opened them with a breath of calm. "You might've made a smart choice," she said softly. "We might be able to get her to talk."
Takuma narrowed his eyes. "Seriously?"
Airi stood. "Let's go see her."
Takuma muttered under his breath, "Don't say I didn't warn you."
They all walked together to the smaller tent where the green-haired girl rested. She was sitting up when they arrived, her eyes cautious.
Airi stepped forward and spoke clearly. "I'm Airi Kazehana. And you are?"
The girl hesitated, then answered quietly, "Midari Hanekawa."
Airi nodded. "I'd like to speak with her in private."
Everyone glanced at each other before nodding and stepping out.
Once alone, Airi sat beside her and asked gently, "What happened to you? I heard there was a fire. You were caught in it, weren't you?"
Midari's eyes watered. She looked down and began to cry. "My own team… they betrayed me. Left me there in the flames."
She buried her face in her hands.
Airi gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "They left you behind?"
Midari sniffled and nodded. "Daiki Valtoren… he ordered me to scout the west area. I followed his orders. But when the fire broke out… they just disappeared. They never came for me."
Outside the tent, Kota leaned quietly against the wall, listening. His eyes narrowed.
Inside, Airi stood. "You should rest. You're safe now."
She walked out and saw Kota waiting. "I think I know who the Class C King is."
Kota opened one eye. "Daiki Valtoren."
She nodded. "If he's issuing orders and sacrificing his own teammates, he has to be their King."
Kota exhaled and turned. "You stay here and watch her. I'll handle the next part."
Airi gave a small nod and walked away into the trees.
Once she was out of sight, Kota turned back toward Midari's tent. He stepped inside quietly.
Midari looked up, surprised to see him.
Kota sat beside her and leaned in close. He whispered something into her ear.
Her eyes widened in shock.
—
Meanwhile, in the boys' tent, Airi gathered everyone.
"I've figured out who Class C's King is—Daiki Valtoren."
Suddenly, a robotic voice echoed from their phones:
> "One Pawn has changed sides."
Everyone froze.
A screen lit up, revealing an image.
It was Kota.
Gasps filled the tent. Airi's eyes widened in disbelief.
Takuma stood up, pointing at the screen. "I knew it! I knew he couldn't be trusted!"
Airi's legs gave out, and she fell to her knees.
"…But why?" she whispered.
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Next Time: Chapter 13 – The Hidden Move