---
Kota crouched beside Midari, his voice low and serious.
"Let me join your team."
Midari blinked, her green hair catching the lantern light. She tilted her head, unsure if she heard him right.
"...What?"
"I want to join your team," Kota repeated, leaning in closer. "I know who your King and Queen really are."
Her gaze narrowed. "And why would you help us?"
He gave a lopsided smirk. "Because I just want to win. And your team is my best shot."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, Midari sat up straighter, brushing hair from her eyes. "...Fine. But don't try to trick me. I'm not as fragile as I look."
Kota nodded. "Good. Then take me to him."
---
— Class C Camp —
The next day, Kota stood in front of the Class C tent, arms crossed as suspicious eyes bore into him. Whispers circled like vultures.
"Why's someone from Class D here?"
"Is that Kota?"
"He's got guts showing up here alone..."
Midari stepped in front of them all. "Back off. He's with me."
A tall boy with slick black hair stepped out from the shadows of the tent. His sharp eyes scanned Kota like a hawk eyeing prey.
"You want to meet the real King?" Midari said, gesturing to the tall boy. "This is Renjiro Kazamine."
Kota's eyes locked onto him. So, this is the true King…
Renjiro gave a small nod. "I heard you wanted to help."
"I want to win," Kota corrected. "And I know your Queen is about to betray you."
Renjiro raised a brow, intrigued. "Go on."
Kota smirked. "Miyako. She's not loyal. She's been preparing to make her own move. But I can take her out."
Renjiro pulled out something wrapped in cloth—inside, a gun.
"Then prove your loyalty," Renjiro said coldly. "Take her down."
Kota stared at the weapon for a moment, then slowly took it. His hands didn't shake.
"…As you wish."
---
— Meanwhile, in Class D Camp —
Miyako was packing quietly when Airi approached her.
"Head west," Airi said softly. "If something happens to me, I want you to be the second Queen."
Miyako froze. "Wait, Airi… are you saying—?"
"I'm just being cautious," Airi said. "We don't know what Class C will do. Be ready."
Miyako nodded, hiding the unease in her eyes. She left camp shortly after, disappearing into the forest alone.
---
— Nightfall —
Miyako was walking through the woods when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned—too late.
A shot rang out.
The bullet grazed her arm as she dove to the ground. Her breaths came fast as she crawled for cover.
She couldn't see the shooter. But in that moment, something clicked.
"They're after me…"
Wiping blood from her arm, Miyako gritted her teeth. "Fine. If this is how it is—then I'll survive."
---
— Later That Night —
In the shadows, Kota dialed a secure line. Airi's voice came through the device.
"You made contact?"
"Yeah," Kota replied. "Renjiro is the real King. And I got what we needed."
Airi's voice softened. "Good. And Miyako?"
Kota hesitated. "...She'll be fine. She's smart."
He ended the call and looked up at the night sky.
For a moment, just a moment, something flickered in his eyes—doubt? Guilt?
Then it was gone.
---
End of Chapter 13
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