Day 6 part 4
Lloyd POV
I dropped by Class C's camp with a single purpose in mind. My right hand was wrapped in blood-soaked bandages, hidden beneath the sleeves of my jersey. The pain pulsed with every movement, but I pushed it to the back of my mind.
When I arrived, I noticed Ibuki. She had clearly returned to her original post—Class D had changed its leadership. Her presence here meant only one thing: they needed privacy, and Ryuen was still someone she answered to.
"What are you doing here?" she snapped, eyes narrowing suspiciously. Her gaze scanned me like a hawk, looking for any indication of deceit.
"I'm here to speak with Ryuen," I answered coolly.
"Ryuen's busy. What could you possibly want--"
"It's fine, Ibuki. Let him through."
Ryuen cut her off, voice calm but authoritative. Ibuki clicked her tongue in irritation before walking away. Once she was out of earshot, Ryuen turned toward me.
"What is it this time? The information I gave Kanzaki not enough to hold up our end of the deal?"
"It's not about that. I'm here for something else..." My voice trailed off as Albert stepped forward, tension radiating from his posture. His fists were clenched at his sides, and he gave Ryuen a small nod.
"...Something concerning Albert Yamada."
Ryuen blinked, then slowly turned to glance over his shoulder. "Albert?" he repeated, his tone sharpening.
"What's this about Albert?"
Rather than respond directly, I pulled back my sleeve, exposing the bloodied bandages.
"This," I said. "This was done by him."
Ryuen's eyes narrowed. "Albert!"
Albert didn't flinch, but the anxiety in his eyes betrayed him.
"You assaulted a Class D member? Do you understand the consequences if this gets reported to the school?!"
Albert remained silent.
"There's no need to scold him," I interjected. "I've already chosen to overlook it. I know it wasn't of his own volition. Isn't that right, Ryuen?"
Ryuen's brows drew together. He knew I was onto something. "Yes... this doesn't sound like him," he admitted. Then, turning back to Albert, he asked, "Who told you to do this?"
He was pretending not to know. A bold move, but not unexpected.
"Seems our class cooperation will end here," I said coldly. "You've chosen dishonesty. That violates our agreement."
Ryuen sneered. "You act like you're in charge."
"No, but I know how you operate. Albert is your right hand. No one in Class C moves without your knowledge. If Albert acted, it was sanctioned—or at least known—by you."
He said nothing.
"So," I continued, "someone came to you. They proposed a deal—use Albert for a scheme. In return, you'd gain something. Probably leverage over me."
"And why would I agree to that?"
"Because it involved hurting me. And that must've sounded like a tempting offer."
Ryuen remained silent, but his fingers twitched.
"You didn't expect the plan to go south, did you? Ever since Day 5, you've been out of sorts. That anger you showed wasn't aimless—it was frustration. Something didn't go your way."
Ryuen's mind drifted back. I saw it in his eyes. He was recalling the day the fake leader cards leaked, ruining his potential alliance with Katsuragi. His schemes had collapsed.
"You were confident in this special exam. But things spiraled. You had to think fast—and you did. But you're still stuck."
Ryuen grinned faintly, snake-like. "You fancy yourself a detective? Here to mock me?"
"No," I said, stepping closer. "I'm here to help."
That surprised him. The grin faded.
"Help me? How?"
"There's a mole in Class C. Feeding your class leader identity to outsiders. Don't act surprised. It explains how your plans got exposed."
Ryuen's expression darkened. "I've considered that. With Ai Morishita's 'predictions,' it made too much sense."
"Then let me offer clarity. The mole is Nero."
His reaction was instant. Ryuen's eyes widened, his posture stiffened.
"N-Nero...?"
"Yes. Nero."
I reached into my pocket and subtly handed him a small fruit knife, wrapped carefully to avoid notice.
"This is the weapon Albert used. A fruit knife. Not to attack me—but to frame me."
Ryuen's jaw tightened. "Still doesn't prove Nero's involvement."
"Do you remember Sienna? When she visited you for Albert's help? You thought she was settling a personal score. But she's playing a larger game. I suspect she's the one orchestrating these setups—your plans included."
Ryuen's pupils constricted.
"Kozue from Class D has also been targeted. Sienna's pattern is spreading."
Ryuen nodded slowly. He examined the knife, still stained with my blood.
"Have him touch the handle," I whispered. "Get his prints. Be subtle."
"If this leads to his expulsion, it'll destroy him."
"You're right. But Kanzaki found a loophole in the school handbook. If it's framed as self-defense or post-exam evidence, the punishment softens. Timing is key."
"So... your plan is to wait. Strike after the exam?"
"Exactly. Let the dust settle. Then reveal the truth. That's when it'll hit hardest."
Ryuen studied me, then looked back toward his camp. His voice turned serious.
"If I can't lead Class C to victory, I'm unfit to lead."
"Leadership isn't about control," I replied. "It's about eliminating threats, even the ones within."
That line was enough to tip the balance.
Ryuen pocketed the knife. His decision was made. He would play his part.
And if Nero sensed the trap, I had backups. Multiple layers. Enough to crush his hopes from every angle.
Tomorrow is the final day.
Now... I rest.
Because next, it's your move, Ayanokoji.