The sound of rustling footsteps could be heard in the mountains at night.

　When I thought, "What is it," the presence was already approaching nearby. When I thought it was an enemy, I was already surrounded by them.
　It wasn't until later that I realized that the noise they were making was merely a warning signal to us.

　There were four signs surrounding us. Not behemoths.

　The adventurer Rain held not the familiar halberd at the ready, but a rather brand new long sword. In a forest area lined with trees, a halberd that is not easy to handle is not an option.
　The demons she was linked to revealed their nervousness at Rain's attitude. Karasumaru Yoshitsune, the raven-tengu, still stepped forward with his sword at the ready.

'Draw your swords. 'Rain.'

　Rain was taken aback when a familiar voice sounded familiar. The one that appeared from the bushes in front of her was a face that Rain knew too.

''Filhana...!

　She was the priestess Filhana Granvana, who partyed together as adventurers and crossed over to the new continent. At her appearance, the other demons breathed a sigh of relief, but Rain's nervousness did not dissolve. This was because Filhana's appearance and expression was different from what she knew.
　Was Filhana a girl who stood so seamlessly? Was she a girl who could stare at an old acquaintance with a straight face filled with cruelty?

　And, most importantly, the pocket watch that Filhana hung from her neck. It stopped with the letter "4" pointing to it, just like

You know him, Philhana?

　A man's voice comes out, and an elven swordsman quickly appears on the right hand side.

You're not going to be able to get away with it. Are you okay?

　Saying that, the one who appeared on the left hand side was a girl who was even younger than Filhana.

　They suddenly showed themselves, and it was clear that the demons were upset by their sudden appearance.
　However, for Reyn, the feeling of despair was stronger than the upset.

　Lesbon, the third son of the Balk family, in the Southern Kingdom of Pirica, Lesbon. Hired as his chaperone, Rain was also educated about the great men the Balk family had produced.
　Dynast Balk, the former "High King" of the Dialing Knights, the second seat (Two O'Clock) of the Dialing Knights.
　As proof that he was one of the strongest, the Imperials must have given him a pocket watch, exactly like the one they wore around their necks.

　The Imperial Clockwork Alliance, three of the twelve strongest men in the Empire are here.
　Filhana was one of them.

　The fact that three of them bothered to show up was clearly not for a friendly purpose. Additionally, there are signs that they are still hiding their appearance.

''Filhana-san........ What do you mean?

　Chihaya Kabeno asks, unafraid to ask.

''Are you going to do us harm now?
"We are not trying to do you any harm. Our goal is to protect you.
'Protection?　We don't need to be protected, we don't...

　The voice of a young boy, still young, interrupted Wallino's voice as he was about to say.

'It is,'

　The owner of the voice appeared right beside Filhana. It was an unidentified man, all wrapped in black armor.

I've received information that the Empire is trying to capture us demonized students and convert them into a fighting force. I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal of information on this. That's the theory, Kabeano.

　The creaking of metal, heavy, heavy footsteps. He wasn't the only one who didn't have a pocket watch hanging from his neck.
　Who was this armor that called Walled Field's name? Rain had no idea. He didn't know, but he could make a guess. They had been separated from their companions. They are trying to join up with that companion, and they are trying to get to Verneus. Being able to match each other's appearance and names, that is.

'No way...'
Hino-kun...?

　Kabeno and Gozashiki muttered in their mouths. The black armor neither affirmed nor denied.

''I have no intention of harming you, as long as you are protected quietly.
I don't get it.

　Karasuma countered with a click of his beak.

'You mean to tell me you're going to harm me if I don't behave?　It's a scandal and you can't ask me to trust you out of the blue.
I'll take some reckless steps to protect you, even if it means going home with all four second years, for the original purpose.

　The air is tingling. Apparently, those black armor and the demons are friends, as expected, but the two sides are at odds with each other.
　Since the Blood Clan is targeting their friends, they will protect them in the Empire. That black armor and the empire's interests are aligned with each other because the empire is able to restrain the hostile blood clans from increasing their strength. The logic goes in a nutshell.

　But Rain couldn't trust them either.

　Rain and Lesbon were from the Pilica South Kingdom. They know about the coup that took place in the kingdom and the forces that were invested by the Empire to put it down. I also know that one of the Imperial Clockwork Alliance (Dial Knights) was the one who led it.

'Karasuma, run away,'

　Rain told him in a low voice.

''What ... what?''
Call for help. No, I don't see what calling for help will do but with this gap in strength...
That's not very wise.

　The elven swordsman with his sword says without moving an eyebrow.

The best thing for you is to be caught quietly. It is best for you to be caught quietly. I will guarantee your safety.
I don't think I can take him alive... I don't know if I should use too much force...

　The girl on his left hand side scratched her head and meditated, scratching her eyes. As he watched them, Karasuma stared at the armor in front of him.

'Hey, Hino. I know. Ryuzaki told me. I'm sure there is a lot more to it than that. There was, wasn't there?

　Hearing those words, the black armor stopped moving slightly.

''Ryuzaki and the others didn't listen to that guy's words, did they? That's because Washio had been killed,''
What do you mean, Karasuma?
I don't know if any of you have laid a hand on any of your fellow classmates.

　Karasuma thrusts the cut end of his longsword at the black armor and Filhana.

''Coming with this kind of intimidating attitude is itself proof that you have something to feel guilty about, isn't it? Hey, hey, Hino........!
I think we've lost the negotiations.

　The elven swordsman muttered.

'I will force the capture. But first, Akira.
Yeah.
'There's another presence less than three thousand metiers from here. It's not an adventurer, though it walks with its footsteps muffled. You go check it out.
.........

　The black armor turns its heavy gaze glaringly at the swordsman.

''Don't worry.''

　As if to consider his emotions, Filhana said.

'I won't let them get hurt.
You're welcome.

　The black armor said this briefly and quickly kicked the ground. Flames erupted from the back and the armor's body accelerated.

''Wait, Hino-kun!''

　At the same time as Wallno shouted, a protective wall surrounded him. However, the wall created by Hameno was easily shattered by a single fist of rapidly accelerating armor. Karasumaru flapped his wings and tried to chase after him and keep him back, but the black armor did not stop moving. It looked like Karasumaru would outpace him in terms of speed, but he was easily ripped off.
　Karasuma's body rolled down the slope. He clicked his tongue and stood up.

'Well,'

　The girl stretched wide and said. That action, which showed no signs of tension, made everyone stiffen instead.
　The elven swordsman and Filhana also held their weapons at the ready to match their movements.

''Well, I guess I'll do my best for Ackee, then.




　At the time, Koganei, Akeno and Shakko had encountered the other group.

　Hakuba, Yukino, and then Inugami. Some of the stranger adventurers, Inugami bared his fangs and continued to threaten them with a low growl.
　The Inugami was the first to notice the smell of blood, and tried to hide in the bushes with the white horses, but that didn't fool our eyes.

''I'm not even going to ask your business now.

　With his arms crossed, Snowdonia says.

'You say you're going to get us,'
That's a bit early to tell.

　Shakko responded with an aggressive smile on his mouth.

　Koganei could not see their faces. Right now, he could not go against that course of action as a member of the blood clan. As soon as the rebellion was noticed, the power of control by the 'king' would come into play. Once that happens, he is no more than a puppet without free will.
　Therefore, we have no choice but to do injustice to Hakuba and Yukinoshita and the others.

'But I only have business with the unicorn and the snow woman there. I don't care about Inu and humans.

　After being told, the adventurer man smiles bitterly. It's a great deal of guts, even though he is a one-armed ship's eye.

I'm sure it's a good idea.

　Hakuba also lined up next to Yukinoshita and waved his tatagami in the air with a huff.

'I'm a unicorn. Isn't that pretty rare for a race?　He's one of the best recoverers out there.
I don't know the rarity of my race, but I woke up in a very strong Phase 2.

　The two of them stand side by side and begin their mysterious self-promotion. Apparently, there is no lie in his words, and Yukinoshita has ice in her right hand and flames floating in her left.
　Wondering what the hell he's planning to do, Hakuba continues with a wry smile on his face.

'You'd want to catch him alive, wouldn't you? You'd want to catch him unharmed. But we're going to go all out here. We don't want Inugami or Lesbons to be killed.
Oh, wow.

　Shakko also did not crack a smile.

'You think that's how you can compete with us, it's a bit cute, but you don't know a thing.

　It's frustrating, but it's Shakko's words that are correct. Even if Hakuba and Yukinoshita went all out here, they could easily neutralize Shakkou and Koganei with just two people, probably Shakkou and Koganei. Even if Koganei didn't join them, Akeno would still be there, and from even further away, Cyclops would be targeting them. If Shakko could blow up all the trees in this vicinity, it would all be within Cyclops' range.
　Is there really a way for them to be saved? Koganei ponders. Hakuba and Yukinoshita, even if they were captured, should be able to guarantee their safety under Koganei's direction. But with their rarity and ability, there would be some objections to leaving them rotten, and if they were not good enough, Koganei's promises could even be reneged on. Besides, the biggest problem was Inugami. Even the ship-armed adventurer, who would be helping them, would want to help if he could.

　But there is no convenient way to do that.

　I didn't know the limit would come so quickly. Koganei takes a small bite of his teeth.
　It was just then that a transmission from Cyclops came into the radio that Akeno was holding.

''We've found the Imperial Clockwork Alliance (Dial Knights).''

　Over the radio, Cyclops tells me this.

'I can confirm that there are four of them, three of them are surrounding the other bloodline candidates.
Tsk!

　Shakko clucked his tongue.

'What do you mean, three of them?　They finally figured it out, didn't they!
'I'm sure the Empire hasn't taken any concrete action against the Bloods.

　Akeno also makes a thoughtful face with his arms crossed. He's got a hunch, that is, against the blood race's plan to operate the demonized classmates as a force. Pulling out four Dial Knights is not an unusual story, and with three of them, surrounding a mere monster is itself an unusual story.
　The Empire had been in a section where they had been neglecting the actions of the Blood Clan until now. Although skirmishes had occurred frequently in various areas, they were not perceived as a major threat. However, if this plan and the collection of the royal fragments could be completed, the balance of power would change significantly. The Empire may have already noticed the actions of such bloodlines.

　The White Horses still didn't seem to understand what was going on. But the Cyclops' report is not over yet.

The remaining body is on the move. We don't know why, but we're moving closer to the skeleton that owns the king piece.
Koganei!

　Just as she was about to finish saying her words, the white horse shouted.

'You go to Utsurogi!
What?

　These are not words to throw at the enemy. The unexpected words that came out of Hakuba's mouth confused Koganei for a moment.

''Even you guys wouldn't be in trouble if the empire took the king piece away from you!　Now go!
Okay.

　Koganei nodded. He couldn't afford to get lost.
　The body fused with the wind elements lurking in wait. As his body melted into the wind, Koganei heard the next words that Hakuba said.

"Washio doesn't hold a grudge against you. That's all I wanted to say to you.

　Without daring to reply, Koganei, who had turned into the wind, began to fly. Shakko also barked without seeing it off to the end.

Akeno!　I'm going to the Dial Knights!　These unicorns are in good hands with you and Cyclops!
Yeah, okay.

　Shakkou also kicked the earth and floated with his body to the sky.
　Akeno wore a black bolt of lightning on his right arm and stared at Hakuba and Yukino.

'Inugami-san, run away with Lesbon-san. I'll go with you, Hakuba-kun.

　The cold air visibly gathered around Snowdonia. The frost on the trees and the frozen grass beneath her feet shattered fleetingly with each step she took.
　Inugami nipped Lesvon's still hesitant collar and ran off with a quick glance. The Bishop's Akeno had a criminal record for killing Washio once. But even so, the two of them, who were excellent candidates for the bloodline, were less likely to be killed than Inugami and the others. Hakuba and Yukino's actions were a bet on that.

　After meditating slightly, Akeno said.

''I'm the one who killed the griffon named Washio.
'I know!　But I'm not looking to avenge anything!

　Tapping his hooves to the ground, the white horse swings his long, stretched horns in a threatening manner.

'What he did, now I'm just going to do it!



....!

　Kyousuke senses the strange changes happening in the vicinity and stands up. Likewise sensing the anomaly, he clothed himself in Rin's body and prepared for two signs, approaching from east and west.

　The wind rustles. The atmosphere burns. The trees crinkle.
　None of them spoke a word, yet they were too eloquent to announce the turmoil that was about to occur. An unearned anxiety envelops Kyousuke's body. It was something that couldn't be wiped away, even if Rin, who was close by, had said all the right things. There was a sensation as if my body was trembling.

　The wind was closing in from the east and the flames were closing in from the west.

　From a place not so far from here, a roaring noise could be heard as it slipped through the trees. A sketchy tremor shook the mountain slopes again and again. This is the sound of a battle.
　A battle is taking place. Probably in a way that engulfed Kyousuke's companions. It was now clear that the timing of the two approaching signs were no longer unrelated.

　The black armor that appeared while cleaving down the trees, however, stopped moving in front of Kyousuke. At the same time, a single gust of wind that rushed in to protect Kyousuke from that armor also stopped moving temporarily in front of Kyousuke. The wind instantly transformed into a human form, and at that moment, three shadows, four wills, mixed together in that space.

　For a moment, a calm came.

'Kyousuke...?'

　The armor speaks the words.

'Ei.'

　Kyousuke called out the name of the voice's owner. Then he turned his gaze to the other side.

Koganei.

　Kyousuke's voice was far from one that was overcome with joy at seeing him again.

　Ei Hino too. Also Koganei Yoshiki.
　They wouldn't have expected to see each other at this place and at this time. Normally, I should be relieved to hear that my friends who I hadn't seen in a long time were safe. But this situation is too kinaesthetic to do so.

　Kyousuke wondered about the signs of the battle going on around him. Nervousness was blatantly obvious, and it was evident in the sound of his voice.

''Ah. Hino-kun Koganei-kun. Oh, hi.

　Rin is also a beat behind and greets him.

　Ei Hino. He's a man I hadn't seen in a long time since the dismemberment transfer incident. Why is he, who was a wisp, wearing such a rugged armor? What does this have to do with this situation and what is he here? Are there any other students who have transitioned with him? Are they really safe? There are many questions to ask.
　As for Koganei Yoshiki, Kyousuke has some idea of the situation. He was probably the one who helped himself and Karasuma in the New Continent. He felt bad about the point that he had to waste half of his concern in the duel with Nameless. Kyousuke also had something to say to Koganei, who was trying to sneak into the side of the blood family and manage the situation, but he put that aside for now.

''To Utsurogi, Himemizu-san...''

　Koganei also called out our name, and then turned his gaze towards the armor again.

''And Hino...?''
Why are you guys here?

　Ei barely muttered in a scratchy voice.

'That's my question. Ei, Koganei, what's happening now? Is everyone safe?''

　The problem is there first. If Koganei is coming, then there is a possibility that other blood clans are showing up here as well. If that is the case, then the fighting in the east side is undoubtedly due to that. But that doesn't explain the signs of the battle happening on the west side.
　What on earth happened to Ei? Why is Ei here? Since we don't know that at all, there's no way to make an analogy.

He's not safe.

　It was Koganei who told him clearly first. His words were tinged with some impatience.

''Inugami-san and the adventurer man have escaped. But Yukinoshita-san and Hakuba are still there. The other man is Akeno-san. He's the one who killed Washio. If this is the case, they'll probably get caught.

　Koganei's words were referring to the fact that things were getting out of hand on his own. In order to help Yukinoshita and Hakuba, he would need at least a hand from Kyousuke. Koganei, who had fallen under the military gates of the blood family, couldn't take a poorly executed enemy action. This situation right now can also be described as quite dangerous.
　Kyousuke turned his gaze directly to Ei. He still showed some hesitation, then barely spoke up.

''Everyone...''

　Ei's words were trembling as he muttered that. It felt like it's been a long time since I've heard his voice like this.

'I'm safe. ''Kyousuke.''
Okay.

　Kyousuke nodded. Asking his best friend for things, and if he answers, Kyousuke wouldn't doubt it. That's how it's supposed to work.
　He would never point out that Ei's words were 'a lie'.

　That's why Kyousuke was unsure of how to question this unnatural pause and the clear anomaly that was happening to Ei.

''Hey, is that true?''

　Sensing Kyousuke's subtlety, Rin stepped in sharply instead. Ei shook for another moment.

''Koganei-kun, is what you're saying, Hino-kun, true?''
I don't really know what's going on, so...

　Koganei's words are cautious, but his tone of voice is somewhat strong.
　He doesn't claim to know what's going on, but he has some idea of what's going on, too. However, Koganei doesn't try to denounce Ei, saying it himself. Then, Kyousuke looked at Ei once again.

''Ei.....
I ...

　Ei let out a shaky voice from inside the black armor.

　But then, shortly after.



Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!
d*mn!

　Like an iron hammer, Filhana's fist received the blow that was swung down from the sky.

　By the blessing of God, it is her iron fist that has been imbued with miracles. Even if it was a blow from Luke that would have split the earth and blown the water out of the lake, it would not cause a single scrape on his fist. Instead, the shockwave that was created didn't faze Filhana in the slightest, even if the shockwave created a huge crater at Filhana's feet, reaping down the trees around her.
　In an instant, the mountain looks like the remains of a landslide. The trees were literally uprooted and tumbled down the slope.

I knew it!

　Holding his sword in one hand, Rambaldo shouted.

　Luke's strong attack took place in the very midst of the demons' capture operation. It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what to expect. It's a good idea to have a miasma, but it's not a good idea to have a miasma in your pocket.

''.........!

　The Dark Beast Heroic Melodious Killer stared at the mountainside on the other side. The generated miasma was spent on regenerating the obliterated arms, and the girl's eyes sought out the unseen enemies lurking in the mountains.

'Phil sister, Ran brother, I'll take the other one!

　As soon as he says it, Melodious kicks up the crumbling slope and flies to the other side of the mountain. In the meantime, the demons escape. But it was a reasonable decision. Because if there was a sniper who could accurately blow off Merodias' arm and a means of attack with that much power lurking around, then that was an opponent that should be dealt with as a top priority.
　Spreading his wings, the Raven Tengu flies out into the sky. Rambaldo chased after it with his sword in hand. The cutting edge quickly draws a crest in the air, which becomes a bondage spell and binds up the raven tengu's body. Rambarto Gaudin managed to carry out the absurd order to avoid injury. He continues to run into the mountains after the escaped demons.

'I am Luke's Shakko!

　The giant man shouted with a fierce killing intent in his bright red twin eyes. Competing head-on with his physical strength, Filhana returned the words.

''The Imperial Clockwork Alliance (Dial Knights), Fourth O'Clock Seat (Four O'Clock)!　"The Iron Fist Saints!"
She's tough. She's worth destroying!

　As Shakko puts his strength into both arms, Filhana gradually pushes away. With their hands clasped in each other's hands, the Iron Fist Saint's legs sank sluggishly into the hard soil. Shakko had a smirk on his mouth.
　But Filhana slumped there, only from the neck up.

'Ooh!

　He gathered momentum and slammed his forehead into Shakko's chin. An explosion sounded, and a flash and shockwave were generated. The Iron Fist Holy Woman's full-length head-butt scattered a shockwave that changed the terrain again in one corner of the Beast King mountain range. Shakko couldn't help but let go of his hand and blasted away, smashing through the trees.
　Filhana yanked her legs out of the ground, buried nearly to her knees, and chased after Shakko's blown-up body. Filhana's fist lit up with an exceptionally strong light.

''Rah!''

　He slammed a follow-up blow into Shakko's body, which was still blown away. Shakko crossed his arms to catch the blow, then kicked the trees as it happened, finally offsetting the momentum. Once again, Luke's Shakko's stiff, log-like arms explode in Philhana's face.
　The next thing to be blown away was the slender body of the Iron Fist Saintess. In the same way, Filhana's body is still blown away while ripping down the trees. Just as a return for his earlier, Shakko caught up with him this time and slammed a follow-up kick into Filhana.



　Immediately after Ei was about to say it, the girl's body comes rolling down, cleaving the trees. No, it's not a lukewarm thing, like rolling. It was exactly like a cannonball that rushed into the ground and plunged deep into the ground. His entire body was bleeding and his clothes were stained with dirt. The girl, who seemed to be killed instantly, swiftly raised her body and stood up.
　Both Kyousuke and Rin recognized the girl.

''Fui, Filhana-san........''

　Rin muttered, barely. As if she had finally realized with that voice, Filhana turned around and smiled at him.
　However, the huge man who had rushed towards that Filhana, still like a cannonball, found himself slamming his fist into her. Filhana smiled and caught the fist with one hand. He immediately turns his gaze back to the front, tightens his expression, and blasts the giant man who rushed in with a punch in return, right in the face of the giant man.

　This time, it was the giant man's turn to blow up.

　After looking away from the blown up giant man, Filhana turned to Kyousuke and the others again.

''Eh, um. Filhana-san?
''Ah, they're still around, aren't they? I had that feeling when I saw Karasuma and the others...

　Filhana awkwardly scratches her cheek, and the giant man comes at her again. Filhana crosses her arms and catches the giant man's fist, but she can't kill the impact and is still blown away. An exchange of blows that are too big for him.
　Wasn't Filhana Glambana a new adventurer, recently ranked gold? As if to catch up with the confused Kyousuke and Rin, this time the giant man shouted.

''What are you doing!　Join us, High Elf!

　At those words, he could see Koganei's eyes narrow. That was enough for him to understand that this rough giant of a man was part of the blood family. Perhaps it was Luke.
　Luke further spat out words without any restraint or emotion.

''I'll leave the Dial Knights there to you!　Don't let them take the king piece!

　Who was this "Imperial Clockwork Alliance (Dial Knights)" term referring to?

　It took Kyousuke a few moments to figure it out.
　Koganei let out a small sigh and turned to the black armor.

　For that moment, the black armor took a stance against Koganei without any hesitation at all.

　After all, neither the rare hesitation that Ei Hino Ei showed, nor the rare care that Koganei Yoshiki showed.
　This crude and violent rook guy washed up and smashed it up with ease.

''Hino-kun......... You're with the Empire?''

　Rin's voice was neither trembling nor denouncing.
　It was just shocked and stunned by the shock.

''.........''

　Ei didn't speak. Only that the armor was glaring at Koganei and was ready for battle.

　What kind of nation was the Empire of this world? Neither Kyousuke nor Rin knew much about it.
　They didn't know, but they had heard about the coup that had taken place in the Southern Kingdom of Pirika. And that Ket Shih, who was probably Nekomiya, had participated in that coup. And that the coup had failed due to the intervention of the Imperial Army, and that the Nekomiya had also disappeared.

　There is no confirmation. But it's too shocking a fact to know just at the moment of growing distrust of the Empire.

''That's the way it is.''

　Filhana returns, bleeding from all over, but still unperturbed.

'Utsurogi, if you care about your best friend, Akira, you must come with us. We'll put you in a tight spot, but we'll guarantee your safety.
Don't be stupid. They're working for us.

　At Filhana's words, Luke countered by baring his teeth. The two sides glared at each other, and once again, they were in a fighting stance.
　As long as they stared at each other, if they showed an opening, they would allow an attack. The two sides were no longer completely separated from the air on our side.

''The Empire cannot be trusted.''

　Koganei says once and for all.

'I've heard about the coup in the Southern Kingdom too. Hino, what happened to Nekomiya-san and the others?
Don't you ever say the word 'trust' to me. Koganei.

　Ei's voice, muttering that, was pregnant with a vindictive sound that echoed from the depths of hell. Koganei kept his mouth shut. If that was the point, Koganei couldn't argue with him. He is also aware that it is his own actions that are the most untrustworthy.

　Steam erupts from Ei's back, and at the same time, he slowly takes a stance. Flames eventually flare up like wings on his back as the steam finishes spewing out. It was as if he was reenacting the figure of Trinity Fullcross who once shot through the King of the Dead Spirit in the underground labyrinth (catacombs), all by himself.

''I should have beaten you to death back then, after all!

　Ei shouts.

'I won't even let Kyousuke stop me this time!　I'm going to do what I did then, and I'm going to do it now!
When it's all over, I'll let you hit me as hard as you want!　We can't let them kill us now!

　A man on the verge of making a mistake and a man who has made a mistake; their beliefs are now staring head-on at each other.

　Don't be silly.

　Kyousuke can't hold back his unknown emotions in front of their exchange.
　You guys are doing all these selfish things. Why do they take on everything by themselves and think they can solve the problem? Why can't they just say one word, "Help me"? It's a good thing that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about it.

　Now, I finally understand. This was how I looked from the outside, too.

　What a disgusting guy he was.
　What an annoying person I was.

　I really admire Rin for going along with a guy like this with her whole heart.

　But yeah. I can't help but feel this annoyance, I can't help it.

　The first emotion that Soraki Kyousuke had ever had to deal with in his life.

　It was, in short, anger.