The ice created by magic is melting rapidly.

　Rokia takes a step forward.
　She doesn't seem to be timid in the face of Hibigami.
　In contrast, Hibigami lowers his raised arm and asks in a calming voice, "How long has it been?

''How many years has it been?''
You know what?　I don't know.

　Rokia lightly leans backwards and cowers her shoulders.

I've never counted it, I'm not obligated to count it, and I have no intention of doing so. To hell with this rotten relationship with you.
Same old Rokia.

　It was probably the effect of the sudden clash between the two men.
　The gazes of the students in the plaza were gathering on them.
　I look at Currier-san's situation.
　........For now, she seems to be in a static posture.

I'm sure you're not going to be able to find a way to make the most of it. Thanks for making me feel better.
Is that what Currier told you about my last visit to King's Landing, when I found out and fled from there in a flash?
Yeah, you're right.

　Bringing his own face close to Hibigami's, Rokia held out his hands as if to threaten her.

'Without any excuse of any kind, you're absolutely right--'Breaking God'

　Hibigami doesn't move.
　Rokia smiles viciously.

'Unmistakably, at a glance, I escaped in a haphazard, miserable, shameless, outrageous way, man.

　Rokia sticks out her tongue in a provocative manner.

"I ran away crying with my tail between my legs. I didn't want to see you, you know?　Hahahahahaha, you're such a nice coward that you want to worship him, aren't you?　I can't do anything but shake and squat.　Well, to begin with?　We don't want to see your kind of monster fighting maniac! You're so scared, you're paralyzed, you can't even move!　Huh, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm...

　The content of the conversation itself seems pathetic, but there is no sign of being put off.
　He doesn't seem to be frightened or cowering.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.

''I'm just a man who can't stop eating.
So you're the one who came to eat the Four Deadly Sins, huh?
Hmm, Kurier didn't tell you that part yet? I'm in King's Landing on a different matter. I had the good fortune to meet one of the Four Deadly Sins, but I'm still not sure I'm ready for my Four Deadly Sins at the moment. It seems that Sagara was the most luscious opponent.
...Blackberry.

　They look at me.

'You hear that?　I'm told you have this man as your nemesis?　I heard you're pretty obsessed with this.　What is it?　Is Sagara Kurohiko the savior of us who are in a lot of trouble from you?
You seem to have let yourself get attached to the man in moderation.
You can't just go against Kurohiko, you have to go against the Silver Maiden, too. I'll evade with all my might. Unquestionably, I will evade with all my might.
Kaka, I lie a lot. For that 'demon king' to pay so much attention to you - what is it?

　It's a good idea to have a good time with your friends.

It's a good idea to have a good time with your friends. It's not your place to tell me what to do.
Yeah, maybe. If Sagara's finally in my range, everything else will be secondary for now. It's just--

　Stroking the stubble on his chin, Hibigami looked around at the students in the square.

''I heard that there is a 'Formless Game' here. In addition, the "Demon King" and the "Silver Maiden" - and even the forbidden spell user that the "Silver Maiden" has on her shoulders - are all here. I'm a little curious, right?　I guess it's not so bad to watch.
It's gonna be one hell of a bad show.
It's Rokia.
Oh?
Why do you think Noyes chose this school as his setting?
I don't know anything about that. I don't even want to follow the thoughts of that ridiculous woman. It's a waste of my thinking power.

　Hibigami continues, regardless of Rokia's spitting.

''Currier isn't the daughter of a nobleman, nor is she a person from Renowthred. Enrolling in this academy itself must have been reasonably difficult for her to enroll in this academy. Even for me, that's how I had to obtain the school's uniform independently, right?

　After taking a glance at Rokia's uniform, Hibigami turned his head to the academy.

''If Noise's purpose is to be a person from the sixth house, I don't think there's any necessity to choose this academy, which is a hassle to infiltrate, as a stage--''
It's obvious that Noyes set up Currier's entrance. I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do, but I'm going to tell you that I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to get my hands on one. The rest of it didn't matter as long as they brought in Currier Versteen, right?
The required performers and the stage are "Silver Maiden" and "Academy"... but I still don't see the connection.
It's not a big deal. It's a very personal, boring reason for him, of course. Anyway....

　Rokia chuckles.

It's not like you to worry about such things, is it?　What kind of a windbreaker is that?

　With a hint of self-mockery, Hibigami smiles peacefully.

"I guess I've been spotted by myself... or maybe the appearance of the candidate I've been chasing has given me some breathing room.
Kuk, how about that one?

　Rokia's eyes are sharp and she grins.

It's a good idea," he said, "but your essence as a fighting maniac hasn't changed. It's a good thing that you're able to get some temporary satisfaction from the fact that you were able to do the job you've always wanted to do, but when the person you want to see is in front of you, you can't control your impulses, of course. That's the essence of your broken nature, necrosis.

　Hibigami moved slightly, with a slip of a foot.

'Then Rokia,'

　Rokia takes a step backwards.

"For example - is there a way to deal with yourself here?
'What?　You want to f*ck me?
Well, I suppose--

　Hibigami's gaze flicks through the air one by one.

If I kill those students who seem to be my friends and blend them in, will they be motivated a little?
"Crap, let's do it.
..........
You don't think I'm going to f*ck you over just for killing all these people, do you? Let's do it.　The world is full of things you can't understand unless you try.
Hmm--

　A vein floated up on the back of Hibigami's hand, a jerk, a hard sound.
　A tingling sensation striking the skin.
　Is it murderous intent?
　The air changed instantly, and those who can understand it should have understood that the air changed completely.

　But soon the air returns to normal.

　'I see,' chuckles Hibigami.

'You have trained yourself and your companions well, haven't you? I'm not a fan of useless killing, either. If it's not worth it, there's no point in killing them.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but my kingdom isn't peaceful enough for me to be bothered by the death of my friends. I don't have the heart to cry over every death of my friends. But if you want to f*ck me, I don't mind.
...yeah?
If Lerface and Falveti, whom Noyes stole, are back in my hand, I'm happy to fight you. Wouldn't be any fun for you to play with me without that sword, would it?
Kaka, you're not invisible, Rokia. Isn't that what you're trying to get me to do when I'm facing that noise?　And when the sword you want is back in your hand, you'll renege on your promise and run away... no?
I don't know what you're talking about. I don't mind if you're trying to figure out my intentions. But you can't just make assumptions.　I'm a man who keeps his 'promises worth keeping'.

　We watched this exchange from a distance.

"I guess they're not getting along after all, are they?

　Currier-san, who was looking at them, said.
　.........Isn't it?
　It looks like they're good friends to me.

　Rokia walked over to me.

'Hibigami's on a high horse,' he said. I hope he's dead.
Do you think the Hibigami guy is just going to sit back and watch?

　Mr. Currier asks.

I honestly don't know. It's not very likely that they will try to do this with me or you, but, although I didn't say it, if the noise grows to a strangely strong level, the intrusion itself may be possible. Other than that.........if it looks like your obsession with Kurohiko is about to come into harm's way, he might make a move.

　I wondered if they were getting impatient with the wait.
　The students began to murmur in frustration.
　Currier looked at the students.

'Do you really think there's a noise in there?'
I know you're here, I guess.
'I think you're stuck on something. What's bothering you?

　Kuku," laughs Rokia.

''That 'Intangible Game' of yours, eh?　There's no way it's going to end with them finding out who you are.......well, at any rate, we have to win the first game first.
You think I'm the reason for the noise, don't you?
...of course.
"Then...

　Currier-san tightened his expression.

''I guess I'll have to settle it, after all.

　I said, looking at her profile as she bit down on her resolve.

'Please be careful, Miss Currier,'

　She smiled and sniffed as usual, "Humph," she said.

'Oh.'
I mean, come on, Currier.

　Rokia interrupted.

'Hmm?'
Blackbeard can barely move now, can't he?　Why did you bring him here?
Partly because Kurohiko asked me to, but also because I thought it would be more dangerous to leave him in Sickbay.
To avoid getting kidnapped by noise, it's better to keep it in plain sight. You're really good at this, aren't you?
Hmph. I'm sure I'm in better touch with you than you are.

　.........Currier-san flushed it out plainly.
　On the other hand, Rokia on the other hand also said, "Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

It's about time.

　Rokia sends some instructions with her hand.
　Then some of the students - probably Rokia's friends - started to move.

'Cecily, Headmaster,'

　Currier-san called out to Cecily-san, who was silently watching the exchange behind me, and Makina-san, who was standing alongside Shana-san a little behind her.

''If Kurohiko is in danger, just do what you can to protect him to the extent possible...''

　Cecily nodded her head in approval.

'I know, I know. So, Currier, go ahead and do what you think you should do.''
I'm sorry, thank you.

　Makina-san cowers her shoulders.

"If Noyes is from the same hometown as you and Hibigami, I can't guarantee that I can protect him, though. Well, I'll try to do what I can.
''Thank you, Headmaster. You've done so much else for me.
Oh, come off it, you're making it sound like you're about to die.
...or maybe something similar.

　The ones who are around me right now are Cecily-san, Makina-san and Shana-san.
　Mia, Lisa, and Clarice are on the school grounds, but have taken refuge in appropriate places for now.
　By the way, it seems that Cecily-san received a uniform that fits her size from Makina-san before she came here.
　It seems that Makina-san mended a spare uniform and brought it to her while she brought the wheelchair.　

　Currier-san looks up at the sky.

'The sun has gone down.

　If you look - although you can still see - the sky has finally begun to darken.

　The first stars twinkled in the sky.
　The school bell rings, and the crystal lights in the square begin to glow faintly.

''Well, let's get started, shall we?''

　Rokia walks out to the stage.

The first travesty to set the stage the way that b*tc* wanted it to be.

　　　　　　　　　　*

　As Rokia took the stage, the students began to ask questions out of their mouths.

'What the hell are you!　What's going to happen now?!
We're here because you said the headmaster told us to, but what the hell is going on?
Explain it to me!

　The students' speech is rough, probably because they have been gathered without explanation and rushed further.
　The fact that the nerves are riled up along with nervousness due to the four deadly attacks that occurred today also seems to add to the roughness of the situation.

　Rokia, who receives the voice, remains smiling wryly.
　Currier-san is standing at the edge of the stage with his Revelgate.
　Then, a person on what looks like a board is brought in from the woods.
　As soon as they saw the figure, they found the students speechless and gasping for air.

　Big.

　A huge man.
　But I couldn't feel the breath of life.
　His indigo hair, which must have once been stroked back, was frayed as if it had lost its life force.
　The dull-colored cloak was cruelly torn and stained with blood.
　His hands and feet were sewn to the boards with swords, and he was bound.
　The thorny ivy arising from the sword that had been thrust in further - probably a magic sword - reinforced the restraints.
　His face is earthy.
　It's unclear if he's breathing or not.
　Dying, or should I say, dying?
　Or perhaps it's already--.

　The plank to which the man is sewn is brought upright by the companions of the loci.
　What began after that was the process of fixing the feet to the floor?
　One wooden post was brought onto the stage.
　It seems they intend to use it as a support to keep the board upright.

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

　Even though he was bound and lifeless, the man had a breathtakingly intimidating presence.
　An uncommon sense of presence.
　That.
　That feeling.
　That was probably--

Looks like some of the guys figured it out already. Yeah, you get the idea.

　Rokia points to the big man in the back.

'This is one of the Four Deadly Plagues.

　The students buzzed.
　It's a different kind of buzz from the previous one.

Currier Versteyn and I took out the four scourges. Oh, don't worry.　It's already a bug's breath. There's no need for you mooks to run around unceremoniously.

　Mr. Currier took one look at Rokia, but did not speak to her.

'Well,'

　Rokia picks up something covered with a cloth.
　That's the one his companion had gently set aside earlier.
　Rokia drops that 'something' from the cloth onto the stage.
　That was--.

　After a few beats.

'Kyah, Kyahhhhhhhh--!

　First one of the girls screamed.

''Whoa!　Hey, is that--
A man's arm?
What the hell?　What the hell do you think you're doing, man!

　The students show a variety of reactions.
　Yes - Rokia threw out a human arm on the stage.

''Huhahahaha!　Shut up! Shut up!　Shut the f*ck up!　You spoiled f*cking students!

　Rokia's blackmail.
　A tense silence falls over the place in an instant, perhaps due to the pressure of the power.

You guys don't mind killing the demons in the holy ruins and giving me a splash or two of blood, do you?　Aah!　I'm sure there are others who have been seriously injured and even witnessed their deaths!　So what?　What's going on?　You've got an arm or two to scream at me!　Hahahahahahahahaha!　You guys are a godd*mn mystery!　Hey!

　When the laughter died down, Rokia dropped her fingertips to the arm lying at her feet.

'This one is the arm of one of my guys who died when I f*cked those four deadly plagues over there.

　I wondered.
　I didn't know if the arm really belonged to one of Lokia's friends or not.
　Lies or truth.
　It's hard to guess that of him.
　But I did notice a slight change in the students' reactions.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it. In the meantime, I, together with Currier Versteyn and his team of attackers from the Sixth House, have been fighting against the Four Deadly Sins. For what purpose?　--To protect the people who live in this royal city.

　I knew at once that this was a lie.

"But a good friend of mine was killed in battle by the Four Deadly Sins. That's right. I lost my friends in cold blood.

　Rokia holds her hand over her mouth.

''I heard that there were many deaths in the Holy Tree Knights. And many of the candidates in the academy are blood relatives of the Knights. Some of those in this square will have already learned of the death of their immediate family members. There might also be students who have had their immediate family members killed just because they haven't been informed of it yet. There is no doubt that some of the students and instructors close to them were killed in the other four disasters that attacked this school. Therefore--

　Rokia received one of the holy swords from her companions and slashed the arm of the Four Deadly Disasters.
　Blood flowed out of the cut.

I think we should execute the Four Deadly Sins with our own hands to put an end to the Four Deadly Sins with our own hands.

　The students seemed to feel strange at Rokia's abrupt suggestion.


Why don't you just leave that to the guards and the survival of the Order...
I don't know what it means...

　Kuku," laughs Rokia.

'You may be ready to see someone die, but you ain't ready to take a man's life.

　The students look at each other.

'It's not like that...'
But, hey...?
If you can't do it, you can leave.

　Rokia smiles contemptuously.

'But I don't know--'

　Rokia comes and goes from side to side of the stage.

The fact that I was one of the brave young candidates who put an end to the Four Deadly Disasters will be good material for you to talk about yourselves in the future as well, don't you think?　Men, when you are in the position to attend one of the evening parties, you should tell some young lady or lady of the house that you were one of the four victims of the disaster. You can tell them that you are one of the people who brought down the Four Deadly Disasters. It's easy to see how they would change their minds, considering the fame of the Four Deadly Disasters. Boxed-up ladies pretend to be weak little birds, but in reality, they're just hungry for a good story.

　Rokia continues.

'Let the women dress in their glamorous dresses and show off their brave, self-determined courage to some high-minded noblemen. The fact that noblemen are attracted to strong women is well proven in the past by Chris Renoussphere, and now by Cecily Arkwright, Drystos Kircinha, Koudelka Ferraris, and Lili Sigismos of the Order of the Holy Tree. ...as you can easily imagine, right?　You guys are smart enough to figure it out pretty quickly, aren't you?

　Instantly, Rokia's tone of voice changes.

"This is where your life will diverge. Either you are one of the brave men who executed the Four Deadly Sins, or you are a hapless loser who ran away with yourself.

　Rokia clapped her hands together.
　There was a dry, sharp sound, like the crack of a whip.

'You guys here are in your first year now, right?　

　Rokia held up her hands.

'Yeah, of course, anyone who doesn't join in is going to have to leave here, okay?　Those who have the courage to take action from now on will not forgive the act of spreading the word that they participated in this situation just because they saw it. You guys, keep in mind the faces of the people who ran away from here, okay?　And if he tells a trivial lie, we can all stick our fingers in his face and say. 'He's a liar and a coward!'

　With a movement of his shoulders, I could see Currier casually gasp.
　He looks dumbfounded.

I'm just looking for revenge. And I want to see it in action, and I want as many people as possible to see it in action. I've had my friends killed by these filthy four evil men, and I've had a hell of a time with them. That's why I want to slap them on myself. Four evildoers are nothing to sneeze at!

　Rokia bent down and put her hand on the arm where it had been placed.
　Then he looked at the students with a solemn expression.

'Now choose. Be brave, or be an eternal fugitive.
Oh, I'm going to do it!

　One student raised his hand.
　Then.

Me too!　Oh, my brother was in the Order and that's why I........!

　And one more.

'Then so am I!　Don't let anyone say, oh, I'm a coward!

　The fact that some of the students came forward may have given them a boost.
　Other students begin to express their willingness to participate one by one.
　An atmosphere is formed, as if it is even a sin to leave this place.
　...........
　Good, I thought.
　The students who announced their participation up to the third or so were probably his friends that Rokia had blended in with from the beginning.
　That's what's called Sakura.
　Normally, this bizarre execution drama could make you twist your head, but the strange atmosphere caused by the sudden change in the royal capital is probably depriving the students of the ability to make normal decisions.
　Their anxiety is growing, and as a result, they follow someone else's will as if clinging to it.
　They are unable to maintain the composure that they would normally have.

'Oh, yeah.'

　Rokia opened her mouth as if to say she had just remembered.

The truth is, the reason you guys are here this time isn't just for the execution of the Four Deadly Sins," he said. This is still a sideshow. There is still the last thing left to do.

　Everyone was curious to know what he was talking about.
　As if they were performing on stage, Rokia paused and then continued.

I've got a source that tells me that the person who brought the Four Deadly Sins to the capital city seems to be in this school.

　The students reacted with an "What?

'And that person is probably mixed in with all those gathered in the square.

　The students look at each other.

'Kukku, isn't it in bad taste?　You call him out and leave it to others to clean up the mess, and he doesn't even want to know who he is, but he wants to enjoy the show as a spectator.
Why did he do that?　What's your purpose?

　One of the students asks a question, as if he hadn't thought of it.

That's why he's crazy, you know?
I mean, that's ridiculous.
Yeah. If he wasn't crazy, he wouldn't be stupid enough to summon the Four Deadly Sins. So I decided to drag him out of the audience and onto the stage. I've finally found a plan. So, when I'm done with this execution.

　Rokia peeks her teeth out of one end of her mouth with a wicked grin on her face.

'That crazy showman will be brought to justice by Ole and Currier Versteen.

　Rokia glared at the students in a circle.

''Well, before that, we need to finish executing the Four Deadly Disasters there first. After we have finished our revenge play against those four deadly disasters, we will bring the source of this devastation to the surface and begin the next execution.

　Rokia smiles something resembling a mangled smile.

That's why. Come on, man. You wanna run, now's your chance.　However, if you run away here, a disgusting look of disgust will always pierce you like a spear. Doubt is such a terrible emotion.

　It seems that the words you just said were effective.
　Even though I know I'm not the source of it, the fact that I choose to leave here makes it look like I'm trying to escape because I'm about to be exposed.
　That's how I feel about it.

　The atmosphere of a place is a frightening thing.
　The biggest difference between hearsay and being in the field is the air of the place.
　Sometimes the air deprives us of our ability to make good decisions.
　The students have been held in place by this place.
　By a chain of words.

　Rokia.
　Is everything a calculation?

I can't do that kind of thing myself. Hmm, a man of many talents.

　Hibigami folded his arms and twisted his mouth into a smirk.

　　　　　　　　　　*

　Preparations for the execution are underway.

　If he starts to rampage, he and Curie Versteen will take care of him right here and now - the students seemed to be reassured by Rokia's message.
　The man of the Four Deadly Disasters was set up on the stage like a target for a projectile.
　He remains silent and stands eerily still.

Even though he's dying, he's still facing the Four Deadly Plagues................ It's a good thing that the four evildoers are not naturally susceptible to this kind of magic, right?

　Rokia talks to her students as she walks back and forth on stage.

It's a good idea to make sure that you're not going to be able to get away with it. In order to stop our 'enemy' from breathing for sure.

　Students lined up in a row around the stage as if in a semicircle.
　What will take place now?
　Yes.
　Probably a scene that could be called a concentrated firefight will unfold.
　But what is Rokia thinking?
　After the execution of the Four Deadly Disasters, there is a plan to expose the noise, but if that's the case, is this execution just for Rokia's own satisfaction?

"Looks like I'm ready for this. I'm surprised, though. Not a single one of them dropped out.

　Currier-san makes a face like he's making it hard for you to leave and then says, "I don't know who he is, but he's not a man I'd want to make enemies with.

"I don't know who he is, but he's not a man I'd want to make enemies with, is he?

　Mr. Shanatrice, who had been watching, opens his mouth.

"Hey Makina, I heard that you are cooperating with that man, are you sure you have the reins in place?
I'm going to, but I have to admit, it's a touchy subject. As you can see, he's a bit of a man-eater, and very elusive. It's a good thing that I have a good grip on him, or else he'd be doing me a favor. But...

　Makina said in a graceful tone.

'It is true that our interests are aligned, and I have no way of finding someone called Noyes at the moment. We'll have to rely on him now. Well it's largely because of Currier, who is a known friend of ours. And at least she'll be on our side.
You're on a tightrope.

　With a huff, Makina-san smiles.

'My life has always been like a tightrope walk. I'm used to it.''
It's a hard habit to live with, my dear.
Doesn't that include you?　Is that left eye okay?
''It's nothing compared to the forbidding curse user who gouged out his own eyeballs himself. Isn't it hard for you to use a series of unique techniques?
I'm not the only one who's having a hard time. When this long day is safely over and I'm back in bed, I'll sleep like mud.
Well, how long has it been since we've slept together?
I don't think so.
..........

　Shanna-san looks lonely and dejected.
　But by 'a long time ago', does that mean they've slept together once...?
　I'm a bit curious as to what circumstances led them to the same bunk.

''Having a candidate execute a dying quadruple disaster.......not very tasteful. What in the world is the purpose of this........　

　Behind me, Cecily opened her mouth.

'To be honest, I don't really know what the man is thinking either.

　Does the act make sense or not?
　We don't even know that.
　It's possible that they are daring to fake an act that has no meaning.
　Rokia.
　It might be more of a freakish image than a clown.

''I hope everyone ends up in one piece...''

　Cecily says anxiously.
　.................
　It's still frustrating that this body can't move.
　But it can't be helped.
　If she moves poorly in this state, she will be a burden to me.

　Besides, Currier-san is fine.
　I'm sure you'll be fine, again and again.
　Currier-san did what she had to do.

　She's strong.

Now let's just pray.

　Thus begins the execution of the Four Deadly Disasters.