"Wait, what do you mean by that, Kawahara?"

Repulsed at his relaxed words, I argued back instantly.

"What? It's self-explanatory, but it seems that I have to explain it, don't I? Very well. By doing nothing we are going back to where we started. Essentially speaking; it's a reboot. Some of them have already three supply exams accumulated, so they can't afford to fail this. Stalking them isn't going to work anymore because they are aware and if they are aware that with our presence there, they won't win, then they are naturally more cautious now. Which means, it's all fruitless."

"Uhhh, I'm sorta dumb, but master, doesn't that mean that our actions thus far have been meaningless then? If what you said is true, then it doesn't make much sense to stalk them in the first place..."

Kuzan, self-aware that his opinions normally don't transmit nor emit the most utter bright common sense, nevertheless spoke to Kawahara who was in the middle of his reasoning.

"Kuzan, you're not dumb. Think higher of yourself, or others will think that you are truly dumb. If you tell yourself that you are dumb, then you will start to believe that you are dumb. Is that what you want?"

Weirdly enough, Kawahara just went out of his way to encourage Kuzan.

"Hm, no, I don't... Alright, I won't do that!"

"Good. Also, you are correct Kuzan. Except you missed out on one detail. We already made them lose in several side events and that's already advantageous to us. Therefore, it's not completely nonsensical. However, if your point is that our actions have been meaningless because it would lead to this endgame, then I will agree. As a matter of fact, this endgame scenario has been predictable. Yet, it's not the endgame."

Is it just me or does Kawahara like to exaggerate so damn much? I feel like this whole event has no substance whatsoever or at least it should not have as much importance as Kawahara makes it out to be.

Yet for some reason, Kawahara, whenever involved, goes out of his way to make sure that the event matters to him the most.

"So, Kawahara, in conclusion, what do you want us to understand here? I don't think it's a good idea to be walking around in circles for a very long time."

Realizing that Kawahara has this bad habit of taking way too long to portray his point, Rayazaki pointed that out and indirectly told him to get to the conclusive point.

"Given that I have things to do in a while, I'll conclude the meeting. Here is the conclusive point. Until the last day, you are not allowed to interact with them in any way possible. Pretend like they don't exist. You don't need to understand the point of this action."

"Kawahara, I don't agree with that idea. How can you tell your subordinates something like that? We have to understand the logic behind our actions, otherwise, we are nothing more than your slaves. Be succinct, please."

Once again, Rayazaki argued back.

This time, expressing a hint of anger on the surface of his face.

"Oh? You noticed it? I've been leaving clues and flaws in my arguments on purpose as I am expecting you, my subordinate, to point them out. I am impressed, Rayazaki. Thirty points for that one."

I didn't take that to heart since I'm technically not his subordinate as I don't need to be.

Still, he's been doing that all this time? I never paid much attention when it came down to that because I never knew that he had been doing that...

"But does that mean that you will explain the logic?"

"Sure, I don't mind. The logic is that there is no logic."

"I don't get it. If something doesn't have logic to it, then it's illogical."

"Rayazaki, you didn't understand. I didn't say that it was illogical, I simply stated that it had no logic. However, does that mean that it's illogical by default? Especially when I said that there is a degree of logic and that the logic is that there is no logic? It's not illogical; it's logical, however, you can't perceive the logic, so you ultimately labelled that as illogical."

I can't tell if Kawahara is forcing this argument just to make sure that we don't get what he is trying to imply with his actions or if he's being serious right now.

This guy can be so two-faced sometimes, even to his supposed 'subordinates'.

"So you are saying that this logic of yours is currently unperceivable and that therefore it makes no sense to us?"

Rayazaki is really trying to understand Kawahara's intentions, but it doesn't really help the fact that Kawahara sometimes quite literally refuses to explain himself and just goes extra miles to allude the audience around him.

Relentless to explain himself without wanting to explain that much himself, Kawahara swiftly handed out a controversial reply to Rayazaki, who had been notoriously curious regarding his intentions thus far.

"Not unperceivable but instead explicit. I am positive that if any of you attempted to process and analyze the information of this conversation alone, that you would reach a plausible conclusion. After all, I already explained the logic indirectly; so it's up to you, Rayazaki. Or, are you going to depend on me to understand everything?"

"No, you're right. While I am under your affiliation, it's despicable to be this needy. Curiosity has its own consequences, from the looks of it."

Rayazaki, are you sure you're not trying to turn yourself into a philosopher in this modern day of age?

Be careful man, internet critics will haunt you for all eternity for attempting something as suggestive as that.

I also like the fact that Rayazaki knows when to be needy but more importantly, when NOT to be needy. If only Arkalee could learn from him.

If only.

"I'm glad you're eager to learn. With that said, dismissed. We will not hold another meeting until I say so. Should any of you ignore my upcoming meeting message in our group, I will clobber the individual myself!"

By group, he meant our group chat strictly restricted to members of the hideout only.

I'm an expectation because Kawahara, for some reason, still thinks that I'll join him.

That's never gonna happen.

Either way, in the end, Rayazaki, Kuzan and I, were on our way out but Kawahara decided to speak a few last words before all of us could leave.

"Dan, stay. I need to talk to you privately."

Transiently, Kuzan and Rayazaki placed their eyesight on my very figure but they nonetheless left the hideout with a simple door closure, thus leaving me and Kawahara alone in this room.

I retook my seat before laying out my words to him.

"What is it? You got something to say to me in specific?"

"Yeah. Get the bastard in here. I didn't mean to completely disregard your point earlier. It would be nice to have him here because numbers do matter and I am not arrogant to the point of overlooking that perspective."

I see. So he's really not that arrogant and self-absorbed to notice that numbers are better than pride alone.

Still...

"Why do you refuse to address Hyunda by his name? What's the deal with you and him anyway? I recall that one time when you tried to fight him."

If there is one thing that I never really understood when it comes to Kawahara is why he hates Hyunda.

Like, did Hyunda do something to him that made Kawahara just flat out hate him? But, as someone who hates responsibility, I can't see Hyunda do something like that.

"He's playing a game that he thinks that only he knows how to play. In other words, he acts in a way that he believes that he is unperceivable to everyone around him..."

"What do you mean by that?"

Slightly puzzled and amicably confused, I asked Kawahara that, given that I was additionally curious too.

"Look, I hate to admit it, but it makes sense considering the scenario."

"Again, what do you mean by that..."

"Clueless, are we? No remorse, I'll eliminate the path of doubt that which thou suffers from."

Is he doing this on purpose? Am I being mocked here or something? A mockery in the form of wordplay?

Or rather --- Kawahara is just trying to imply something that I can't perceive.

That's what I get every time that I look at him pulling out his confident smirks as if he has something amazing to say in the upcoming second.

"When I came here and saw my classmates, I didn't expect much. As it stands for, having a class full of criminals seems incredibly interesting by the premise but I'll admit of being somewhat disappointed as many of its elements just lack overall substance. However ---- Not all."

"By that, you mean..."

"Yes. As the premise indicated, not all individuals could simply lack so much substance. Let me put my point in a more understandable perspective. You might not know every single person in the class, but you can right off the bat speak a few names about those who you think are noteworthy --- or rather, those that stand out for their individuality, while the others just don't. So, tell me the person who, in your opinion stands out the most in the class. To you, that is."

Kawahara's speaking the truth. In our class, there are several students that just don't stand out. However, I think that he's making a flashy judgment by assuming that the rest lack individuality.

Unless he is truly assuming that the rest has nothing to show in comparison to those that have already demonstrated their individuality, on a measurable scale.

The problem is that even those individuals... don't demonstrate their individuality that clearly, almost as if intentionally.

Coincidentally, the one that matches this train of thought is the one that I think stands out the most to me.

"Before I answer, are you going to get offended if I say it's not you?"

"No, not at all. I only allow you to see what I want you to see of me, the same goes for everyone else. So, if you don't have a very high opinion about myself, then it can't be helped. Even if it's wrong."

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"Erm, sure... Well, I do think Hyunda stands out the most for me. But... I can't tell why. It's strange..."

"See?! You do get what I am saying."

"Wait, I do?"

I don't get this then. How come I got his point?

"If you don't know why he stands out and you still think he stands out the most to you, then you have noticed. Something that only the likes of him have that the rest don't quite have. But, just what is that thing? Hey, when you take me into consideration and compare me to someone like Ryoken, you can just tell from the start that I am better. I have the initiative to make plans. I take the first move before he does. I use emotions as my way to create arguments and win them. I am under the control of a number of my classmates already but I by no means treat them like my slaves, as they get rewarded simultaneously. Even so, it is something far more interesting and dangerous that separates me from him. So, what is it?"

Now that Kawahara poses the question... Just what is it about Hyunda that I find it intriguing? Is it how he supposedly has control over the situation without directly applying his power? Or is it his absence on the surface of the situation yet his permanence throughout the situation itself?

But...

How can someone be so indirectly involved in matters that make him seem like he has nothing to do with it yet he is secretly and most likely responsible for a lot of things?

What is that called?

I'll just take a random guess...

"The ability to be in control of the situation...? In other words, to be crafty while still not holding a very strong image to the outside. I don't really know how to describe it..."

It's so weird... Even through our talks, I can't seem to have a definitive image of Hyunda... Why is that?

"Wrong. It's called individualism. You could argue that everyone has this, but that's not true. What anyone has is called individuality. Individuality and individualism are different in this scenario because they both strive from different origins. Individualism implies the ability to think extremely freely despite the occurrences around you as your thoughts aren't bound to be chained by the mediocrities that each day has to offer to you."

Considering that I never heard of the term 'individualism', this was obviously news to me.

I see, so this is what Kawahara thinks... But, even so...

"I understand now, thanks. But, I can't still understand. Why do you hate Hyunda if you both possess the same characteristic? You both have individualism, right? So, what gives? Why can't you two just normally interact with each other? Actually, it's you who has more of a problem with him than he has with you..."

It's totally Kawahara's problem, but there's also the fact that Hyunda never reached out to him in the first place.

Does he just not have an interest in Kawahara? Actually... Kawahara does portray himself as a rude jerk, but I think Hyunda sees past that.

However, even though I just asked a question that shouldn't have made Kawahara angry, he showed symptoms of anger such as a raging facial expression and extremely closed fists in response to my set of questions.

"You know, Dan, I really like to point out who is trash and why that is the case. But, I can't do it when it comes to that fucker. Know why? Don't answer that. Because I already answered that. I answered that he and I had the so-called characteristic called 'individualism'. And when you have this power to just undeniably feel greater and exercise power to those around you like no other, then, by all means, you should use that power. But, there lies the problem and the reason why I fucking hate that fucker. You see... he fucking refuses to use it!"

"Wait, hold on... Maybe he's not aware of it...?"

"Dan, that's a lie right there. You and I both know that's not true. He doesn't demonstrate this, however, but his attitude and oblivious weak demonstration of power are absolutely infuriating. I know that he's doing it on purpose because that is what I would do if I was in his position and just wanted to lay low. I can't stand for that. His talent is rare. Which is why I need him as my pawn as soon as possible. Regardless of this though, he refuses to come. I told Kuzan and Rayazaki to reach out to him, but they weren't successful either."

So, Kawahara only wants Hyunda as his pawn because he sees him as someone who shares the same affinity as him when it comes to their 'individualism'...

"But Kawahara, haven't you considered that you might be overthinking? What if he's not that good? Maybe you are just being way too optimistic because you saw too much of yourself in someone else."

"Really? Is that what you think? So you think that he is just this average guy? You probably know more than I do, considering that you spend more time with him than anyone else, so let me ask you this, do you think of him as someone who deserves the title of 'average'? Or the title of 'above-average'?"

How the fuck does he know that I have been spending time with him? That actually sounds incredibly homo, but for the sake of maintaining the seriousness in this conversation, I won't mention it.

"Okay, okay, I get it. But if that's the case, then isn't this like you are fighting yourself?"

"Good point. It does feel like I'm facing a mirror. Except, that's not the case. We have different goals. I value power and possession, and he... Well, shit, we fucking know nothing about him. Hey, tell me something about him. What are his moral values?"

Oh, that's an easy question.

"Considering Hyunda often agrees with my immoral methods and ideologies, I would say that he is probably immoral too. In fact, I do believe him to be a manipulator. You know how Arkalee has the hots for him, right?"

"Obviously. You got that idea from me, remember? All me, baby!"

"...Well, it might turn out that her affection for him might just be under his complete control. However, he's not displaying an attitude that tells that. What do you even call that?"

"Dan, that's called deceiving and making your surroundings think about what you want them to think, and by doing that, they will be forced into a certain thought process without being able to think outside of the box. It's an indirect way of applying mental restriction. Bastard's more skillful than I originally took him to be, if you aren't lying, that is."

At first, I was just going to say that it would be a waste of time because deciphering Hyunda's character seems like the equivalent of trying to get to a linear path yet only finding more avenues along the way and the deeper you try to go, you can't get anywhere else.

Nonetheless, Kawahara is restless about this, so I doubt that would work...

"If he is what you think he is, Kawahara, then aren't you, yourself, enough for this?"

"True. I am enough. But, I'll admit that the idea of having someone like that bastard alongside wouldn't sound like a bad idea. It would be interesting to see how we both could differ in our opinions. But still, I fucking hate him. I hate the fact that he does so little with his power. Power is meant to be used for the sake of demonstrating to those around you how enormous you are and how insignificant others are. Now, you spoke that he agreed with your immoralities which symbolizes a resemblance and affinity with the idea of evil, correct? Then, this means that the bastard is essentially saving his power for something bigger."

"How do you know that?"

"Don't tell me you are serious with that question! Don't you know how an evil mind works? According to you, the bastard has displayed symptoms of deep adroit manipulative skills alongside a mediocre attitude that is only there to mask away from his unknown abilities yet to be seen. Which means, he is hiding them for a reason. Or rather --- he has no reason to use them yet. See, I know this because as someone who has a passion for evil, I only see myself using my abilities in situations that deem the usage of it. However, as I previously mentioned, we have differences. Although our moral code might be the same, our methodologies aren't and that might mean that our ideologies are significantly different too. More so, his values can differ regarding how he sees this monochrome world. Ultimately --- as you might've guessed, we can infinitely guess, but what we know is limited. Yet, we know for sure that he is someone that would be a great addition to the team."

My god, I feel sorry for the girl that Kawahara loves. Hypothetically speaking, should they ever get together, somehow, she would receive the longest texts in existence.

How do you honestly talk for so long?

I want to reflect on what you have just said but this hilarious factor prevents me from doing so. Regardless, I'll just ask a simple question anyway.

"So, in the end, you want me to convince him to just accept your offer?"

"Precisely speaking, yes. I fear that might not happen because, as you said, it's almost the same as facing myself in this situation. But he's not the same. And I need to know what his values are, you see."

Sincerely, Kawahara's such a manipulative bastard. Not for a second did I actually think that this was something that would benefit me as his dialogue started to become slightly predictable.

"Kawahara, I know what you are going to say. Bastard. I can't actually believe you kept me here just for the sole reason of telling me to do it in your place. Man, what the fuck. Do it on your own."

"Yo, chill. I haven't said anything yet."

"Oh? Then, is it any different from what I just implied? Are you not going to ask me to get him to join your parade?"

If not, then I don't see the point of this conversation... Or is he going to be stubborn to the point of denying this?

"I did imply that yes. However, I could do that myself, just by approaching him. Wouldn't that make the most sense?"

"So why--"

"But, I won't do it. And here is why. I told you already why though. I fucking hate him. People that use power in the wrong way have no right to have power at all. But you don't hate him, right?"

I see what he's trying to do...

"No, I don't."

He really thinks of me as someone who can't detect this level of manipulation.

"So, you shouldn't have a problem with approaching him, correct?"

"Kawahara, I'm not gonna do it..."

"What won't you do it?"

"Look, I'm not as dumb as you think I am. I know your aim. You want me to reach out to Hyunda and convince him. You've made your poi---"

"No, that's really not it. I said that it would be nice if he joined me, but I won't force you to do something like that. And besides, you are an outsider. The current case is an exception, but once that's over, it will go back to the same old situation. So, what's my point exactly? My point is that, even though I would like that he joined me, I already knew that he was going to deny it. Hell, my whole conversation highlighted the fact that he had too much individualism. But, aren't you curious to know what he will apply his power to? Just like me, I have a goal too. A deep one. So, why don't you find out more about him?"

That really doesn't change the way I look at this topic...

This could very well just be an indirect way of Kawahara telling me to extract information for him, which I will just go ahead and deny.

"Not interested. You make others do your work way too much, dude."

"True. But if I do all the work by myself, then there's not much of a point in having pawns in the first place, as pawns are there to do your work. And while it is true that you are not my pawn, you'll eventually be. Hey, Dan. I think it makes the most sense for you to come into terms with your fate already. I aim to form a divide. This team formation was no coincidence as, by the end of the exam, those with noticeable individualism will be shown. Therefore, what I'm trying to say is that this isn't something you should feel like it's against your will as it will benefit you too. Kuzan, Rayazaki, and Akihiko. Already three. It's just a matter of time before you and the bastard join. Come on. Don't be stubborn."

"Pass. Your deal involves and restricts my freedom, which is something that I will have back soon. So, I really don't need to do this."

"That's... weird. I can only assume that you are talking about the thot. Are you finally gonna gather the balls and tell her how it is? That's brave and logical."

Oh, right, Kawahara doesn't know... Though...

I won't tell him about it. I can't allow Hyunda's plan to be leaked and he forbade me from speaking about it to anyone.

"Maybe. Anyway, is that it?"

"Odd reply. You are hiding something. What is it? Tell me. I'm dead curious now. You were stressed out due to the fact that the bitch was restricting your freedom but your attitude is far more composed and relaxed now. And that's for a reason. And considering that you were reluctant about just telling her the honest truth, it means something has changed. But what though? Your behavior makes no sense. Unless, unless, I assume that you are not directly involved in this matter. I'll give it some thought later for sure."

"Please don't..."

Kawahara's an actual psychopath! How is someone able to determine so much just out of a few words?! I didn't even make it obvious, he just straight-up did a mini analysis in a matter of seconds!

Ultimately though, with our conversation concluded, I took my leave and returned to the surface and therefore, decided to leave the dorm.

On my way out, I took out my phone and attempted to contact Yulia immediately, since I did tell her that I would contact her once I was done. Plus, it's been a somewhat long time and her insecurities could increase if I show no signals of caring for her in the slightest.

However, as I attempted to do so, Hyunda gave me a swift call before I could call Yulia, which struck me as odd given the convenient time.

"What the..."

Despite my sudden reluctance, I picked up the call and Hyunda spoke out fast as if he was in a hurry. As a matter of fact, his voice tone sounded incredibly rushed and tired.

"Oh, good, you picked up. Perfect. Listen, I know this is sudden, but I need your help."

"That's rare. Does it involve the plan?"

"No, no. It's actually not about the plan, but you're the only one I can count on."

As I placed my back against the lockers of our dorm, I wondered if he was being serious about whether or not I was truly the only one he could count on.

"Hyunda, what is it? Yulia told me to give her a call, so I have to be quick."

"That's even better. Listen, I need you and Yulia to do something together. Feel free to add more people to this task if you think it's beneficial."

"Hyunda, what is this task?"

"Oh, that's a very simple task. Right now, I am changing my location arbitrarily for one simple reason. I am unlocking free time for myself privately for personal matters. However, as you might've noticed, that's not exactly possible under normal circumstances. Which is why I have to rely on you to make my situation less difficult. You do know who is making my situation difficult, right?"

I didn't even need to think twice before answering back...

"Arkalee..."

"Yes. So, here is the deal. Please keep her busy by all means until it's 7 pm."

Briefly, I distanced my phone from my ear to check the hours and my eyes widened due to the severe shock immediately.

"H-Hyunda... It's fucking 3 pm! You want me to SOMEHOW keep Arkalee busy for 4 HOURS?! I haven't actually searched the definition of impossible in the dictionary because I never thought that I would need to do so but if this isn't the definition of it then I call it bullshit!"

"Look, I'll owe you. Big time. You got this. Trust yourself. You'll have to find her physically because she might be too upset to pick up calls from Yulia, in the case that you tried to make Yulia call Arkalee to know her location."

"Hyunda, that's insane! Keeping Arkalee busy!? Dude!!!!"

"Just talk about me, but don't directly praise me. Talk about me when you and Yulia are with her in a way that she will not get jealous. Actually... I don't know if that's possible anymore... Well, anyway, gotta go. She might just find me at this rate."

"W-Wait, you're serious?!"

"I sure am. Godspeed."

Spelling out my despair, he hangs up.

I immediately try to call him back twice, but that didn't work. 

Anxiously placing my right palm on my face, I sighed deeply before calling Yulia.

"How the hell am I supposed to contain that creature busy for four hours straight..."