"Hmm. Magic with traditional Japanese drums could be powerful and useful in certain situations. It seems like it would have a motivational effect, especially when allies are on the verge of giving up or losing hope. Apparently, in another world, samurais used battle drums as a way to boost their morale."

I thought about saving up to buy one as I headed back from the theme park, but then I sensed something unusual. Someone was groaning in the bushes by the forest.

This area was a bit secluded, with not many people around. I thought about calling for help but decided to approach the bushes on my own.

"Sharp!"

What a sight. My classmate was lying on their back, dressed in a red dress.

"These are terrible wounds. Who could have done this?"

Bruises covered his thighs and cheeks.

“Largo… huh. Guess you saw me in a pretty embarrassing state.”

He’s calling me Largo. So he doesn’t know my true identity as Forte. Even though it’s a rumor spreading around class. Maybe he’s somewhat isolated from everyone.

“Heh, these are self-inflicted.”

“What do you mean, self-inflicted?”

“As you know, my true form is male. When a feminized man’s inner anger reaches a certain threshold, his body glows red, transforming into something called the Garnet Prince.”

I see—so, a color variation of something like the Cobalt Princess.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“But this transformation puts a strain on the body. As a side effect, bruises and injuries appear all over.”

“Then stop transforming into that.”

“I can’t. I have to seek revenge on Forte, the one who killed my sister…”

“?!”

What? Revenge on me? Even if I were somehow responsible, this current body of mine has nothing to do with it.

“If you’d rather not say, that’s fine, but I’d like to know your story.”

“Alright. I trust you, with your musical spirit. I’ll tell you about Edge Shadow Corp.”

“Edge Shadow Corp…”

I had vaguely heard of it while researching Edge Guard Corp and Edge Hope Corp—an urban legend about a shadow holding company that controls both left-wing and right-wing ideologies. Supposedly, it originated from a group of assassins.

But it’s just a rumor. Mentioning it would get me labeled a conspiracy theorist or worse. But after battling witches, experiencing body swaps, seeing Largo’s blue glow, and finding my wounded classmate here, I can’t help but believe.

Sharp explained. He had infiltrated Edge Shadow Corp to expose its darkness, inspired by a dream in which his sister asked him to avenge her. He told me how he’d attacked Largo, Lala, and Tenuto on the organization’s orders but failed.

Honestly, the part about the dream sounded strange. I wondered if the organization had somehow manipulated his mind. But I remembered the basics of counseling—never outright deny someone’s beliefs.

Sharp’s heart was clearly being consumed by darkness. If I were to deny his core motivations, he’d likely react strongly, and our trust would end here.

If I agree with him, though, it would only strengthen his resolve and encourage more dangerous actions.

It would be easy to distance myself and end this relationship. But I found myself conflicted. His situation reminded me of my other mother.

My mother, Elise, had once swapped bodies with a man named Eric, much like what happened with Largo and me. Her real spirit resided in Eric’s male body, which she had used to seek revenge on a corrupt politician responsible for the death of her family. She needed the abilities of a man to bring him to justice. After succeeding in her revenge, my mother, now Eric, lived on as a police officer.

Listening to Sharp’s story made me think of my true mother, Eric. I felt that by helping Sharp, I might come to understand her true feelings better.

I wanted to help, even if it meant hurting Largo, who was originally me. I wanted to infiltrate the depths of Edge Shadow Corp and expose everything.

Even if I have to stain my hands with blood. Even if I have to fall into darkness.

The rain began to pour down again, accompanied by thunder.

“Shall we work together?”

I reached out my hand to Sharp.