Everyone's eyes turned to me.
After some thought, I spoke in a low voice:
"We're going to the black market, yes. But not to gather clues, our goal is evidence."
Unlike the shocking revelation that "almost all of Abydos' land had been sold off by the former Student Council," there was no need to conceal who the true enemy was anymore.
Especially now, with the interest rate reduced by nearly seventy percent.
Clearly, the other side couldn't play fair anymore and had decided to flip the table.
At this point, keeping secrets from my teammates would be nothing short of betrayal.
"It's time I told you all. The one behind the attacks on us… is Kaiser Corporation."
Silence fell over the clubroom, only to be shattered by the girls' cries of disbelief.
"Kaiser Corporation?! Isn't that the group behind Kaiser Loans, the ones who lent us the money?"
I felt a little embarrassed. "Yeah… my earlier assumptions were wrong. I still don't know why, but it seems Kaiser would rather throw away all principal and interest than let Abydos Academy survive."
"Sensei, how do you know that?"
"It started as a hunch."
I summarized quickly. From suspecting Kaiser when their transport helicopter was so easily hijacked, to learning it was their loan that shackled Abydos, to the costly intel I'd obtained from a trusted student.
And finally, my test with Problem Solver 68 gave me preliminary confirmation. Just now, I'd confirmed it fully.
"If Kaiser didn't have designs on Abydos, then as a profit-first company, they would never make such a decisive move."
Really, there were only ever two possibilities.
Either Kaiser, or a competitor of equal size. No small fry had the strength to meddle in Abydos' debt.
Unfortunately, I had only arrived at the reasoning after the fact. Still too lacking in ability.
"Now that we know Kaiser may have ties to the black market, we can investigate with precision, and find their criminal evidence."
At that, Hoshino nodded. "Then let's not waste time. Off to the black market."
The division of roles remained the same as always with Ayane, weakest in combat but sharpest in mind, stayed behind at the academy.
The rest armed themselves, then piled into the Helmet Gang truck we had "picked up" when Serika was kidnapped, following the map toward the black market.
This time, I chose to go with them.
The reason? In a special situation, they might need an adult's strength.
Of course, I had another, less public reason.
When it came to the black market, aside from Problem Solver 68, I knew another student, someone with a delicate status, quite familiar with the place.
One of the Seven Prisoners, suspended from school, Kosaka Wakamo. She spent most of her time in the black market.
She couldn't provide much intelligence, but she knew the terrain.
In short, I had already contacted Wakamo privately, asking her to step in if needed.
Not far from the black market, our truck ran out of fuel, so we abandoned it and went on foot.
Unlike the small bazaar I'd imagined, from a distance the black market already looked like a town. Entering its bounds, we were met with bustling streets, throngs of people, and ceaseless traffic.
Much like me, the Abydos girls were clearly surprised.
I suddenly thought of this, because of the academy's crushing debt, Abydos students had spent their best years confined to that vast but desolate district.
Even when they left to earn money, they did so in haste, with no chance to enjoy the journey.
I felt grateful that I had accepted Ayane's request.
If we solved this, Abydos students would finally be free of their corner, able to reach a wider world beyond.
"Hoshino-senpai, have you been here before?"
Shiroko asked, curious at Hoshino's calmness.
"No, this is my first time too. But I've heard there are lots of fun places in other districts."
She paused, then smiled, her voice tinged with longing.
"They say there's a super~
Huge aquarium! I really want to see it~
Ooh, fish… sashimi…"
I nodded inwardly. So Hoshino liked the sea and tropical fish. I stored the intel away.
When all this was over, I'd invite her to an aquarium date.
As Hoshino dreamed aloud, Serika gave her a look of mild exasperation.
"I don't know much either, but… I don't think aquariums are quite like what you're imagining…"
Noticing the group relaxing, Ayane's serious voice reminded us to stay cautious. In a place where all kinds of illegal trades took place, danger was never far.
No sooner had she spoken...
BANG!
Gunfire rang out nearby, drawing closer to our position.
Though, by Kivotos standards, this hardly counted as danger.
I wasn't fazed, I'd long since grown used to it.
Only after spending so much time in the desolate Abydos district did I feel a moment of surprise, quickly gone.
Soon, a panicked, tearful student came fleeing toward us, chased by a group of delinquents firing as they ran.
The fleeing girl was delicate and cute, her blonde hair tied in twin tails, dressed in a spotless white school uniform, black tights hugging her legs, and carrying a chick-shaped purse. She radiated a particularly obedient aura.
I recognized her uniform. Trinity.
A Trinity lady showing up here?
That was unexpected.
"Ah! Excuse me, coming through!"
The Trinity student had already reached Shiroko, shouting as she tried to dodge left.
At that exact moment, Shiroko, reacting to the plea, stepped right.
The two collided before either could react.
"Ow… s-sorry!"
Shiroko asked with concern, "Are you alright? Doesn't look like it, since you're being chased."
"Th-that's because…"
Before the Trinity girl could explain, the delinquents reached us, and without hesitation invited these strangers us into their grand enterprise.
Kidnapping a Trinity student for ransom.
Naturally, they were all knocked out cold by the good students of Abydos.
Sometimes, I really couldn't fathom how certain students' brains worked.
The rescued girl sighed in relief.
"Th-thank you so much! If not for you, I would've caused trouble for my school again.
"I'm Ajitani Hifumi, from Trinity General School. It's a pleasure to meet you."
- - -
Vol. 1 cannot be without Faust, just as the West cannot be without Jerusalem.