Chapter 4
627words
Obviously, I can't just march into the plaza shouting, "Who wants to join my revolution?"
That's not revolution—that's suicide.
The next day, I made a move that raised eyebrows across campus.
I posted a recruitment notice on the Academy's public mission board.
Subject: Strategic coalition to defeat Fujiwara Shizuka, First in Succession
Goal: Advancement in rankings and resource acquisition
Initiator: Sakurai Hayato, Seventh in Succession
Seeking: The ambitious, the powerful, the dissatisfied
The notice dripped with arrogance and naked ambition—qualities the demon race reveres. It perfectly suited my "Number Seven" position: hungry enough to challenge those above, yet not directly threatening the elite.
"Check it out—Sakurai's making a move."
"Finally dropped the 'above it all' act, has he?"
"Delusional fool. Who does he think he is, challenging Lord Fujiwara?"
Whispers rippled through the halls—mockery, curiosity, and speculation.
Exactly as planned.
That evening, seven or eight students filtered into my spacious private quarters. More than I'd expected.
I took the main seat, studying them coldly. Some were merely spectators, others clearly spies for higher-ranked candidates.
My Eye of Perception revealed all.
Yet two individuals caught my attention.
First was Tsukishima Aoi, fifth in succession. Her silver bob framed a perpetually cold expression, but her magical prowess was undeniable. She specialized in large-scale defensive magic—a rarity among candidates. Currently, her aura swirled with purple (confusion) and gray (disgust).
"Disgust toward the Academy? Interesting."
The second surprised me more.
A petite girl, perhaps fourteen or fifteen, wearing a second-year uniform. Chestnut curls framed curious eyes. Kanon—an unranked student with no succession standing.
Yet her information-gathering skills were legendary in the Academy's black market. Rumor had it she could procure any intelligence for the right price—even instructors' darkest secrets.
"Why would an ordinary student risk joining a group challenging Number One?"
I pushed aside my curiosity and began tonight's performance.
"Thank you all for coming," I began coldly. "Let's be direct. Our goal is simple: topple Fujiwara Shizuka from his throne. This requires greater power, smarter tactics, and more efficient methods of domination."
I steered the conversation toward Domination Arts.
"Traditional domination relies on pain and fear—inefficient methods," I cast my first lure. "Consider this: if subjects acknowledged our power willingly, wouldn't such control be more stable, more... elegant?"
My words sparked heated debate.
"Bullshit! Fear is power's foundation!"
"He's got a point though. Fear-based obedience breeds resentment."
While they argued, I subtly deployed my custom spell—Soul Resonance—targeting Tsukishima and Kanon.
This wasn't crude mind control but spiritual suggestion. I took fragments of concepts like "equality" and "respect," disguised them as "efficient rulership techniques," and gently implanted them.
Tsukishima's brow furrowed deeper, the purple confusion in her aura intensifying.
Kanon's lips curved into a knowing smile, like she'd discovered a fascinating puzzle.
As the meeting concluded, I announced: "We'll reconvene weekly. Next time, bring your thoughts on this 'new Domination Art.'"
The others filed out, leaving only Tsukishima and Kanon behind.
Tsukishima fixed me with an icy stare. "What game are you playing, Sakurai? That wasn't about defeating Fujiwara at all."
"Caught on so quickly?"
My heart skipped, but my expression remained stone. "I don't know what you mean. I simply want to win."
"Is that so?" She held my gaze a moment longer before turning away.
Meanwhile, Kanon bounced over, grinning. "Senior Hayato, your ideas are fascinating! Need any 'research materials'? I'll give you my special discount—twenty percent off!"
With that, she darted away.
Alone at last, I allowed myself a genuine smile.
Perfect.
It seems my second and third seeds have found fertile soil.
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