Chapter 7
632words
My "study group" members boasted excitedly about their "achievements" in Green Leaf Village—how magnificently they'd "executed" villagers and how many points they'd earned.
They had no idea they were merely puppets dancing on my stage.
Across from me sat Tsukishima, head bowed, silver hair hiding her expression. Her white-knuckled fists betrayed her inner turmoil. Meanwhile, Kanon watched us both with keen interest, her large eyes gleaming with insight.
That night after returning to the Academy, I didn't rest.
I summoned Tsukishima and Kanon to the restricted section of the Academy library through a secret magical mark known only to us three. Protected by powerful wards, this was the safest place to speak freely.
Through Tanaka, I sent another message out.
When Tsukishima and Kanon arrived, four others were already waiting.
The faces I'd seen in the Slave Holding Facility.
The aqua-haired elven healer—Kikyo Rimei.
The sturdy, determined orc youth—Iron Fang Mei.
The calm-eyed human strategist—Ando Tsukasa.
And the flaxen-haired elven girl I'd "saved" before, still somewhat timid in my presence.
They were no longer slaves. After the "suppression," I'd used the pretext of "requiring personal servants" to "purchase" all four with my mission points, freeing them from their slave contracts.
In Academy records, they were simply my "private property."
"Sakurai... what is this?" Tsukishima stared in shock, clearly not expecting me to bring "slaves" to such a meeting.
"Good evening, everyone." I broke the silence, my gaze sweeping across each face. "You all have questions. Why I saved you, why I've gathered you here."
I paused briefly, then spoke with unprecedented sincerity:
"I want to create a world where even the weakest can live with dignity."
Profound silence fell over the forbidden section, broken only by the whisper of ancient parchment in the gentle breeze.
Iron Fang's face showed disbelief, Kikyo covered her mouth, while Ando's eyes flashed with interest.
Tsukishima trembled visibly, raising her head as hope—perhaps for the first time—illuminated her cold eyes.
"Alone, I can accomplish nothing," I continued. "I need allies—people who, despite the darkness, still carry light within."
I extended my hand to them.
"Here and now, I propose we establish our own organization."
"Our goal isn't overthrowing the Demon King—that's too distant. We'll start by creating a sanctuary where the oppressed can breathe freely. We'll operate from shadows, build strength, and connect with every potential ally."
"Our organization shall be called the Crescent Moon Society."
I explained: "The crescent, though faint, heralds the full moon's coming. It represents the first light born in deepest darkness—hope itself."
"Now I need your answer. Will you join me and become this first ray of light?"
No one spoke, but their eyes had already answered.
Iron Fang knelt first, pledging with the beastfolk's most solemn ritual: "My claws and fangs will tear through darkness for you!"
Kikyo and Ando knelt immediately after: "We offer our wisdom and loyalty."
Even the timid elf girl found her courage and knelt alongside them.
Finally, there were Tsukishima and Kanon.
Tsukishima gazed deeply at me, smiling for the first time—like ice beginning to thaw. "My Wall of Lament will protect only my comrades from now on."
Kanon playfully saluted. "Mr. President, your intelligence officer reporting for duty! Though my information isn't free—it must be traded for even juicier secrets!"
I laughed.
My first genuine laugh since arriving in this world.
Looking at the seven diverse faces before me—elven delicacy, orcish strength, human determination, demonic beauty—all eyes burning with the same flame. Warmth spread from my chest throughout my body, as if blood finally flowed through frozen veins.
"The first meeting of the Crescent Moon Society begins now."
I unfolded the map of Green Leaf Village.
"Our revolution starts here."
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