Clack.
Raynare lay miserably on a pile of rubble.
Apart from her broken arm, her limbs twisted at odd angles.
If you listened closely, faint moans could be heard.
Transformed, Rojin's attack was ruthless, maximizing damage while keeping her alive.
"This…"
Sitting on the ground clutching his backpack, Tomoya couldn't help but feel uneasy for Raynare.
This was too cruel.
At this moment, Tomoya completely forgot that Raynare had earlier threatened him as a hostage.
Perhaps this was the fate of an otaku—values guided by sight.
If a girl was attractive, even a killer could be forgiven, even considered cute.
"Done."
After releasing his transformation, Rojin tapped his earpiece lightly and said:
"Begin the containment mission."
"Yes."
A heavy voice came through to Rojin.
A few seconds later, a squad of armed personnel in pitch-black combat suits rushed onto the street.
Some handled erasing traces, some secured the fallen angel into a special container.
Everyone had their own job.
Tomoya noticed a burning-torch-like emblem on their backs.
On the chest was a fox-shaped symbol.
"What did the lab say? Do we have any new memory-clearing tools?"
"No, not yet. They found something with similar effects, but until its function is confirmed, it won't be put into use."
"Is that so? What a pity."
"Though it might sound rude, I do wish you would do something that humans are supposed to do."
Rojin stood there with his arms crossed, casually chatting with someone who looked like the squad leader.
He completely ignored Tomoya's feelings the entire time.
Lab? Clearing memories?
Tomoya felt like he had figured something out.
Could these people be from some evil organization?
Within seconds, he had already improvised an entire light-novel plot exceeding a million words inside his mind.
The gist: the protagonist accidentally discovers an evil organization and fights them with his own power.
But what was that abnormal item?
Looking at Raynare being bound with layers of restraints and sealed inside a metal container, Tomoya thought he understood.
What were they planning next?
Silencing?
The moment that thought crossed his mind, cold sweat poured down his forehead.
He quietly surveyed the surroundings, trying to find an escape route.
The squad leader glanced at him once, but didn't pay attention to this guy who clearly wanted to run.
How could an ordinary shut-in possibly understand anything here?
This wasn't something that could be solved just by "going berserk". Everyone present was an elite among elites.
If Tomoya could actually escape, they might as well recruit him into the containment agency.
But past experience told the leader: this guy can't do it.
"Time's about right."
The leader shifted his gaze and muttered.
"Yeah."
Rojin nodded.
Opportunity!
A spark flashed in Tomoya's eyes. While everyone seemed to not be paying attention to him, he bolted.
A containment member who was cleaning traces put down his tools and took one step forward, blocking Tomoya's path.
"Move!"
Tomoya shouted, swinging his schoolbag at the man.
The special-task soldier tilted his head slightly, dodging Tomoya's childish attack.
"Yes!"
Just as he was about to run past the soldier, Tomoya felt a wave of joy.
I did it!
That thought didn't last long.
The soldier calmly placed a hand on Tomoya's shoulder, hooked his foot, and flipped him cleanly onto the ground.
"Don't struggle."
He pinned Tomoya's arms behind him, speaking with absolute composure.
His movements were practiced, as if he had done this countless times before.
The nearby team members weren't surprised at all. After glancing over, they simply returned to their tasks.
"Let's go."
Seeing Tomoya pinned, Rojin shrugged and spoke to the leader.
The leader had no objections.
"Good afternoon, Tomoya."
Rojin crouched in front of him, smiling.
"Who the hell are you people?!"
Covered in dust, Tomoya glared at Rojin.
This guy was definitely not a good person.
Rojin didn't mind the hostile stare.
"This is the thirteenth time you've asked me that."
Tomoya blinked.
Thirteenth time?
Have I said that before?
Wait?!
His pupils shrank. He recalled the memory wiping and understood everything.
"Looks like you figured it out."
Rojin stood, patting his knees, and gestured for the squad members to release Tomoya.
This wasn't the first time he tried to run. This exact reaction happened every time. Everyone was used to it.
"Who are you people really?"
Tomoya stood up awkwardly, glaring at Rojin.
In his mind, Rojin and an evil organization were now synonymous.
"The organization's official name is the Human Protection Agency. Don't think too hard about the meaning."
"Our mission is to protect humanity from abnormal beings, regardless of the beings' intentions."
Rojin spoke lazily.
He had said this twelve—no, thirteen—times already.
He even knew what Tomoya would say next.
"Your next line is: 'Stop joking around.'"
"Stop joking aroun—"
Tomoya froze halfway through speaking.
How did he know?
Could he read minds?
"No, I don't read minds."
Rojin declared solemnly.
"Your thoughts are just written plainly on your face."
That's still insane!
"Not insane. Just basic micro-expression analysis."
And you claim you can't read minds?!
Tomoya screamed internally.
"Alright, enough talking. Time to wipe your memory."
Rojin pulled out a baseball bat from who-knows-where and waved it casually.
He already hit the back of Tomoya's head yesterday, so he should avoid that spot today.
"W-wait! I still have something to say!"
Tomoya frantically waved his hands.
But Rojin said mercilessly:
"I'm not interested. By the way,"
He showed an evil grin.
"Your taste in choosing a heroine is excellent."
With that, Rojin swung the bat.
A dull thud sounded, and Tomoya collapsed unconscious.