The scene returns to a construction site.

After finishing the call, a shadow approached Ryuto from behind. Although the shadow had not specifically trained in the so-called "silent step," it was not difficult for it to approach the target from behind. The reason for not directly rushing up was to achieve a one-strike-kill effect and avoid any unexpected incidents. Although this may be overthinking, it was necessary to consider it.

Maintaining this stance, the shadow quietly and quickly approached the target. Once it confirmed that the target was within its attack range, it lunged without hesitation.

Dust filled the air, and the gravel on the ground crunched underfoot.

The shadow increased the force in its feet and rapidly approached the target using the rebound force from the ground. It intended to end the opponent with one punch...

It should have been like this, but it was unable to do so. Since it was within reach, the shadow noticed an attack from behind. Moreover, this attack was initiated before its own. In other words, before killing the target, it would be hit first. There was no need to take such a risk, especially when it was uncertain who the opponent was. After a moment of weighing the pros and cons, the shadow had no choice but to prioritize evading the attack.

"Bang—"

The attack the shadow evaded directly hit the ground, creating a loud collision. The shadow, whose center of gravity shifted due to the dodge, quickly readjusted its posture. Just as it was preparing to see who was stopping it, another person, who surprised the shadow, spoke first.

"You finally came?"

Ryuto said, turning around with some helplessness.

"Master Ryuto, are you okay?"

The person who attacked the shadow spoke.

Looking at Hiyori dressed in a shrine maiden's outfit and the target, the shadow, whose upper face was covered by a mask, responded with surprise.

"Why is the Sword Shaman from Kyokutou here? Isn't she supposed to be at..."

"You're wondering if she went to Market Department Store, right? Unfortunately, Hiyori never went there. There was no way for her to catch up, she can't use bunshinjutsu."

"Then, the person on the phone..."

"Well, it was indeed said on the phone, but that was fake. The real action instructions have been sent through a text message. After all, we can only deceive you tricksters in this way."

Saying this, the middle-aged man seemed to understand something.

"So, this was the real purpose behind your intentional purchase of a mobile phone for the Sword Shaman from Kyokutou?"

"Well, you could say that. By the way, you really put in a lot of effort to hide the listening device. First, sending a phone and then detonating it at the end, all to make us believe that you wouldn't make such a small move. And then secretly installing the listening device in the black windbreaker you gave us. It's truly well thought out. You even rendered a phone useless. Although it may not be much for you, it's equivalent to half a month's living expense for me."

"I can't believe..."

The other party was too amazed to find words, so Ryuto immediately took control of the conversation.

"But I suppose all these plans were thought of by that person. Although that person said they wouldn't directly interfere, they didn't say anything about playing these small tricks. Are they taking advantage of a loophole, or is it pushing the boundaries?"

"Did you know about that person's intentions from the beginning?"

"That person? Oh, you mean that person. Indeed, that person is truly cunning. The original plan was for me to perish regardless of whether I could find this bomb or not. If I hadn't agreed to this game from the start, that person would have detonated the bomb directly. That way, I would feel guilty. This is called attacking the heart. If I participated in the game and failed, I would be caught by the police, and all it would take is finding a way to deal with me in the police station. That should be easy for you. And in the end, I got caught for the sake of others; it's quite ironic, isn't it? This is another form of attacking the heart. The goal is to make the target physically and mentally dead. And if I had perfectly completed the game according to the original plan, you would have handed the evidence that I am a terrorist to the police. After all, I don't have an alibi. I would still be caught and dealt with by the police in the end. However, that person didn't expect hundreds of other inmates to show up in the end, which shattered their plan. Even if I didn't have an alibi, it wouldn't matter because I'm not the only one."

"In other words, you think I came because there was a change in that person's plan?""No, I don't think so. It's safe to say that the game was just a cover-up, or perhaps it was mainly because of that person's interest. Even if I decipher the game perfectly, he would still use the most primitive tactic to lure me out and attack me at this timing. The reason for making the second location so far away was also for this purpose, to isolate me. This was all planned by that person from the beginning. In other words, aside from everything else, the entire game is actually a distraction, ultimately just to divert our attention."

It seems like the plan has been exposed, but...

"But even if you see through all this, it doesn't matter because the Sword Witch from Jidong is right here, and the bomb in the department store is real. Even if you go now, it's too late, and there will still be many people who will die because of you."

In response to the middle-aged man's gentle reminder, Ryuto reveals a terrifying smile.

"Well, I suppose it's better for others to die than for me to die myself."

"What..."