Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter XI: Spider Web

I had no solid connections yet, but Kushida was already proving useful as a tool. If she got wind of this event, it could easily spell the end of Horikita Manabu's social standing. I continued, pressing my advantage. "And according to your own words, this isn't the first time, is it? 'Do you want to relive the pain of the past?' Such cruel words to your own sibling."

Horikita Suzune, clearly displeased with my angle, interjected. "Ayanokouji-kun! Don't! T-this doesn't concern you..." She sounded desperate, but I wasn't about to let her change the course of the conversation.

"No," I cut her off, my voice sharper now. "You'll keep your mouth shut for now, Raven Girl. This isn't for you. I'm doing this for my own gain, after all."

Manabu's eyes flashed with curiosity as he finally spoke. "And what do you stand to gain from this?"

I decided to be upfront, letting him glimpse my intentions. "A favor. For the future," I said calmly. "In exchange, I'll delete this photo. No strings attached."

"Interesting..." Manabu mused, his expression unreadable but clearly intrigued by my proposition.

"So, do you agree to my terms or...?" I asked, waving the phone with the incriminating picture. Manabu scratched his chin thoughtfully before nodding.

"Sure. However, I'd like to delete it myself, if you don't mind."

I agreed, handing him the phone. I watched as he deleted the photo, seemingly complying with my demand. After handing the phone back, just as I pocketed it, I noticed a sudden movement—a vicious backhand heading straight for me. I dodged swiftly. He might be lean, but his reflexes were sharp. Before I had time to recover fully, he sent a sharp kick toward my unguarded side.

"Eh!" I quickly shifted out of the way again, narrowly avoiding the impact. His attacks were fast, precise, but he exhaled deeply in frustration, extending his right hand as if offering a truce. His movements told me otherwise—if I grabbed it, he'd likely throw me to the ground. Instead, I slapped his hand away.

He looked momentarily confused, and I capitalized on it. Moving quickly, I backhanded him, my fist connecting with his cheek. The force left him slightly dazed. Taking the opportunity, I grabbed him by the head in a clinch, thrusting my knee sharply against his face. He staggered back, and I grabbed the fabric of his blazer and arm, twisting it sharply. With a final sweep of his legs, I sent him crashing to the ground.

The fall echoed in the quiet night air, and for a moment, all was still.

"Do you wish to continue?" I asked, pressing my elbow lightly into Manabu's back.

"I concede," he replied calmly. I released him and helped him back to his feet.

"You fight like an expert. What arts do you practice?"

I paused briefly before answering, "Muay Thai." It wasn't the whole truth—far from it—but that information was sufficient for now.

"I see. How interesting," he said, dusting off his blazer. "What a unique boy you are." His gaze flickered to his younger sister, who stood frozen, eyes wide in shock at the scene that had just unfolded. He turned back toward her and spoke again, his voice carrying a weight that only family could place, "You continue to confuse independence with solitude." Then, his eyes returned to me. "And you, Ayanokouji. With you around, things might get interesting."

Without another word, Manabu brushed past me, walking into the night.

I watched him disappear before glancing at the younger Horikita, still shaken. So, that was the esteemed student council president. His dominance and intensity explained much of Horikita's strange behavior. Now, I understood the full scope of what I had just witnessed—an encounter that would prove useful later on.