Prologue: Voices of the Protectors

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Keep chasing hope.

No matter how many times you lose.

No matter how much you cry.

That's what it means to keep being human.

So let's go together.

--Running away? I won't allow it.

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Prologue: Voices of the Protectors

They sat at a round table in a vivid chamber, its floor covered in majestic mosaics.

"Today's agenda is Case 1123—regarding Koito Hikari."

Each person's face was obscured by information jamming, their features impossible to recognize. They couldn't even tell who the person across from them was. That was the rule of the "Assembly of the Anonymous."

"Urgent action is required. She should not be alive."

The crimson-haired girl murmured. The tall man scoffed at her brazen words.

"Well, obviously. That girl's broken. She's destabilizing the order of the Three Great Academies. Even setting that aside, that monster's way more dangerous than most Apocalypses."

For many anti-reality organizations, Koito Hikari was a thorn in their side. They wanted to eliminate her if they could. Yes—if they could.

"Koito Hikari is too strong. Any armor's nothing but paper in front of her, and she treats any attack like a gentle breeze. 'Strongest in humanity' ain't just for show. Sure, if we could—"

"We can."

The crimson-haired girl murmured. Her voice trembled, but her words were clear.

"The problem is the person who recently joined Koito's ranks—Kotoyorozu Kotoha."

Some members of the Assembly of the Anonymous nodded in understanding, while others tilted their heads, unfamiliar with the name. Kotoyorozu Kotoha. Information on him was still far from plentiful.

"According to intelligence gathered by Chaos Institute, Kotoyorozu Kotoha is an Apocalypse holder with what appears to be a power similar to precognition. He needs to be eliminated first."

It was hard to imagine such a convenient opportunity would come along easily—but one was close at hand.

"I will act during the joint Three Great Academies 'Sky Tournament.' On the day itself. I request the support of everyone present."

"Ahaha. Seriously? You're insane, lady. Who'd sign up for a reckless plan like that?"

The crimson-haired girl nodded, her expression deadly serious.

"I can do it. Only I can. So lend me your strength."

Half the anonymous members nodded, a sense of mission burning silently in their chests.

"To protect this beautiful world."