Exodia 197: Countdown to Zero (11)

"Idol...?"

Everyone in the room watched the President sit down. Seems like everyone, including me, was wondering what she meant by 'idol.'

Then, I remembered the last interaction I had with her last year. Sakai-senpai already knew that I was the Black Emperor. It was so long ago that I forgot about it.

"Ah..."

Kana crept closer to me and whispered in my ear.

"Does she perhaps know about your other identity?"

"Yeah... She somehow found out a year ago."

"A year?!"

She suppressed her surprise the best she could but Sumika-senpai instantly caught on. She turned away without saying a word.

"I don't think there's any point in hiding it anymore. At least, to people who'll be on the same operation as you."

"Operation?"

"Huh, wait, you mean, you don't know?"

Hysaka asked me.

I just noticed. She cut her hair short. It fits her so well that I didn't realise. She looks cool.

I shook my head.

"You're involved in the operation to rescue Emika and put a stop to Weissmann."

"The Principal did mention something like that but she's already putting it into action?"

"Yes. There'll be six squads of four. One will have teachers and the rest will be students."

The President said.

"Almost everyone in this room is a part of one of those squads."

Sumika-senpai told us.

"So, will you tell us your secret, little boy?"

The brown-haired girl teased me.

I gave in, instantly, and revealed the black sigil on my hand.

To be honest, the only reason I hid my sigil was because the Black Emperor is historically a villain and many hate him, even after what the Emperors said at that one conference.

Of course, at some point, I regretted hiding it because I thought some people would act as Tatsuya did. That's why, I was hesitant.

Though, watching their pleased reactions is exorcising my previous anxiety.

"Isn't that one of those sigils that the Emperors had?"

Hysaka was slightly slow on the uptake.

"Hy-chan, that's the point. He is an Emperor. The Black Emperor."

Sumika-senpai clued Hysaka in.

"Oh, is that it?"

She always struck me as the type who caught on quickly. Well, in this room, it is only her who didn't know. At least, I think so. I mean, there was that one time she saw me use Black Exodia.

"Anyway, I would like to discuss something with you, Shoya. Please, could I talk with the original Black Emperor?"

"Holy, you can do that?!"

Sumika-senpai looked happy when she heard that I could converse with Altair. Well, it's not like I have him anymore...

"What would you like to know?"

"I want to kill Weissmann this time. If he's an Emperor, then the Black Emperor must know him. Perhaps, he even knows his weaknesses."

That's logical. However, it's a lost cause because Altair is doing his own thing.

"I'm afraid I can't accept your request, Sakai-senpai."

"...?"

She raised a brow.

"Ever since October, or so, I've lost contact with Altair, the original Black Emperor. I haven't talked to him since."

It's not important speaking about the fact that he spoke to me just the other day. It's not like he can come back now.

"Is that so?"

"Though, I think I have someone who can help you."

I reached into my shadow and got Erebus out, before placing him on the table.

"A katana?"

"What do you mean, Shoya?"

The President asked.

[First, before I speak, can I ask you all something?]

Erebus dominantly emerged from the shadow as a spirit. He looked down at the seniors sitting across from Kana and I.

[Shoya isn't directly involved, is he?]

"No, since Weissmann named Shoya by title, it's clear that he wants him for a reason unknown to us, for now."

The Student Council President answered confidently.

"Huh?! Wait, I won't be in the operation?!"

I screamed.

What she says makes sense but I can't just sit out while Emika is in danger. There's also the plan that Weissmann has to release King Solomon. I feel like this would all go faster if I was there but...

"Shoya, your face is telling us that you already know why."

Hysaka told me.

I gritted my teeth and sat down in a huff.

"I just... I feel useless doing nothing while my friend could be suffering at this moment."

"Shoya,"

Kana put her hand on my shoulder.

"Remember what Weissmann said, he invited us for before next Wednesday. Emika is practically guaranteed to be alive until then. We'll be attacking on Friday, so we'll have days. As long as we have time, Emika will definitely be saved."

"You're right..."

I still feel... useless.

"Shoya."

I looked up at Hysaka, who stared at me. She narrowed her eyes.

"A... At one point, I was in your position. I'm not saying that the same thing will happen to you but, I charged in, regardless of what was the best choice and I made everything worse for everyone. They had to clean up after my mess. It was only after that incident that I realised, the best thing I could do was be safe..."

The way she was talking made me want to take her words to heart. Perhaps it is the best thing to stay... But still, I want to—no, I need to!

[Shoya.]

Erebus called out to me. Judging from his stare, he knew what I was thinking. He shook his head and then telepathically spoke to me.

[You are not Altair. Remember that.]

Hearing Erebus' words, it was almost like he was speaking in a holy tone. They cleared my mind and broke me away from discontent and doubt.

"Yes, I understand."

I can't be selfish. I'm not the most important person here. Because I'm an Emperor doesn't mean anything. I'm not Altair. I don't have the power to make my enemies succumb. I'm Shoya. A boy who wants to save a friend but can't. Not alone, at least.

I have to leave this to others.

"I'll just have to leave this to all of you."

I smiled.

"At least you understand now."

Kana lightly slapped me on the back.

I may be able to help but getting captured wouldn't only spell trouble for me, but for the world.

"Let's start everything from zero. What's your name, spirit?"

Hysaka asked, slightly on guard.

[Erebus.]

"Erebus, please, I would like some advice..."