Chaos Mate ~Revenge In This Chaotic Academy~

Chapter 52: A White Space

Where am I?

Opening my eyes feels like a chore, and I can’t even move my fingertips.

I hear someone’s voice.

“Is the source of your power just anger or hatred?”

Who… is that…?

“If all you do is rampage in rage, even a beast can do that. Are you planning to become a beast?”

A beast… huh.

Monster, freak, inhuman.

Ever since I gained this power, people have feared me.

I’ve despised everyone who rejected me.

But Nee-san and the Tsubaki family accepted me.

I decided to become strong to protect them.

For that, I endured any harsh training.

Even someone like me wanted to be needed.

But the people who needed me are no longer in this world.

That’s why I swore revenge against the one who took my precious person…!!

“Power born from anger, sadness, hatred… Sure, that might have brought you this far. But is that really all it was?”

Power born from negative emotions.

But it couldn’t reach that white knight.

Is my hatred, anger, sadness… not enough…!!

I was powerless.

I couldn’t fulfill my vow of revenge.

How… can I become stronger?

Who can guide me to that answer? No one’s left.

“You already have that answer, don’t you?”

At those words, my body suddenly feels lighter.

Slowly opening my eyelids, I see a white world.

A strange boy stands before me.

A black-haired boy in a white hoodie and blue jeans.

His long bangs cast a shadow, hiding his face.

“Who… are you…”

“The beast within you—its awakening is near. Will you be consumed by power, or harness it? You can’t reach that answer alone.”

Pointing at me, he continues.

“Until now, your sister might have been the only one you trusted. But is that still true?”

Someone I trust…

The first image that comes to mind is a brazen silver-haired girl.

“You don’t have to limit what’s precious, what you won’t yield, to one thing. That should be the source of your power. Don’t forget why you sought strength.”

He steps closer, places a hand on my head, and smiles.

His bangs lift, and his face comes into clear view.

“You’re not alone. …Get stronger, Tsubaki Madoka. Not for anyone else, but to be yourself.”

“Could you be…!?”

With those words, my consciousness fades.

The boy’s figure blurs.

“You might reach it. Beyond hope and despair…”

※

As my consciousness returns from the dream to reality, I open my eyes.

The white space is replaced by my room’s ceiling.

Trying to confirm where I am, I sit up and look around. The furniture tells me it’s my room, but my legs feel heavy. Looking down, I see the silver-haired headphone girl sleeping, hands behind her head.

Her eyes look red, like she’s been crying.

Come to think of it… I was in Reine’s room, and then…

Right, I faced the white knight, Nee-san’s killer… and lost.

“Guess I overestimated my power…”

Why did that knight spare me?

After beating me so badly, it didn’t even finish me off.

The worst humiliation I’ve ever felt.

Clenching my fists, trembling, I recall its words.

“The five pillars hidden in the Phantom’s shadow… As one, I’ll be waiting…”

Are the other four pillars as strong as that knight?

If so, can I win as I am now?

As anxiety creeps in, I remember the dream.