As a weirdo, I like being a Kamen Rider

"Honestly, that new president is always interfering in everything, it's really annoying." Zhuomo adjusted his glasses, his tone full of dissatisfaction.

Saeko Kageyama chuckled lightly: "He's still the president, no matter what, it's just that his life is a bit boring."

As soon as he finished speaking, the bar door creaked open, and Lin Chen walked in slowly, followed by Sudo Kirihiko, who was wearing a dark suit.

The two stopped talking and looked up at the visitor. Zhuomo frowned, his tone tinged with resistance and impatience: "What brings President Lin here this time? We haven't caused any trouble, so it's not like you need to make a special trip for us."

Saeko Kageyama straightened up, but her gaze fell on Kirihiko behind Lin Chen, scrutinizing him: "Who is this young man? This is the first time President Lin has brought an outsider here!"

Lin Chen didn't beat around the bush, walking straight to the bar and standing there, his gaze sweeping over the two of them: "I'm here today mainly to resolve the vacancy in the Clover section. The seat has been empty since J passed away, and it's not a solution for those Orphnochs to fight amongst themselves for the top spot."

As for Kirihiko, he is the most suitable candidate I have found to fill the vacancy.

Upon hearing this, Takuma became interested, but full of doubt. He looked Wuyan up and down and sneered, "Him? What makes him think he can join Clover? Clover isn't a place where just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can get in. If he wants to stay, he at least needs to be strong enough to convince Saeko and me."

Saeko Kageyama nodded slightly, agreeing with Takuma's statement. The oppressive aura of Lobster Orpheus emanated from her body, clearly indicating that she wanted to verify the goods: "The four-leaf clover is a symbol of the top combat power of Smart Brain. Without matching power, even if the president recommends it, we will not approve it."

Wu Yan remained calm and composed, showing no sign of panic. Gray patterns slowly emerged around his body, and butterfly-shaped bone armor unfurled behind him. A powerful force swept over him, and the mere aura made Zhuo Mo subconsciously abandon his contemptuous attitude.

Lin Chen said calmly, "It's simple, just fight one match."

The old-fashioned classic tea restaurant had long since closed. The entire shop was quiet, and even the waiters had all left their posts. The carved wooden tables and retro leather booths were empty, with only a dim yellow ceiling light hanging above the two people's heads. A faint, astringent smell of cold tea wafted in the air.

Murakami Kyoji sat alone on the inside of the booth, holding a cold ceramic teacup. Across the table, Kitasaki leaned back lazily, casually playing with a few pieces of ice in one hand.

After a moment of silence, Murakami broke the silence first, his tone filled with pent-up resentment: "Kitazaki, I specifically asked you to come here today to ask you to help me get rid of Lin Chen, the current president of Smart Brain."

Kitasaki stopped rolling the ice cube between his fingers, glanced sideways at Murakami, and said with a hint of mockery, "Just a while ago you kept telling me not to make any trouble, how come you changed your mind in just a few days?"

Murakami slammed his teacup down on the table, the porcelain clinking together with a dull thud. His eyes were filled with gloom: "I didn't make a move before because I was wary of that old bastard Hanagata. His strength is undeniable, and rash action would only result in mutual destruction. I could only remain hidden for the time being."

But this new, outsider president is acting recklessly, damaging the fundamental interests of Orphino at every turn.

He became more and more agitated as he spoke. “He set absurd rules, forbidding the Orphnochs from hunting and transforming their people. The knight's belts that were meant to be made for the king were left to scatter, allowing power to spread and cause trouble everywhere. If this continues, our people will only decline completely.”

Kitasaki chuckled softly after hearing this, casually shaking the ice cube in his hand: "Why waste your time coming to me when you can just ask Takuma and Saeko to solve such a trivial matter?"

Murakami's expression grew increasingly grim. He shook his head and sighed, "I already sent two people to test the waters, but they couldn't stop them at all."

These words piqued Kitasaki's interest. His previously lazy demeanor vanished, replaced by a fierce fighting spirit in his eyes. A playful smile played on his lips: "Oh? Even the two from Clover couldn't beat them together? Looks like this new president has some skills. This is really interesting. Just let me know when it's time to take action."

After saying that, Kitasaki didn't linger any longer. He casually tossed the crushed ice onto the table, got up, and strode out of the tea restaurant.

Murakami was the only one left in the shop. He stared at the doorway where Kitasaki had disappeared and pondered to himself. But a few breaths later, the booth he was sitting in and the carved wooden table in front of him suddenly developed grayish-white sand patterns. The hard wood weathered and crumbled at a speed visible to the naked eye, and fine dust drifted gently to the ground with the wind.

Murakami stood alone amidst the dust, a chill creeping into his heart. What a monster!

The night was shrouded in the chill of the mountain forest. The paper door to the courtyard was half-open, and warm yellow light streamed out from inside. Hanagata knelt beside the low table, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the sake cup, his brow furrowed with unresolved confusion. The blonde shrine maiden, Saeko, sat quietly opposite him, her figure enveloped in a soft glow. The only sound in the silence was the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind outside.

“A second Kaixa belt has appeared, and there’s even a set of exclusive explosive enhancement components. Its explosive power is far superior to Caesar’s.” Hanagata spoke first, his tone very serious. He looked up at Yako, full of confusion: “I led the development of the entire Knight System. I know very well that I only created one Kaixa belt from beginning to end.”

Even the explosive accessories that come with Faiz are not yet finished. Where did this second Caesar, which appeared out of nowhere, come from?

Yako lowered her eyes, her fingertips resting lightly on her knees. Hanagata continued to press, "My lady, in the future you foresaw, does this belt exist? Will more knightly equipment appear one after another in the future?"

Yako shook his head: "In the timeline I saw, the person who would destroy Orphnoch always looked down on the Knight's Belt and would never bother to create a second Caesar, let alone any Burst Components."

She paused, her tone becoming increasingly puzzled: "What's even stranger is that he's always been alone. But this one has companions by his side."

“But I will never be wrong.” Yako looked up at Hanagata, her eyes filled with certainty. “That tiger-shaped mutated body, and that face, are exactly the same as the Destroyer in the prophecy. It’s definitely the same person. It’s just that he is acting strangely in every way now.”

After a moment's deliberation, the boy solemnly reminded, "Everything has deviated from its predetermined fate. We must be extra vigilant and not let our guard down."

The flower-shaped face nodded slightly in agreement, but inwardly a completely opposite thought was churning.

He had witnessed everything these past few days. After taking office, Lin Chen abolished the order to execute Xiang Shan Ophie, restrained his clansmen who were wantonly hurting others, and even took action to protect people like Muba, Yuka, and Snail Ophie who just wanted to live peacefully as ordinary people. His actions clearly showed that he genuinely wanted to give the Ophie clan a way out.

Are the prophecies of witches still credible?

Chapter 207 Kitaki

During the day, the park by the street is bathed in warm sunlight, which spreads evenly across the wooden benches. There are few pedestrians around, making it exceptionally quiet.

Zhuomo Yi'er sat alone on the bench, Yeats' poetry collection lying open on her lap, the pages of which she hadn't turned for a long time. Several fresh bruises on her cheeks were particularly noticeable, scars left from her fight with Wu Yan not long ago.

He was seething with anger, and at Lin Chen's suggestion to fight, he and Saeko Kageyama exchanged a glance and readily agreed. Their plan was simple: to crush the opponent, establish their authority through the match, and give the new club president a good slap in the face.

But once they actually started fighting, he realized the difference in skill level. He was no match for Kirihiko on his own, and was beaten badly in just a few moves. Even when Kageyama Saeko joined the fight, she was still at a disadvantage.

After this match, he and Saeko were determined to refuse Kirihiko's request to join Clover no matter what.

Just as the two were about to refuse, an overwhelming and chilling killing intent suddenly enveloped them, creating an extremely oppressive atmosphere that made them unable to muster any thought of resistance.

Seeing the new president's cold gaze, the two felt a chill run down their spines, knowing that he had murderous intent. If they refused, they believed he would definitely attack them.

Helpless, they could only temporarily compromise. But Zhuomo did not completely give in. He turned to Lin Chen and calmly said, "Our agreement is not enough. Clover and Kitazaki, a core member, must also give their approval before this matter is settled."

Lin Chen didn't press the matter further after hearing this, nodded in acknowledgment, and drove away. However, Sudo Kirihiko did not leave with him, but stayed at the bar.

After he left, Takuma glanced at Saeko Kageyama beside him and noticed that her gaze remained fixed on Kirihiko, her eyes filled with curiosity and inquiry. She was clearly quite interested in this newcomer, Chofy. Takuma looked at her and sighed softly.

Just then.

Baby-faced Kitasaki appeared silently beside him, bent down close to his face, stared at the poetry collection with a curious yet playful expression, and spoke first:

"Are you reading this kind of nonsensical book again? What's so interesting about it? Tell me!"

Zhuomo froze, turning his head to see Kitasaki's appearance. His face immediately darkened. How could he have encountered this jinx here? He subconsciously moved to the other side of the bench, deliberately creating distance, his tone icy yet filled with barely concealed apprehension:

"I don't want to talk to you."

Kitasaki completely ignored his resistance, instead moving closer with a smile, her tone flippant:

"Don't be so cold."

Before he finished speaking, he raised his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and pressed it directly against Zhuomo's cheek. His knuckles slowly applied pressure, grinding and circling the skin. The skin that his fist touched instantly turned grayish-white, showing signs of the graying that appeared when an Orphnoch was damaged. Pain immediately crept onto Zhuomo's face. He frowned, but gritted his teeth, not daring to retaliate, his whole body tense and on edge.

Kitasaki rubbed his cheek while repeatedly asking questions in a slow, almost coquettish tone. The more innocent his tone, the stronger the pressure.

"How have you been? Anything interesting happened lately? Look, you look disheveled!"

Tsuruma couldn't withstand the intimidation and pain, and dared not transform to fight back. Remembering Kirihiko who was left at the bar, he suddenly stood up: "Yes! Yes! The new president recommended a new member of Clover. Miss Yako and I have already fought him, and we were no match for him. Now we're just waiting for you."

"A new member? That sounds interesting!" Kitasaki smiled after hearing Takuma's words.

The blackout curtains at the Clover Bar blocked out the harsh sunlight from outside, creating a dim and soft atmosphere inside, with soothing jazz music playing softly.

Since it was daytime, only Saeko Kageyama and Kirihiko Sudo were at the large bar. The clean glass reflected soft, fragmented light, and the liquor inside was clear and bright.

Saeko held a cocktail spoon, slowly swirled the whiskey in her glass, added a piece of ice, pushed it in front of Kirihiko, and then poured herself half a glass of fruit liqueur.

The two raised their glasses and clinked them together, the crisp sound blending into the background music. Saeko's soft laughter could be heard intermittently during their conversation.

The wine was slightly cool as it went down her throat. Kageyama Saeko, holding her glass, suddenly became serious and abruptly changed the subject: "After chatting for so long, I've always been curious about what kind of person President Lin Chen really is." Since the new president took over, she hadn't been idle in inquiring about him. All she knew was that he seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

Sudo Kirihiko picked up his glass, took a small sip of the strong liquor, and a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes. He then teased, "What's wrong, Ms. Saeko? You seem particularly interested in our president?"

After the joke, he slowly shook his head: "To be honest, I don't know him very well. I can only be sure that he is a good person. Other than that, I know nothing about his background, thoughts, or secrets."

These words made Saeko Kageyama frown slightly, pausing in her hand as she held her wine glass: "A good person? Orphnoch doesn't need good people, and since you know nothing about him, why would you work for him? To outsiders, you are no different from someone who is simply following orders and showing loyalty."

Kirihiko swirled the remaining wine in his glass, the ice cubes clinking against the glass: "It's not about serving you. We should be considered friends, and this is just mutual help between friends."

"Friend?" Saeko asked in a low voice, her tone full of doubt. She looked up at Kirihiko and said, "As a friend, how can you know nothing about him? That's absurd."

Kirihiko looked back at her: "Why must friends know everything about each other?" He raised his glass and clinked it against Saeko's across the glass: "I don't need to know everything about him. I just need to know that he won't harm me, and that's enough."

Saeko Kageyama lowered her eyes, gazing at the shimmering liquid in her glass. After a moment of silence, she murmured softly, "Is that so?"

Kitasaki moved silently to the booth like a shadow, without making a sound. He bent down and leaned close to Kirihiko's face, his eyes filled with the curiosity of a child seeing a new toy.

He raised his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and was about to press it against Wu Yan's face. But Wu Yan had already noticed and leaned back to avoid it.

Kirihiko leaned back to the side, dodging Kitasaki's fist, the chair wheels scraping against the ground with a faint squeak.

Not a drop of the strong liquor in his glass spilled, and his smile remained: "A sneak attack is not a good idea."

Kitasaki wasn't annoyed by his missed attack. He withdrew his fist, which had been hovering in mid-air, and tilted his harmless baby face, saying, "Wow, that was quick. Sudo Kirihiko, right? I've heard of you."

Saeko Kageyama leaned against the bar, looked at Kitasaki, and said with a smile, "Welcome, Kitasaki."

Kitasaki walked slowly past the bar toward Kirihiko: "Takuma has already told me everything. You want to become a new member of Clover. You defeated those two, so it seems you do have some skill now."

He extended his slender, white finger and tapped Wu Yan's chest from a distance: "However, the Four-Leaf Clover isn't a place you can enter by defeating two people. The fact that you dodged my sneak attack means you're capable enough to have a good time with me, doesn't it?"

Kirihiko put down his glass and stood up: "So you're Kitasaki, the last member of Clover? You really are the kind of person the president described. If I beat you, I should be a member of Clover, right?"

“Of course!” Kitazaki tilted his head and smiled, his eyes clean and pure, but his tone was chillingly crazy. “After all, wouldn’t it be more interesting if there was someone stronger than me for the last spot on the Clover board?”

"Very well, but I feel it would be better to go somewhere else, otherwise Miss Saeko will be heartbroken if these tables and chairs are broken."

The abandoned train depot resembles a piece of scrap metal forgotten by the city, with mottled rust covering the grayish-blue carriages and waist-high withered grass sprouting from the cracks in the broken rails.

On the roof of the passenger car, the bruises on Takuma's face had disappeared, his body was tense, and his eyes were fixed on the open space below. Kageyama Saeko glanced at him and a smile appeared on her lips.

Why are you so nervous? Are you scared?

Zhuomo snorted, "Scared? No, excited! As long as Kitasaki kills someone here, he won't be able to explain it to the new president." Thinking of Lin Chen's suffocating killing intent, his back tightened again, "These two monsters might very well fight like dogs."

Saeko smiled and looked back down.

In the middle of the open space, Sudo Kirihiko stood by the light and shadow, his shirt and trousers neatly arranged, his expression composed. Kitasaki, with a bright smile on his doll-like face, had his hands in his pockets and walked with a light step as if he were on a spring outing, but the excitement and madness in his eyes were almost overflowing.

“This place is huge,” Kitasaki tilted his head, “enough for us to have a good time!”

Kirihiko said gently, "I'm sure Mr. Kitasaki will have a good time. But it's best to stop here, since we might need to work together again in the future."

"Work together?" Kitasaki chuckled as if he'd heard a joke, his eyes crinkling into slits. "Beat me first!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a large patch of grayish-white light particles suddenly erupted from his body. A hard, solid outline instantly rose beneath his skin.

The pair of curved, ferocious horns on its head gleamed with a cold, hard metallic luster, the joints of its massive claws on its arms cracked, and the carapace on its legs was layered like interlocking rings, making it look like a mobile steel fortress.

Takuma, perched on the roof, frowned and unconsciously clenched his fists. He knew all too well how powerful Kitasaki was after his transformation; he was widely recognized as the strongest among the Clover members.

As Kitasaki transformed, gray patterns emerged from Kirihiko's body, his slender yet sturdy exoskeleton encasing his entire body, and a pair of metallic butterfly wings unfurled from his back.

Saeko looked at the elegant butterfly-shaped Orpheus, her curiosity growing stronger. She raised her chin and said, "She's really beautiful. Unlike us, who only have black and white. So, who do you think will win?"

Zhuomo pursed his lips and remained silent. He knew in his heart that even if he and Saeko joined forces, they might not be able to last five minutes against Kitasaki. Even if Kirihiko could easily beat the two of them, their chances of winning against a monster like Kitasaki were pitifully small.

But looking at that composed figure below, he felt a little uncertain.

"Are you ready?"

Kitasaki's voice came through the shell with a muffled sound, carrying a hint of childlike excitement.