As a weirdo, I like being a Kamen Rider

The next second, a bone-chilling cold exploded from my back.

Before she could even turn around, she felt a churning in her chest, and a sharp pain shot through her spine and spread throughout her body, causing her to stumble forward like a kite with a broken string.

At the same time, a sharp pulling sensation came from my side.

Murakami Kyoji's figure solidified silently behind her. The attack had not only damaged her internal organs but also knocked the Delta Driver off her belt. The belt arced through the air before crashing to the ground several meters away with a thud.

As the belt detached from her body, the Delta armor rapidly disintegrated, and Saya crashed heavily onto the ground strewn with pebbles and petals, rolling twice before coming to a stop. She braced herself against the cold ground, coughing violently a few times, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. Looking up, she saw the Delta belt lying quietly not far away, and a white figure slowly walking towards it.

Murakami Kyoji deactivated his transformation, turned his head to look at Saya, who was lying on the ground in a sorry state, and said in a low voice with undisguised contempt: "She has the strongest belt, but only has this level of combat awareness... The Delta System should really be given to someone more suitable."

Chapter 209 The Aborted Plan

When Qian Qiao arrived at the scene, the traces of the battle were still clearly visible.

The road surface was blasted into potholes of varying depths, and the cargo box of the laundry shop's truck was deeply dented, with pure white rose petals scattered all over the ground along with gravel.

Keitaro was half-squatting beside the pile of rubble, struggling to lift up the dazed Saya, whose forehead was stained with blood.

"I'll do it." Qian Qiao quickly stepped forward, bent down, and picked the person up in her arms.

The three rushed back to Kikuchi Laundry. Inui Takumi carried Saya straight up to the second-floor guest room, carefully placed her on the bed, and tucked her in with the blankets. Just as he sat up, Sonoda Mari strode in carrying a first-aid kit. Seeing the weak Saya on the bed, her brows immediately furrowed: "What happened? How did you get so badly injured?"

Keitaro stood by the bed and recounted the situation in fits and starts.

As soon as she finished speaking, Saya on the bed slowly opened her eyes, her gaze as dim as if covered with a layer of gray, her voice hoarse: "It's all my fault... I couldn't even protect my belt..." She gripped the bed sheet tightly, full of self-blame.

Truth immediately sat down on the edge of the bed, gently covering her cold hand, her tone gentle yet firm: "Don't think like that. We'll figure out a way to get the belt later. Your safe return is more important than anything else."

In the spacious and cool-toned president's office, Lin Chen sat upright in a large leather office chair, quietly listening to Sudo Kirihiko report on the battle with Kitasaki.

After Wu Yan finished explaining the cause and effect of the battle, Lin Chen slightly raised his eyes and asked in a calm tone, "Is that so? You've already fought against Kitasaki. What was the final result?"

Wu Yan lowered his eyes slightly, and the duel at the junkyard resurfaced in his mind.

At that moment, he unleashed the ultimate technique of Caesar Burst Form, a golden spiral of light slamming into Kitasaki's dragon-shaped Orphnoch. The violent impact shattered the opponent's body. But no one expected that Kitasaki's true form would transform into a slender afterimage, using the smoke and dust from the explosion to dodge the full attack and avoid being completely defeated.

After the smoke cleared, Kitasaki showed no sign of frustration at his defeat. Instead, he excitedly announced the start of the second round. Kirihiko immediately raised his hand to stop him. His initial intention in making this move was merely to gain the approval of the Clover members; he never intended to fight to the death with his opponent, and there was no need to continue the fight.

In the end, Kitasaki, though unwilling, had to admit that Kirihiko's strength was fully qualified to secure the fourth spot and officially accept him into Clover. However, Kitasaki was sullen and disappointed throughout the match because he hadn't been able to have a good fight.

At this point, Kirihiko couldn't help but sigh, "His mentality is really like that of a child who hasn't grown up."

After listening to the report, Lin Chen nodded slightly: "Just get along well with them from now on. You don't need to do anything else. Just keep a close eye on their every move for me."

Kirihiko bowed in response and turned to leave the president's office.

The large room fell silent. Lin Chen rested his chin on his hands, his gaze drifting to the floor-to-ceiling window. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had with Hanagata before Wu Yan came to report to him, when Hanagata had come to his office specifically to talk to him.

The development of the inhibitor to alleviate orophaneization is progressing far faster than expected, and the first finished product will be completed in just two weeks at most.

However, Hanagata's purpose in visiting was not to report on the progress of the drug's development, but to ask him how he planned to arrange the follow-up matters after the drug's successful launch.

Lin Chen didn't think too far ahead. He simply told Hanayo that after the potion was created, how to promote it among the Orphnoch people and balance the conflicts between the various parties was a matter that all Orphnoch who wanted to survive needed to consider together. He would not interfere.

His goal is to become the King of the Orphnoch, and once he successfully hunts the King, he will leave this world. Of course, he is also aware that the implementation of the potion will inevitably encounter strong resistance from conservatives like Murakami, and if it is necessary to suppress the unrest by force, he is willing to lend a helping hand.

Hanagata remained silent for a moment, then pressed him to reveal if he had no other plans. Lin Chen, however, was filled with doubt and asked in return what other ideas he could possibly have.

Seeing that he had no other thoughts, Hanagata stopped talking and quietly left the office with his hands behind his back, leaving Lin Chen, who was full of confusion, to ponder for a long time. Even now, he still couldn't figure out what the other party meant by asking that question.

As dusk fell and the light of day faded, the Clover Bar still had its heavy blackout curtains drawn.

Saeko Kageyama leaned against the bar, wiping glasses, while Sōmai sat in a booth, flipping through a book of poems. Kitazaki idly twirled an empty bottle on the table. The three of them were leisurely killing time.

The bar's wooden door was gently pushed open, and Murakami Kyoji walked in slowly, his right hand, beneath his suit jacket, steadily carrying a black storage box containing his Delta belt. A gentle, refined smile graced his face.

"Everyone, it's been a long time." Murakami raised his hand in a gentle greeting, his gaze slowly sweeping over the three people in front of the bar, and gently placed the storage box in his hand on the table. "I came here specially to bring you all something of the highest quality."

Kitasaki stopped what he was doing and curiously leaned forward to examine the box. Takuma closed his book and looked up at Murakami, only to find that Kageyama Saeko remained calm.

Kitazaki stared at the black storage box on the table, scratching the edge of it with his fingertips, and asked curiously, "What's inside this?"

Murakami smiled and nodded, then lifted the lid of the box, revealing the silver-black knight's belt lying quietly inside the lining.

He closed the poetry collection, adjusted his glasses, and asked solemnly, "Is this Delta?"

“That’s right, I’ve already retrieved the Delta belt.” Murakami said calmly, turning his gaze to the two of them.

Saeko Kageyama swirled the remaining wine in her glass, her gaze deep and intense: "You brought your belt with you on purpose, not just to show off to us."

Having his thoughts exposed, Murakami's smile remained unchanged. He closed the box, and the air in the room instantly turned several degrees colder. He abandoned his gentle demeanor, his expression turning serious, and slowly began to speak: "Next, I have something to announce."

“Kitazaki has agreed to join forces with me to execute that new president on a chosen day.” Murakami looked at the nonchalant Kitazaki, then his gaze fell back on Takuma and Saeko. “Now I have also successfully obtained the third, and most powerful, Delta belt.”

He leaned forward: "Now that Kitasaki has agreed, I'd like to ask you two, do you want to join us and take down the new president?"

A deathly silence fell over the air. Kitasaki's eyes blazed with fighting spirit as he looked at the two with great interest. Takuma, however, frowned deeply.

Saeko lowered her eyes to look at the wine, her long eyelashes drooping: "Murakami, I have some bad news for you." She looked up at Murakami, who was looking smug, and said in a cool and calm tone: "The Clover has filled the vacant seats and added a fourth member."

Murakami was taken aback upon hearing this, then chuckled softly, "So that's what it is? This isn't bad news, it's clearly great news."

He interlaced his fingers and said confidently, "The fact that all three of you agree on this proves that he is incredibly powerful. We are currently preparing to take down Lin Chen. If we recruit this newcomer, the entire Clover team will be on the same side, and our chances of winning will only double. What do I have to worry about?"

Seeing Murakami's confident expression, Saeko Kageyama smiled coolly and shook her head gently: "Don't be too happy yet."

As soon as those words were spoken, the lingering jazz music in the bar suddenly sounded oppressive.

"The fourth person to fill the vacancy in the four-leaf clover is named Sudo Kirihiko." Saeko said slowly and deliberately, looking at Murakami. "He's the new president's man."

Murakami's smile froze, and Takuma chimed in at the opportune moment: "That day, Saeko and I teamed up to test him, but we were both defeated. Later, Kitasaki took action himself, and the two of them fought with all their might, and the outcome was difficult to determine."

“In other words,” Saeko said slowly, raising her glass, “this newcomer under Lin Chen’s command is no less capable than Kitasaki.”

Upon hearing this, Kitasaki showed no displeasure; instead, a smile crept onto his lips, and a warlike glint flashed in his eyes.

Upon hearing this news, Murakami clenched his fists, staring intently at the storage box on the table containing the Delta belt, his confidence completely vanished. He never expected that Lin Chen would have a monster like Kitazaki under his command.

In the laundromat's living room, the last rays of the setting sun slanted in through the glass windows, creating a stuffy and oppressive atmosphere.

When Kusaka Masato returned, he learned the terrible news from everyone—the Delta belt that Saya was keeping had been forcibly taken away by the people of Smart Brain.

The news was like a spark igniting an explosive, and Cao Jia was filled with hostility. The first image that flashed through his mind was Lin Chen.

Then he recalled that not long ago, he had brought Truth to visit Hanagata, but Hanagata deliberately avoided him, only sending someone to convey his instruction to guard the knight's belt in his hands.

His eyes grew increasingly fierce, and he gritted his teeth and said coldly, "It must all be the work of that new club president, Lin Chen."

He turned his head to look at the silent Takumi standing to the side, and said with certainty, "As an Orphnoch, he has always regarded us as a thorn in his side. He took Delta in order to reclaim the power of the knights and wipe us all out!"

Qian Qiao lowered her eyes, the image of Lin Chen returning the Faiz belt flashing through her mind.

“It’s not necessarily him,” Qian Qiao retorted in a low voice.

A simple sentence ignited Kusaka's anger towards him: "It's happening again! Takumi Inui, you have protected Orphnoch time and time again, and now that you know the Delta Belt has been taken by Smart Brain, you still speak up for Lin Chen. Have you really betrayed us?"

“I did not betray them.” Qian Qiao raised her eyes. “I just don’t want to convict someone based solely on their identity. In the Orphnoch, there are also those who want to live and never harm others.”

"Ridiculous!" Kusaka sneered, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Every Orphnoch has a bloodthirsty nature flowing in their veins! Lin Chen, and all the other Orphnochs, are monsters in human skin!"

The two stood locked in a stalemate, their figures separated by the setting sun. Former comrades-in-arms were once again embroiled in an irreconcilable conflict due to differences in stance, trust, and prejudice.

Clover Bar.

Murakami Kyoji knew perfectly well that his plan to win over Clover to kill Lin Chen had been completely thwarted. The appearance of Kirihiko had directly cut short all his schemes. Beneath his refined mask, a deep resentment surged, his fists clenched tightly, yet he was utterly helpless.

He didn't say anything more, concealing all his gloomy expression, picked up the storage box containing the Delta belt from the table, and gently pushed it back in front of the three of them.

Before leaving, he solemnly instructed, "Leave this belt with you for now. Please, all three of you, do not give it to anyone else under any circumstances."

Saeko Kageyama smiled faintly, nodded thoughtfully with her eyes lowered, and even the nonchalant Kitasaki nodded casually. The three of them smiled knowingly in agreement. Murakami gave the three of them a deep look, then turned and left the Clover Bar with a heart full of regret and frustration.

Chapter 210 The King Who Is About to Be Born

After Murakami left, the oppressive atmosphere in the bar dissipated. Takuma almost immediately rushed forward, reaching for the belt storage box, wanting to control this powerful weapon. But before his hand could touch the box, a cold, indifferent voice rang out.

"Give me the belt; from now on, it's my toy."

Kitasaki tilted his harmless, baby-faced gaze, which fell on Takuma. There was no murderous intent, but it carried an intimidating sense of oppression. Takuma, who had just reached out, froze, a deep-seated fear instantly engulfing him. He dared not resist in the slightest, obediently picking up the box and handing it to Kitasaki.

Kitasaki picked up the storage box with one hand, weighed it in his hand, and a child's excitement at receiving a new toy flickered in his eyes. He turned to look at Saeko, who was observing coldly to the side, and then glanced at Takuma, who looked reserved, and casually asked, "Do you have that newcomer's contact information?"

Saeko Kageyama raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes: "What do you want to do?"

"It's nothing." Kitasaki shook the box in his hand, his smile innocent yet eccentric. "Life's been so boring lately. We finally managed to get all four of us together, so let's play a game. We'll split up and whoever retrieves the last remaining Faiz belt first wins."

Saeko turned her head to the side, lightly tapping the rim of her glass with her fingertip, and continued with interest, "That sounds interesting. So, what's the bet?"

Kitasaki grinned, revealing a pure yet playful smile: "The winner can flick everyone's arms hard, how about that?"

Such a seemingly childish bet, when it reached Zhuomo's ears, was like a thunderclap.

His face turned deathly pale instantly, a layer of cold sweat broke out on his back, and he almost cried out in alarm.

Others might not understand, but he knew perfectly well that Kitasaki's power was ruthless and terrifying. Even a light flick of the finger could contain enough destructive force to crush a body.

Countless images of being pressured by Kitasaki flooded his mind. He uncontrollably imagined himself being hit in the arm and turning to ashes. Panic spread, and even his breathing became labored.

He suppressed his trembling and hurriedly tried to dissuade him: "This is not good. That newcomer is the new president's confidant. If we take the initiative to contact him to coordinate the operation, what if he turns around and reports back? All our movements will be exposed to the new president. Besides, even if we successfully recover all the belts, the new president will most likely take them away in the end."

Upon hearing this, Kitasaki extended a slender white finger and lightly touched his lower lip, his expression languid: "What you said makes sense. Let's get rid of him, and then it'll just be the three of us playing."

Zhuomo wanted to argue and refute this absurd bet, but as soon as he raised his eyes, he met Kitasaki's suddenly cold gaze. All traces of innocence vanished, leaving only intimidation, instantly silencing Zhuomo. He could only shut his mouth, not daring to utter another word.

After reaching an agreement, Kitasaki left the bar in high spirits, carrying his belt storage box. The noise subsided, leaving only the two of them inside. Takuma, his mind in turmoil and filled with anxiety, couldn't stay any longer. He went up to the bar's rooftop, hugged his chest, and curled up on the cold concrete floor, feeling utterly dejected and helpless.

All the lapses in behavior at the bar had been witnessed by Saeko Kageyama. She put down her glass, slowly walked onto the rooftop, and the evening breeze ruffled her long hair, making it appear exceptionally soft in the twilight.

"Are you afraid?"

Zhuomiao felt a tightness in his back. His strong sense of pride prevented him from showing weakness, and he gritted his teeth and said firmly, "I didn't."

Saeko looked at his tense, stiff, and forcedly calm appearance, a hint of helplessness mixed with tenderness in her eyes, and slowly walked over and squatted down in front of him: "Really, silly boy, why are you pretending?"

She gently raised her hand, pressed it on Zhuomo's shoulder, slowly sat down, and gestured, "Come here."

After a moment's hesitation, Takuma finally succumbed to the surging fear within him, letting his guard down and gently resting his head on Saeko's warm lap. His fear of Kitasaki erupted, his voice trembling with helplessness: "Facing Faiz's accelerated form, we have no chance at all. We'll definitely lose. If Kitasaki hits us even once..." The thought made Takuma tremble again. "I don't want to be killed..."

Saeko raised her hand, her fingertips gently stroking his hair, her movements tender and soothing, her voice warm and calm: "Don't overthink it. Kitasaki is just mischievous, like a child who never grows up. No matter how much he bullies you, makes things difficult for you, or acts as he pleases, he has never had any intention of killing you. He won't kill you."

The Kikuchi Laundry Shop was warm and cozy in the afternoon. The wind chimes tinkled in the breeze. Takumi leaned against the counter, wiping the clothes racks and keeping an eye on the shop.

The glass door was pushed open, and Yuji Kiba walked into the store carrying a bag of clothes. He was dressed in simple casual clothes, with a gentle demeanor, and looked no different from any other ordinary customer.