I want to become a Kamen Rider

Walking alone among the crowd, she felt an inexhaustible energy, and everything she saw was something to be happy about.

A voice sounded behind me; it was the voice of that naughty little wind from my dream.

She turned around in confusion, but saw nothing.

"So that's how it is. You've forgotten all the tragedies, and what you see... is all a miracle."

Chapter Ninety: The Game (4K)

The ocean floor is 4,000 meters deep in the Pacific Ocean.

This place is dark and secluded, but it is also the birthplace of a massive calamity that hastened the decay of an entire planet.

The already complex and numerous Shocker was further fragmented under the persecution of the evil worm demon, making it less capable of causing major disturbances and better able to perform its function of concealment.

The man codenamed "Lava" is Volcano Shocker, the new leader of one of the subordinate organizations of the once-vast Shocker Empire. His goal is to develop Volcano Shocker into a powerful Shocker like Deep Sea Shocker, and then take over the banner of the Double-Headed Eagle, rebuild Shocker's glory, and defeat the evil worm monster!

In the previous Abyss Council, the former leader, who was of a higher rank than him, along with other organization leaders, chose to release the Beast of the End, which was beyond their control.

The reason he is the former leader is that the Evil Caterpillar Insect Monster has been sweeping around this month, and his superior fell on the front line of the fight against the Evil Caterpillar Insect Monster, so he took over the chief position of Volcano Shocker.

Its true form is hidden in a natural cave near an underwater volcano. According to the quantum-encrypted coordinates, "Lava" projects a virtual image in this secluded abyss, ready to take its seat and attend the meeting.

Then he noticed that this place was much "cleaner" and "tidier" than the last time.

In my memory, this place should have been filled with twisted and broken metal debris and shattered equipment left behind after the Deepsea Shocker base was looted by the worm-like monsters, resembling the skeleton of a giant beast. But now, most of that unsightly "junk" has disappeared, leaving only the massive, suffocating foundation, like a sunken steel island, silently telling the story of Deepsea Shocker's former glory and present desolation.

Clearly, he wasn't the only one confused. The phantom images of leaders from other organizations also projected in one after another. They were of higher status and more senior, so their questions naturally came out as well.

"The deep sea, where am I?"

A projector emitted a muffled sound, pointing to an environment that was noticeably more spacious.

The meeting's host, the Deep Sea Shocker leader who always seemed to be cloaked, smiled smugly, his tone becoming lighter:

“I sorted out the remaining special steel in the base and sold it to countries on the other side of the strait through various channels, thus obtaining my first round of start-up capital.”

"Sure, the deep sea!"

Another projection wearing a bird-beak mask immediately chimed in, its tone tinged with envy.

"Recently, I also ventured into the retail and wholesale industry, using the advanced concepts of low profit margins and high sales volume and street-side operations to support my whole family."

The leaders of other organizations, who had been suffering greatly under the relentless attacks of the evil worm-like monster, spontaneously applauded upon hearing this.

What was supposed to be a discussion of battle plans has somehow turned into a conference on entrepreneurship, hard work, investment, and financial management. Lava looked at this absurd scene, wanting to speak up and correct it, but he was also hesitant.

After all, most of the people present were big shots, while he was just a newly appointed leader of a small organization, with little experience and weak strength.

The current leader of the Dark Organization Delza Legion is a masked man wearing a helmet. The previous three leaders all died tragically at the hands of Kuuga. Originally, the Delza Legion was just an average force. However, because the successive leaders of the organization seemed to be good at hiding and protecting themselves, and were also quite business-minded, like vultures pecking at carrion, they suddenly became the largest existing force after taking over some of the technology and manpower of the Dark Organization that Kuuga had wiped out.

Facing that evil, insect-like monster, the Delza Legion, which has only had three leaders so far, was now completely silent as its leader shared investment experience.

“We’re planning to launch a military operation in North America soon, right? The ultimate monster and the ultimate behemoth that everyone has pooled their money to create will definitely wreak havoc there. Even if we don’t win against the ‘Butcher’ in the end, at least we can help rebuild the city. I’ve invested in several North American construction companies and bought their stock. I should be able to make a small profit.”

With the Dirza Legion setting a "good" precedent, others began sharing their own money-making tips.

A projection wearing a white lab coat and gold-rimmed glasses took over the conversation. Lava remembered that he seemed to be a remnant of some biotechnology organization:

“I opened a hospital, treated patients and saved lives, and had a very good reputation. I even won over some high-ranking officials and dignitaries.”

As a dark organization, they use their funds to cause destruction, yet they turn around and save others—it's utterly shameless!

Lava cursed inwardly, but outwardly he had to nod and agree.

Another voice rang out, tinged with shrewd calculation:

“My thinking is a little different from yours; I started an insurance company.”

Immediately, some people raised questions.

"Insurance companies? These days, disasters happen so often. Is going into the insurance business just asking for trouble?"

"The main 'butcher' is indeed too powerful. Many times, the monsters we send out are defeated before they even have a chance to cause any damage. As a result, although people have begun to widely recognize that the world is becoming more dangerous, the actual losses are not significant enough. Taking advantage of this psychology, we are vigorously promoting disaster insurance and accident insurance in areas where Kuuga is active and where we do not have any attack plans for the time being... Business is actually not bad."

The previous leader of the Dilza Legion used his position as a member of the dark organization to learn about their movements and prepare to speculate on stocks. This one, however, did the opposite. Although still despicable, Lava truly admired the other's wisdom.

Soon, more and more people began sharing their methods for getting rich or making a living.

"I am quite optimistic about the US military sector."

"I prefer A-shares, especially the pharmaceutical sector, which has great potential. With us here, the 'demand' will always exist!"

"Besides stocks, considering the current severe situation, safe-haven assets are also important. I suggest that everyone allocate some high-rated bonds and government bonds to diversify risk..."

Amidst the enthusiastic discussions among the experts who shared their get-rich-quick secrets, Lava was also forced to get involved.

He felt incredibly embarrassed when all eyes were on him. He didn't have that much spare money, nor did he have any intention of "neglecting his duties" by investing; rebuilding Volcano Shocker and seeking revenge were his only concerns.

After holding it in for a long time, the lava finally managed to utter a sentence:

"I...I like drinking, so...I'll just buy some stock in well-known liquor companies."

This answer elicited a few cryptic chuckles.

After talking for a while, everyone was satisfied and ready to adjourn the meeting.

The lava could no longer contain itself.

He raised his hand and asked, "Um... fellow leaders! Shouldn't we... shouldn't we discuss our strategy? Regarding the North American invasion plan?"

Upon hearing this, the entire virtual space fell silent for a moment. Then, a few soft laughs rang out, carrying the tolerant look of an elder towards an innocent child.

"Countermeasures?"

A projection slowly countered with a question.

"The North American invasion is the only major operation that all of us in this organization have managed to scrape together by tightening our belts and exhausting all our resources. Now, everyone is thinking about doing business and recouping funds, isn't that precisely to support the next operation?"

The lava retorted urgently:

"But... what a great opportunity! North America has drawn the 'Butcher's' attention, leaving other areas vulnerable. Shouldn't we deploy troops simultaneously in other regions to expand our gains?"

The enthusiastic leader who had previously strongly recommended the A-share pharmaceutical sector to him smiled and explained in an almost pitying tone:

“Young man, you’re too young. Do you think we don’t want to? The troops deployed to North America have already drained all our reserves and war potential. Everyone here really doesn’t have the money to open any new fronts right now.”

"Then... what about the Beast of the End? Wasn't it released? With such immense power..."

Before he could finish speaking, several projections burst into mocking laughter.

The masked man from the Dilza Legion spoke coldly, his electronic voice carrying a metallic quality.

"The Beast of the End? It's not a hound we can control. It's just 'reality' that crawled out of the Pandora's box we opened. Its will, its destination—how could we, the 'box openers,' predict or command it?"

A profound sense of powerlessness instantly overwhelmed the lava.

He understood. These bigwigs' so-called "strategy" was to gamble everything on North America, then pray that the Beast of the End would bring a turning point, while simultaneously using the chaos to rake in as much money as possible to recoup their losses. As for a grander plan, a more proactive attack? That would require resources they currently lacked.

Those who can survive the evil caterpillar-shaped monsters, besides powerful forces like Deep Sea Shocker that are like centipedes that never die, are either weaklings or opportunists who only know how to hide and conceal themselves.

The Abyss Council can still convene not because it is truly necessary, but because the dark organizations, still unwilling to give up, are clinging to their last shred of stubbornness and dignity.

He drifted away with the crowd, somewhat bewildered.

One by one, the projections dimmed, leaving only the cloaked leader of Deepsea Shocker and Venarita, suspended in mid-air, in the virtual conference room. Unlike the others who continued studying the investment portfolio as they left, the cloaked leader sat quietly, his virtual gaze seemingly piercing through layers of seawater, directed towards the invisible world above.

Where do you think 'the end' will go?

"Didn't I say before that it's not something we can know? Perhaps Kuuga, who has been chasing the shadows and fighting us, can catch a glimpse of the 'End' in advance with his peculiar senses."

"only……"

The cloaked figure paused.

"If possible, I hope, and only hope, that 'The End' can go to the Far East."

"why?"

"The government there is too corrupt. Kuuga always seems to have a precognitive ability to fight, causing us far too much damage. So much so that what should have been an apocalyptic crisis has been handled so poorly. It's about time..."

He gritted his teeth, filled with hatred and resentment.

"They should also experience firsthand the pain we've endured—the pain of being crushed by absolute power and mercilessly mocked by fate. I absolutely... uh, it seems like it's time for me to start my shift."

The words were only half-said when, as the leader of the Deep Sea Shocker looked up to check his watch, his projection went completely dark.

The four-thousand-meter abyss returned to deathly silence.

Only that massive, cold foundation, like a tombstone, records the countdown to ambition, struggle, absurd survival, and destruction. And the enormous shadow, dubbed "The End," is quietly spreading silently in some unknown corner.

……

……

Hachiman Hikigaya returned to Aozora Island as promised.

He is still a monster, an Orphnoch.

He only received the necessary assistance from Kuuga, which replenished his life force and temporarily quelled his desire to kill others.

With eyes as dull and lifeless as a dead fish, he surveyed his surroundings and then arrived at the sea of ​​sand.

The fine white sand reflected the sunlight with a dazzling gleam, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty, fishy scent, swept across the empty training ground. It was said that knights would usually be here, sweating and honing their skills, but now it was so quiet that only the sound of the wind and the whisper of the waves could be heard.

The gaze shifts to the coastline. In stark contrast to the desolation of the desert, a set of meticulously arranged, almost jarringly luxurious tables and chairs stands. The pure white tablecloth and exquisite bone china tea set reflect a cold, hard luster in the sunlight. A butler, dressed in a classic black and white maid's outfit and possessing an impeccable demeanor, is preparing black tea for her master at the table with almost artistic precision.

That master was the girl who had invited him.

She sat there gracefully, her exquisite face set against the backdrop of the azure sea and sky, like a meticulously painted scroll.

The girl's fingertips didn't touch the teacup, but instead slid rapidly across a semi-transparent screen floating in front of her. The screen displayed a dazzling stream of dense financial data, candlestick charts, and real-time news briefings. Her gaze was focused and cold as she issued clear and concise instructions to the other young maid standing beside her:

"Sell this one. Clear out all holdings in those pharmaceutical companies with a stake of less than 15%."

"Sell this one too. Dump all those infrastructure stocks in North America."

"And this too, clear it all out."

"Remember, short all sectors that have seen suspicious inflows of funds recently."

Among the many light novels that Hachiman has read, this should be a classic and classic rich girl character. However, a rich girl who harbors the delusion of conquering the world... or perhaps not even a delusion, and has already declared that she will run for the position of President of the European Parliament next year at the age of seventeen, is still too strange.

Eleanor Anderbell, the girl before her was described by the Second Minister in this way: "What is more eye-catching than her appearance is her family background, what is more eye-catching than her family background is her strength and shrewdness, and what is more regrettable than her strength and shrewdness is her problematic mind. Undoubtedly blessed by the heavens, yet she has a problem with her mind."

Unlike the second-in-command of noble families, who possessed no world-shattering power, Hachiman, being of a commoner rank, preferred to quote the famous saying of the renowned pharmaceutical scholar Ai Haibara when faced with this ultimate lady whose status far surpassed Yukinoshita:

"This is practically a microcosm of Japan's ugly hereditary system. It's because of this system that humanity keeps repeating the same mistakes. A politician's son will become a politician, and a bank president's son will become a bank president. No matter how much time passes, Japan will never change."

Hachiman Hikigaya approached, his footsteps absorbed by the soft sand. He stopped not far from the luxurious set of tables and chairs, his gaze falling on the girl.

"What are you doing?"

"Playing chess."

"?"

"If you don't understand, just think of it as a little financial trick."

"Is it for making money?"

"It is to cut off the enemy's last escape route within my reach."

The girl picked up the bone china teacup and gently blew on the rising steam.

Hachiman Hikigaya's opening:

"I have come as promised."

A belt was tossed into his hand.

The object traced a gleaming silver arc through the air, carrying a heavy weight. It was a belt, a strangely shaped belt, brimming with a cold, technological feel and an indescribable sense of oppression. The metal felt icy cold to the touch, and its intricate patterns shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.

"Then let's talk about stealing the power from the divine realm using human intelligence..."

Hachiman Hikigaya looked down at the heavy obi in his hand, the icy touch seeming to spread from his palm throughout his body. He looked up, a flicker of emotion appearing in his lifeless eyes:

"I don't remember hearing anything so outrageous from the second minister."

"Now you've heard it. Treating both the belt and the user as disposable items, the resulting miracle is the artificial knight, or rather..."

The young lady slowly rose, the sea breeze ruffling her elegant skirt. She put down her teacup, her eyes deep and thoughtful.

"--Omega Echo System".