"Two souls from different lands meeting, joining forces to topple a mighty foe, acknowledging each other’s strength through the heat of battle, and finally calling one another partners... it’s magnificent! The ultimate royal road development! A masterpiece of a story to set any heart ablaze! My Hero! You never fail to exceed my expectations!"
"You certainly are enthusiastic. Though I suppose I understand the feeling, in a way."
In an indistinct abyss of unknown location, Drop muttered as she cast a freezing look at the jubilant Lost, who was currently shouting at the top of his lungs.
Lost didn't seem to care in the slightest about her cold shoulder. Even hidden beneath his hood, his voice was so full of life that his wide grin was practically audible as he expressed his profound emotion.
"I doubt someone like you could truly grasp the depths of my elation, Drop! But surely even you can feel the thrumming in my chest? This fire was ignited by those two—by My Hero! On the very stage I prepared, my Oshi shone with the most brilliant light! How could I not be moved by such a sight?"
"You’re so loud... I get that you’ve got a thing for this Yugo guy, but you’re crossing into creepy territory. I haven't said anything because he’s playing right into our hands, but you should realize that’s exactly why the others won't give you the time of day."
"Even so, I am grateful to the kind Drop-chan for still humoring me. Besides, they simply don't understand. Once they realize how great a presence My Hero truly is, I'm certain they'll end up just like me!"
"Yeah, yeah," Drop thought, her expression making it clear she was letting his words go in one ear and out the other.
It was a hassle that she had been labeled a friend by such a troublesome man just because she had spoken to him once, but as a partner, Lost was never boring. For that much, at least, she was thankful.
Furthermore, as she had mentioned, Lost wasn't acting purely out of self-interest. He was simply steering the developments toward his desired outcome while following the grander flow of events.
As long as he stayed the course, she had no reason to complain. In fact, Drop felt it was easier to coordinate her own moves if she stayed close enough to monitor his. Thinking of the exam—the event held before the exchange students—she turned to him with a question.
"So, what’s your next move? Are you going to build another stage for your precious Hero to play on?"
"No. I don't intend to do much for a while. Even if I stay still, the story will progress. Other Masterminds should be making contact with the enemies they'll face next... and they’ve all reached Level 2, just like us. We’re in for quite a show—both of us."
Lost wore a smile now, though it lacked the frantic excitement from moments ago.
Realizing that his policy for the immediate future aligned with her own, Drop let out a long sigh.
"Oh, is that so? I guess we’re in the Spectating Part for a bit then. Well, Drop-chan has already finished her own preparations anyway! As long as those Lord Hero Candidates (lol) end up miserable, I'm happy. Man, I hope the next event starts soon. I can hardly wait!"
"Fufufu... I too am looking forward to what comes next. Now that My Hero is involved with those five exchange students, what kind of performance will he give us? When he is swept up in the Storm of Destiny, how will he overcome it? Or will he be swallowed by the waves and sink? I truly cannot wait to find out."
The malice dwelling in this world did not belong solely to the Reincarnators or the Masterminds.
The inherent malice of this world was the true Leading Role; it was the wall that stood in every hero's path. Their duty was to feed that malice, to nurture it until it bore the fruit of widespread misery.
The setup was complete. First, they would let those Hero Candidates who were drowning in their own petty desires taste true despair.
They were Masterminds... and there was a certain aesthetic in remaining in the shadows, pulling the strings of the Villains.
In the pitch-black void where no one else could hear, the two laughed and laughed, their hearts swelling with anticipation for the wonderful disaster about to unfold.