"Wow! I knew it, but look at him fall for it! It's always a riot seeing a 'Hero Candidate'—honestly, what a joke—clinging to non-existent memories and dreaming of some grand comeback!"
"Well, he’s a man whose story ended long ago. He’ll be used by Abyss for everything he’s worth, serving as little more than a pawn to liven up the show."
"Though Drop-chan and the rest of us are just here to watch! I’m going to enjoy every second of his pathetic end!"
Two figures emerged from the black shadows... Lost and Drop watched Cyan’s receding back as they spoke to one another.
They had been tasked by Abyss, the orchestrator of this show, to handle the various manipulations and ensure Cyan was released here on Wind Island. With their job finished, they spoke in breezy, lighthearted tones.
"That’s one favor Abyss owes us! He’ll have to listen to at least one of our requests now!"
"That was part of the reason I took the job. Even if it’s just a small thing, obtaining a card we can play on his stage is significant."
"I agree! But... haven't quite a few of the owners of the Clear Plates Abyss prepared been taken out already? About twenty out of the twenty-six found their way to Aptitude Holders, and five of them were defeated yesterday alone, right? At this rate, won't they be wiped out in five days?"
"You could say those who were defeated had no potential for growth anyway. The survivors will get stronger, moving forward with the intent to evolve further. Although, if an incident does occur—"
"Hero-kun will show up. Right now, isn't he the biggest obstacle to Abyss's plan? The ones he took down yesterday seemed like fairly promising prospects, too."
At Drop’s words, Lost nodded deeply, a delighted smile spreading across his face.
He had naturally been watching Yugo’s exploits the previous night as well. He spoke now with an expression of pure ecstasy.
"Exactly as expected of My Hero! Even with the masterminds beginning their move in earnest, he charges ahead on his own path without a single doubt! I can't wait to see what he does next!"
"...But you know, if Abyss’s plan actually works, this world is done for, right? There’s no way he’s going to stop until the end... Isn't that a bit much?"
"I'm sure Abyss has accounted for My Hero in his plans. We also have that Hero Candidate we just released after finishing the adjustments. If anything, the real show is only just beginning."
"True... Oh, that's right! Come on, Lost, tell me already!!"
"Tell you what?"
Lost looked puzzled by Drop’s sudden shift. She frowned at him, demanding an answer.
"You said it before! That Abyss was lying! You wouldn't tell me then, but isn't it about time you spilled?"
"Ah, that. Yeah... I suppose it's fine."
Lost waved his hand dismissively to calm her down. As she pouted at his casual attitude, he gave her the answer she sought.
"...Twenty-five."
"Huh? Twenty-five? What are you talking about?"
"The number of Clear Plates Abyss scattered on this island. He told us and the Audience that he sent out twenty-six... but one is missing."
Lost sighed, looking away from her. Drop processed the information, her brow furrowed as she chewed over the meaning of his words.
"...I figured there were a few Clear Plates set aside for Hero Candidates—the trashy ones—to find. But I assumed he'd still scatter them on the island in a way that kept anyone else from grabbing them. If he didn't even do that, it means—"
"The final plate Abyss kept for himself is for his own use. Combined with that Ticket, there's no doubt he intends to personally intervene in this story."
"...Then isn't it really bad? Abyss actually plans to end everything right here?"
"Most likely. But we aren't allowed to step in. It's a Rule Violation for those of us on the mastermind side to interfere with another's plan. If we break that, we'll be forced to face a Penalty."
"If that's the case, the only hope left is—"
It was impossible for them, who were fellow masterminds, to get in the way of Abyss's plan. The ignorant Hero Candidates stood no chance against the owners of the Clear Plates and the other powerful enemies.
There was only one hope left for this island... no, for this world. The Hero who would stand against the mastermind's ambition.
"...So, it's a win-win for you either way. Whether he wins or loses, your favorite Hero-kun is going to be the star of the show."
"In a way! But I'm rooting for My Hero's victory. It would be such a waste for his story to end in a place like this, don't you think? That's why... I intend to do whatever I can to help."
Drop narrowed her eyes at his cryptic smile.
Just as the Reincarnators were prone to stabbing each other in the back rather than cooperating, the masterminds were far from a monolithic front. She couldn't begin to fathom Abyss's grand plan or Lost's private thoughts... and that was exactly why she found it so entertaining.
"Hehe... this is turning out to be way more fun than I thought. I’m getting so excited!"
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. As your friend, it makes me happy."
Muttering words that were half sarcasm and half sincerity, Lost and Drop vanished back into the shadows.
The battle on this island, a tangled web of mastermind schemes, had only just begun... and Yugo and his allies had no way of knowing that the true fight was yet to come.