??? POV
I had been watching Lelouch closely from the moment he stepped onto the bus. His movements, his demeanor—everything about him was too measured, too careful. He wasn't just another student, and I wasn't the only one who noticed. Even as he engaged with others, he never let his guard down. He was always calculating, always observing.
But so was I.
I had followed him through the school halls, watched him blend into the environment, always the perfect picture of a quiet, unassuming student. And yet, he stood out. Not because of what he said, but because of what he didn't say. Every word from Lelouch was crafted with precision, designed to reveal nothing.
He was hiding. That much was clear.
The cafeteria had been no different. As Kikyo Kushida, with her perfect mask of friendliness, approached him, Lelouch responded in kind, always keeping her at arm's length. I watched as they talked, but my mind was elsewhere. I had seen this before—people trying to manipulate each other, keeping their cards close to their chest. But Kushida's charm would get her nowhere with someone like Lelouch. He was too focused, too careful to let someone like her get under his skin.
After Lelouch left the cafeteria, I decided it was time to make my move. I headed to a secluded part of the campus, away from the prying eyes of the students and faculty. There, in the shadows of the school, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number that only a select few possessed.
The line clicked, and a cold, authoritative voice spoke. "Report."
"Everything is going as expected," I began, my voice calm and even. "Lelouch Lamperouge—" I paused for just a moment, correcting myself with deliberate precision, "—or rather, Lelouch vi Britannia, the Eleventh Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire, son of the 98th Emperor, has successfully blended into the school. He's masking his true identity as Lelouch Lamperouge, hiding from the world."
There was a momentary silence on the other end, followed by a cold chuckle. "Interesting. And how is he managing this... masquerade?"
"He's good," I continued, my tone neutral. "Very good. He's careful not to reveal too much, deflecting questions and keeping others at a distance. But I've seen it before—his reluctance to engage too deeply with anyone is telling. He's afraid of being discovered again. After nearly being unmasked before, he's more cautious now. That's why he's chosen to hide here, in the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. He believes this institution will keep him safe, hidden from the eyes of Britannia and his father."
The voice on the other end hummed, clearly intrigued. "And is it working?"
"For now," I replied. "He's hidden himself well. But this school... it's not like any other. Sooner or later, his past will catch up to him, especially with the people here. The game he's playing is dangerous, and the more he tries to hide, the more he risks exposing himself."
The voice paused, as if contemplating what I had said. "And what of his mental state?"
I allowed myself a small smile, though the person on the other end couldn't see it. "His ambition is intact. He hasn't given up on his goals. He's still driven by revenge, by his hatred for his father and Britannia. But he's patient, biding his time. He won't act until he's ready."
There was another pause, then the voice shifted topics. "And the White Room's specimen? Ayanokoji?"
Ah, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. The perfect human, or so they said. I took a moment to gather my thoughts before responding. "Ayanokoji is in the same class as Lelouch. He's quiet, withdrawn, and keeps a low profile, but his mind is constantly working. He's observing everything, calculating every move. His reputation as the White Room's success is well-deserved, but..." I trailed off.
The voice on the other end caught my hesitation. "But what?"
"He's not perfect," I said plainly. "Ayanokoji is intelligent—brilliant, even—but he lacks something. He's too clinical, too detached. The White Room raised him to be superior, yes, but it also stripped him of something crucial. He doesn't have the social skills or the charisma to manipulate others the way someone like Lelouch can. Ayanokoji can calculate every variable, but humans are unpredictable, emotional. He can't adapt to that in the same way."
There was silence again before the voice spoke. "So you believe Ayanokoji is flawed?"
I chuckled softly, the sound barely audible. "In a way, yes. He's a product of a system, shaped by its rules. But I, on the other hand, was shaped by chaos. The unpredictability of Kinderheim 511, the darkness I embraced... it made me adaptable in ways the White Room never could. If we're talking about perfection, I'm far closer to that ideal than Ayanokoji could ever be."
The voice on the other end of the line seemed to consider this for a moment. "Interesting. And in your opinion, how does Lelouch compare to Ayanokoji?"
"Lelouch is different," I said, leaning against the wall as I spoke. "He's not as precise as Ayanokoji, but that makes him more dangerous in some ways. His unpredictability, his ability to manipulate and deceive—it makes him a greater threat. Ayanokoji calculates every move, but Lelouch can see through that. He thrives on deception, on reading people's emotions and using them to his advantage. If you asked me who was more dangerous in the long run... I'd say Lelouch."
The voice on the other end hummed again, clearly intrigued. "So my son and the White Room's creation, in the same class. This game is getting more fascinating by the moment."
I smiled faintly. "Indeed. It will be interesting to see how they interact. So far, neither one has made any significant moves, but it's only a matter of time. The pieces are on the board, and soon they'll be forced to confront each other."
The voice grew colder. "You will continue to monitor them both. Lelouch must not deviate from the path I've set for him, and Ayanokoji must remain under control. Both of them are crucial to the future of Britannia."
"Of course, Your Majesty" I replied smoothly. "I'll make sure of it."
There was a brief pause before the voice added, "This is all part of something far larger than they realize. Britannia's future depends on how these pieces move. Ensure that neither Lelouch nor Ayanokoji escape your watch."
I nodded, though the voice couldn't see it. "I understand. I'll take care of your specimen... and your son."
The line went silent for a moment, then the final words were spoken with cold authority. "All hail Britannia."
The call ended, and I slipped the phone back into my pocket, the faintest trace of a smile playing on my lips.
Lelouch, hiding in plain sight, pretending to be someone else. And Ayanokoji, the so-called perfect human. Both of them were fascinating pieces on this chessboard, and I had the privilege of watching them from the shadows.
Lelouch Lamperouge's POV
It was the third day at Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, and I found myself in the cafeteria again, nursing a cup of coffee. I had positioned myself in a corner, where I could observe the students from other classes without drawing much attention to myself. The bustle of the cafeteria was a constant, a sea of faces, each with its own story, its own place in the school's complex social web.
My eyes scanned the room, noting the cliques forming and the hierarchies that were already taking shape. Every gesture, every interaction was a move on the chessboard. Yet, despite the crowd around me, my thoughts drifted to a quiet place far from here—home, where Nunnally was.
I hope Nunnally doesn't feel lonely, I thought, a pang of guilt tugging at me. I had left her behind, alone, while I hid in this school, surrounded by strangers. But then, I reminded myself that she wasn't truly alone. Milly was there, along with the others at Ashford Academy. They would look after her, keep her safe.
Still, I mused, what if Nunnally could experience a life like this? A normal life, free from the shadow of the empire, a life where she could make friends and laugh without worrying about the world outside? It was a wish I had held onto for years, a dream of a peaceful world where Nunnally could be happy. But dreams were fragile things, easily shattered by the harshness of reality.
My thoughts were interrupted as someone slid into the seat across from me. I looked up to see Kushida-san, her ever-present smile lighting up her face. "Good morning, Lelouch-kun!" she greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning, Kushida-san," I replied, offering a polite smile in return.
She studied me for a moment, her eyes curious. "You know, I've noticed you're always alone when I see you. Don't you have any friends?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "I've made a lot already, and I can introduce you to some people if you'd like."
"It's not that I don't have friends," I said, leaning back in my chair. "I just enjoy my own company sometimes. But I appreciate the offer, and I look forward to meeting them."
Before Kushida-san could reply, a blonde girl approached our table, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Kushida-chan, I didn't know you had such a handsome friend," she said, her tone playful.
Kushida-san turned to greet her, a warm smile on her face. "Oh, Kei-chan! This is Lelouch Lamperouge, Lelouch, this is Kei Karuizawa, my classmate from Class D."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Karuizawa-san," I said, offering a nod. "You can just call me Lelouch."
"Sure thing, Lelouch-kun," Kei replied with a flirtatious smile. "And you can call me Kei. It's only fair, right?"
Kei leaned in, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You know, Lelouch-kun, I've always had a thing for guys who can hold their own, especially ones who look as good as you do." Her voice had a teasing lilt, her demeanor relaxed and confident. It was clear she was used to getting attention, and she enjoyed playing with it.
I shrugged casually, maintaining my polite smile. "I suppose that's a compliment," I said, keeping my tone light. "Thank you, Kei-san."
Kei pouted playfully. "Just a 'thank you'? You're not going to ask for my number or anything?"
"Maybe another time," I replied, my tone neutral. Flirting was a game, and while I could play it well enough, I had no interest in it at the moment. I had more important things to focus on.
Before she could press further, someone called Kei's name from across the cafeteria. She glanced over, then back at me. "Looks like I've got to go. See you around, Lelouch-kun," she said with a wink, before turning and walking away.
Kushida watched her leave, a small smile on her lips. "Looks like you're popular with the girls, Lelouch-kun. Kei-chan's not one to flirt with just anyone."
I shrugged, taking a sip of my coffee. "I don't care much for such trivial things," I said, my tone dismissive.
Kushida-san giggled. "Stop being so humble. You're ranked number one on the ikemen list for first years, you know."
I raised an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled. "Ikemen list? What's that?"
"It's a list of the most handsome and attractive first-year boys," Kushida-san explained, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Some of the girls put it together, just for fun. You know, to keep track of the good-looking guys."
I shook my head, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "And why would someone make a list like that?"
Kushida-san shrugged. "People like to admire what's good-looking. It's just human nature. But it's not all good. There's also a list for the most hated people. I feel sorry for anyone who ends up on that one."
"I see," I said, filing the information away. Lists like these were more than just games; they were another layer of social structure, a way of defining who held power and who didn't. "And I'm guessing there are other lists too?"
"Of course," Kushida-san said, nodding. "There's a list for the most hot boys in the entire school, and you're in the top ten for that too. Pretty impressive, especially since no one really knows what class you're in."
"Is that so?" I said, keeping my tone light. "And who else is on these lists?"
Kushida-san tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, on the first-year ikemen list, there are a few other mysterious students like you. There's Johan Liebert, he's ranked third. Then there's Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, ranked fifth, and Light Yagami at seventh. None of them have disclosed their classes either. It's like you're all in some kind of secret class or something," she said with a playful laugh.
I shrugged again, hiding my interest. "Maybe we are," I said, my tone nonchalant. "Or maybe we just enjoy our privacy."
Kushida-san laughed, clearly entertained by the mystery. "Well, whatever the case, it's definitely keeping people intrigued. I wouldn't be surprised if there were bets on who can figure out your class first."
"Let them bet," I replied. "I have nothing to hide."
After finishing my coffee, I made my way back to the classroom. There was still some time before the next class, and as I entered, I noticed the others already gathered, chatting amongst themselves. Sora, who was never one to sit quietly, spotted me and immediately called out.
"Hey, Lelouch! Perfect timing. We've got some free time, so why don't we share the intel we've gathered about the other classes? It'll give us a leg up on the competition."
I took a seat, nodding in agreement. "That's a good idea. Before we start, has anyone gathered any useful information? Let's pick a class and go from there," I suggested, scanning the room.
Ryuzaki was the first to speak, as was becoming a habit. "I've been watching Class 1-A from a distance," he said, casually fiddling with his fingernails. "They're competitive, no surprise there. But they're not as united as they'd like to think. There's some serious tension bubbling beneath the surface."
Johan, who had been leaning back in his chair with a calm smile, added, "I had a few conversations with students from Class 1-A. There are two main factions: the Sakayanagi Faction, led by Arisu Sakayanagi, and the Katsuragi Faction, led by Kōhei Katsuragi. The students are split in their loyalties, which could be a weakness. If those factions clash, Class 1-A might tear itself apart."
Sora leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head. "So, they're strong but divided. That's something we can use to our advantage. How about Class B?"
Sora and Shiro exchanged glances before Sora spoke up. "Class B is more stable. They're not under as much pressure as Class A, so they've managed to stay pretty united. But don't let that fool you—they could be tough to crack."
I decided to share what I'd learned. "I met Honami Ichinose from Class B yesterday. She seems genuine, and while I'm not entirely convinced of her leadership skills, she's got the respect of her classmates. There doesn't seem to be anyone better suited to lead Class B, so for now, she's their de facto leader."
Light, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward, his eyes thoughtful. "Unity could be their strength. If Ichinose can keep them together, Class B might be the most cohesive unit in the school."
He shifted his focus, his expression darkening slightly. "As for Class C, I noticed something disturbing. There's a guy named Kakeru Ryuen who's been bullying his classmates. From what I've seen, no one stands up to him. He's positioning himself as the leader of Class C through fear and intimidation."
Light's eyes hardened, and I could sense his growing distaste. "People like Ryuen disrupt the natural order. They rule through fear, not respect. It's a perversion of justice, and it could be dangerous for us if he manages to consolidate power in Class C."
I nodded, considering Light's words. People like Ryuen, I thought, they remind me of the nobles of Britannia—arrogant, overprivileged, and far too confident in their ability to control others through fear. They might be easy to manipulate, but they're also volatile.
Ryuzaki turned his attention to Ayanokoji, who had been silently observing the discussion. "What about you, Ayanokoji? Got any insights or useful information to share?"
Ayanokoji shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Honestly, I'm not sure what you're expecting. I didn't really know what I was doing, so I haven't gathered anything useful."
Sora, always the skeptic, smirked. "Come on, Ayanokoji. You really expect us to believe that? You've been sitting there, quietly watching everything. You must have noticed something."
Ayanokoji maintained his blank expression. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."
Johan leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Drop the act, Ayanokoji. It's obvious you're not as clueless as you're pretending to be. You're trying to fly under the radar, but that just makes you more noticeable."
I decided to chime in. "Exactly. In a class full of geniuses, acting too normal only draws more attention. We're all here for a reason. If you have something to contribute, now's the time."
Ryuzaki nodded, his gaze steady. "We're in this together. No point in hiding what you know."
Finally, Ayanokoji sighed, giving in. "Alright, you got me. I've gathered some information, but I didn't think it was that important."
Light gave a small, understanding smile. "It seems you made a bad choice, trying to blend in with a group like this. But don't worry, we're all here to make this work."
Johan nodded in agreement. "Without everyone's cooperation, this experimental class is bound to fail. We need to work together if we're going to make it to the top."
Ayanokoji nodded, a hint of a smirk on his face. "I see your point. I apologize for holding back. Let's get back to the discussion."
Sora grinned, leaning forward with an eager look. "So, what did you find out, Ayanokoji?"
Ayanokoji crossed his arms, thinking. "Class D has an interesting mix of students. One in particular stood out—Horikita Suzune. She's a loner, doesn't cooperate well with others, but she's got the brains and the determination to reach Class A. If she changes her attitude and learns to work with others, she could be a valuable asset."
I nodded, adding my own observations. "I've also interacted with Kikyo Kushida from Class D. She's the opposite of Horikita. Kushida seems to have made it her mission to befriend everyone, building connections across all the classes. It's a smart move. She's gathering information and making herself indispensable. She'll likely approach us soon as well. If we play our cards right, she could be a useful pawn."
Shiro, who had been quietly observing, tugged at Sora's sleeve and spoke softly. "Horikita... isn't... the student council president... also named Horikita?" Her eyes flickered with curiosity, but her tone remained calm, almost detached.
This piqued everyone's interest. "Could there be a connection?" I asked, considering the possibilities. "A family relation, perhaps? If she's related to the student council president, that could give Class D a significant advantage."
Ayanokoji nodded. "It's more than just a normal connection. There's some tension between them. I can't say for sure what it is, but it's not exactly friendly."
Johan leaned back, nodding thoughtfully. "A family connection with tension... That could be a double-edged sword for Class D. Depending on how things play out, it could either help them or tear them apart."
Johan continued, "We should also consider the advantage of our own situation. Our class has remained hidden, which means we've been able to gather information without anyone knowing about us. That gives us a unique position of strength."
I had to admit, Ayanokoji had gathered more information than I expected. Despite his attempts to keep a low profile, he had been observant, perhaps even more so than the rest of us. "I recalled what Kushida had said earlier—that Johan, Light, Ayanokoji, and I were all on the ikemen list for first-year students, even though our exact classes were unknown. It seemed our mysterious nature was working to our advantage."
Sora, never one to be left out, piped up. "Am I on that list too?" he asked, a hopeful look on his face.
Shiro didn't miss a beat. "Impossible," she said flatly, not even looking up. "You'd need... a miracle."
Sora pouted, crossing his arms like a child denied a toy. "That's not fair. I'm just as good-looking as any of you. Besides, I'm not the only one not on that list. Ryuzaki isn't there either."
Ryuzaki shrugged, clearly uninterested. "I don't care about things like that. Looks don't matter in the grand scheme of things. It's what you do that counts."
I nodded in agreement, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth. "Ryuzaki's right. These lists and rumors are just distractions. What matters is how we use the information we've gathered to our advantage."
Sora wasn't about to let it go that easily. "Easy for you to say, Lelouch. You could probably get a girlfriend without even trying."
Shiro chimed in with a rare, teasing grin. "What's wrong, Nii... jealous because you're still... a virgin?"
Sora's face immediately flushed, and he spluttered, "T-T-That's not the point! It's just... totally unfair!"
The others burst out laughing, and even I found myself smiling at the exchange. Despite the lighthearted moment, there was still a serious undertone lingering in the room. We all knew what was really at stake.
I glanced at the clock—still plenty of time before the next class. My mind shifted back to the challenge I had thrown at Sora and Shiro—Blank—during introductions. "Well," I began, leaning forward with a slight smirk, "since we have time... how about I let you two taste your first defeat?"
The playful atmosphere froze as Sora's expression sharpened. He clearly hadn't forgotten the challenge. "Ah, that's right!" he exclaimed, his grin twisting with competitive fire. "This is the perfect time to settle it!" He shot a glance at Shiro, who was already locked in, her golden eyes narrowing with a steely focus.
"You challenged us to... a game of chess, right?" Sora said, his excitement mounting. Shiro, without hesitation, murmured, "Chess... is no different from tic-tac-toe."
Light, who had been quietly listening, raised an eyebrow. "How exactly do you plan to play chess here? I don't see a board or pieces lying around."
Ayanokoji, who had been observing the conversation, interjected calmly. "You can play using your mind."
Light looked intrigued but skeptical. "Playing chess in your mind? How does that work?"
Ryuzaki leaned forward, clearly interested in the concept. "It's not as impossible as it sounds. Professional chess players do it all the time. They visualize the board and the pieces, keeping track of the moves in their head."
Johan, who had been quietly taking everything in, smiled. "This should be exciting. A battle of minds, quite literally."
I nodded, already visualizing the board in my mind. "Playing in our heads won't be a problem. Let's begin."
Sora and Shiro exchanged glances, then nodded in unison. "Alright, let's do this!" Sora said confidently. They both closed their eyes, clearly preparing to play the game mentally. Sora and Shiro alternated in calling out their moves, their synergy evident in the way they seamlessly handed the game over to each other.
"Pawn to E4," I began, setting the stage with a classic opening.
Shiro countered without hesitation. "Pawn to E5."
Of course, I thought. Shiro would mirror my move, gauging my intentions.
"Knight to F3," I said, advancing with caution, probing for weaknesses.
"Knight to C6," Sora responded, picking up the thread, his voice steady and confident. They were playing the game out in perfect synchrony, the Ruy-Lopez opening unfolding between us.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere in the room grew tense, the silence punctuated only by the sound of our voices calling out moves.
"Bishop to B5," I said, bringing my bishop into play.
Sora smirked, his eyes still closed. "Pawn to A6," he countered, forcing my bishop to retreat.
The game was a delicate dance, each move a probe, a test. I could sense the depth of their strategy, their understanding of each piece's potential. It was like fighting against a well-oiled machine, each move calculated, precise.
Midgame arrived, and Shiro took the lead. Sora fell silent, his role shifting as Shiro guided their pieces with a steady hand.
It's almost like she's a different person, I thought, noticing the shift in the game's tempo. Or rather, like I'm facing a machine—a supercomputer.
With Sora silent, I found myself focusing entirely on Shiro. Her moves were cold, precise, devoid of emotion or hesitation. She calculated every response with the efficiency of an AI, each move the best possible choice. It was unnerving, as if I was up against a program designed solely to win.
The realization hit me. She's like an AI. Always choosing the best move possible. I couldn't outmaneuver her with conventional tactics. If I wanted to win, I needed a different strategy. Something unpredictable, something that no AI, no matter how advanced, could anticipate.
I decided to lay a trap, a subtle one. I moved my bishop to a seemingly vulnerable position, a bait for Shiro to attack. "Bishop to G5," I called out.
Shiro responded instantly, as I had expected. "Pawn to H6," attacking the bishop.
I sacrificed the bishop, drawing her queen into play. "Bishop takes Knight on F6," I said, watching her eyes.
"Queen takes Bishop on F6," Shiro said, her voice steady.
Good, I thought. She's fallen for it. I began setting the stage for a classic pin, one that would force her king into a position where victory was inevitable for me.
The game continued, Shiro driving forward with relentless efficiency. I could feel the noose tightening around her king, each move bringing me closer to victory. I was on the verge of setting the final trap when Sora's voice cut through the silence.
"Wait, Shiro, it's a trap," he said, a knowing smirk on his face. "You almost had us, Lelouch, but Blank never falls for the obvious."
I felt a flicker of frustration. Sora had been silent for so long, I'd almost forgotten about him. I had focused so much on Shiro's machine-like precision that I'd neglected the human element—the unpredictability Sora brought to the table.
Sora continued, his confidence returning. "You see, Lelouch, it's easy to get caught up in complicated strategies, to think that the most complex solution must be the best. But in reality, the least interesting answer is usually the correct one. The simple moves, the ones that seem too obvious, are often the most dangerous."
Shiro adjusted her move. "Knight to D4," she said, shifting their defense to avoid my trap.
I realized then the true strength of Blank. It wasn't just their individual skills—it was their ability to cover each other's weaknesses, to balance out each other's tendencies. Shiro's precision paired with Sora's intuition made them a formidable team. When one missed something, the other was there to catch it. Together, they were not just a pair of talented individuals; they were a single, flawless entity.
The endgame arrived, the board reduced to a few key pieces. Despite my best efforts, I found myself cornered. Every path I considered led to a dead end, each move countered by their perfect teamwork.
I sighed, finally admitting what was clear to everyone. "I'm just delaying my inevitable defeat," I said, my voice calm. "I concede. You two are indeed worthy opponents."
Sora's grin widened. "Whether up against men or gods, 『 』never loses," he declared confidently. "You almost had us there, Lelouch. It's rare for us to find someone who can put up such a fight in chess."
I nodded, allowing myself a small smile. "You've earned my respect. Until now, I've never experienced defeat—except against my older brother."
There was a brief pause. Johan, who had been quietly observing from the side, leaned forward with a curious gleam in his eye. "An older brother? Sounds intriguing. Care to elaborate?"
I froze for a fraction of a second. Careless, I chided myself. I hadn't meant to mention my brother. But letting the truth slip now was out of the question. I quickly composed myself, masking the slip with an easy smile.
"Not by blood," I clarified smoothly. "A close friend, really. He's more like a mentor—a brother in spirit, you could say. But I do have a younger sister, Nunnally."
The subtle tension in the room relaxed as they accepted my explanation. I made sure to steer the conversation away from anything else related to my past. It was a dangerous game, revealing even fragments of my life before this school.
Shiro, who had been quietly observing me, seemed satisfied with my answer. "Okay..." she said softly, already shifting her attention back to the now-imaginary board.
Sora, ever the eager one to keep the mood light, clapped his hands together with a grin. "Well, that was fun! Now that we've established our superiority," he added with a wink, "we should definitely do this again sometime."
I allowed myself to chuckle softly. "Next time, perhaps I'll have a new strategy."
The room's energy lightened, and everyone seemed to relax after the intensity of the chess match. The laughter and jokes began to flow again, but even as I joined in, my mind was still working, analyzing. Blank's victory had been impressive, I thought, but it also served as a reminder of the stakes we're playing for here. Every move, every choice in this school has real consequences.
As I observed the room, the banter swirling around me, I kept my outward smile intact, but internally, I was already thinking ahead. The game is only just beginning, I reminded myself. And I have no intention of losing again.