Pyra 25, Imperial Year 1644
The Eastern Forest, Valdria – The Hunting Lodge
The lodge was warm, the fire crackling in the hearth. Prince Orin had prepared food – bread, cheese, dried meat, and a pot of mulled wine. The class sat on benches around a long wooden table, their weapons within reach.
Orin sat at the head, his hands wrapped around a cup. He looked at each of them in turn.
"I've wanted to do this for years," he said. "But I couldn't risk it. My father's spymaster has eyes everywhere."
Elara leaned forward. "Why now?"
"Because of Zero. The Black Knights. The announcement." Orin set down his cup. "He's a reincarnator. I'm certain of it. The name, the theatrics, the scattering of evidence – that's not something a native would think of. That's someone who knows how to build a narrative. Someone who watched Code Geass."
Roderick frowned. "You know about Code Geass?"
"I was a reincarnator before I was a prince. I had a life before this one. I watched anime. I read manga. I went to university." Orin smiled – a sad, tired smile. "I remember it all. The bombing. The classroom. The faces."
The class was silent.
"I've been watching you," Orin continued. "Not as a spy – as a friend who couldn't reach out. I have resources. Gold. Informants. Safe houses. I've been using them to help where I could, but I couldn't reveal myself. My father is old. His health is failing. If I left, the kingdom would collapse into civil war."
"We understand," Elara said. "We've had others in similar situations."
"I know. Valeria. Finnian. Selene." Orin nodded. "I've kept track."
Kaito leaned forward. "What do you know about Zero?"
"Not much. He's careful. His knights are loyal – I haven't been able to get anyone inside. But I know his methods. He targets the corrupt. He leaves evidence. He gives speeches. He wants to be seen."
"That's not like the Raven," Reinhard said. "The Raven was a ghost. Zero is a performer."
"Maybe they're the same person," Orin said. "Or maybe Zero is a new persona. Either way, he's sending a message – to us. To reincarnators."
"Why would he do that?" Rosalind asked.
"Because he wants us to find him. Or he wants us to know he exists." Orin shrugged. "I don't know his endgame. But I know we can't ignore him."
Elara stood and walked to the window. The forest was dark, the stars bright.
"What are you offering, Kenta?"
"Resources. Gold. Information. A safe place to plan. I can't fight with you – I have a kingdom to protect. But I can make sure you have what you need."
"And in return?"
"In return, you keep me informed. You tell me what you learn about Zero. And when the time comes, you help me protect Valdria from whatever is coming."
"What's coming?"
Orin looked at the fire. "I don't know. But something is. The Black Knights are just the beginning. Zero is destabilizing the continent. Some kings are afraid. Some are angry. Some are watching. It's only a matter of time before someone decides to strike back."
"And you want us to be on your side when that happens."
"I want us to be on the same side." Orin stood. "We're reincarnators. We're the only ones who truly understand each other. The world doesn't know we exist. But we know. And we need to stick together."
Roderick grunted. "That sounds nice. But trust is earned."
"I know. That's why I'm not asking for your loyalty. I'm asking for a conversation. And maybe, after tonight, a partnership."
The class debated. Huddled in a corner, voices low.
"He seems sincere," Miku said.
"Sincere princes are still princes," Gregor said. "He has his own agenda."
"Everyone has an agenda," Reinhard said. "The question is whether our agendas align."
Elara looked at Roderick. "What do you think?"
"I think he's telling the truth. But I also think he's scared. Something is coming, and he wants allies."
"Don't we all?"
They returned to the table.
"We accept," Elara said. "Not as subordinates. As partners. We share information. We help each other. But we make our own decisions."
Orin nodded. "That's all I ask."
They talked through the night. Orin shared what he knew about the Black Knights – their targets, their methods, their rumored numbers. The class shared what they knew about Zero – the weapon, the theatrics, the Code Geass reference.
"If he's a reincarnator," Kaito said, "he could be anyone. One of us. Someone from a different school. Someone who died in the bombing but wasn't in our class."
"Or someone who reincarnated earlier," Daiki said. "The Raven appeared years before we did. Zero could be the same person."
"Or a copycat," Roderick said.
Orin held up a hand. "We don't know enough. That's why we need to keep watching. Keep gathering information. And when the time is right, we approach him."
"And if he's dangerous?"
"Then we stop him."
The class left the lodge at dawn. Orin watched them go from the doorway.
"Be careful," he said.
Elara turned. "We will."
"And Yuki?"
"Yes?"
"It's good to see you again."
She smiled. "It's good to see you too, Kenta."
They rode into the forest.
Orin closed the door and leaned against it.
One step closer, he thought. One step closer to finding out who Zero really is.
He returned to his chambers and began writing a letter to his father.
The game was just beginning.
End of Chapter Forty‑Four