The Destruction of the World by Fire by Shiden Kanzaki Page A

Just imagining how she wandered through the underground society where killing and betrayal ran rampant made Rentaro’s chest hurt. Tina probably never knew what it felt like to have fun as a girl, or be happy.
    Rentaro remembered again how Sumire Muroto had said, “Those with ranks under a hundred have sold their souls to the devil. It’s no exaggeration to call them monsters.”
If I’m aiming to be in the top ranks, then I’ll have to fight against guys like this, huh…?
Thinking that, Rentaro’s consciousness returned to the gym.
    He looked on pityingly at Yuzuki’s back as she lay on the ground with both hands on the floor, her confidence shattered, showing no sign of trying to stand up.
    “Please stand up, Yuzuki.” It was Tina.
    Yuzuki looked for a while at Tina’s outstretched hand but finally shook her head in self-derision. “You’re strong, aren’t you? Having someone like me in your adjuvant will only cause you problems.”
    This time, it was Tina’s turn to smile as she shook her head. “That is not true. I was formerly ranked 98th. For you to have me cornered to that point is something I think you can be proud of. You were much stronger than I imagined, Yuzuki.”
    “Ni…ninety-eighth?!” Yuzuki’s eyes were open so wide they looked like they would burst.
    Looking at Yuzuki, Tina stretched out her hand again, stronger this time, and smiled prettily. “I ask you as well, Miss Yuzuki Katagiri: Please join Big Brother’s adjuvant.”
    Yuzuki looked down for a moment but finally grasped Tina’s hand firmly and stood up. Then, unexpectedly, Yuzuki was overcome with emotion and hugged Tina’s head, all smiles. “I love you, Tina! You were superstrong and supercool! Marry me!”
    Embarrassed and baffled, Tina flapped her arms. She probably wasn’t used to someone expressing affection so straightforward and openly.
    Next to Rentaro, Tamaki was watching the scene intently, dumbfounded. “Yuzuki can’t make friends at school because she doesn’t want anyone to see her eyes. But look at how happy she looks…”
    Rentaro’s mouth started to smile spontaneously. “Then, we pass?”
    Tamaki returned to himself suddenly, then finally gave a big nod and stretched out his right hand. “Very admirable, Rentaro Satomi. We, the Katagiri Civil Security Agency, are at your service.”
    “I’m counting on you.” Rentaro grasped Tamaki’s hand and shook it hard. When their eyes met, they both smiled wryly, a little embarrassed. There was a clap, and when Rentaro turned his head to look, one of the spectators was clapping his hands for the brave fight of the civil officers. Another person followed suit, and then another, until even those who hated them and discriminated against them seemed to be worn down by the persistence of their fellows, and came to clap as well. The sound swelled until the applause seemed to wrap the gym in a never-ending thunder.
6
    The hot sunlight faded and night fell, but thick, damp air still wrapped around them. They passed by the receptionist at theuniversity hospital and walked down the halls that smelled of medicine. Wearily, Rentaro looked next to him. “Sorry, Tina, I’m sure you’re tired, but just be patient for a little longer.”
    “It’s fine. I’m just happy I can be with you, Big Brother.” Tina looked down once before raising her face again. “I thought I needed to meet Dr. Muroto soon, anyway. I was nervous meeting her alone, so having you with me is reassuring.”
    “You know about Doc?”
    “Yes, I heard about her from the Professor.” “The Professor” was probably Tina’s former Promoter, Ain Rand. Tina was originally paired with him. However, when she failed her mission, he readily abandoned her. Ever since then, there was no sign of Rand contacting Tina, but Rentaro wondered how Tina felt about that. Because of the subject matter, it was hard to find the right time to bring it up, but he would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious.
    “I