"Yay!!"
A cheer loud enough to shake the crystal chandeliers exploded in the hall like a thunderclap.
Kim raised his arms, excitedly jumping in place, looking as if he had just won a world-class competition.
This sudden noise startled everyone present.
Chloé, who was immersed in Her perfect plan that was about to succeed, was interrupted by the scream, and an expression of extreme displeasure appeared on Her face.
"What is that idiot shouting about?"
She frowned, casting a disgusted look towards the source of the sound.
Sabrina also looked over, equally puzzled.
Alya and Marinette, who had been conversing in low voices, stopped their conversation and curiously turned their gaze to Kim.
"What's wrong with you?" Adrien looked helplessly at his often-scatterbrained friend.
"The roller skate race with Alix has officially started!" Kim announced excitedly, his face flushed with enthusiasm.
"It's one-sided, isn't it?" Nino pointed out the fact incisively.
Hearing this, the surrounding classmates all showed an expression of speechless resignation, as if to say, "I knew it."
Max even pushed up his glasses and calmly analyzed, "Based on the past seventeen race records, your winning rate this time is still below five percent.
I suggest you give up to save everyone's time."
"This time is different!"
Kim retorted, sticking out his neck, "I will definitely win this time!"
"You say that every time,"
Nino spread his hands, "And what's the result? When have you not been left in the dust by Alix?"
Adrien also expressed the same opinion: "Kim, although I really want to support you, reason tells me that Nino is right."
Hearing even his friends say this, Kim became a little anxious.
He looked around and finally cast a pleading gaze towards Jaden, who had remained calm throughout.
"Jaden! What do you think? Do you think I can win this time?"
"Hmm…" Jaden looked at his hopeful expression and didn't want to dampen his enthusiasm,
So he said in a rather neutral tone, "If you give it your all, there will always be a chance."
This sentence was originally just objective encouragement, but Kim automatically filtered it into the highest level of affirmation and encouragement.
"See! Even Jaden thinks highly of me!"
He seemed to be instantly recharged, turned around, and rushed towards Alix's direction.
Alix was originally alone in a corner, troubled by Her weekend date plans.
She saw Kim charging towards Her like a brute, instinctively took a step back, and asked warily, "What do you want again?"
"Alix! Let's race again!" Kim challenged with high spirits.
"How many times has it been?"
Alix looked at him speechlessly, "I refuse, it's boring."
"I'm sure I'll win this time!" Kim thumped his chest, guaranteeing.
Alix was about to refuse directly, but an idea suddenly flashed in Her mind.
She thought for a moment, and a cunning smile appeared at the corner of Her mouth: "Alright, I agree. However, this race needs a bit of a wager…"
Before she could finish Her sentence, Kim had already excitedly turned and ran back to the group of boys, loudly announcing, "Brothers! My race with Alix is officially on! This weekend!"
While cheering, he pulled Max and began discussing the so-called "sure-win tactics."
Alix looked at his triumphant expression, utterly speechless.
She could only wait and see.
Mylène, Juleka, and Rose gathered around.
"Alix, Kim again…" Mylène asked with some concern.
"Yeah," Alix sighed, "He's started that boring race again."
"Then… what should we do?" Rose also looked at Her worriedly.
Juleka nodded timidly beside them.
"Don't worry."
Alix patted their shoulders, comforting Her best friends.
However, she then thought of something and turned to walk towards Marinette and Alya.
Marinette had already guessed what was happening when she saw Kim's cheering look.
Alya, even more, complained beside Her: "I could write a book about this guy's challenge records; he loses so creatively every time."
"Marinette,"
Alix walked up to them and said directly, "I need your help.
Can you help me design a banner for my race with Kim? We can hold it up then, it would also boost morale."
Kim saw Alix running to find Marinette from afar and thought she was going to chicken out, intending to mock Her, but then he heard Her say she was going to prepare.
"A banner?"
He walked over, puzzled, "Alix, are you preparing for your failure in advance?"
"It's for you, Kim." Alix retorted unceremoniously.
"Impossible!"
Watching this farce unfold, Jaden, Marc, Nathan, and the others all showed helpless yet amused expressions.
Kagami, meanwhile, stood alone not far away.
She looked at the natural and harmonious atmosphere between Jaden and his companions, and an indescribable sense of loneliness welled up in Her heart.
She wanted to blend in but didn't know how to start a conversation, so she could only watch silently like an outsider.
Lila, who was having a pleasant conversation with Jagged Stone, also noticed the commotion.
Although she found it boring, she maintained a perfect smile and continued to interact with Her "idol."
Jagged Stone looked at this overly enthusiastic fan in front of him and found it somewhat amusing.
Just then, His gaze inadvertently fell upon Marinette in the crowd.
"Hey!" He stopped his conversation with Lila, waved in Marinette's direction, and shouted loudly, "It's you! Marinette!"
Marinette was originally discussing the banner design with Alix and the others, but Jagged Stone's call made Her completely stunned.
Under the gaze of the entire class, she walked over somewhat at a loss.
"Mr. Jagged Stone…"
"I really liked the sunglasses you designed for me last time!"
Jagged Stone said enthusiastically, "They are absolutely cool! As a token of my gratitude, here's a special gift for you!"
He picked up a pen, drew a cool guitar design on the back of a blank promotional card, then signed his name and handed it to Marinette.
"Ah… thank you… it's nothing…"
Marinette was flattered, took the signed card, said "I have something to do," and then hurried away.
"Hmph." Jagged Stone looked at Her, finding the girl both boring and interesting.
What he didn't notice was that Lila, standing beside him, when she saw Marinette so easily receiving Jagged Stone's special attention, a trace of uncontrollable jealousy and indignation flashed in the depths of Her green eyes.
But she quickly suppressed this emotion, put on a sweet smile again, and wanted to continue interacting with Jagged Stone.
However, Jagged Stone waved his hand: "I'm busy signing autographs for my fans now, and if we continue to talk, it might cause a commotion.
You wait aside for a moment."
Lila could only nod obediently and retreated to the side.
She watched Marinette run back to Alya like a clumsy fool, Her eyes full of confusion.
Just then, Chloé felt the time was right.
She straightened Her skirt, took elegant steps, and walked in front of Marinette.
"Marinette,"
She said in a condescending tone, "May I ask you to come with me?"
"What trick are you trying to pull?" Alya immediately stood protectively in front of Marinette.
"Alya, you always misunderstand me."
Chloé said, feigning grievance, "What trick could I pull? All our classmates are here watching, I won't do anything to Marinette."
Seeing this, Marinette also reassured Alya.
She leaned into Alya's ear and whispered in a voice only they could hear: "Don't worry, I will never surrender to Her."
After speaking, she followed Chloé behind the marble pillar where Sabrina was hiding.
When she saw Sabrina's hand firmly locked by a pink storage box, she instantly exclaimed, "My box!"
"That's right, it's your box!"
Chloé's face showed a victorious smile, she lowered Her voice, Her tone full of menace,
"Marinette, now, withdraw from the class representative election.
Otherwise, all the 'secrets' in this diary of yours will become front-page news across Paris tomorrow!"
However, just as Her words fell, a loud and strange horn sound came from outside the City Hall.
"Boom—Boom—"
Heavy, medieval-like war drums then sounded.
Everyone's conversations in the hall were interrupted by this sudden strange noise.
Everyone looked towards the entrance, puzzled.
A soldier, dressed in full medieval armor and holding a halberd, walked with stiff steps to the main entrance of the City Hall.
He raised the horn in his hand and blew it again.
Then, in an emotionless voice, like metal grinding, he shouted loudly into the hall: "Listen, people inside! Darkblade Lord is about to give a speech here!
Everyone, immediately put down everything you are doing and listen attentively! Otherwise, disobedient individuals will be immediately thrown into the dungeon!"
After shouting, the soldier turned and returned to the neatly arranged knight procession that had gathered outside the door at some unknown time.
Everyone rushed to the windows, staring in astonishment at the surreal scene before them.
On the square in front of the City Hall, a large group of knights, clad in black armor and holding banners and battle axes, had gathered at some unknown time.
They were arranged in neat formations, like a ghost army emerged from history.
And at the very front of the procession, a tall figure, clad in heavy black armor and adorned with ominous red patterns, slowly walked out.
Beneath his helmet, a pair of blood-red eyes glowed.
It's Darkblade! Coach Mr. D'Argencourt!
Time, rewind to half an hour ago.
Mr. D'Argencourt was strolling alone on the street.
He himself actually didn't care about the outcome of his failed mayoral campaign.
But some things, just because you don't care, doesn't mean they will let you go.
"Mr. Mr. D'Argencourt! Please stop!"
A sharp, sarcastic voice blocked his way. It was that notorious gossip host, Nadja.
"Mr. Mr. D'Argencourt, what are your thoughts on your failed campaign, which set a historical record for the lowest number of votes?"
"Failure is failure." Mr. D'Argencourt's answer was concise and frank.
But Nadja was clearly not satisfied; she pushed the microphone forward again, Her tone even more aggressive: "But you once said you would fight for the honor of your ancestors.
Now that you've failed, don't you feel ashamed? As far as I know, you are the only person in your family's history to have failed an election."
Her words, like venomous thorns, pierced Mr. D'Argencourt's heart.
"Enough! Stop talking!" He turned to leave.
But Nadja, like a shark smelling blood, relentlessly pursued him, surrounding him.
Finally, the emotions he had been suppressing completely erupted at this moment.
Mr. D'Argencourt, unable to bear it any longer, drew the fencing sword he carried with him and fiercely stabbed the large poster on the roadside that featured the current Mayor's smiling face.
"Rip—"
A huge gash was torn across the poster.
This action immediately excited Nadja, and camera flashes lit up the area.
And in the Agreste Mansion in the distance, Hawk Moth sensed this strong negative emotion, mixed with humiliation and anger.
"Oh… a failure burdened by honor. What a perfect prey."
An Akuma Butterfly flew from his palm, crossed the Parisian sky, and precisely attached itself to Mr. D'Argencourt's fencing sword.
Seductive words echoed in his mind.
"Darkblade, I am Hawk Moth.
They mock your failure, trample your honor. I can grant you power to reclaim everything that belongs to you, to make those shameless scoundrels kneel at your feet, and to let your banner fly over Paris again!"
"I… agree."
Black energy instantly consumed him.
When the light dissipated, Darkblade, clad in black armor, had replaced Mr. D'Argencourt.
He pointed his sword at Nadja and the photographer who were still nearby, and two green beams of light shot from the sword's tip, striking them.
The two immediately knelt on one knee, their eyes becoming vacant.
Darkblade walked up to them and gently patted their shoulders with the flat of his sword.
"I knight you as my knights."
Afterward, he led his two initial knights and marched towards the City Hall.
All passersby who stood in his way were knighted as soldiers loyal to him in the same manner.
His goal was to replace the flag symbolizing the French Republic atop the City Hall with his ancestors' ancient battle flag!
Time returned to the present.
On the square outside the City Hall, the atmosphere was as heavy as before a storm.
Darkblade pointed his sword directly at the intricately carved oak door of the City Hall.
"Mayor Bourgeois!"
His voice, amplified by the helmet's resonance, became deep and metallic, echoing across the empty square, "You shameless scoundrel who stole honor!
Now, get out of my City Hall immediately!
Either, like a true noble, duel me;
Or, get out of that position that doesn't belong to you!"
The indignation in his words was like a tangible flame, scorching the air.
Inside the hall, all the students' eyes simultaneously turned to the Mayor, who was hiding behind a large marble pillar.
The Mayor felt uncomfortable under the gaze of dozens of eyes. He adjusted his somewhat wrinkled tie and said with forced composure:
"Why are you looking at me? I... I am a good person and a good Mayor. I've never offended anyone."
However, he secretly muttered to himself: Of course, when it comes to fulfilling the requests of my precious daughter Chloé, there might... there might just be a little bit of favoritism.
But how can that be considered offending people?
He cleared his throat and shouted loudly towards the door: "Outside... uh... Mr. Knight!
If I have inadvertently offended you in any way, I sincerely apologize to you here first!"
Seeing the speechless expressions on all our faces, he quickly added: "You know, to maintain the relaxed atmosphere of today's event and make it less serious, I specifically arranged for my Bodyguard and most of my staff to be elsewhere.
So... so now we are isolated and helpless. We can only outwit, not overpower, right, Adrien?"
Adrien, whose name was suddenly called, could only nod helplessly, meeting the gaze of all his classmates.
"Marc, begin analysis." Max had calmly taken out his miniature robot.
Marc's propellers spun rapidly, and its blue electronic eyes flashed, quickly connecting to the network to search for relevant eyewitness information.
"Query initiated. Related video clips have appeared online."
It reported in an electronic synthesized voice, "According to video analysis, the target 'Darkblade''s ability comes from the sword in his hand.
The sword can emit green beams of light. Those hit will immediately enter a kneeling state, as if being knighted.
Subsequently, if struck on both shoulders by the target's sword, they will be completely transformed into his loyal followers, losing their self-awareness."
"That means we can't be hit by that light."
Nino immediately understood the key. He called to Kim, "Quick, we need to reinforce the door!"
The two immediately sprang into action, pushing the heavy, decorative classical sofas and benches in the hall with all their might behind the main door, attempting to build a temporary defense line.
Their actions inside the hall clearly angered Darkblade outside.
"Coward!"
He roared,
"Mayor Bourgeois! Do you only deserve to cower behind walls? Since you've refused the honor of a duel, then kneel before Darkblade's thunderous wrath!"
He raised his longsword high and swung it forward: "My knights! Attack!"
The obedient knights, their eyes vacant, let out a unified shout.
A portion of the knights, like a black tide, began to violently assault the blocked main door.
Another portion, more agile, began to climb the relief-covered outer wall of the city hall with their bare hands, attempting to directly reach the top floor, tear down the flag symbolizing Paris, and replace it with their lord's battle standard.
"In the name of the sword! Forward!"
The knights shouted slogans, and the clanging of metal armor intertwined with the dull thuds of impact against the door, making hearts tighten.
Seeing this situation, Adrien knew he couldn't wait any longer. "In the name of the sword," "fencing"... these elements,
had made him one hundred percent certain that this Akumatized Person was his fencing coach, Mr. D'Argencourt.
He quietly slipped away from the crowd and quickly ran to a hidden corner on the second floor.
"Plagg, go!"
A flash of green light, and Cat Noir's agile figure leaped from the second-floor window, landing silently on the plaza like an elegant nocturnal creature.
The metal staff in his hand instantly extended, sweeping like a whirlwind.
The knights who were assaulting the door were swept away by a powerful force, falling in disarray.
He then performed another graceful flip, sweeping his staff horizontally, knocking down all the knights who had climbed halfway up the wall.
"Mr. D'Argencourt!"
Cat Noir landed steadily in front of Darkblade, saying with a hint of regret, "Losing the mayoral election is indeed very sad. But you seem to have forgotten your constant knight's code—to maintain composure, whether in victory or defeat."
"I am not D'Argencourt!"
Darkblade's crimson eyes stared fixedly at him, his voice filled with the paranoia of corruption, "I am now Darkblade, and in the name of a knight, I challenge you to a duel, Cat Noir!"
"Just what I wanted." Cat Noir held his staff, adopting a fencing stance.
"Come on, Cat Noir!"
Darkblade roared, thrusting his sword forward. Cat Noir deftly dodged, his staff striking at the opponent's opening like a venomous snake.
The two exchanged blows, the clanging of metal echoing incessantly, sparking a series of flashes across the plaza.
The surrounding knights temporarily ceased their attack, watching the duel that would decide their fate like loyal spectators.
Inside the city hall, the students who witnessed the hero's arrival erupted in a small cheer.
"Can Cat Noir win?"
"Hard to say, Darkblade looks very strong."
"But Cat Noir is more agile!"
...Nino, Kim, and Max huddled together, nervously analyzing the battle.
"Strange, why hasn't Ladybug arrived yet?" This question also puzzled the other classmates.
Jaden, however, simply stood quietly by the window, watching the intense duel outside, his mind leisurely wondering: What new dishes should I prepare for Plag tonight? That is the question.
Next to him, Nathan and Marc had long entered "war correspondent" mode; one had already spread out his drawing paper, rapidly sketching the tense battle scene;
the other was scribbling furiously in a notebook, transforming everything before him into exciting words.
On the girls' side, Rose clasped Her hands, looking at the scene outside, which resembled a medieval painting, a dreamy expression on Her face: "It's knights... too bad there's no prince."
As she spoke, she subconsciously glanced towards Jaden.
"Such great courage..." Juleka looked at the dueling figures outside, Her eyes full of longing.
"Cool!"
Alya, on the other hand, was full of excitement, even I couldn't help it whispering "technical guidance" from the side: "Left! Watch his lower body! Yes! Just like that!"
Mylène also watched nervously from the side, worried for Cat Noir.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Chloé heard the sounds of fighting outside, and an expression of extreme displeasure appeared on Her face.
"Does this Hawk Moth have any sense at all? He just *had* to cause trouble right when I was about to succeed!"
She turned and gave Marinette one last warning.
"Marinette, before I come back, you'd better think carefully. Otherwise, once I get the tool to open this box, my attitude won't be as 'friendly' as it is now."
With that, she pulled Sabrina, whose wrist was still "locked" to the storage box, and hid in a safer room on the second floor.
Marinette watched Chloé's retreating figure, Her heart filled with anxiety.
That box contained not only all Her crush on Jaden but also Her daily life as Ladybug, recording all Her secrets!
"Marinette, don't rush." From Her purse, Tikki quietly reminded Her, "The most important thing now is to deal with that Akumatized Person first."
"Mm!"
Marinette nodded heavily. She quickly looked around and then hurried to another hidden corner on the second floor, opposite the direction Adrien had chosen earlier.
"Tikki, ready!"
A flash of red light, and Ladybug's agile figure leaped out of the window.
She threw Her yoyo, just about to join the battle, but was stopped by Cat Noir's voice.
"Ladybug, don't interfere!"
Cat Noir shouted, parrying Darkblade's powerful slashes, "This is a duel between us knights! I want to awaken this lost 'knight' with a fair duel!"
"Is that so?" Darkblade's attack became even fiercer upon hearing this, "If you can defeat me, then I might consider your suggestion!"
The two became entangled again.
Ladybug sighed helplessly at this scene, only able to land on a nearby rooftop for the time being, observing the situation and ready to provide support at any moment.
By the window, Kagami, who had been silently watching everything, finally couldn't help but speak.
She asked Alya beside Her with some confusion: "Why... does Cat Noir call him 'D'Argencourt,' the fencing coach's name, but he insists on calling himself 'Darkblade'? What's going on?"
"Oh, that,"
Alya took out Her phone, ready to capture exciting moments at any time, and, like a seasoned Parisian citizen, answered the new classmate's question,
"It's simple. Before and after being akumatized by Hawk Moth, they can be seen as two completely different people."
She explained: "They have the same memories and skills, but their ideals are completely different.
The current Darkblade is driven by intense negative emotions. He has lost his normal reason, leaving only obsessive thoughts.
You could say, he's no longer the Coach D'Argencourt we know."
Kagami nodded thoughtfully: "I understand.
Then... after the Akumatization ends, will he not be condemned for what he did today? After all, he attacked City Hall."
"Condemned? Why should he be condemned?"
Alya said in a matter-of-fact tone, "People who are akumatized are usually those who have grievances or anger in their hearts, and then Hawk Moth takes advantage of their vulnerability.
Ultimately, they are all pitiful people, and everyone will only pity and sympathize with them.
The culprit of all this, of course, is Hawk Moth."
"So..."
A strange light flashed in Kagami's clear, cold eyes, "When a person is driven by negative emotions and then infected by Hawk Moth, whatever they do, ultimately... everyone will forgive them?"
"Yes,"
Alya shrugged indifferently, "After all, it's all Hawk Moth's fault.
If he didn't akumatize people, none of this would happen.
However, this kind of thing is normal in Paris. Basically, which citizen living here hasn't had a few chances to be akumatized?"
"Then you... have you been akumatized too?"
Kagami's voice was very soft, but Her question was very direct, "What was the process like after being akumatized?"
"Yes, I have."
Alya answered very bluntly, but Her eyes drifted to the side with a hint of guilt.
She remembered that time when she was akumatized into "Hot Spot Girl,"
and Jaden, because of Her, was akumatized into "Mr. Information "—that... somewhat sweet and somewhat chaotic afternoon.
"Actually... it wasn't too big of a feeling,"
She said vaguely, "Because after the Akumatization ends, most of the memories disappear."
"Is that so?" Kagami looked at Alya's obviously guilty expression, feeling that things didn't seem as simple as she said.
However, a monstrous wave was stirred in Her heart by this conversation.
Everything done after being akumatized can be forgiven.
Because it was all Hawk Moth's fault.
Then... what if she were akumatized?
Could she then take this opportunity to do things she would never dare to do normally?
For example, disobey Her mother's orders?
For example, to have even just one day, one hour, or even one minute of true willfulness that belonged to Her?
This thought, like a dangerous seed, quietly took root and sprouted in Kagami's strictly disciplined heart.
And not far behind them, Lila listened to this conversation, word for word.
In fact, from the first day she arrived at this school, she had been thinking about how to have a "first meeting" with the mysterious Hawk Moth, who could grant people superpowers. She wanted to test him, understand him, and even... use him.
However, because of Jaden and their subtle aloofness, she had to temporarily put this bold idea on hold.
And now, after hearing Alya's "popular science" explanation, that dangerous thought once again became active.
The corner of Her mouth, in a unnoticed corner, slowly curved into a cold, calculating arc.