Volume 26: Chapter 186: Narcissist's Cradle Arc - Part XIV._Classroom of Doom

8:00 am.

No one failed to be present, and as such, Basara would take the momentum to full swing.

Or so they would be led to believe...

"There won't be additional time, but whenever you'd like, feel free to use the vending machine." Basara pointed at the mysterious vending machine on the north side of the room "When did they install it?! They had like a vacuum of three minutes!!" Tateyana was perplexed by how the vending machine was suddenly there "It came through the hallway!" Arkalee said as she crossed her legs sideways; placing Hyunda's two cut feet below her chair "Apparently you gotta pay points to get something. It's really drinks and food, not very different from a vending machine at all." Kawahara, who was not seated at the round table and instead face to face with the vending machine, explained "How much for a water?" Rayazaki asked.

Kawahara gave the brief answer.

"50 points for a 50 liters!" The outrageous price didn't appeal anyone "50 POINTS FOR THAT?! WHEN I CAN LITERALLY JUST WAIT AND DRINK WATER IN THE DORM?! NO THANKS!!" Tateyana revolted "....Wait..." Kuzan noticed it "This might be our only food source since we can't get into the dorm..." He added "Oh yeah, it was all flooded with guards and what-not, what was that all about?" Akimiyashika asked "We can't get in because they are conducting researches thanks to that FUCKING DICKHEAD!!" Kawahara kicked the vending machine out of rage "Kawahara, don't do that again." Basara warned "Yeah, yeah." Kawahara went to the table and took his seat.

The main event would start as well as the fourth round.

Regarding the selection, those that cannot be selected by the dice are the following students: Gayakirima Kanawari and Daniel Lead.

Thus, the dice was ready to be cast.

"ROLL IT!!" Basara ignited the spark immediately.

Slowly but surely, as the anticipation curtains drew closer, the target was chosen.

"Ahhhhaaaaahhh..." Hyunda, still recovering from his wounds on his ankles whilst having to endure the brutality of Arkalee's attacks previously, lay back on his chair as he sat between Sana and Akimiyashika "Ikkiri, you're up!" Basara declared with uncanny enthusiasm as Ikkiri gulped "Ikkiri...!!" Akimiyashika felt fear "This is bad... Very... but very... bad..." Hinagiku said as she dreaded "Hahaha..." Arkalee rejoiced in bliss as she started to clap "HAHAHAHAHA!!! YOU'RE SO FUCKED!! YOU CAN'T GAIN POINTS THROUGH THE ROUND DESPITE THE POINT ACQUISITION BOOST!! YOU'RE FUCKED, BITCH!!" Bouncing her posture forward, Arkalee exhibited a psychotic laughter as Ikkiri was dragged to the center of the room "I told you to pick the most beneficial to you..." Hyunda rolled his head sideways as he said that.

After Ikkiri was locked up in the central chair-----the chair where multiple human body pieces had been cut in the previous hours-----Basara reminded them of something important.

"Brace yourselves, this will be a long one." He said "Yeah, all because that CLOWN OVER THERE, ALLOWED IT TO BE!!" Rayazaki pointed at Tatsu not far from his right "FUCKING FIFTEEN ROUNDS!!!" Rayazaki was boiling with rage "And why are you complaining? Don't you have a fucking point acquisition boost?" Tatsu countered "I'M TIRED!!" Rayazaki's eyes widened "I NEED SOME FUCKING COFFEE!!" He further complained "Then go get some." Kawahara said as he pointed at the vending machine "........." Rayazaki turned around and looked at the vending machine and gave it some thought.

Ikkiri's situation was fairly perilous as she could not gain any points this round since she cannot answer any of the claims. With only 18 points; Ikkiri started to ventilate as she dreaded further and further.

"Hmm..." Daniel carefully analyzed the situation "It's worth trying, when the time comes." He settled and so, Basara would initiate the claims.

Glittered in gold, the first claim was produced.

"When she was 10 years old, Rikishima Ikkiri, while boarding an airplane with her parents---was the victim of an airplane accident crash which only resulted in a few people's survival; including her own." The first claim was drawn "Have at it." The usual hourglass appeared.

Ikkiri's expression stiffened and she refused to face forward and look only at the ground beneath her feet.

"Hey, Ikkiri? Wanna help us out or something?" Rayazaki started the conversation "....." But Ikkiri refused to look up "Forget it. She's done for. It doesn't matter if you don't get a single claim right this judgment round, during all the fifteen rounds, Ikkiri will be the target of execution because she has a mere 18 points." Kawahara acknowledged and voted what he thought was correct "Kinda fucked up... Bad luck, honestly. I feel fucking bad for you, Ikkiri." Rayazaki offered his pity as he cast his vote.

Akimiyashika and Hinagiku both felt sorry for Ikkiri but in the end they cast their votes too.

As the minute was about to run out, Daniel spoke.

"Yes." He said out loud, gaining the attention of many people "Huh? OH right! He actually has to speak his vote out loud since he has no hands nor arms!" Tateyana remembered "So he actually believes the claim... Well, let's see it..." Kawahara fixated his eyesight on the newly updated ranking ladder.

Which was:

> 1 - Tatsu (1178/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 2 - Daniel - (1120/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 3 - Sagasuga - (868/1000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 4 - Hinagiku (800/1000 points)

> 5 - Hyunda (721/800 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:56:25 hours]

> 6 - Sana (548/600 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (502/600 points)

> 8 - Akimiyashika (430/600 points)

> 9 - Lus Sera (424/600 points)

> 10 - Stratos (412/600 points)

> 11 - Kawahara (404/600 points)

> 12 - Rayazaki (222/250 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 13 - Kuzan (214/250 points)

> 14 - Tateyana (192/250 points)

> 15 - Kanawari (190/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 16 - Arkalee (173/250 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

"Tch, lucky bitch..." Arkalee clenched her teeth as she noticed she got it wrong "So, how did you survive the airplane crash?" Kawahara asked Ikkiri "This information isn't a lie, it's accurate; coming straight up from the government itself." He added "..........." But Ikkiri resolved to silence only "Well shit, this might be boring unlike the last round!" Tateyana exclaimed, as she didn't score this round "At least there won't be a master manipulator trying to rig every choice of the corner..." Yukishiro cast a hateful glance at Daniel, who had got it right this round as well.

Something else caught Kuzan's attention though as he pointed at the ranking ladder's screen.

"Hey, they added the bonuses right next to the points!" This was something that they already had noticed "Yup, it's better to keep a track of the shit that's going on. Though, my memory is so fucking good that I find it offensive." Kawahara interjected "Oh thank God!" Tateyana rejoiced, on the other hand as she found this incredibly useful "So it does multiply; the points you gain per round. Now it's 24." Hinagiku confirmed her suspicion "And... Sagasuga won 60 points this round..." Sana noticed as Hyunda intercepted "He's a menace, I can't lie. It might not seem like much at first glance but the Kanawari factor is adding +12 points to him every round if she gets it right." Hyunda deducted "...Yeah..." But Sana was more worried about the blood running down his nostrils as well as his left face's cheek which was turning purple.

Basara wasted no time and moved on to the upcoming round, as given the number of rounds this time around-----time was of essence.

"Rikishima Ikkiri killed her cousin by suffocating her with a pillow when she was 12 years old." The second claim came forth and Basara simply allowed the hourglass to dictate the tempo.

Ikkiri once again resorted to silence as she didn't want to give the right answer.

"You are fucking boring, aren't you?" Yukishiro questioned from afar "If you know that you're going to be subjected to the execution round, then why don't you make this simpler and tell the truth so this can be over with faster?" She further questioned Ikkiri's method "........." Ikkiri didn't reply in any manner though "She's so resigned to not answering, but why? There's nothing you can do to avoid the outcome, Ikkiri. Hey, if you tell the truth from here on, I won't do anything bad to you in the execution round!" Tateyana tried to reason with her "........." But Ikkiri didn't bother to look at her.

At the end of things, everyone cast their votes and the ranking ladder was updated in no time.

> 2 - Daniel - (1120/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 3 - Sagasuga - (916/1000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 4 - Hinagiku (824/1000 points)

> 5 - Hyunda (721/800 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:53:47 hours]

> 6 - Sana (572/600 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (502/600 points)

> 8 - Akimiyashika (454/600 points)

> 9 - Stratos (436/600 points)

> 10 - Lus Sera (424/600 points)

> 11 - Kawahara (404/600 points)

> 12 - Rayazaki (402/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 13 - Kuzan (238/250 points)

> 14 - Arkalee (197/250 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (192/250 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (190/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" Rayazaki threw his right fist into the air as he broke the barrier successfully "I broke the fucking barrier! 30 points is so fucking lit!!" He struck a champion pose "Calm down bitch, you're not even ahead of me. Your ranking position hasn't changed at all." Kawahara noted, though slightly irritated "For now." Rayazaki confidently snarled "Tsk...!!" Kawahara knew that Rayazaki had an edge on him that could prove to be most beneficial.

Ikkiri looked at the ranking ladder to check a certain ranking and as she did, her expression slightly darkened.

"Hey..." Lus spoke in Daniel's direction "Yes?" He turned to his left and faced Lus subsequently "Are you not gonna come up with some contract like the last round?" She asked the valid question that earned the attention of Kanawari, Tateyana, Kuzan, and Kawahara who were nearby Daniel's seat "That's right, that's right! Make this interesting, bro!" Kuzan wasn't against the idea at all "No, please don't...!!" Tateyana didn't like the idea at all "Hm... Why would I do that?" To Lus and no other, Daniel asked "You're supposed to tell me why you aren't." Lus replied "Hah. Well, there's no reason to. I have a 50% point acquisition boost. I can gain points. There's no legitimate reason for me to offer some sort of contract." Daniel explained.

But Lus insisted.

"Are we not going to do anything about Ikkiri?!" Lus showed genuine concern "We?" Daniel didn't understand her stance "Yes, we. Isn't there some way for you, who has so many points to get her out of this unfavorable position while still making some profit on your own? You were in the same position as her and thanks to your contract, you managed to climb even further..." Lus made a valid point "She has a point... That shouldn't have happened, but the fact that your contract had the double point factor---it appealed to many, such as myself, even... Ugh..." Tateyana didn't want to admit it.

Daniel then understood what Lus really wanted.

"So you really want to get Ikkiri out of this position, no matter the cost?" Daniel asked her "I don't hate her." Lus further emphasized "Sure, she made a huge mistake by forfeiting so many points, but the unfair nature of being the target of the judgment round is hard to counter unless there is a plan." Lus explained "Hmm..." Daniel looked at her serenely, but he thought that Lus wasn't understanding something crucial "Do you really want that? For Ikkiri to not be in her position?" Daniel asked, just to make sure "Huh...? Well yeah, that's what I sa----" Lus then unconsciously switched her glance to Kanawari, who was beyond nervous and subsequently, the ranking ladder.

There, she saw who was at the bottom.

"....Forget what I just said......" Reluctantly, Lus reaffirmed "Ikkiri... made her own choice." She added "True." Daniel concluded the conversation as Lus knew what it meant if Ikkiri were to leave the position "........" Hinagiku though, didn't fail to listen to this conversation from not so far away.

The third claim would be made shortly by Basara.

"Rikishima Ikkiri killed her twin sister, Rikishima Kuzuri, when she was 13 years old." Ikkiri's face slightly distorted but not for a long time "Family drama, huh? Well, what do you think?" As per usual, the hourglass did the trick.

Hinagiku struck forward with the initiative as she had plan in mind.

"Ikkiri!" With high enthusiasm yet a degree of seriousness, Hinagiku managed to grab Ikkiri's attention as she erupted her head up "Hina...?" Ikkiri knew not her intentions "Stop! Just let her fall to her own grave, Hinagiku!" Arkalee abruptly tried to disperse Hinagiku's actions "No, I don't think so." She elevated from her seat "Listen, I have a deal for you that will save you from this unfavorable position, so please accept it!" Hinagiku pressed the symbol on the lower right of her screen.

With Ikkiri's undivided attention as well as Arkalee's, Hinagiku recited the verbal contract.

"Rikishima Ikkiri, do you accept the following contract: Until this judgment round is over, I will not be able to score any points, but instead, you will, thus giving you the opportunity to play in this round." Calmly, Hinagiku struck her bargain "WHAT?! THAT CAN'T BE ALLOWED! ISN'T THAT AGAINST THE RULES, TEACHER?!" Arkalee immediately saught Basara's confirmation "If the contract allows it to be formed, then anything goes. All that matters is consent." Basara explained "Hina, I can't... This means that you will fall behind!" Ikkiri opposed immediately "Nonsense. I have 824 points. No matter how you look at it, I will not fall into the bottom." Hinagiku rapidly countered.

Midst this, Yukishiro made a question.

"How can Ikkiri accept the contract, teacher? Her wrists are tied, she can't press the screen." The valid question raised awareness among them "That's right, I find it strange too. I was under the impression that you can't accept contracts when you're tied down, since you obviously can't form them due to the fact a screen won't show up----even at the range of a single finger." Kawahara agreed "Well?" Basara instead, looked at Ikkiri as he was hoping for an answer "I-----" But she was brutally interrupted.

Lus didn't get up but her voice brought volume to the table.

"You have no right to accept such a deal." Coldly, Lus spoke "Excuse me?" With a bitter expression, Hinagiku didn't like Lus' tone "It's beyond unfair. Only you know the true answer to all of these claims. And if it means that you will be able to play, then you can simply wait until the last second to vouch your answer to those claims and strategically speaking, since we are at the third round and there are twelve rounds left-----you, with your 50% point acquisition boost, can objectively get 576 points and that's not even COUNTING the bonus points you get via breaking the barriers!" Lus spoke with a visible anger front.

Twenty seconds remained.

"And what the hell is wrong with that?! Everyone else can score and NO ONE has 18 points like Ikkiri! Unfair? You're out of your mind. You're just scared of what happens if Ikkiri accepts the contract..." Hinagiku maliciously smiled "BITCH!!" Lus lashed out "Please stop..." Ikkiri didn't like how Hinagiku and Lus were treating each other "Hold up, the contract is way too good." Rayazaki noticed "It's mediocre. It only saves Ikkiri, but sets her up for the next round quite well since she has the point acquisition boost for another hour. Lus said Ikkiri can in theory obtain 576 points, but, Ikkiri had 418 points before this and her barrier was 600. So, if there is a drawback, it's that it won't be enough for her to break through. Lus is actually exaggerating when she says that the bonus points matter." Kawahara spoke mildly out loud.

But it was actually heard by most of the people.

"Kawahara is exactly right! It only serves as a way to guarantee that Ikkiri won't fall into the bottom." Hinagiku reinforced her proposal "Guarantee? That's a bit rich, but you do you." Kawahara didn't agree that it was a surefire way to save Ikkiri "I'm aware..." Hinagiku retorted "Ikkiri, don't accept the contract if you have any dignity. I know that look on your face..." Lus took note of the time as it drew to ten seconds "You want to die, don't you?" Ikkiri's eyes widened "WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Hinagiku smashed her fists onto her desk as Lus' attitude began to infurate her "There's no use in hiding it, I know the feeling of guilt all too well. I don't need to know what you are hiding it, I just know you want to die for something you did. And, you are committed into that action, aren't you?!" Lus questioned Ikkiri with fierce intentions.

Six seconds remained; Ikkiri's expression swam in guilt and sadness.

"It's all my fault...!!" Her expression no longer emitted apathy and was starting to radiate tremendous sadness "You fucking idiot..." Hyunda showed displease as he lowly murmured that to himself "IF YOU ARE, DON'T MAKE SOMEONE ELSE TAKE YOUR PLACE!!" Lus concluded as she cast her vote "IKKIRI, DON'T LISTEN TO HER AND ACCEPT THE DEA-----" Time ran out as the votes were collected.

Thankfully, though argumentative, Hinagiku and Lus both voted, but Ikkiri had another saying.

"I don't want to hurt anyone again...!! I'm not accepting it, I'm sorry, Hina....!!" Virtually shattering itself to pieces, the contract proposed ceased to exist "Ikkiri, why..." Unable to understand how Ikkiri could refuse that, Hinagiku switched her eyesight to Lus "Hmpf..." Adamantly, Lus maintained a proud expression "Don't worry, Kana... As I said, nothing bad will happen to you..." To Kanawari, Lus showed her protective side "Even... at the cost of Ikkiri's life...?!" Kanawari asked, nervous "No matter who. I don't... betray my friends or the people I care about." Lus expression became twisted with rage "......." Daniel adjoined all these factors.

The newly updated ranking ladder was:

> 2 - Daniel - (1120/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 3 - Sagasuga - (966/1000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 4 - Hinagiku (848/1000 points)

> 5 - Hyunda (769/800 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:50:01 hours]

> 6 - Sana (572/600 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (526/600 points)

> 8 - Akimiyashika (454/600 points)

> 9 - Stratos (450/600 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (428/600 points)

> 11 - Lus Sera (424/600 points)

> 12 - Kuzan (412/600 points)

> 13 - Rayazaki (402/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 14 - Arkalee (221/250 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (192/250 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (190/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"The fuck?! She actually did it?!" Tateyana was bewildered "NICEEEEE!!!" Kuzan celebrated as he broke the barrier "I fucking hate 50/50's so much. Fucking luck!" Rayazaki smashed his desk with his right fist "Tatsu and Daniel haven't gotten a single right one yet..." Sana noticed as their points remained unmoving "Those two, though high on the list, should not be the one you should keep your eyes on..." Akimiyashika particularly looked at a singular position "Sagasuga... How many points does the 1000 point barrier breakthrough give him?" Sana asked and Hyunda replied "400 points. If Sagasuga gets the next one right, he will be seated at a whooping 1,414 points." Hyunda's words made Sana and Akimiyashika's eyes widened "How?! And he hasn't lost a single body piece unlike Tatsu and specifically Daniel! What the fuck...!" Akimiyashika couldn't believe it "He's a terror on display but no one notices it." Hyunda smirked.

The fourth claim swiftly came forth as Basara wasted no time.

"Rikishima Ikkiri is guilty for making an entire class of students commit suicide from the top of a high school building." Ikkiri's eyes wavered in terror "Christ." Tateyana couldn't hide her surprise "Is this one of those cases of dissociative personality disorder?" Lus asked Daniel.

The hourglass was already spinning, granted.

"What do you mean?" Daniel kept looking at Ikkiri in order to extract some elements of truth while thinking "You know what I mean, come on. I'm talking about having another personality so dominant that you have to, for certain reasons, keep it hidden by displaying another persona as a mask." Daniel tilted his head up twenty degrees "PTSD?" He glanced down at her "Likely." Lus confirmed "I think that's her case. She's guilty of most of these cases as it's been proven. So, whoever Ikkiri was prior to this, is someone completely different." Lus made her theory "Where are you going with this?" Daniel still had to see her ultimate point "...I think we can guilt-trip her." Daniel's eyes opened with joy to the maximum "Oh?" He smiled as well "Don't get too excited but... There's probably a way. I'll think of something, just wait." She said to Daniel "Mhm, alright." Happily, Daniel accepted her words "That's cheating..." Hinagiku's eyes narrowed as she saw the two of them talking "You said you'd kill her so why are you working in the opposite direction... Are you betraying me...?" The suspicion grew as the round was over in no time.

The ranking ladder for this fourth round was the following:

> 1 - Sagasuga - (1414/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (1178/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3 - Daniel - (1120/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 4 - Hinagiku (872/1000 points)

> 5 - Hyunda (793/800 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:48:23 hours]

> 6 - Sana (596/600 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (526/600 points)

> 8 - Akimiyashika (454/600 points)

> 9 - Kawahara (452/600 points)

> 10 - Stratos (450/600 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (436/600 points)

> 12 - Lus Sera (424/600 points)

> 13 - Rayazaki (402/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 14 - Arkalee (221/250 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (216/250 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (190/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"Dear fucking God." Sana couldn't hide her surprise "You weren't joking when you said that..." Akimiyashika didn't look at Hyunda but went out of her way to admit it "And to make things worse, he's literally about to break the barrier in less than a hundred points. Maybe it'll give him 500 points as an added bonus." Hyunda further clarified "500?! So wait, he's actually not that far off from using all those broken options that we actually never thought would be possible?!" Akimiyashika asked "Yeah, that's right. This is a progressive game. I bet you at first thought that it would take at least a couple of days for us to get there, but reality is, this game is hyper explosive in tempo. And the most decisive factor of them all is..." The answer was beyond obvious.

Before the fifth claim would be made, Daniel made a request to Kanawari.

"I need your help with the vending machine, I'm kinda thirsty. I would ask Lus, but her pair of crunches still hasn't been imported from China." Lus slightly heard that "Watch it, armless freak..." Lus gave a menacing glare to Daniel "Okay..." Kanawari got up and with his own legs, Daniel went around his chair and started going to the vending machine.

Hinagiku caught notice of their actions as well as some others.

In the north side of the room, a light-blue vending machine with the height of two meters and almost half a meter in width; stood in front of them. Due to its features, it contains a chain of electrical sparkling lights that run through the top and bottom, sideways. This vending machine goes by the name of "Apex".

"Rikishima Ikkiri was expelled from her high school during her tenth grade due to a bombing explosion attempt." Basara made the fifth claim; causing Kanawari to momentarily turn around "Uh... Can I go back to my seat now...?" Kanawari asked Daniel "Not yet... Oh, this does have a voice reception, how nice!" Daniel was surprised by the fact that the vending machine had such an ability; already taking into account his physical incapacity "One 500 ml natural milk bottle please!" Daniel ordered "Client: Daniel Lead. Points extracted for one 500 ml natural milk bottle: 65." A robotic voice reported to Daniel and after the extraction was done, a 500 ml milk bottle could be seen on the bottom of the vending machines where the products can be ultimately received.

Daniel didn't have to say it and Kanawari squatted down in order to catch it for him.

"You're now on 1055 points, which means I have 183 points to go to get to you." Hinagiku revealed herself from behind as she snatched the milk bottle from Kanawari's right hand with her own left "Eeek!!" Unaware and caught in a surprise, Kanawari faltered as she fell down to the other side "You can go now, sorry about that." Daniel thanked Kanawari and Kanawari went back to her seat right afterwards, albeit uncomfortable.

Hinagiku juggled with the milk bottle from her right to her left.

"Did you vote already? There are only thirty seconds left." Daniel asked "Oh no, I was just checking on you. Do you need help with something, Daniel?" Hinagiku flashed a gorgeous smile "Yeah, I do actually. Could you open that bottle and place it on the lower part of my teeth? You know, like this?" Daniel extended his lower jaw forward.

The method would be simple but it would require Hinagiku to specifically place the lower part of the bottle on the lower teeth which in turn would make Daniel able to get a tight grip of it with his upper teeth; thus ultimately allowing him to gulp the milk.

"Ok!!" Hinagiku took the stamp out of the bottle and then proceeded to tilt the bottle 70 degrees downward whilst holding it up high "Open wide!" Daniel unlocked the roof of his mouth even further "Ahhhh-----" But instead of feeling the begging of the bottle on the teeth as he would envision, he instead felt a shivering liquid pouring down from his head "OH MY GOD, I'M SO SORRY!!" Apolegetic and nervous, Hinagiku simultaneously earned the attention of every individual in the room as well as breaking the bottle of milk made out of glass as it shattered on the floor "........." Daniel wasn't quite pleased by her performance.

With a mere fifteen seconds on the run, Daniel was drenched with milk on his hair, face and shirt; with droplets dripping.

"Wait, hold on, let me clean your face..." From Hinagiku's perspective, she dived into her right side, which would be Daniel's left side "Hey, what's going?!" Lus asked Kanawari "Hinagiku dropped the bottle... No, she's up to something..." Kanawari no longer could hide it "That sly bit-----Arghh---!!" Lus tried to get up but reality was harsh on her.

With her tongue, Hinagiku began to lick the white droplets out of his face.

"You can lick the rest later, let's go vote now." Daniel figured this was the most logical "Oh, I----agree." Hinagiku withdrew herself as she noticed that there were only ten seconds on the clock "By the way----I really, really, but really hope, that you aren't trying to delay the inevitable. She is going to die. And for that to happen, I don't think it's necessary for Ikkiri to die first." Hinagiku, with stride went back to her seat and voted "........." Daniel did the same, but he was left with a decision to make as he voiced his vote "Yes!" He said as he was the very last person to vote.

The updated ranking ladder showed itself:

> 3 - Hyunda (1141/1500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:44:10 hours]

> 4 - Daniel - (1103/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 5 - Hinagiku (894/1000 points)

> 6 - Sana (596/600 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (526/600 points)

> 8 - Akimiyashika (478/600 points)

> 9 - Kawahara (476/600 points)

> 10 - Stratos (450/600 points)

> 11 - Lus Sera (448/600 points)

> 12 - Kuzan (436/600 points)

> 13 - Rayazaki (434/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 14 - Arkalee (221/250 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (216/250 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (202/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"About time I scored." Daniel sighed as he looked at the ranking ladder "You got overtaken though." Lus felt disturbed by the sheer number of milk droplets in Daniel's face "I can't tell if it's luck or not, but he scored right three times in a row. I have a hunch that he actually..." Kanawari began to deduct something "Yeah. There's no doubt about it." Daniel reassured "For crying out loud...! That bitch had no right, you wasted your points for that milk bottle, right?!" Lus showed anger and Daniel turned to her direction "A couple of them." Daniel settled for that.

Kanawari felt the need to intervene.

"...That was 65 points... She broke the bottle on purpose. What did she say to you?" Kanawari asked "What's with you two? She has a crush on me, she's just expressing herself. What's wrong with that?" Kanawari and Lus were momentarily stunned "Uh..." Lus knew not how to answer "Er---" Kanawari also didn't know "More importantly... We have to do something really, but really important..." Daniel sighed profoundly "Kanawari, you're a nuisance." He dealt the true trigger.

The sixth round would be initiated by Basara as the sixth claim was ready to be recited; although they opted to ignore the claim momentarily and had a conversation instead.

"You're referring to how I'm not able to score consistently?" Kanawari felt mad but knew the truth "That's exactly right. I understand that it most likely saved Lus, but it doesn't erase the problem. If you don't score, you don't score. And when you score, you score half. Sagasuga ultimately profits." Daniel reasoned "Sagasuga can't be stopped... The contract he did with Kanawari and his point acquisition boost has turned him into a point devouring monster." Lus pointed out "Yes, correct. Which is why we need to bring him down and put him where he belongs." Daniel said as Basara uttered the claim out loud "Rikishima Ikkiri has lied about her age several times in the past and has used the identity of other female individuals to her own gain." The sixth claim was then formed "I have an idea." Lus was eager to present the idea.

They opted to ignore the claim for as long as they could.

"I can't remember how many points it required, but there was an option in the execution rounds that allowed you to target someone and take away all of their bonuses..." Lus suggested "That would be great, I can't lie..." Kanawari thought as much and Daniel tilted his head in the ceiling's direction "Give me five seconds." Daniel told the two of them "......" They didn't reply but kept looking at Daniel "It costs 8000 points." Daniel remembered "At least, according to the last round. Now it's probably... 9000... It's a really powerful option." Daniel added "So... I'm fucked??" Kanawari felt nervous as she asked "No. Because, that's not realistically speaking, an option to aim for. The one I was thinking is the one that targets one person in the whole class and the person will get a 50% point decreasement boost." Daniel told "But that... Only makes Sagasuga SLIGHTLY less powerful, right?!" Lus knew this was true.

And it was.

"Undoubtedly. Kanawari's case is a hard one to crack." Even he admitted "Besides, that option previously cost 1000 points. It's absurd to even try and target him now." Daniel's words only brought paranoia and distress to Kanawari "So you don't have a plan to make my situation better?! Is that what you're telling me?!" Thirty seconds remained "Hmmm..." Daniel had a difficult expression "It's not really realistic considering that Ikkiri doesn't want to cooperate. If she did and there was a way to stop this 50/50 bullshit, then your situation could actually be saved, I'm not joking." Daniel spoke words of hope.

Stolen novel; please report.

Lus pondered whether or not it was worth it.

Daniel turned around in her direction and told her some words.

"There are only 9 rounds left. Don't wait around if you know it's a good plan and it works. Come on, show me what you got." Daniel pressured her "But...!!" She wasn't entirely confident "There's no guarantee that she won't accept some sort of contract from somebody else and then drown Kanawari down the water." Lus' eyes widened "!!!!" She felt that it was now or never "There's no guarantee this will work, but I'll try it...!!" Her words weren't the utmost confident but she refused to bow down.

In Ikkiri's direction, Lus formed a verbal contract proposition.

"Ikkiri! Please hear me out, I have something to tell you that I think you should know!" Lus summoned Ikkiri and the rest of the class' attention in a single shot "Another attempt?" Kawahara whistled "What good will even come out of that mouth of yours..." Hinagiku pinpointed Lus rather silently "Lus, please... Can't I have this?" Ikkiri's dry tears could be seen all over her face "You can, but I just want you to know that it doesn't have to be this way." Fifteen seconds remained "What?" Ikkiri didn't understand Lus at all "Hey, what the fuck?! You just said a while ago that Ikkiri had it coming!! You even were against Hinagiku's contract, you bitch!!" Arkalee accused Lus of lying.

Instead of replying to Arkalee, Lus didn't waste time and proposed the contract.

"Rikishima Ikkiri, should you answer truthfully about the claims until the end of this judgment round, half of my points will be transferred to Hajime Hyunda, but in exchange, I want your 50% point acquisition boost to be under my possession." Lus' contract was formed "...Wait... That... doesn't save Ikkiri at all..." Arkalee realized "Yes. As a matter of fact, it's almost as if it's specifically targeted to make her lose..." Tatsu remarked.

Eight seconds remained.

"Ikkiri, don't do it. I don't need her points. I'm fine as I am. She's taking advantage of you and you know this. Say no." Hyunda coldly spoke in Ikkiri's direction "But... You might get first place..." Ikkiri softly smiled "I really won't. I've done the math and I still fall behind Sagasuga." Five seconds remained "But you... will be stronger than the rest just like you always are, right...?" Ikkiri smiled once again in Hyunda's direction "Don't---" Hyunda's words were too late "I accept the contract." With a meek voice and two seconds on the clock the decision was made "I did it!" A few who hadn't voted yet due to the circumstance managed to hold off and vote accordingly "FUCK!!" Rayazaki kicked his desk "IF ONLY I HAD KNOWN!!!" He was, unfortunately, one of the victims.

And like that, the 50/50 chance dilemma was broken.

> 1 - Sagasuga - (1474/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (1226/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3 - Hyunda (1189/1500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:42:57 hours]

> 4 - Daniel - (1151/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 5 - Hinagiku (918/1000 points)

> 6 - Sana (820/1000 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (550/600 points)

> 8 - Lus Sera (496/600 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:42:57 hours]

> 9 - Akimiyashika (478/600 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (476/600 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (460/600 points)

> 12 - Stratos (450/600 points)

> 13 - Rayazaki (434/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 14 - Arkalee (245/250 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (240/250 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (214/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"She---She's ahead of me!! She was three places below as well!!" Akimiyashika exclaimed "But now it's more simplified... Ikkiri can't lie or else half Lus' points won't be transferred to you. Furthermore, if she does lie, Lus will just enjoy this lead... Why the hell did she do it?!" Sana couldn't understand her actions at all "......" Hyunda closed his eyes as he had nothing to say "You're not... going to tell me?" Sana asked Hyunda "It's her decision. Besides, you will soon learn." Hyunda said "I see..." Sana wasn't entirely satisfied.

On the other side, Daniel critiqued Lus' decision.

"That's your master plan? The "guilt-trip" strategy?" His face emitted apathy and boredom "Yes, it is. And it worked. Ikkiri is bound to be last place now and Kanawari is saved. Because the rounds from here on are self-explanatory. Furthermore, I didn't take away her wish to die, so this was bound to work." Daniel didn't agree completely "What are you going to do about it if someone tries to disrupt the strategy? Also, this lead of yours; it's nothing more than an illusion." Daniel warned her "I'm aware..." Lus replied "Still, to think you'd take advantage of her frail emotional state. I didn't know you had it in you." Daniel smiled wickedly "It wasn't on purpose..." Lus countered "Oh really?" Daniel wasn't convinced "Yes, really. It's just... whenever you feel so guilty that you want to die... if there is someone you care about that benefits from your death, you don't think twice about it." Lus clarified "..........." Daniel became silent "And Hyunda to her..." They watched Ikkiri as she had a hopeless smile on her face as she looked at Hyunda from afar.

The seventh claim was formed by Basara.

"Rikishima Ikkiri and Hajime Hyunda went to the same highschool." Basara presented the claim and Ikkiri instantly replied "It's true..." She started to chuckle a little bit while crying dry tears "Do you still remember it, Hyunda?" Hyunda was momentarily stunned as he was taken back "Yea---" A louder voice intruded "FUCK OFF AND DIE!! THAT'S MY BOYFRIEND, YOU SLUT!! STOP TALKING UNLESS IT'S RELATED TO------" For the first time, Ikkiri allowed her voice to reach an inconceivable height "CAN'T YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH FOR ONE SINGLE SECOND GODDAMN IT?!" Arkalee was taken aback and so were many others "What the..." Arkalee couldn't believe Ikkiri's expression which was far different from her usual one.

Purely rage could be traced all over her face.

"He broke up with you. What you just said is false, therefore. Besides, I've known him for a longer time!" Ikkiri reduced her voice volume slightly but not too much "If I'm going to die then just allow me to spend my last moments with the person I cherish the most, which is-----" Ikkiri's face blushed prematurely but her expression blossomed from rageful to jubilant "You, Hyunda. I love you!" Her smile was brighter than all lights within the room "That's nice." Hyunda chuckled as many were still processing what was going on "Huh?! What the---what's happening?" Rayazaki was dumbfounded "Peak lovers quarrel apparently." Kawahara added.

Hyunda finished his sentence, however, as he was not done.

"But I've loved you the longest time and still continue to do so." Hyunda smiled back at Ikkiri "WHAT?!?!" Ikkiri was momentarily taken aback but Arkalee exploded in the most dramatic way as she began to cry violently "You... could have..." Ikkiri felt bitter "Words aren't my thing. You know that." Basara clapped his hands "Alright, shut the fuck up and vote, you clowns. She even gave you the answer." The order was restored but in reality, it was far from the truth.

The ranking ladder for the seventh round was:

> 1 - Sagasuga - (2034/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (1274/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3 - Hyunda (1237/1500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:40:42 hours]

> 4 - Daniel - (1199/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 5 - Hinagiku (942/1000 points)

> 6 - Sana (844/1000 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (574/600 points)

> 8 - Lus Sera (544/600 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:40:42 hours]

> 9 - Akimiyashika (502/600 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (500/600 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (484/600 points)

> 12 - Stratos (474/600 points)

> 13 - Rayazaki (464/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 14 - Arkalee (419/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (414/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (226/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"IT'S---IT'S FUCKING OVER 2000!! GODDAMN, WHAT THE FUCK!!" Rayazaki was bewildered by Sagasuga's lead "And to make matters worse, that fucking 2500 point barrier will most likely be BROKEN as well!!" Tateyana added.

Sagasuga's supreme lead was making everyone recognize him slowly but surely.

"Must be nice... How many times have you played this game before, Sagasuga?" Daniel asked the question everyone was deep down thinking "I was thinking the exact same!! Maybe he actually transferred over to this class because of this game?! That would explain how he knows all of this!!" Kuzan deducted "Oh..." Sagasuga placed his right hand on his chin and made a thinking pose "I suppose the cat is out of the bag..." The revelation was made "Bummer, I was intending on keeping this hidden but there's no use in hiding it as it's too obvious." Sagasuga reasoned "C-CHEATER!!! THIS CAN'T BE ALLOWED!!" Yukishiro pointed her fingers at Sagasuga, who put his hands up "Woah, hold on a second, this isn't cheating---Yukishiro." Sagasuga tried to defend himself "No, IT IS, you know most of the rules and you're plotting something to stay on the lead!!" She didn't give up on her end as well as the argument escalated.

Lus was surprised by Daniel's deduction.

"I thought about it, but to me it just seemed that it all came from base intelligence. Is there really such an indicator that he played the game?" Lus asked, curious "Aside from the fact he just said so, there is no concrete evidence. But... I think there's more." Daniel became shrouded with mystery in his words "Yes... We are probably only witnessing the tip of the iceberg. As it stands, in order to harness viewers; there is a mandatory law of entertainment. If you think about it logically, this sort of circumstance, is boring. Therefore, there has to be a new stage." Daniel reasoned "A new stage?" Kanawari intervened in the conversation "Yes. One that only Sagasuga knows. And it's one that rewards those with points and most likely..." Lus finished his sentence "...Kills." Their eyes narrowed the calm and stable Sagasuga who didn't falter no matter what.

The eight round would begin.

"Rikishima Ikkiri is guilty of killing her stepfather." Ikkiri would answer "That's---not true..." The memories made her uncomfortable "But you know, you should have done it; yourself." Hyunda interjected "Ahahaha..." Ikkiri lowly laughed "I wanted to, but someone got the best of me in that regard..." She happily sighed "I would kill him over and over and over and over and over and over times infinity if I had the chance!" She unleashed a brutal shout "If only." Hyunda smirked as he voted "Hyunda....!!! All this time...!!! You deceived me, you actually loved her all along?!" Arkalee couldn't stop crying nonstop as she put her hands with her hard-pressed fingers on her face.

image [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/9c3e3c59-8f24-49ce-8a2b-546d1bb52197/di1cxjx-48b7e2d1-63cb-4dc9-bf77-0f223ea7fa84.png/v1/fit/w_514,h_710,q_70,strp/no_context__by_kumokuroro_di1cxjx-375w-2x.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzEwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOWMzZTNjNTktOGYyNC00OWNlLThhMmItNTQ2ZDFiYjUyMTk3XC9kaTFjeGp4LTQ4YjdlMmQxLTYzY2ItNGRjOS1iZjc3LTBmMjIzZWE3ZmE4NC5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NTE0In1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.2lyimNursLvQdgJYm4G8_3exRSEhIHx2jteICFBRXjo]

"......" Tatsu observed how Arkalee was struggling to cope "I'm sorry about that." He spoke with serenity "But at least Ikkiri will die." Tatsu reminded her "Oh damn right she will----" Arkalee cleaned up her tears "You have my decision. Tear her up in the most painful way possible." Arkalee went cold as her vision became eternally grazed onto Ikkiri's figure.

After the voting, the ranking ladder updated as the eight round concluded.

> 1 - Sagasuga - (2094/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (1322/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3 - Hyunda (1285/1500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:38:47 hours]

> 4 - Daniel - (1247/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 5 - Hinagiku (966/1000 points)

> 6 - Sana (868/1000 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (598/600 points)

> 8 - Lus Sera (592/600 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:38:47 hours]

> 9 - Akimiyashika (526/600 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (524/600 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (508/600 points)

> 12 - Stratos (498/600 points)

> 13 - Rayazaki (494/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 14 - Arkalee (443/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (438/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (238/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"I gotta say, I'm a lot calmer now knowing that it's no longer a 50/50... Goddamn it, it's all your fault, Daniel..." Tateyana blamed Daniel for her distress "Ikkiri..." Akimiyashika glanced at Ikkiri from afar "There... has to be something that I can do to prevent that outcome... Even if you want----" Hyunda interrupted her "Do you have the right?" He questioned her with serious eyes "I'm her friend, I have the right to care about her!" She felt tearful.

Hyunda sighed and placed his left hand on Akimiyashika's right shoulder.

"You're a good friend. Did Ikkiri ever go in depth about what truly happened?" Hyunda asked in a low voice "Some... details... But she always said that there was something that she could never forgive herself and that no matter what I would, or anyone for that matter----her mind would not change about it. She's so stubborn about it... I've tried multiple times to get to know what it is, but she never told me." Akimiyashika's eyes balanced tears on the edge "And Hinagiku?" Hyunda persisted, with a calm attitude "Again, she doesn't tell us about it. She treats me and Hina the same. She's fair, in that regard." Akimiyashika smiled softly "I see. Akimiyashika, since you are most likely the one Ikkiri trusts the most... I have a favor to ask." Akimiyashika's hopes lit up "What is it?! You have a plan to save her?!" Her hopeful smile was shown "No. The favor I have to ask you is: Respect her decision, no matter what." Hyunda delivered, sternly ".....What?" In disbelief, Akimiyashika didn't find Hyunda's words pleasing at all "How can you say that?! You... love her!!" Tears began to descend as Akimiyashika pushed Hyunda's left hand away from her shoulder with sheer force.

Hyunda wanted to say more words, but he simply smiled in her direction.

"Yeah, I do." In Ikkiri's direction, Hyunda said.

The ninth round would begin.

"Rikishima Ikkiri is partially responsible for the infamous "Tokyo Rail Terrorist Incident", which resulted in 316 deaths." Ikkiri, who usually would answer quickly, had a bit of trouble answering this time "Partially is right in this case, don't you think?" Hyunda interjected as per usual "I didn't... know it would turn out like that..." Ikkiri showed a high level of regret in her facial expression "But hey, it worked! We made ourselves famous." Hyunda cackled "More like infamous... Ah, it's a yes, I'm partially responsible." The true answer was dealt.

Lus spoke to Daniel.

"Hey, aren't those two literally accomplices?" The question was posed "Oh yeah, big time." Daniel didn't deny it "And they both ended up in here... What are the odds..." Lus began to suspect something "Is this perhaps the only school with this program in Japan?" Lus proposed as she voted "That can't be true." Daniel declined instantly "And why is that?" She asked "It's bad for business. Japan has a lot of criminals, especially juvenile ones. For this program to flourish financially according to their agenda, it's most likely distributed randomly all across the country, by its districts. Currently, we are in Kanagawa. Japan has 47 districts in total. It makes no sense for us to be the only ones. Besides, if Sagasuga really played this game prior, then he most likely comes from a different school; ergo, another district." Daniel spoke his mind "........" Lus was a bit stunned by the sudden information "You---seem to know a lot about this." She remarked "It's all theory and speculation. Even you can come up with this." Daniel admitted "I... guess so..." That wasn't enough to shake Lus' suspicions however.

The ranking ladder for the ninth round was the following:

> 1 - Sagasuga - (2154/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (1370/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3 - Hyunda (1333/1500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:36:18 hours]

> 4 - Daniel - (1295/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 5 - Hinagiku (990/1000 points)

> 6 - Sana (892/1000 points)

> 7 - Lus Sera (840/1000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:36:18 hours]

> 8 - Yukishiro (822/1000 points)

> 9 - Akimiyashika (550/600 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (548/600 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (532/600 points)

> 12 - Rayazaki (524/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 13 - Stratos (522/600 points)

> 14 - Arkalee (467/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (462/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (250/250 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"It's pissing me off, even if it's temporary..." Yukishiro became annoyed as she was overtaken by Lus "So, how many points will Hyunda actually get from Lus?" Tateyana, who wasn't in the mood to do the math, asked Sagasuga "Since there are six more rounds left, it means that Lus will win 48 points multiplied by six." Sagasuga didn't elaborate on the answer "Uhhh..." She really didn't want to do the math in her head "It's 288." Sagasuga said "Oh! But well, with the bonuses, really, how much will she gain?" Tateyana adamantly pursued the answer from Sagasuga "She will gain an additional 400 points from breaking the 1000 point barrier, which will happen in four rounds. Her points by the end of the 13th round will be 1432." Sagasuga wanted Tateyana to do the rest by herself.

And she did, albeit reluctantly.

"Uhhh okaayyy, so..." She put her two hands on both of the sides of her head "48 by two is... Uhh... 96!!" Tateyana was happy she got it right "Correct. Now add 96 to 1432 and what do you get?" Sagasuga posed a most tasking challenge to Tateyana "Oh my fucking God, that's too much for me, nope!" She gave up "Tateyana, add 100 to 1432 and then subtract 4. What do you get?" Sagasuga gave her a shortcut "Uh... 1528....?! Oh wow, that was super simple!" Sagasuga couldn't help but be baffled by how simple this was "And you got 500 points from breaking the 1500 point barrier, which means she will be at 2028 points by the end of this?!" Tateyana exclaimed.

An outsider intervened.

"Now divide that." Kawahara told her with a relaxed expression "............." Tateyana didn't even try "BAHAHA!!" Kawahara burst out laughing immediately "SHUT UP!! THIS ONE ISN'T EASY, OK?!" Tateyana tried to make her stand "They do teach you how to divide in elementary school, Tateyana." Sagasuga pointed "Shut up and tell me the answer! How many points will Lus be at and how many will be given to Hyunda as a result?!" Tateyana wanted answers.

Sagasuga adjoined his palms as he answered by the order.

"2028 divided by 2 is 1014. Therefore, Lus will be left with 1014 points by the end of this." Tateyana's eyes widened "W-WHAT?! WHAT FUCKING ILLUSION?! HUUUUUUUUH?! SHE DOESN'T LOSE AT ALL!!!" Tateyana found the contract to be overly advantageous to Lus "That's not really true. She will be left with 1014 points and will have a massive distance from the 2500 barrier. The deal is not as good as you think." Kawahara countered her "Okay, so, um, Hyunda?" She ignored Kawahara and asked Sagasuga "Homework for you." Sagasuga concluded "EHHHHH!!!" Tateyana detested how the conversation ended.

But the tenth round was on the way as the claim was formed.

"Rikishima Ikkiri is the leader of a terrorist group named "T.E.R.R.O.R." Ikkiri laughed out loud to Basara "Why---why did you---" She couldn't control herself and Hyunda started laughing too "HAHAHAHAHA!!!" Despite having no feet, Hyunda exercised his lower body a bit by going back and forth with his calves beneath his desk "Did the teacher say something funny...?" Kanawari asked Daniel "Inside joke, if I had to guess." Daniel shrugged "Ikkiri, yes or no?!" Lus persisted "Ahh?" Ikkiri tried to calm herself from laughing too hard "Ahhh, it's a no, of course. Hey, did you eve find out who the leader was??!?" Ikkiri switched her mood as she asked Hyunda "Huh?" Hyunda composed himself again.

Midst that, people started to vote as their chat went on.

"I did, I did. But it was after you were arrested, dumb fuck." Hyunda insulted her "Wh---What's with you?!" Ikkiri smiled, despite the insult "You should've followed my plan instead, but you went with yours. And look where it got you." Hyunda expressed disappointment "I got here and you were here a few days afterwards... Coincidence?" Ikkiri poked at Hyunda as she smiled widely "Of course not, you dumbass. I had to get here on my own, otherwise you'd die from depression without me. What the hell are you without me? Nothing!" Hyunda laughed out loud "You're so FUCKING NARCISSISTIC!!" But Ikkiri laughed out loud too.

To the rest of the class, Ikkiri and Hyunda's interactions were akin to the ones of two who loved each other, clearly.

"How do you get here on purpose?" Lus asked Daniel, after voting "How would I know?" Daniel replied with abhorrence "Guess then. Come on." Lus didn't give up "As I said, I wouldn't know, it's not like you can decide how you get here on purpose. It's random. Our selection was random." Daniel clarified with the facts "That's right. So, how did Hyunda get here, supposedly?" Lus asked yet another question that Daniel had no answer to.

But the theme was to guess and not give concrete truthful answers; so Daniel allowed his imagination to roll free.

"Bribing could be an option. Maybe after learning about Ikkiri's location, he investigated on how it was done and got himself caught. Or perhaps he went into contact with someone from the program who has ties to the police and got himself here on a request of his own. The criminals in this program have to be minimally entertaining. If the aim is to show the world what we are really made out of; then you can't pick some random thieves or someone who hostaged a bank, or went on a 3 people killing spree. No, it has to be on a larger scale. Or..." A more realistic option came to Daniel's mind "Yes?" Lus was curious as Daniel's expression became stiffened "No... I mean, there is-----No, I don't know that, it's dumb to assume so---" Lus interrupted and grabbed Daniel's head with her two hands.

Ultimately forcing him to face her face.

"Tell me." He could feel her apricot-fragrance breath run through his nostrils "He might have played this game right on time. Maybe he was caught a day or two after and transferred here." Daniel shared his true thought "......." Lus backed off and made a thinking pose "It could be. But I don't buy it. What's with this guy anyways? Haven't you noticed it, Kana?" This time, Lus turned to Kanawari "Who?" She asked "Hyunda. Why is he here? What has he done?" Lus kept asking questions out of nowhere "...How would I know...?" Kanawari replied as Lus became even more curious about the current events.

The rankings for the tenth round were the following:

> 1 - Sagasuga - (2214/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (1418/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3 - Hinagiku (1414/1500 points)

> 4 - Hyunda (1381/1500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:34:26 hours]

> 5 - Daniel (1343/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 6 - Sana (916/1000 points)

> 7 - Lus Sera (888/1000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:34:26 hours]

> 8 - Yukishiro (846/1000 points)

> 9 - Akimiyashika (574/600 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (572/600 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (556/600 points)

> 12 - Rayazaki (554/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 13 - Stratos (546/600 points)

> 14 - Arkalee (491/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (486/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (412/600 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"Heh." In Daniel's direction, Hinagiku smirked "What the hell is she grinning for? She will be overtaken in no time. Hell, even I will overtake her." Lus confidently remarked "But still, you have to admit she's a force to be reckoned with. To be this far without any boost? That's something." Daniel acknowledged Hinagiku's strength "That fucking Satan spawn only knows how to play foul, and it's because of her that you are a goddamn cripple now, Daniel." Lus felt the need to remind him "Bleeding from your shoulders nonstop. Tatsu over there is showing human emotion by constantly feeling the pain of his lost pinky, but you? What are you made of, Daniel? Are you an alien? You have to feel physical pain, if you are human. What's your excuse?" Lus demanded to know.

Daniel gave some thought on how to answer.

"I feel it. I'm just not showing it. Physical trauma is mostly acknowledged by reactions, but you'd be surprised by how much pain your body can tolerate without showing a single reaction." Lus wasn't satisfied with that reasoning "So you're saying that just because you're aware it's nothing more than physical trauma that you get a pass?" Lus wanted to make sure she got the right perception about this "It's like that. As long as you're aware that your nerves, which are exposed, are on fire and that pain is the only natural sensation, you have the freedom to think that even if you complain or show struggle about it; you ultimately can't make it go away." Daniel explained "So you embrace the sensation? I see, you're a masochist." Lus remarked "Maybe he is too." Lus looked at Hyunda.

The eleventh round would now start with the eleventh claim.

"Rikishima Ikkiri used to have over a million followers on social media platforms because she would more often than not, stream terrorist attacks while masked." Ikkiri mildly laughed this time, more controlled "Ahhh those were the good times, weren't they?" To Hyunda, she spoke "Hey, you still got that shitty camera we bought with that money we stole from them?!" Hyunda demonstrated high enthusiasm "Noooooooo!!" Ikkiri began to laugh uncontrollably "Whaaaaaaaat?! Seriously?! What happened to it?! It had all the videos and the photos..." Hyunda demonstrated sadness "Well, it got confiscated, dumbass. Of course I could never take it back!" Ikkiri gave the simple reason "Tsk... If only there was some way to get it back..." Hyunda sighed "What, what? You really think so?" Sagasuga had to interrupt them very briefly "I don't mean to interrupt but could you tell us if it's t------" Ikkiri gave the answer "Oh yes, believe it." And resumed talking with Hyunda from afar carelessly "Those two have some aura shit going on, what the fuck." Rayazaki noticed "Doesn't change the fact that she'll be dead in a matter of minutes." Yukishiro added.

On the other side of things, doctor Hwan was observing two simultaneous recordings from the mildly illuminated room.

In one TV on the left, the stream with the students of class F partaking the game and the other on the right, the stream that the black suited guards were transmitting as they investigate Ryousuke Kawahara's room.

"So he was right." Seok referred to Tsudo's reveal "Unbelievable. To think that in plain sight, the room contained such an entrance to a completely different place." Doctor Hwan was baffled as his expression stiffened "Usually, these underground places are connected by other similar places, like underneath a particular piece on the floor or behind something really heavy... However, to think that BY LUCK, one of the guards managed to make the entrance of a hole erupt in the middle of his room BY RANDOMLY PRESSING THE LIGHT SWITCH OF THE CHANDELIER MORE THAN TEN TIMES!!!" Doctor Hwan was losing his composure quickly "Chill out, gramps! At least we found it! Actually, it makes sense as to why it was due to luck. Toharoh Tsudo didn't explain how to get there, he just said to investigate Ryousuke Kawahara's room." Seok snapped his fingers consequently.

At the current moment, through the usage of lanterns, the guards, alongside the camera man, are walking down into a downward path that was open through a hole that covers half of the width of Ryousuke Kawahara's room. It's a crater that was masked under the floor, previously.

"How far does this go...?!" Liyuga, who actually came along with them as he personally wanted to inspect what was going on, kept on walking alongside the crew as he pointed the lantern forward "We have been walking down for five minutes now..." One of the guards noted.

Resembling that of an ancient cave, the path wasn't entirely linear and it would be the equivalent of a downward spiral. The width of the corridors are fairly small so they have to walk one by one as the camera man stays in the frontline. The height also isn't the greatest.

"Wait..." One of the guards halted as he noticed a difference in color from afar "That's... a door. A metallic door...!!" Liyuga exclaimed and the doctor intervened as he made his demand through the radio "Get in there and show us what's inside!!" The doctor demanded "On the way!!" As they hurried, they eventually faced the towering monstrosity.

The eleventh round would have the fixated standings:

> 1 - Sagasuga - (2274/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (1466/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3 - Hinagiku (1438/1500 points)

> 4- Hyunda (1429/1500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:34:26 hours]

> 5 - Daniel (1391/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 6 - Sana (940/1000 points)

> 7 - Lus Sera (936/1000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:34:26 hours]

> 8 - Yukishiro (870/1000 points)

> 9 - Akimiyashika (598/600 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (596/600 points)

> 11 - Rayazaki (584/600 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 12 - Kuzan (580/600 points)

> 13 - Stratos (570/600 points)

> 14 - Arkalee (515/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (510/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (424/600 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"Only four more to go. Shit, I'm kinda hungry... But I don't wanna waste my fucking points on that shit..." Rayazaki said "Maybe Olivia will lend us some food? King George said the dorm was off limits..." Kuzan was growling too "You creatures can't enter the female dorm, it's our sanctuary!" Tateyana spoke with spite "No, no, no, Lus and Kanawari went in earlier, it's time to pay the favor back!" Kawahara revealed "......." Daniel sighed at Kawahara's actions "That's not true, we weren't there!" Lus denied it "No, come on, everyone knows you were! Ain't that right, fellas?" Kawahara asked the boys "Damn right, I even saw you climbing up those stairs." Rayazaki looked at Lus "You were hanging on Daniel and Kanawari, I saw you two go up a little bit." Even Sagasuga intervened "Nonsense. This is misinformation. I don't agree!" Lus denied it until the very end as the argument escalated.

Basara issued the twelfth round swiftly in a matter of seconds.

"Rikishima Ikkiri is guilty for killing a wide portion of the terrorist group otherwise known as T.E.R.R.O.R." Ikkiri's expression distorted with sadness and grief "Ahhh...!!" She felt a staggering pain in her heart as her breath became ragged "Noooooooo..!!!" With her head down, Ikkiri began to cry immensely "Vote yes, oxygen thieves." Hyunda spoke in a rash tone "I'll hear it from her." Lus begged to differ "It's the truth. I know for a fact, right, Ikkiri?" Ikkiri was interrogated as everyone didn't vote yet.

Fifty-two seconds remained.

"Ughhh... I'm sorry....!!" Like a child crying for the first time, Ikkiri couldn't control herself "I don't think she's lying..." Kanawari gave her opinion "It's a hella of an act if it's like that, but she gains nothing from it. So it really happened." Kawahara concluded as he voted "Ugghhhh...!!!" Ikkiri's crying didn't stop and Hyunda sighed "Hey, Ikkiri, I don't hate you for it." Hyunda spoke with serenity but with a level of visible anguish in his voice "I had a choice and..." Hyunda interjected "You chose the option you wanted. What's wrong with that?" Hyunda persisted and Ikkiri lifted her head slightly, with her eyes blurred "But... I killed all of them... I loved them, every one of th-----" Hyunda interrupted her "They were pieces of shit." Ikkiri's eyes widened "They were lowlife terrorists who wanted to make names for themselves in this contemporary era. They deserved to be put down." Hyunda was merciless "That------" Ikkiri gulped "That may be true... But...!! They were the ones who recognized me first!!" She argued back "Thanks to them, I mattered, finally! I didn't have a place but they gave me one! I HAD NO RIGHT, HYUNDA!!!" Her shout echoed through the white room "......" Hyunda didn't reply.

Due to the argument, many weren't middling in.

"Okay so, she and Hyunda belonged to a terrorist group named T.E.R.R.O.R?" Lus talked to Daniel "Ikkiri for sure, but nothing says that Hyunda did." Daniel corrected her "But it's likely." Lus reaffirmed "Yes." Daniel didn't deny it "And she is responsible for killing a wide majority of them, so she feels guilty for it and wants to die." Lus concluded "But why did she do it? Hyunda mentioned she had a choice." Kanawari highlighted "We might find out in the upcoming rounds." Daniel said and they awaited.

The twelfth round ranking ladder was the following:

> 1 - Sagasuga - (2334/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (2014/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3- Hyunda (1477/1500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:32:29 hours]

> 4 - Hinagiku (1462/1500 points)

> 5 - Daniel (1439/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 6 - Lus Sera (984/1000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:32:29 hours]

> 7 - Sana (964/1000 points)

> 8 - Yukishiro (894/1000 points)

> 9 - Akimiyashika (822/1000 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (820/1000 points)

> 11 - Rayazaki (814/1000 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 12 - Kuzan (804/1000 points)

> 13 - Stratos (594/600 points)

> 14 - Arkalee (539/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (534/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (436/600 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"Three more... Fuck, I want some water..." Tateyana looked over to the vending machine "...No, no, I can just get some water from the dorm." She managed to hold herself "I have to wonder how their investigation is proceeding." Sagasuga expressed concern "Relax, they won't find it. There's a very tricky mechanism behind it." Kawahara confidently remarked.

Liyuga placed his right palm on the cold steel that was the dual door that towered them with five meters in height and a considerable three meters in width.

However, the most alarming factor was the eye that was evenly distributed in the middle of the door; vertically, with its iris open at full display.

"What the hell am I looking at?" Liyuga shivered in fear as he took a step back "Is this what Toharoh Tsudo mentioned...?!" Seok questioned as he watched the stream with doctor Hwan and most of the student council members "Any idea of what that eye is?" The president asked the elder figure, doctor Hwan "...Can't say I do, but... An eye..." The doctor had an assumption but found it too unrealistic to say it "Liyuga, any way to get inside?" Andrea wanted to make progress "I found it!" Liyuga gave the news as he saw a metallic pillar erupt on the right side of the area.

The pillar spoke to them as their presences were welcomed.

"Greetings, customers. I am Alma, the moderator of this district's gate." A male robotic voice serenely spoke to them "What the fu---" Liyuga was caught off guard "Did that seriously just happen?" Seok was flabbergasted "The pillar talked? Interesting." The president was amused, on the other hand "Individuals; unrecognized. You are not in the database. I'm afraid that the password entry will be reduced to a one-time only chance in order to prevent further infiltration. Security level: Delta." Alma said "Password? Hey, Toharoh Tsudo didn't mention any of that, did he?" Seok asked the other student council members.

Andrea took a sip of her black tea.

"No, he mentioned no such thing. All he said was that in Ryousuke Kawahara's room we would find the passage that would lead to the other blocks, as it was exposed in Daniel Lead's plan." Andrea clarified "I'm under the impression that Tsudo had no idea about this, though." Bryce added "Because if he did, he definitely would have exposed the password. In other words, there are only a few of them that know the password. Plus, the password is a one-time try only. I don't think we should try to randomly insert it." Bryce suggested "I agree, it's too risky. If we want to secure the password, I think we should bait into giving us the password." Krale would then propose a method "Oh? That could be interesting, wouldn't you agree, doctor?" After hearing the method, the doctor was 50/50 on it "We'll see." The doctor kept thinking about the eye in particular.

The thirteenth claim would be made by Basara.

"Rikishima Ikkiri was arrested because she was found guilty of detonating 10 bombs all over at her highschool." Ikkiri though not composed fully, answered immediately "That's false." She denied it "...So what really happened after you killed the people of that terrorist group, Ikkiri?" Lus exorcised her curiosity "Mind your own damn business, you're getting free points thanks to me. Is that any way of showing gratitude?" Ikkiri assaulted Lus with a bitter expression and caught her off guard completely "I-----" Ikkiri continued "Respect the privacy of others and enjoy your lead." Coldly, Ikkiri shut Lus down "Jesus." Kawahara was surprised "She might as well let everything out considering the outcome. Let's just get this shit over with." Yukishiro wasn't liking how long this was taking.

Thus, the standings for the thirteenth round were fixated:

> 1 - Sagasuga - (2394/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (2062/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3- Hyunda (2025/2500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:30:48 hours]

> 4 - Daniel (1487/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 5 - Hinagiku (1486/1500 points)

> 6 - Lus Sera (1432/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:30:48 hours]

> 7 - Sana (988/1000 points)

> 8 - Yukishiro (918/1000 points)

> 9 - Akimiyashika (846/1000 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (844/1000 points)

> 11 - Rayazaki (844/1000 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 12 - Kuzan (828/1000 points)

> 13 - Stratos (818/1000 points)

> 14 - Arkalee (563/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (558/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (448/600 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"Only two more rounds to go. Phew..." Seok felt the pressure of the game "You know, this game is kinda interesting. If it weren't for the brutal consequences I wouldn't mind playing it." Seok confessed "Shut yer trap, you imbecile." The doctor scolded Seok immediately "Why are they all agreeing with the opinion that Rikishima Ikkiri is going to die? Killing someone makes no sense in this game. I understand the bounties are good, but there are far more merits to keeping someone alive at the very bottom every round. There is no way that they haven't noticed it yet." Bryce found it strange "But there are a few options that reward you if you have killed someone in the game..." Andrea spoke with disgust "She wants to die as she said but it's really weird. It's almost as if, in this game, your life, will always have value. Huh!" Skan was astonished at the discovery "I can definitely see how this is an interesting game to many." He added "Interesting?" The doctor begged to differ.

Skan thought he was right but as soon as the doctor started to chuckled, he realized something.

"This is merely the advent. The real battle starts when the components arrive..." The doctor felt the need to add something else "Or rather, when he does." The doctor got up from his seat and began to walk in the direction of the other staff members who are on their computers in the southwest of the room "He?" The president asked "No idea." Bryce replied "I don't know any more than you do." Andrea replied as well.

To one of the staff members, the doctor posed the importance of the question.

"How long until he arrives?" The staff member, who is a young woman in her mid 20's, replied back "In theory, in ten minutes. He has left Mumbai two hours ago!" The doctor acknowledged "I see..." And subsequently turned back and went back to his seat "An Indian amongst us? How fancy." The president lightly laughed "He's a babbling buffoon!" The doctor clarified "How amusing." But the president didn't mind it.

The penultimate round began as Basara announced the fourteenth claim.

"Rikishima Ikkiri, in her own accordance, struck a deal with the Tokyo police department that included revealing the locations of all the known hideouts of T.E.R.R.O.R. to her knowledge in exchange for Hajime Hyunda's immunity." The remaining piece of the puzzle was added "A fucking snitch, HUH?! You fucking hate to see it. Congrats, I was going to exploit you for further points, but I really will kill you out of spite when my turn comes." Kawahara declared "Okay~!" Ikkiri happily smiled back at him "What the fu---Weird bitch!" Kawahara was bewildered "So, the answer?" Rayazaki pressed the matter "I'll let Hyunda answer for me. Tell the truth, sweetheart~" Arkalee's blood boiled to the highest degree "I'll kill you so fucking bad, I swear to God, I will give you the worst option out of them all, there's no WAY you're making out ALIVE!!" Arkalee cursed Ikkiri and in response, Ikkiri started concentrate a large spitball on her mouth "AKKPUUHH!!" Aimed at Arkalee, who is five meters away from her, Ikkiri managed to land the saliva canon onto her left eye with keen precision "ARGHHH!!!" Caught in the act, Arkalee covered her face with her own two hands.

On the other side of the attention, everyone else was waiting for Hyunda to say the truth in regard to the claim itself.

"It's true, the dumbass did it. She actually thought it would mean shit but as per usual, nobody respects her and the police did the logical thing. Bust my ass and spread it wide open." This particular comment made Ikkiri burst in pure laughter "HAHAHAHA!!! I wouldn't let you get away!!" Ikkiri confessed "You bitch... You actually told them about me and where I was at the time?!" Hyunda laughed as well but he was offended "Mhm! I wanted to see what you'd come up with! I thought we would meet again one day even if we went to different prisons, but hey, you managed to find me, again." Ikkiri this time showed a solemn silent smile "I control the show and write all the lines. How could I forget you?" Hyunda replied in the same manner "Awww, you really do love me then? It's not just a joke, but actual reciprocation?" Ikkiri bashfully asked "Yeah, but I made it really obvious several times. Sorry about that. I think that we could have had a different ending together but... I'm inclined to give you what you want even if they all stand in my way." This particular line alarmed everyone.

Mainly Akimiyashika and Hinagiku.

"Ikkiri is not dying!! I won't allow it!" Akimiyashika adamantly refused to give up "You're sick, Hyunda. You say you love her but you want to kill her, which is what she wants so try and convince her that there is another way out!" Hinagiku tried to reason with Hyunda as well but he shrugged as he chuckled "You two just don't get it. What is necessary---to make you inferior beings understand----that you are not in control here?" He posed the question as the ranking ladder updated "What...?!" Akimiyashika, next to him, viewed him with hatred "Hmm..." Daniel pondered if it was the correct time now "No, not yet." He murmured "You have something planned but you still don't feel like executing it?" Lus didn't fail to miss out on Daniel's words "I need to understand why Ikkiri feels the need to die so badly. I think that the final claim will tell. Until then." Daniel resolved himself "Yeah..." Lus agreed as well.

The standings before the fifteenth round were the following:

> 1 - Sagasuga - (2454/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 2 - Tatsu (2110/2500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day] [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 3- Hyunda (2073/2500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:28:30 hours]

> 4 - Hinagiku (2010/2500 points)

> 5 - Daniel (1535/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 6 - Lus Sera (1480/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:28:30 hours]

> 7 - Sana (1412/1500 points)

> 8 - Yukishiro (942/1000 points)

> 9 - Rayazaki (874/1000 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 10 - Akimiyashika (870/1000 points)

> 11 - Kawahara (868/1000 points)

> 12 - Kuzan (852/1000 points)

> 13 - Stratos (836/1000 points)

> 14 - Arkalee (587/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (582/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (500/600 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"Holy fuck, I'm almost there!!!" Tateyana was excited "Alright let's move on to the last round! It's been half an hour already!!" Kawahara wanted to get things done "More like, let's get to the part that actually matters. Sure, learning a thing or two from everyone is fun, but the really fun part is the execution rounds..." Yukishiro acknowledged "The final piece of the puzzle. Now we will know why she wants to die so badly." Lus commented "...Isn't that because she killed those people from the terrorist group that she was found of? She really was crying back then, like a lot. I think that was the real reason. We just don't know why she did it." Kanawari corrected Lus "That's true, Kana. Well, we probably will now." Lus concluded.

And Basara wasted no time whatsoever and went for it, as the fifteenth round began, with its last claim.

"The corpse of Rikishima Ikkiri was found buried beneath a small bridge, last year, on December 7th." Basara had trouble keeping a poker face "What?" Ikkiri unconsciously released that word and turned to Hyunda's direction immediately "...." But Hyunda didn't say anything despite the multiple eyes on him "Oh dear." Sagasuga lowly murmured and sighed in disappointment "Hey, what's the right answer?!" Tateyana, hungry for points, demanded Ikkiri to answer "That's----" Ikkiri tried to remember the date of December 7th from last year "....Huh..." Ikkiri's eyes widened "No, I remember everything else but December 7th is..." Ikkiri's words were bringing displease to the round table "YES OR NO?!" Tateyana persisted "It's as simple as that. Though, you're here alive, so there's no fucking way that can be true!" Rayazaki voted false "WAIT! DON'T VOTE!!" Ikkiri tried to warn them "Nope, it's obviously false." And many became convinced, despite Ikkiri's attempt at solving the truth.

The further confusion was investigated by Lus.

"It's false, right?" She asked "........" Daniel looked at Hyunda for a few seconds as he only encountered a stoic expression "Does it matter?" Daniel asked "What? Yes, of course it matters?! Remember what my contract with Ikkiri is?" Lus questioned whether or not Daniel had forgotten about it "Your contract only works if Ikkiri answers truthfully. She hasn't answered with a yes or no thus far. So, if she ultimately doesn't answer with both, you can't qualify it as lying, so your contract will not apply." Daniel reminded Lus "Yes, I know! But why wouldn't she answer truthfully? She must know whether or not this is true." Thirty seconds remained "....." Daniel cast a heavy glance at Lus "Rikishima Ikkiri is in front of you, yes?" He asked her "Yes, she is." And Lus didn't deny it "Then what's the doubt? Vote." Daniel found this discussion pointless "...After you." Lus' words were confusing to Daniel "Do you actually think I'll vote the opposite?" The conversation continued "I think you know something that I don't. Something that makes no sense in theory." Lus revealed "That's superstition. Stop being stupid." Daniel argued "Vote then?" Lus prompted Daniel "........" Daniel found her attitude annoying.

On the other side, in that specific room, doctor Hwan grew peculiarly curious in regard to this.

"What happened on December 7th last year?!" In a demanding tone, the doctor asked the staff members as they did their research intensively "It's as their teacher said... The body of Rikishima Ikkiri was found underneath a crater buried beneath Nihonbashi bridge!" One of the staff members confirmed "Huuuuuuuuuh?!" Bryce found that claim to be ridiculous "No, no, no, look over it again! It can't be the same person! I mean, how the hell is she there then?!" He wasn't able to believe in such fantasy "But it's the truth, the images match! Same DNA as well! It's Rikishima Ikkiri! Though reports concluded that Rikishima Ikkiri must've died in that exact same day." The open websites which had "Rikishima Ikkiri" has the headline were beyond numerous "It's even a famous case... I knew about most of her crimes beforehand, but this is completely new. How did this level of information not surface?!" The doctor found it immensely strange "What was the cause of death?!" The doctor persisted as he turned to his left, where a male staff member would give the answer "She died to a fatal wound in her cerebrum's right side, caused by a bullet..." He reluctantly said "So she was on the run and got caught and shot, huh?" The doctor assumed "The reports didn't find a single gun at the scene, so it wasn't determined who caused it..." He kept researching "Just what is this...!!" The doctor became revolted.

With fifteen seconds on the clock, bargains were made.

"Hey Ikkiri! You seriously don't remember?! That's not fucking funny, just say yes or no!!" Yukishiro hadn't voted yet as she was thinking of securing the truth somehow "Hyunda won't score anything from the contract if you lie!" Yukishiro told "No, that's only if I lie, silence is not lying..." She countered "I wonder if that's really how it works! You never know, the system might interpret in another way, you know?!" Yukishiro boldly laughed "........!!!" Ikkiri seriously tried to remember the events during that day, but all she could remember would trace her back to one person, who she lifted her head towards "I'm sorry." Hyunda had an apologetic look as he said those words "......?!" Akimiyashika couldn't find his words more confusing "....." Sana as well "But hey, it's what you wanted, so don't worry. As always, I got you. You just gotta trust me." Hyunda smiled to Ikkiri "Hyunda, what's the answer to this claim----it's not true, right? I'm----Rikishima Ikkiri, so that means-----" Hyunda simply smiled and the time began to run out as everyone cast their votes; Hyunda saving his vote for last.

Akimiyashika and Sana didn't fail to capture it.

"What-------the hell?! You---you just voted yes?!" Akimiyashika became further enraged with Hyunda "50/50? How could I know?" Hyunda gave that logic "Huh....!?" Akimiyashika felt delirious "......." Sana didn't say anything but observed.

And thus, the results for the last round were integrated as well as the ranking ladder:

> 3- Hyunda (2121/2500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:27:01 hours]

> 4 - Hinagiku (2010/2500 points)

> 5 - Daniel (1535/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 6 - Lus Sera (1480/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:27:01 hours]

> 7 - Sana (1412/1500 points)

> 8 - Yukishiro (942/1000 points)

> 9 - Rayazaki (874/1000 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 10 - Akimiyashika (870/1000 points)

> 11 - Kawahara (868/1000 points)

> 12 - Kuzan (852/1000 points)

> 13 - Stratos (836/1000 points)

> 14 - Arkalee (587/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 15 - Tateyana (582/600 points)

> 16 - Kanawari (500/600 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

And thus, the last round of the judgment round was therefore concluded.

"I didn't score..." They started to realize "Me neither... And I voted no..." More and more opinions grouped "Then, did someone get it right or did we all vote no?" Kuzan asked "One person got it right, apparently!" Akimiyashika began by elevating her right arm "THIS STUPID MOTHERFUCKER!!" To Hyunda, who had a solemn expression, closed eyes---ultimately resting his right fist on the right side of his face, Akimiyashika blamed "I got lucky." His expression remained stoic "I played the 50/50 since it was the logical decision. Ikkiri didn't tell us the answer, so why on earth would I be so utterly confident in a single option like all of you? Retards." Blatantly insulting them, Hyunda didn't hold back "When you take your name into consideration, do you honestly think that you are the only person alive with that name? How retarded can you be?" His attitude remained calm "So you're suggesting that the claim was specifically aimed at another Rikishima Ikkiri?" Lus asked him "Yeah, that's right. Remember back when it was Kanawari's turn? Didn't a similar question arise?" Hyunda took them back.

Kanawari answered as she was the one that was the target during that judgment round.

"He's talking about the killing of Junko Furuta. There is a very famous case about one, but as he mentioned, there is always the possibility of someone else having that exact same name." Kanawari digressed "BULLSHIT! HE'S LYING! HE KNOWS SOMETHING WE DON'T!! IKKIRI, WHAT HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 7TH, LAST YEAR?!" Akimiyashika erupted in flames from her seat "I DON'T KNOW!!" Though nervous, Ikkiri fought back "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T KNOW?! YOU CAN'T REMEMBER A SINGLE THING?! DO YOU HAVE AMNESIA OR...." Akimiyashika cast her impending glare on Hyunda, from far up "Or are you covering up for something he did?" With a cold tone, Akimiyashika asked Ikkiri whilst looking at Hyunda "No, I really can't remember. I've tried going over it and I can't even remember anything from the day. It's as if my brain has no recollection of December 7th as a day, because... Frankly, I can't remember anything that revolves around December 7th!!" Ikkiri made her stand "ARGHHH!!!" Akimiyashika felt bitter and enraged "This is bullshit. I will get answers for this, you fucker!" She resolved herself and took a seat again.

And alas, the execution round would begin shortly.

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Volume 26: Chapter 186: Narcissist's Cradle Arc - Part XIV.

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