Volume 26: Chapter 187: Narcissist's Cradle Arc - Part XV._Classroom of Doom

"I just realized something... Why on earth did Ikkiri get chosen as the target for the execution round when Kanawari wasn't chosen in the first round despite bbeing technically the lowest ranked as well?" Tateyana brought some critical information back to the attention "Yeah... Why didn't we get the very obvious last claim that involves us taking sides?! What gives?" Kuzan knew what she was referring to "I don't fucking know. I don't understand half of the shit that's going on in this round. Let's just get this shit over with." Rayazaki admitted and desired for a faster progression.

However, Basara would make a few announcements before starting the execution round.

"As per decided upon the contract formed by Lus to Ikkiri, half of Lus' points will be extracted and will be now attributed to Hyunda." As Basara said, the ranking ladder was updated.

> 1- Hyunda (3611/4500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:25:37 hours]

> 2 - 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]

> 3 - 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]

> 4 - Hinagiku (2010/2500 points)

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

> 6 - Sana (1412/1500 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (942/1000 points)

> 8 - Rayazaki (874/1000 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 9 - Akimiyashika (870/1000 points)

> 10 - Kawahara (868/1000 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (852/1000 points)

> 12 - Stratos (836/1000 points)

> 13 - Lus Sera (740/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:25:37 hours]

> 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]

> 17 - Ikkiri (18/600 points)

"NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!!" Yukishiro was tremendously happy with Lus' downfall "Damn it!!!" Lus crushed her right fist on her desk's surface "If only you had gotten the last one right, you'd have broken the barrier." Daniel reminded her "More importantly, how did Hyunda get so many points...?!" Kanawari was shocked and not even Lus could ignore it, despite her tantrum "740 points from Lus and 750 as an added bonus from breaking the 2500 point barrier." Daniel made the calculation with haste "I was supposed to have 1014 points by the end of this!! Why the hell did we not have the fucking same last claim as the other rounds?!" Lus felt revolted "Adapt, there's no use in crying about it." Daniel told her "You have a 50% point boost acquisition for the next round, so it's not the end of the world." Daniel added "But that barrier...!! Even if in the next round, since the points will be multiplied---thus 48---add the 50% bonus---I will receive 96 points every round!" Lus complained "It'll take me at least 8 rounds to get through the damn barrier!!" Lus didn't stop complaining "It's still a better position than where you were prior the contract. Show some backbone, you're being mocked." Daniel didn't like how others were perceiving Lus at the moment "...I know..." Lus felt mildly relieved by his words.

The secondary announcement by Basara was drawn.

"Hajime Hyunda, given the fact that you landed first on the ranking ladder in this judgment round, you will be awarded with the usual reward." The option appeared in front of Hyunda and accepted without hesitation "So he gets to skip someone's turn now..." Tateyana noticed "Who else can do that?" Kuzan asked "Uhhh, that would be Lus and Sagasuga, I think..." Tateyana reluctantly confirmed and Sagasuga turned in her direction "That's right. The three of us, can effectively skip three people's turns. However, it's important to know that even if you skip their turns, they will not be out of the selection." Sagasuga clarified "So wait... Even if you skip someone's turn, if the skull lands on you again, you get to go again?!" She asked "Yes, that's right. Even if, the odds are low." Sagasuga concluded.

The third announcement came forth.

"This execution round's target will be the lowest ranked individual currently; Rikishima Ikkiri. However, you will be attributed five red lights to your choker." Five red lights lit up on her choker on the front side "...Goddamn it...!!" Akimiyashika was feeling beyond nervous "Furthermore, here is the bounty!" Basara's words contained high enthusiasm as the bounty was revealed in glitter gold to everyone present.

> Target: Rikishima Ikkiri.

> Points earned from her death (collectively): 96 points.

> Points earned from her death (individually): 192 points.

> Bonus reward: You may forfeit any number of points in order to view that many options; the point requirements in every option will be cut in half.

Ikkiri felt nervous but she smiled.

"Looks like my death is pretty rewarding. I haven't felt this desired in a while." Her right hand started to tremble "...?! But why...? I've decided that I want to..." Tears once again started to fall down from her eyes "Ikkiri...!! Please, give up on that stupid idea of dying!! I'll do everything in my power, just hold on!!" Ikkiri was still processing how she found it strange, but due to the recent words from Hyunda, she was having a change of heart "I----" Her heart ached "......!!" She unconsciously looked at Hyunda, who met her gaze instantly "Don't worry. I respect your decision." Hyunda reassured ".......!!!" She felt conflicted to say the least "Mhm, that's more like it. Looks like she realized it." Daniel spoke alone "Yes, even if you want to die out of guilt, a spring of purpose and having the words of that one person said out loud to you, can heal all of your pain and wash away all of your sorrow. That's not incorrect." Daniel smiled "And how do you know that, soliloquy?" Lus intercepted "It's practical theory. Sentimental string theory." Daniel tilted his head ninety degrees "She doesn't want to die. All she wants is for Hyunda to know that she's deeply sorry for what she did. Even if she doesn't find herself worthy, just for her to know that she is loved, is enough. Her spirit is restoring. And so, there's a chance." Daniel gave the heads up in his mind "I don't mean to be the paragon of bad news, but... Others don't share this interest. Especially her..." Lus looked at Arkalee who had the coldest expression possible.

Ultimately, Basara, the leader of the momentum in this game, started the long awaited execution round.

"SPIN THE FUCKING SKULL!!!" Everyone but Ikkiri was a valid target for selection as the impending skull of doom moved through the oval wheel with their pictures "A 50% discount in the options is fucking crazy, I'm not pussying out. Nothing personal, but that's just TOO FUCKING GOOD!!!" Rayazaki became one with the game's intentions "There are OTHER ways to progress without killing someone!!" Akimiyashika countered Rayazaki "I'm not into torture, so I won't go for her body parts. I'm not that twisted." Rayazaki truced "But you're fine with killing her for your own gain?!" She asked "Damn right. I will fucking do it on the spot. BECAUSE I'LL BREAK THE FUCKING BARRIER HAHAHAHA!!!" Rayazaki maniacally laughed as Akimiyashika realized what she was surrounded by.

A round table full of criminals deeply awaiting to unleash their pent up desires---no matter the cost.

"Hyunda, you're up!!" Basara declared as the skull of fire landed on Hyunda.

However, before another move could be made, Sagasuga interfered.

"Kick: Hajime Hyunda!" Without mercy, Hyunda was once again put back into the wheel "The fuck? Oi, Sagasuga! What the fuck did you do that for?!" Hyunda showed a rare sight of violent emotion "Your lead is a problem. You have far too many points. It's only logical that you should not be allowed to receive a turn." Sagasuga justified "You can't stop the momentum." Hyunda warned him "The momentum is useless if you don't get a turn to execute it." Sagasuga countered "....!!!" Enraged, Hyunda's expression deeply darkened "I'll remember that." He lowly murmured as his closed right fist---adjoined to the right side of his face----started to emit blood from within "......." Sana watched closely as she had never seen this side of Hyunda before "Thank God...!!" Akimiyashika dreaded Hyunda's turn but was relieved due to Sagasuga's action.

Once again, the skull was spun as the tension escalated.

"Fuck my life, I'm sweating so fucking much!!" Tateyana unzipped some of her chest's buttons, but nobody paid attention as they were entirely focused on who would get the turn "Well, well, look at how the tides turn----Sagasuga, it's your turn!!" Basara declared as Sagasuga adjoined his two hands "Mhm..." He looked at Hyunda and so did many others.

Nonetheless, nothing happened, surprisingly.

"Seriously? He's not kicking him?! Why though? Hyunda has such a lead that it makes no sense to give Sagasuga a turn. I would skip Sagasuga 10 out of 10 times." Yukishiro couldn't comprehend Hyunda's decision "Sagasuga, please! Don't kill her or harm her!!" Akimiyashika got up from her seat "Mhm, I have an idea on how we can arrange a solution for that." The majority of them already knew what this implied "Oh God, not again. He does this shit every time." Kawahara's expression darkened "Yeah... Fucking CON-MAN...!!" Kanawari expressed her negative feelings.

There would be forty-five seconds left, but Akimiyashika traveled to Sagasuga's position with great speed. Upon seeing her, Sagasuga opted to elevate from his seat and received her, as he saw her desperate expression.

"Aki...!! Don't... commit anything stupid, please!! Be smart!" Ikkiri spoke words that Akimiyashika wasn't expecting to hear "Ikkiri...!! So you've given up on the idea!!" This brought a smile on her face "Akimiyashika, can I have your undivided attention for the remaining forty seconds?" She instantly turned to Sagasuga as her facial expression became serious "Yes. Let's discuss terms!" Akimiyashika was eager to make some negotiations "I'll cut to the chase, I will forfeit 100 points in order to choose an option that will give Ikkiri the least painful consequence of them all that revolves around depleting her five red lights from her choker. Once the choker has no red lights, the round ends. Are we in agreement that this is the truth?" Sagasuga asked "Yeah... I know for a fact that's true. Okay, I like the idea... Alright, so... How about this; I give you 150 points and you do exactly that? You will have to forfeit 100 points, but the extra will be enough for you to break the bar-----" Sagasuga interrupted her "50% of your points, from here on, will be transferred to me. That's my price." Sagasuga made the devil's deal.

Ikkiri felt the need to intervene.

"AKI!! YOU CAN'T!! IT'S A POISONOUS DEAL THAT WILL MAKE YOU HIT ROCK BOTTOM IN THE LONG RUN!!! LOOK AT WHAT IT DID TO KANAWARI!! YOU CAN'T ACCEPT IT, NO MATTER WHAT!!!" Ikkiri used Kanawari's circumstance as evidence "That cheeky bitch...!!!" Lus didn't like Ikkiri's words "She has a point though. The deal is beyond bad." Daniel spoke "...Please, another option." Thirty seconds remained "Alright, I don't mind variety." Sagasuga then offered a new deal "How about this one? From here on, until the end of the day, should you get a claim right and I, at the same time, get a claim wrong, the points from that claim will be extracted from my account back to you. However, should the opposite happen, I get the claim's point from your account to mine via extraction. What do you think?" Twenty two seconds remained "Uh... Wait." Akimiyashika took a while to process this.

Ikkiri also gave thought about this deal.

"Can someone simplify this?" Tateyana needed an easier explanation "Okay so----imagine this in the previous round: I score, you don't? I get 24 of your points. You score and I don't? You get 24 of my points." Kawahara simplified it spectacularly "That's the essence of it." Sagasuga further added "So much poison... Fufufu..." Yukishiro mumbled to herself "Ok, I accept. That----has to be better than the deal you gave to Kanawari..." It was the popular opinion "Alright, I'll form the verbal contract then." And afterwards, it became accepted "A pleasure doing business with you, Akimiyashika." Sagasuga extended his right hand to Akimiyashika and she reluctantly shook it "........" Ikkiri let out a sigh of relief.

Subsequently, Sagasuga forfeited 50 points.

"Only 50?!" Akimiyashika was outraged "Yes. I would like your help as well, in finding options that specifically------" But a most unexpected turn of events happened "Kick: Hiroyoshi Sagasuga!" Not Hyunda, but Lus, harnessed all of the attention as Sagasuga's turn was skipped "WHA-----" Akimiyashika was shocked "WHAT THE HELL?! WHY?!" Akimiyashika began to walk in Lus' direction, though Lus didn't leave her seat "........." She posed silence and refused to elaborate "ANSWER ME, YOU BITCH!! WHY DID YOU DO THAT?! YOU WANT TO KILL HER, IS THAT IT?!" She further walked down to Lus' direction and was ready to initiate combat "Settle down, I gave the order. I don't like giving Sagasuga too much room to breathe." Daniel revealed "I should've fucking known...!!" Basara decide to intervene "Akimiyashika, back to y----" But she already knew it "I KNOW, I'M GOING!!" And thus, she went back to her seat.

Once again, as no progress was made, albeit this time, there was a change in the atmosphere, the skull would venture through the wheel as it picked its selected idol.

"I was hoping he would waste 100 points as he said... Smart." Daniel praised Sagasuga "Why...?!" Lus couldn't understand Daniel's decision "Because we need to have our turns. We can't let the round just end like this." Daniel said "But don't you get it?! Sagasuga was probably the safest person to bet on them all and if------" The skull slowed down and picked its target.

He erupted in flames as his eyes were engulfed with ambition.

"Oh you're so mine!!" Rayazaki snapped his fingers "Oh fuck... The only one that can stop him now is...!!" Akimiyashika reverted her head to her right side, where Hyunda coldly observed everyone "H-Hyu---" It was denied before it could be formed "No." Mercilessly, Hyunda denied it and Akimiyashika left her seat to get on her knees "I BEG OF YOU, PLEASE CONVINCE HIM SOMEHOW!!! HE'LL KILL HER FOR THE SAKE OF IT, HE HAS NO CONCEPT OF STRATEGY!!!" Those words pissed Rayazaki off more than she could imagine "THE FUCK DID YOU JUST SAY?! DID YOU CALL ME A RETARD YOU RED-HEAD BITCH?!?!?" Rayazaki's head veins began to show "Please!!! Anything, I swear I'll----" Akimiyashika began to tear "What a fucking mess you are. And you dare to call yourself a friend of her? Get the fuck up." Hyunda's words had a low volume but a high potency "Rayazaki, eyes on me, now." Hyunda spoke to Rayazaki from afar as they were equally distant.

However, Rayazaki was not in the mood.

"Oh fucking forget talking, I'll just FUCKING FORFEIT SOME PO------" Hyunda's voice rose in volume "KILL HER AND YOU'LL NEVER BE IN THE LEAD!!!" Those particular words made Rayazaki halt but he still hovered the points as he was selecting how many he wished to sacrifice "There is a way for you to get up to 2000 points." Rayazaki halted his fingers immediately "...?!" Sana doubted Hyunda for a second "I saw it in the previous rounds. The option that says that you win 1,000 points but if the target of the execution round doesn't die, your choker is lit up with ten lights." Hyunda revealed the answer "And you fucking THINK that I'm going to buy that bullshit?!" Rayazaki didn't believe Hyunda "Yes. Ikkiri will die." Ikkiri felt shivers down her spine and was sincerely starting to feel terrified "Hyunda...!!!!" Akimiyashika resented him to the maximum "No fucking way. Where's the guarantee?! Sure bro, I know that option! I was the one that saw it since it was within the 50 of the options I chose! I know it works, but where's the guarantee!?!?" Rayazaki confirmed something "He's sold onto the idea." Daniel spoke "It's a stupidly good option." Lus didn't deny it.

Hyunda offered his countermeasure by pressing the lower half of his screen, thus forming a verbal contract.

"Satou Rayazaki, if Rikishima Ikkiri doesn't die this round, do you accept all of my points?" Rayazaki's eyes widened along with the rest of the others "Insanity!!" Yukishiro let out a laughter "WHAT A RIOT!!! HE LITERALLY WANTS TO KILL HER SO FUCKING BADLY, WHAT THE FUCK?!" Kawahara also couldn't believe it as he laughed out loud "WHAT THE FUCK IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?! I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU, CLOWN!!" Akimiyashika promised "Hyunda, you're getting too over-confident..." Even Sagasuga admitted "Hyunda, listen I---!!!" With pain in her voice, Ikkiri wanted to speak, but Hyunda's voice reigned over "RAYAZAKI!! WHAT'LL IT BE?! SETTLING FOR SOME BABY POINTS, OR THE WHOLE FUCKING PACKAGE?! PICK!!! FAST, LOSER!!" Pressuring Rayazaki, Hyunda made his stand.

Rayazaki slowly descended into a laughing spree.

"Hahaha....!! HAHA....HAHAHAHAHA!!!!" Demonstrating a demonic laughter, enough to terrify the majority of them, Rayazaki was uncontrollable as he laughed "YOU'RE SO FUCKING ON, DUDE!!" Rayazaki accepted the contract without hesitation and forfeited 100 points subsequently.

The myriad of options appeared before Rayazaki though they didn't matter as Rayazaki was only searching for one in specific.

"I'll start from the bottom." Hyunda offered his help "Much appreciated!" Rayazaki started from the top "Hyunda!" Ikkiri reached out to Hyunda, but he didn't look at her and instead kept searching for the option "I---Does it really have to be this way?!" Ikkiri realized she spoke words that would most likely infuriate Hyunda "You said it yourself, that you wanted to die. You can't help but feel guilty to the point where you want to die. I'll give you that, just wait. Don't be too----" Ikkiri interrupted Hyunda "I've changed my mind!!" Feeling absurd, she spoke to Hyunda, who still didn't flitch "I see." He simply said "Hyunda...!! Please, just let me talk to you... I know you're mad and I deserve to die for what happened but what if----" Hyunda spoke to Rayazaki "73, go." Rayazaki travelled with his vision all the way to it "Holy shit.. It's 1,500 points...!! What the fuck, that's so much more!!" Rayazaki pressed the option without hesitation and was instantly awarded 1,500 points "Fucking CHRIST!!" Tateyana's expectations were authentically shattered as she watched the updated ranking ladder.

> 1 - Hyunda (3611/4500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:20:33 hours]

> 2 - Rayazaki (3367/3500 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 3 - Sagasuga - (2404/2500 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] [Every time Izayoi Akimiyashika scores a point, the same quantity will be subtracted from Hiroyoshi Sagasuga's point account and transferred to her account in the process]

> 4 - 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]

> 5 - Hinagiku (2010/2500 points)

> 6 - Daniel (1535/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 7 - Sana (1412/1500 points)

> 8 - Yukishiro (942/1000 points)

> 9 - Akimiyashika (870/1000 points) [Every time Hiroyoshi Sagasuga scores a point, the same quantity will be subtracted from Izayoi Akimiyashika's point account and transferred to his account in the process]

> 10 - Kawahara (868/1000 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (852/1000 points)

> 12 - Stratos (836/1000 points)

> 13 - Lus Sera (740/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:20:33 hours]

> 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]

> 17 - Ikkiri (18/600 points)

Rayazaki's smile widened so much that he had no idea it could be that wide.

"HOLY FUCKING SHIT, I'M CUMMING!!!" Beating his genital area guarded by his trousers, Rayazaki slammed his right fist forcefull in ecstasy "OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE, CONTROL YOURSELF YOU ANIMAL!!!" Akimiyashika reprehended Rayazaki "HUUUUUUUH?!?!?! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! I'M ALMOST THE FUCKING KING OF THE HILL!!! AND I DEFINITELY WILL BE IF IKKIRI DOESN'T DIE, AIN'T THAT RIGHT, HYUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!" Rayazaki psychotically tilted is head in Hyunda's direction "Yeah, that's right." Hyunda didn't shy away "Teacher, tomorrow or today?" Hyunda pressed the matter "Impatient fuck, fine." Basara then accelerated the momentum as the events would be one with the flow of unpredictability.

Daniel smiled amidst the chaos.

"We're getting close to the platonic nature. A glimpse of genuine interaction. For how long have I been wanting to see it..." Daniel's eyes started to darken "Genuine interaction?" Lus questioned "Nothing, don't mind me." He chuckled "Alien." She lashed out that last word as the skull spun.

Rayazaki no longer could be chosen, therefore the selection was minimally decreased.

"No... way....!!!" Akimiyashika's legs gave up as her arms and face fell flat onto the desk "So much for that. Goddamn it, I wanted to see how this would unfold..." Yukishiro was annoyed at his selection "Hyunda, you're up. AGAIN!" Against all odds, Hyunda was chosen again "GODDAMN IT, WHERE THE FUCK IS OUR TURN?!" Arkalee complained "Wait, HYUNDA!!" Hinagiku got out of her seat and went in his direction.

With a fast stride, Hinagiku initiated her negotiation.

"Ikkiri doesn't want to die. It's no longer her will. She changed her mind, have you taken into consideration that she might want to spend her life with you instead of dying?!" Hinagiku went straight to the point "I don't want to die, I'm sorry, Hyunda!!" Ikkiri began to weep profoundly "I thought you were mad at me all along because I had to kill them all for the sake of saving you but I didn't have a choice! I didn't enjoy it at all! I regret it every day and it's painful because nobody else but you can understand my pain!!" Ikkiri's nose began to emit snot as well "And I thought that as long as you were the one that killed me that I wouldn't have any regrets, but I...!! I...!!" Ikkiri no longer could produce a verbal speech "You're tired, I can tell." Hyunda smiled to Ikkiri "Just for how long did you think that I was unaware? I've known all along, Ikkiri. But I need you to understand something." Hyunda adjusted his position in his seat with his two arms "I alone cannot support you. The time we had, that's in the past. It can never be the same as before. Things have changed and unfortunately, I've come to realize many truths that I didn't ask to know. So, as unfortunate as it is and no matter how much I love you, I have to play my part in this story." Hyunda's hand strode fast to the option where he could forfeit points "HYUNDA, WAIT YOU FUCKER---!!!" Despite Hinagiku's fast attempt, it was too late as Hyunda forfeited 50 options.

Engulfed in horror, Ikkiri started to dread for her life tremendously.

"Please....!!! I don't want this!! All I want is to be next to you, Aki, Hina, everyone....!! There has to be another way to stop this!!" Ikkiri begged Hyunda "HOW MANY POINTS DO YOU WANT?! I'LL GIVE YOU ALL OF MINE!!!" Akimiyashika presented the offer as she pleaded dramatically "I'LL ALSO GIVE MINE, YOU'LL BREAK THE BARRIER FOR SURE!!" Hinagiku also tried her best but Hyunda simply kept looking at the options.

As the measure called, the plan was set in motion.

Amidst the chaos, a verbal contract window appeared in front of Ikkiri as her blurred eyes could barely see the content of it.

"OPTIO-----" As Hyunda was ready to execute the option that would grant him the desired outcome, Ikkiri's voice came out louder as her desire to live screamed throughout her body and mind "YES, I ACCEPT IT!!!" The gears then proceeded to shift.

Hyunda halted his option as he realized that Ikkiri's ankles and wrists were once again freed and by contrast, a desk's front was open.

"What the fuck is this?" Hyunda asked as Daniel started to take steps forward to the center, without needing the assistance from the guards "Oh, don't mind it. It's still your turn, Hyunda. Although, I'm the target now, that's all." Daniel introduced himself as Ikkiri's savior "Mind getting off, Ikkiri? Go warm my seat up for me, please." Daniel charismatically smiled "Ikkiri, are you betraying me?" Hyunda coldly asked "Wha---No, Hyunda, I---" Daniel covered her entire image as his white sleeves kept hanging due to his lack of arms "Hyunda, there's no need to kill any one of us in this game. It's, really, very, but very, pointless." Daniel cast one last glance at Ikkiri from behind and told him some words "Go now, you two will figure it out later. Please?" He smiled and Ikkiri couldn't help but be momentarily enchanted "Yes...! And thank you!!" With a strong stride, Ikkiri entered the outside area of the oval area.

Akimiyashika and Hinagiku both greeted Ikkiri with a forceful hug.

"OH MY GOD, YOU'RE ALIVE!!! OH GOD!!!" With all of her might, Akimiyashika gave the tightest hug to Ikkiri "I WAS SO WORRIED FOR A SECOND!!!" Hinagiku as well "UGHHH!!! Guysss, I can't brea---" Although happy, Ikkiri was being suffocated "Let go, you two!" Lus, who was right around the corner, told them off and they disjointed themselves from Ikkiri "Oh sorry..." Akimiyashika apologized "Mhm, it's fine...!! I'm really happy too but I gotta admit that contract was...!!" Ikkiri looked at the ranking ladder "Wait, WHAT?! Ikkiri, your points!!" Hinagiku couldn't believe the sight as Ikkiri's position had swiftly changed in regard to where she previously stood.

> 1- Hyunda (3611/4500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:18:58 hours]

> 2 - Rayazaki (3367/3500 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 5 - Hinagiku (2010/2500 points)

> 6 - Sana (1412/1500 points)

> 7 - Yukishiro (942/1000 points)

> 8 - Daniel (935/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 10 - Kawahara (868/1000 points)

> 11 - Kuzan (852/1000 points)

> 12 - Stratos (836/1000 points)

> 13 - Ikkiri (818/1000 points)

> 14 - Lus Sera (740/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:18:58 hours]

> 15 - Arkalee (587/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 16 - Tateyana (582/600 points)

> 17 - Kanawari (500/600 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

"818 points?! How did that happen?!" Akimiyashika pressed the matter on Ikkiri meanwhile Hinagiku drew the conclusion as she looked at Daniel in the center "He transferred me 600 of his points and then I made a contract with you which said: You will be awarded 600 points if you swap places with Daniel Lead." Lus revealed "But why-----" Ikkiri wanted to ask "Don't ask, his idea. Apparently he figured out something really obvious that we haven't. Go back to your seats because this might still be far from over." Lus warned them and they did exactly that, though Ikkiri took a seat in Daniel's place per his request.

With twenty seconds left to go, Hyunda had to make the decision.

It was also important to notice that Ikkiri's red lights on her choker were depleted but Daniel had his red lights replaced by the same quantity. In other words, they also swapped conditions.

"If you die right here and now, you'll die with regrets. So, with that in mind, what's the deal?" Hyunda questioned Daniel as he smiled at the center "Oh. I have come up with a strategy in order to avoid all this unnecessary killing. Yes, believe it or not, we can all play this game and remain friends. As a matter of fact, we can use this opportunity to deepen our bounds, even!" Daniel sprung with enthusiasm "What the hell is he talking about?!" Yukishiro became undignified "I'm killing Daniel once and for all, this motherfucker ALWAYS gets in the way of my plans!!" Arkalee testified "........" Hyunda's dark expression remained for a while.

But after two seconds, his usual snarky expression returned.

"Shit, my motivation is gone now. I don't wanna play this anymore." Hyunda sighed "Option 21!" Hyunda ordered and as per instructed, it was executed.

Option 21 reads the following: Forfeit 200 points; the skull will be spun (you will be absent from this execution round's selection).

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaa....!!!" Akimiyashika released a painful but necessary stressful breath as she acknowledged that Hyunda was no longer participating in this execution round "......" Sana wanted to say a few words, but didn't think the time was there yet "I don't fucking understand how we keep missing these. This is not some fucking friendship anime bullshit... People will die and one has actually died, so why the FUCK is he treating this like one?!" Yukishiro revolted at Daniel "But it's true. My plan has a happy ending and we all profit." Daniel confidently stated "Oh yeah?! Spill it out then!" She demanded "Not now." He retorted "LIAR!!" Yukishiro accused him once more but he didn't care.

The skull was spun, for the fifth time.

"Another first time! Akimiyashika, stop crying and woman up!" Basara mocked her ".....!!" She felt revolted but since it was her turn, she gave some consideration to the current events "Alright... You saved Ikkiri and you said you had a plan... I'm willing to cooperate." Akimiyashika extended her help "Fantastic, just what I needed. Alright, I want everybody's attention because this game, is actually, completely solved." Daniel's words shocked everyone.

Especially doctor Hwan alongside the student council members.

"Hey, what does he mean by that?!" Bryce felt nervous "A loophole?! No, no way, this game doesn't have it, right?!" Skan looked for the president's approval "Who knows?" He didn't count out the possibility "This man... Always has something devious planned... He spoke of a happy ending, but if it comes from a criminal like him..." Andrea couldn't trust Daniel at all.

He then decided to reveal the details as all eyes were on him.

"Some of you might have noticed, but in the previous execution round, before Ikkiri's, which was Hyunda's, there was an option that read the following: Forfeit 500 points to buy a new player into the game (they will start with the same points as the lowest ranked player, but with -50 points instead)." Some didn't seem to remember but a few did "Yeah, I saw it. What of i-----" But Kawahara instantly realized "I seeeeeeeeeeeeee.......!!!" He placed his right palm all over his face as he saw the possibilities "Wait, there really was such an option?!" Tateyana asked "Yes, there is. Though, it's probably 650 points now." Sagasuga confirmed "I'll get straight to the point. Every round, we kill the new player and repeat the process." Daniel's words brought shock to the table as they all thought about what he meant.

He went a step further and elaborated.

"It's very simple. What Akimiyashika will do is forfeit 100 points and look for the option that says that." Akimiyashika felt the need to interfere "W-Wait a damn sec----" But Daniel continued "Next up, the upcoming person on the selection will choose the option that reads: Forfeit 400 points to end the round, in which case, you will be awarded with 200 points." Ikkiri continued Daniel's reasoning as she saw where it was all heading up "And then we do this in the next round over and over because the new player will always be -50 points lower!!" She smiled and so did many others "Yes, that's right. So, let's get this started. There's no need for us to actually kill each other." Daniel reasoned "Okay... I was reluctant at first but now I'm pretty sure we've broken the game!!" The plan was then set in motion.

Following step by step, the plan came into fruition.

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

"UGHHHH HE GOT SO LUCKY THAT LUS WAS CHOSEN AFTER AKIMIYASHIKA!!!!" Seok grabbed his hairstrands as he raged "But wait, haven't they broken the game?!" Skan "Calm down. It's a valid tactic..." The doctor acknowledged "But a useless one in the long run." The doctor radiated his eerie smile "And how is that the case...?! Their strategy is perfect! They will spawn camp this new player! Even if Hajime Hyunda will have 0 points by the end of this round, it doesn't matter because he has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next hour! Isn't this a problem?!" Skan persisted "A problem and a solution always exist in the same space!" The central main door of the door was automatically open on the east side; where a semi-tall individual with clear Indian ethnicity----with a black collar shirt and tight black trousers as well as clean black shoes; strode forward with flamboyance.

As he took off his dark yellow round sunglasses, he extended his arms obliquely.

"I am here, at last!! I must apologize for my long awaited arrival as everyone wanted to see me, but you must understand that being the CEO of 32 Indian companies is not easy!!" Every single person, including the staff members, as well as the student council, and doctor Hwan---all rose from their seats and bowed down "Now, now!! Where is the most critical pers-----" As he flamboyantly walked through them, he saw the two ongoing streams.

His tempo stopped as he was authentically drawn into one of the streams.

"Erigaisi, sir?" Doctor Hwan elevated his head slightly as he saw the shocked face of the man "How did one of them manage to get all the way here? That shouldn't have been possible...!!" Despite saying such words, Erigaisi quickly corrected himself "It's nothing, nevermind. More importantly, report the current situation." Instantly, he demanded a breakdown "Yes." Doctor Hwan then proceeded to deliver all information.

With Lus, the round was terminated as Daniel was allowed to leave the central chair.

Furthermore, due to the plan, there was a significant shift in points as well as rankings:

> 1 - Rayazaki (9722/10000 points) [Has a 25% point boost acquisition for the rest of the day]

> 2 - Sagasuga - (2404/2500 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] [Every time Izayoi Akimiyashika scores a point, the same quantity will be subtracted from Hiroyoshi Sagasuga's point account and transferred to her account in the process]

> 4 - Hinagiku (2010/2500 points)

> 5 - Sana (1412/1500 points)

> 6 - Yukishiro (942/1000 points)

> 7 - Daniel (935/2000 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the rest of the day]

> 8 - Kawahara (868/1000 points)

> 9 - Kuzan (852/1000 points)

> 10 - Stratos (836/1000 points)

> 11 - Ikkiri (818/1000 points)

> 12 - Arkalee (587/600 points) [Kitsuya Arkalee's turn will be under Hirakibo Tatsu's control in the execution rounds until this day is over]

> 13 - Tateyana (582/600 points)

> 14 - Lus Sera (540/1500 points) [Has a 50% point acquisition boost for the next 1:16:54 hours]

> 15 - Kanawari (500/600 points) [Every time Gayakirima Kanawari earns a point, no matter the quantity, 50% of it will be transferred to Hiroyoshi Sagasuga]

> 16 - Akimiyashika (170/1000 points) [Every time Hiroyoshi Sagasuga scores a point, the same quantity will be subtracted from Izayoi Akimiyashika's point account and transferred to his account in the process]

> 17 - Hyunda (0/4500 points) [Has a 50% acquisition boost for the next 1:16:54 hours]

> 18 - ??? (0/99 points)

A brief moment of silence was made, as some even refreshed their eyes to make sure they were seeing it correctly.

"Uhh... UHHH....!!!" Kuzan kept blinking non-stop "No way. How?" Yukishiro, placid, refused to believe it "Hm, this might be the first time so many points have been obtained in such little time. In a mere four rounds too..." Sagasuga dully noted "You are fucking retarded. So fucking retarded, holy shit." Kawahara's expression darkened as he pinpointed Hyunda "You had the option to kill her! Why did you wait so much time around when you could have done it?!" Kawahara argued "He wasn't fast enough because Ikkiri instantly accepted the contract." Hinagiku countered Kawahara "Oh that's just fucking BULLSHIT!! You waited on purpose, didn't you? You're not fucking fooling me. But in the end, you got 0 points and gave Rayazaki this colossal lead. Good job, you RETARD!!" Kawahara kicked his desk "......." Hyunda held his head down with his right fist placed on the right side of his face as he refused to elaborate.

The attention quickly shifted as Rayazaki bathed in supremacy.

"Low and behold, peasants, for I hold the authority!!" With high volume, he gave his decree "No, you fucking don't, you creep." Lus replied quickly "Huuuuuh?!" Rayazaki disliked her attitude immediately "Your points mean nothing because we will kill this new player and repeat the same strategy." Lus had total faith in the strategy "Looks like someone hasn't been paying much attention. Hahah, sure, sure, keep believing in that shit strategy..." Rayazaki mocked Lus "...??" It wasn't just Rayazaki that found the strategy lackluster "She lives in wonderland rent free." Yukishiro commented "Wh----" Lus was ready to argue "Teacher!" Daniel decided to engage in the importance of another subject.

As for some reason, they weren't dismissed despite the round being over.

"The new player, where is he? Or she?" The question everyone wanted to know the answer to, was asked "That's right, that's right! Where is our fodder?!" Kuzan, who was enthusiastic about the strategy, spoke as well "The player will be introduced next round." Basara declared.

Doctor Hwan, on the other hand, after telling everything, allowed Erigaisi to make the decision.

"Alright, that's enough." He pressed his right hand forward and told doctor Hwan to halt his speech "Though impressive by theory, the numbers are still lukewarm. Already peaking at 600k isn't bad, but the clients know what we have to show! And as such, we have to give them what they want! This is business, people! We are their patreons and they demand entertainment! PUT UP THE COUNTDOWN NOW!!!" As instructed per Erigaisi, the staff members in charge of demonstrating the virtual graphics in the room, began to execute the command without hesitation.

A gigantic countdown screen showed up on the south of the virtual room, containing such a brutal height and width that it was impossible for anyone to not notice it.

The countdown had the following numbers: 15:36.

"What the fuck is that?!" Tateyana was the first to question it as she got up from her seat by instinct "I don't know it just randomly showed up!!" Kuzan as well "Hey, Sagasuga!!! You've played this game before, you even admitted it!! What the hell does this mean?!" Kanawari briskly asked "I'm not answering that." Sagasuga resolved himself to silence "What...?!" This was something that not only Kanawari found displeasing "I'll give you 100 of my points if you tell me, Sagasuga!" Rayazaki started to bargain "Ah, but just to me as I SAID! Plus, you'll break the bar---" Sagasuga stopped Rayazaki's tracks "No means no. Don't waste your time." Sagasuga's voice turned cold "......" Rayazaki suspected Sagasuga's attitude as his silence implied a lot of things.

Basara gave the last ordeal.

"Be here at 9 am, on POINT!!" Basara began to exit the room and unlike the other times, the students weren't particularly sure as to what to do "Hmm... Hey, how are you feeling?" Daniel looked away from the screen and turned to his left where Lus is "........" Lus didn't say anything but her stiff expression told it all "Kanawari, are you able to do something about it?" To his right, Daniel consulted Kanawari "...Uhh, without your access to the male dorm, it's a bit difficult. Pain-killers will have to do the trick, Lus..." Kanawari dealt the bad news "...I... see...." Lus sighed "Daniel, can you tell us what you think about that countdown?" Lus asked as Kanawari went around in order to support Lus on her way out of her chair "I'm not a prophet, so nope." Daniel got up from his seat by supporting his right foot on the edge of the desk and then using his left foot to create distance from the chair "....Where are you going? You can't access your dorm..." Lus narrowed her vision "Social interaction is important." Daniel started to leave the room and by that margin some people also decided to leave the room as they went to their desired locations.

Though Hinagiku wanted to leave the room as well, she was pressed to be with Akimiyashika as the two of them had to stop Ikkiri.

"Stop." Akimiyashika prevented Ikkiri from going into Hyunda's direction by halting her left shoulder "Ikkiri, don't." As well as Hinagiku who held Ikkiri's right shoulder with a far stronger grip "Guys..." Ikkiri kept looking at Hyunda who remained alone in his seat as Sana was no longer in the area "He tried to kill you, despite you saying that you didn't want to meet that end multiple times. Don't go near that fucking psychopath...!!" Akimiyashika's words were loud enough for Hyunda to hear them "You heard them, Ikkiri." He lowly laughed without opening his eyes as his right fist remained adjoined to the right side of his face "Better stay a mile away from me or I'll try to kill you again." Coldly, Hyunda spoke "No, you won't." Ikkiri refused Hyunda's words "You're a dumbass, like always!" Ikkiri's expression stiffened but she emitted a small smirk as she turned away "Let's go, I'm hungry!!" At Ikkiri's command, Hinagiku and Akimiyashika started to make their way to the female dorm.

As time went on, the room started to become empty but Hyunda didn't leave his seat nor did he open his eyes.

A singular person took Akimiyashika's seat, left to Hyunda. He had purchased a small water bottle in order to hydrate himself at the cost of 50 of his points.

He opened it and began to gulp three times and then covered the stamp.

"You had the open shot, Hyunda." Sagasuga commented as he looked to the ceiling "I know." Hyunda replied in an abhorrent tone "Granted, it's not a mission from the organization but I genuinely thought you'd do it. You already had the options in mind. There were plenty of opportunities to do it before she accepted the contract. In other words, you wanted this outcome?" Sagasuga asked "Mhmmmmmmm....." Hyunda murmured "You're going against the script, Hyunda. You do realize that by not killing Ikkiri; the chain of events no longer obeys the law of sequence therefore?" Sagasuga wanted to make sure that Hyunda understood the implications "It doesn't matter. We both know what's coming. All I wanted was to kill her so she wouldn't have to witness the horror-show, but it's too late. I fucked up, admittedly." Hyunda sighed "From here on, it's a free for all. Plans will not work." Hyunda added "I see." Sagasuga opened the bottle and took another gulp "By the way, the results are already proving to work magnificently. Is that why you didn't do it? Are you trusting Daniel to keep up?" Sagasuga asked.

Hyunda then slowly opened his eyes.

"If----if out of all of them, the resonation is successful, then what does that mean, Sagasuga?" Hyunda's eyes were fully open as well as utmost serious "It means the operation was a success. Many members will rejoice; myself included. Our agenda can finally be put into practice." Sagasuga admitted "Yes. Yes. YES!!" Hyunda cracked a smile "But this is a problem, Hyunda. Daniel is one thing. But... If the merge is too successful then... How do you plan on stopping him?" Sagasuga asked the last question "Everything's fine. I am his most valued interest, for the outcome of our deal is what he's really aiming for. Strictly speaking, no matter the events, I cannot die---for that means that his outcome will never be given life." Hyunda concluded.

----------------------------------------

His face became one with asphalt.

The temperature at the current moment was a solid 18 degrees, which is fairly hot for a morning.

"Hmmm..." He couldn't utilize his arms to adjust his head position as his body was long stretched, so Daniel had to use his left and right knee to bend his upper body upwards "Hmmm...." From left to right, Daniel would continuously try and receive signals ".....Oh, there we go." After changing his position in the asphalt more to the right side, Daniel's hearing was finally able to capture it "That's strange. The hideout isn't a place that goes so deep. It takes about a minute to travel from Kawahara's room to it. So, how come so many people are climbing to the surface from a place so deep down..." Daniel was left confused and then arrived at a singular conclusion as he adjusted his face to the gigantic cradle above "Uhhh... What are you doing?" An unfamiliar fierce female voice talked to Daniel as he could see three female individuals approaching his location.

Their silhouettes covered the rising star perfectly.

"Oh, Akimiyashika." Except it wasn't just her, but also Ikkiri and Hinagiku "Yes, that's me... Why are you lying on the ground, Daniel?" Akimiyashika was weirded out by Daniel's behavior as he looked at their faces from below "I'm sunbathing." Daniel replied "Sunbathing...?!" She didn't believe that one bit "But this is a good opportunity as ever. Can you guys help me back up? All you have to do is grab my sleeves and I'll balance myself back up!" Daniel suggested.

And after they pulled his sleeves back up, he balanced his body through his legs.

"And there we go..." Daniel found his balance and now could stand face to face with the three of them as they stood near the male dorm that was being patrolled by a large number of black suits "I can't even imagine how inconvenient your life will be from here on." Akimiyashika confessed "It's already proving to be difficult, honestly." Daniel didn't hide it "Yeah." Akimiyashika looked to the ground and then took a deep breath before bowing down to Daniel "Thank you so much for going out of your way to save Ikkiri!!" Trembling, Akimiyashika thanked him "If it wasn't for that damn contract that psychopath would have...!!" Ikkiri, though grateful, felt the need to correct Akimiyashika "Don't hate him, please, Aki..." But Akimiyashika remained adamant about her stance "Of course I would save her. Nobody has to die and you-----are all my friends, my comrades, whatever you want to call it." Daniel clarified as he didn't think Akimiyashika had to go through such lengths "...Still, thank you..." She felt more than obliged to thank him nevertheless.

She ultimately raised her head back to her posture so they could continue to talk.

"About the strategy---do you honestly think it'll work?" Ikkiri asked him "No, of course not." Daniel was blunt "W-What?! Then why did you suggest it to everyone else?!" Ikkiri was shocked "Well, because I want it to work, even if I don't think it will..." Daniel sighed "I'm confused." Akimiyashika confessed "Listen---while really good in theory, there will be those who will not like the idea too much, even if the strategy protects everyone." Daniel said with clarity "That's why, I would be thankful if you three coul-----" As Daniel was about to finalize his sentence, his eyesight was stolen by the large exit made from a group of individuals that came from inside the male dorm.

A wide variety of black suits, staff members, a camera man, and what appeared to be a student in the school's uniform----was enough to summon the entire attention of the other students that were lurking around the corner.

"That's Liyuga, no?!" Akimiyashika instantly noticed as Liyuga was infiltrated amongst the black suits with his uniform at full display "Who?" Daniel asked "Oh, I guess you weren't here when that happened..." Hinagiku remembered "He's a member of the student council, so------" A most loud voice came forth as he approached the area, but kept his distance from the group "How was the trip down the hideout, your excellency?!" Kawahara mocked them with a gigantic grin.

However, this was met with guns pointing at Kawahara.

"Take another step forward and I'll put a bullet in your brain!" The issue was given "Sheeeeeshhhhhhh!!! So fucking cold, fine I get it!" Kawahara took a step back as he was accompanied by some other students "Hey though, can we go inside now that your trip is over?!" Kuzan asked "It's far from over." Liyuga walked in their direction and spoke "Hey, you----!!" One of the black suits tried to stop Liyuga from going west in the direction of the other criminals "If they try anything, just shoot them. I want to talk with Ryousuke Kawahara. Come forward!" Unexpectedly, Kawahara was suddenly given permission to come forward as the others observed.

Midst this, Kuzan approached Daniel from behind, as well as Lus and Kanawari.

"Bro, who is that guy?! How is a student from the school inside the cradle?!" Kuzan posed the natural question "Either he was inside first or there is conveniently a way for them to make their way here while outside the cradle." Daniel concluded "Also, that's a member of the student council. We don't know much about them, do we?" Daniel laughed "I only really remember Percy Phoenix, I hate how that guy put bounties on our heads back on the island." Kuzan's words brought interest to the girls nearby "What? Is that true?" Lus asked "It is, but that's not really important. Besides, Percy Phoenix is dead." Daniel answered.

The conversation would take place as Kawahara confidently stared down at the calm Liyuga.

"What's the password?" Liyuga started "Huuuuh? The password?" Kawahara feigned ignorance "The door required a password to go further. Plus, it's a one-time only type of password as the pillar said." Liyuga spoke words that Kawahara had trouble understanding "......." He stared at Liyuga and pondered the possibility of this being sarcasm from his behalf "The password isn't limited to one time only. If you input the password once and it's incorrect, you'll have to wait a day in order to try again. Also, what pillar?" Kawahara told "......" Liyuga carefully analyzed Kawahara's words "No, that can't be. The pillar specifically told us that the password is a one time only thing. And also, a security system was activated upon arrival, called Delta." Liyuga revealed and Daniel's eyes widened "Oh, I see." Kawahara noted and didn't break his poker face "Alright, I understand. But I'm not telling you the password, dumbass." He blatantly insulted Liyuga "Your escape plan has been folded, Daniel Lead." Liyuga looked towards Daniel on the east side as he said that "Unfortunately." Daniel sighed.

Kawahara touched another angle.

"Did you feed the fish by some chance? It's been a while since I've done that and I'm worried that they might've died." Kawahara gave an apologetic look "......." Liyuga maintained his poker face "No, I didn't." He simply replied "Oh, alright. But you did see the aquarium, right?" Kawahara asked "Yeah, I did. What of it?" Liyuga asked this time "No, no, that's great. I just thought you could've feed them, that's all." Kawahara brushed his back hair "I will get the password from you." Liyuga decided to step away as he felt his phone ringing to which he immediately picked up "Yes, it's me. I'm returning--------Oh shoot, he's there already?! I'll be right back!!" With a sense of urgency, Liyuga and the rest of the group started to go to the west side and would then take a turn to the north side.

In order to prevent them from getting followed the black suits started to form a wall in order to not only block their movements but their vision.

"Tsk! We can't even see where they're going...!!" Akimiyashika complained "Excuse me just a little bit------" Kawahara, without any manners whatsoever, came through and snatched away Daniel with an arm lock "OFGH------" It was so strong that he coughed for a bit "HEY, LET GO OF HIM!!" Hinagiku was defensive but Daniel gave the word "It's alright-----" He coughed "I want to talk as well---" And coughed again.

Behind the female dorm, Kawahara and Daniel talked, but there were some lurkers around the corners even then.

"What the fuck is going on? That was not the hideout at all." Kawahara noticed "Yeah well... I can't say I know any better." Daniel told him "There is no aquarium though, right?" Daniel made a fidgety expression as he asked "No, there isn't. I lied about it. That's how I know he's lying about it. In other words, they were not in the hideout and were somewhere else. Spill the beans, Daniel." Kawahara started to knot Daniel's sleeves "Hey... I would appreciate if you didn't do that..." Daniel complained "Oh yeah? Then explain what really happened. I'm not leaving until I get a satisfactory answer." Kawahara said as he kept knotting the sleeves together "......." Daniel took into consideration his surroundings.

After thorough consideration, Daniel spoke.

"They think they found the hideout but it's actually another location. Why didn't you ask Liyuga how they found out about the hideout?" Daniel asked Kawahara "Because what else would be BUT the hideout?" Kawahara found the question nonsensical "Fair point." Daniel admitted "There was a cameraman along with them, so it was recorded without a doubt. It goes without saying that the doctor knows what went down. But one thing is for certain-------the password is not the same as the hideout one, because there isn't even a pillar in the hideout." Daniel clarified "Hmmm..." Kawahara halted his knotting "The fucker said he would take the password from me, in other words, he believes I actually know the password and will try to negotiate with me... How interesting!!" Kawahara smiled as he realized "Can I go now?" Daniel asked "Wait, no, not yet. I need to know. Are you serious about the spawn-camp shit?" Kawahara asked "Dead serious. This game has no merit. So, by that margin, we shouldn't play like it has any." Daniel told "...So what if it suddenly had some form of merit?" Kawahara narrowed his vision "..........." Daniel couldn't answer to that question "Figures." Kawahara then started to walk to the south, in the opposite direction of the lurkers.

Daniel went for the opposite direction as he came across them on the edge of the corner.

"He knows." Daniel told the six of them as he saw them knelt down on the ground "Is it true?!" Akimiyashika jumped the gun "Yeah, bro!! Some other place other than the hideout?!" Kuzan joined the fray as well "It doesn't matter, we can't walk inside the male dorm, so this is a pointless discussion." Daniel sealed his lips as he walked forward "But why are there underground facilities in the first place? Isn't that kinda weird? It's almost as if this particular side of the school was built with some partial ideas in mind..." Daniel closed his eyes as he heard Akimiyashika and the others talk.

The withered blossoms that swirled the morning wind weren't the signal-----but the forgotten fragrance that he was so familiar with.

As his eyes opened, he knew that the fragrance; the essence of the smell could only belong to one person.

Forming like a trail, the path to the central block kept emitting more and more of the smell to his nostrils as his eyes opened fully.

"....!!!" He halted his tracks prematurely as the others were behind him "......?" Hinagiku noticed Daniel's shocked expression "How many minutes are there before the next round?" He asked as he stared at the frontal door of the block "Five minutes!" Kuzan replied "Do you want to go already?" Lus asked as she was supported by Kanawari "You girls eat something, Kuzan, let's go." Daniel ordered as he accelerated the tempo "Ehhh, but I wanted to see if I could get some food from the female dorm..." Kuzan became depressed "I'll buy you something from the vending machine." Daniel reassured "Yay!!" Kuzan celebrated as he went with Daniel to the main block "......" Hinagiku found Daniel's sudden mood switch rather strange.

As the countdown went on, Liyuga and the other members returned to the respective location.

"Any clues about the password?" Bryce asked Liyuga as he showed to be tired whilst joining the rest of the student council members in the couch "Nope. I tried talking to Ryousuke Kawahara about it, though." Liyuga said "That's nice." The president replied "But don't forget to greet him now." The president's words caused Liyuga to realize just who was watching the entirety of the activities around "..!!!" Immediately, Liyuga got up from his seat and went in the direction of Erigaisi, who was too busy dealing with phone calls "S-Sir, it's-----!!" Erigaisi noticed him but opted to ignore him as he turned his back in order to focus on the call "That's enough, come back." The president ordered and Liyuga did exactly that "What's that countdown for?" Liyuga asked "Oh, that? It's the main event. Don't you see the numbers rising? Apparently it's common knowledge that by 9 am, it's when it gets serious. Even I am thrilled to know what the contents are." The president admitted.

After dealing with the phone calls, Erigaisi gave the general order.

"Only bring in the player when the announcements are done! Don't let the other players catch a glimpse of her!" Erigaisi's orders were imperial and could not be disobeyed "A new player? What the hell happened?" Liyuga, who had missed everything, asked "Daniel Lead came up with a strategy that involves buying a new player every round and by that logic since the option to buy a new player means that the new player will have -50 points of the lowest ranked player, it should in theory mean that the player has no hopes of climbing up. Thus, instead of killing his classmates, Daniel is trying to kill the new player on spawn." Andrea explained "...What...?! Isn't that bad for the viewers?! Won't that mean the views will drop due to the predictable nature of the game?! Isn't that bad for the overall revenue?!" Liyuga would then feel some light hand taps on his right shoulder "How right you are! It's bad, just like you said! However, it's no problem!" Erigaisi's eerie smile managed to leave some members creeped out "Observe." Erigaisi then gave the final order "Get the components ready to march forward to the block!! I want everything in place without delay!!" Erigaisi's orders could not be disobeyed.

----------------------------------------

Thirty seconds before the next round that comes by 9 am, everyone would already be present in their respective seats as they watched the countdown decrease.

There were two mysterious elements that kept being brought up on the round table.

"I mean, it's another criminal, right?" Tateyana threw the question up in the air "It wouldn't make sense otherwise, right?" She continued "Yes." Sagasuga united his hands and didn't deny it "In this game, only criminals are allowed. Seok was the exception." Sagasuga added "He's lucky he didn't actually die back there. Oh yeah, are there any news as to what killed the others?" Hinagiku asked Basara, who remained silent on the podium "......" The countdown was what remained important in the long run.

And as 9 am arrived, the countdown screen was shattered like a glass broken into multiple pieces.

"What the?!" The visual effects were enough to cause some photosensitive epilepsy "Ugghhh!!!" The mere action of opening their eyes again against the blinding lights of the new screen proved to be challenging.

However, given enough time, they were all able to glance upon the new screen that was covered in black and red, in a pyramid shape.

"Have you-----ever wanted to start over?" The contents began to unravel themselves slowly as the pyramid started from the bottom "What-----is all this?!" Kanawari was startled as were the others "If the answer to that question is no, then you will know your place here in no time. If, however, the answer to that question is a yes, then rejoice!!" Basara's arms flew up in the air like an orchestra's maestro "For you can start over and take back your life!!" His voice rose in volume as the pyramid of contents became highlighted.

This game has no name.

No matter how many times players all across the globe play it, there has never been a designated name for this game, whose true nature reveals itself at 9 am.

The pyramid was split into ten sections and presented itself as the following, starting from the bottom where the hierarchy begins:

> Points required to unlock the 10th zone - 15,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 9th zone - 30,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 8th zone - 50,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 7th zone - 75,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 6th zone - 100,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 5th zone - 150,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 4th zone - 200,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 3rd zone - 250,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 2nd zone - 350,000 points

> Points required to unlock the 1st zone - 500,000 points

"So many points required...!! But what for!? This game has no merit!! This is pointless!!!" Akimiyashika rightfully argued and Basara replied logically "Indeed, so far, there has been little to no merit. Which is why, it's necessary to be given such!" Basara's demonic finger snap allowed the first curtain to be open "Oh...." Yukishiro awed as the 10th zone was revealed.

From the bottom, where the area of the pyramid is the largest in width, the part where it said "Points required to unlock the 10th zone - 15,000 points" was thoroughly replaced by a sentence cladded in dark scarlet red.

> "Acquire a prosthetic body piece that has been severed off your body through the game. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

A source of interest was created upon seeing that.

"W-Wait..." Tateyana made a blurry expression "What the fuck? A prosthetic body piece?! Uh, like a fucking arm? Or leg?!" She was really confused "Yes, any. As long as it's been cut off from you. Take Daniel for example, who lacks two arms." Sagasuga presented him as the example "So... He can potentially forfeit 15,000 points in order to buy a prosthetic arm back?!" Arkalee dreaded and Basara added new information "That is correct. An entirely new body piece that matches your structure is awaiting, believe it or not. Through rapid surgery, it can be achieved." Basara reassured "That's-----" Many were baffled at the new opportunity.

The question then arose.

"So wait... It's actually fine to sacrifice body pieces...?" Kuzan posed the question "NO!!" Akimiyashika instantly denied "That---that can't be true, this has to be a mistake, no...!!" She refused to believe it, no matter what "It says rewards, so more than just one..." Rayazaki dully noted "I might just try it..." Rayazaki murmured to himself but everyone caught him saying that "I'm not fucking sacrificing a body piece, no matter what!!! That shit has to HURT!!!" Tateyana argued "Teacher, move on please." Kawahara became more interested in what the other zones had to offer "There's no fucking way I'm ever sacrificing a body piece of mine for this stupid ass game...!!" Tateyana kept denying it.

Basara's finger snap revealed the 9th zone.

> "Acquire a new identity, in exchange, your current one will be erased from all records all across the globe. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

At the cost of 30,000 points, such option was available, which caused most of the students present to widen their eyes in shock as well as their jaws that fell off.

"W-W-W-W-WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!??!?!?" The majority of the student body rose up from their seats as this option proved to be massively appealing "A new identity and my current one will be erased across the globe?! So no one will know the old me?!" Yukishiro laughed as she eagerly spoke "Yes, that's correct. By picking this option, the current you, is no more. Instead, a new you is born." Basara clarified "Wait a damn second! Does this mean that with a new identity that all criminal allegations in my current name will be dropped?!" Rayazaki asked with fiery eyes "That depends. If your new name is Satou Rayazaki, then no." Basara replied with sarcasm "Teacher, come ON!!!" Rayazaki pressed Basara "What do you think?" But Basara found that this question was self-explanatory "That means... What I've done in the past, no longer matters in the public eye with this option....!!!" Kanawari took this option far too seriously "......." Hinagiku disliked what Kanawari was currently thinking as her vision deeply narrowed with hatred.

The eight zone was revealed not too late after each individual came to their own conclusion.

> "Select a university of your choice across the globe, no matter which, you will receive 1 billion dollars in the shape of a student loan. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

"Wait, any...?" Lus took a particular interest in this segment "Yes, any. Regardless of which country, if you pick this option, you will obtain a student loan worth 1 billion dollars." Basara answered "........." Lus' jaw slightly dropped "It doesn't fucking matter if you can't get the fuck out of here though." Kawahara reasoned "True... But it's... Like... I mean, I have my highschool done so technically..." Kanawari also saw the merit "Lucky bitch, I dropped out." Rayazaki clenched his teeth "That's your fault, not mine..." Kanawari murmured without allowing Rayazaki to listen to it "Isn't 1 billion dollars way too fucking much though?! Does it even go over a million in most degrees?!" Arkalee asked "I don't know actually..." Tatsu murmured "It's better than nothing. You never have to worry about the debt of your loan and you can purchase your career to the fullest to be whatever you want to be. How is that a problem?" Lus became argumentative "Ehhh... So that's what you have in mind..." Arkalee eerie smiled to her ".........." Lus posed silence and allowed Basara to progress forward.

The seventh zone was additionally revealed fairly quickly.

> "Acquire a full body plastic surgery plan. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

The nature of this zone proved to be sensitive to some.

"E-EWWWWWWWW?!?!" Tateyana exclaimed "What the fuck?! Like, why?! What gives?!" She found the mere proposition disgusting "I kinda agree, like what?!" Arkalee found it outrageous as well "Why would I need to change how I look?!" Arkalee posed the question "You don't have people who would kill you just by looking at your face?" Kawahara asked her "........" Arkalee posed a silent stance "It's disgusting, still! But I get the point you're trying to make!" Tateyana argued "From head to toe, plastic surgery, I can look however I like? I can---look completely different from the person I currently am?" Yukishiro this time took interest "Yes, that's exactly what it means. For those interested in this option, it's allowed to demonstrate a gallery of people who underwent this program of plastic surgery in which case, you will be able to witness just how accurate it is. But not now." Basara told them "........" Yukishiro had a serious look "She's actually considering it..." Lus murmured "If you combine the plastic surgery along with the new identity combo, you are essentially reborn, except you get to be the very person you want to be. Pretty neat, I can't lie." Daniel seemed to find the option alluring "........." Lus looked at Daniel with a disgusted look.

The sixth zone came next, at the cost of 100,000 points.

> "All criminal charges against you are dropped; furthermore, you can select an individual all across the globe to be charged with your charges. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

"Wait, ANY person?" Yukishiro once again took active interest "There's no fucking way that's true. You can't, for example, choose the president!" Kawahara laughed out loud "But you can." Basara begged to differ however "Huh?" Kawahara fell short as he couldn't believe Basara's affirmation "Whether or not that works in your favor though, is another question. However, it's worth noting that these charges will not be traced back to you. In other words, there is no link between you or that person." Basara added "That's... insane." Kuzan greatly thought of this advantage "So... that means that you can make a single person suffer without them ever knowing it was you...?" Akimiyashika asked Basara "Yes..." Basara felt like he was explaining things that were far too easy to understand "Fantastic, I have to wonder who can actually make it out of my allegations?" Daniel pondered "...Nobody..." Lus answered.

The fifth zone was revealed five seconds after.

> "Your points in this game will become your bank account under your credentials. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

"But you have to give up 150,000 of your points for that and your points will be zero so what's the fucking POINT?!" Tateyana became angry "Isn't that great even so?" Ikkiri this time argued and made her point "If you ever reach a point where you can choose this option, the points you'll be winning per round have to be massive. You could easily forge your own bank account." Ikkiri suggested "......." Tateyana started to imagine it "Maybe the rewards fix the issues that the nature of the option presents. Maybe they give you some compensation points or even boosts..." Hinagiku suggested "A boost? Holy shit that would be... Wow..." Kuzan was mindblown.

However, it was actually something that grabbed the deepest interest of some individuals within the room.

Alas, Basara presented the fourth zone.

> "Select a country across the globe; you will gain citizenship of it and will travel to it via helicopter. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

By far the most appealing offer was made.

"I can actually start over..." Akimiyashika became magnetized by the option "H-Hey!!" She turned to Basara "If I pick this option and select, uhhh---the US, for example----am I still bound by the program?!" She asked a question that everyone wanted to know "But of course you are. You will simply attend the program in that said country." Basara's words made the offer seem inferior to the rest now "Then what's the fucking point!? Where's the freedom in THAT?!" Tateyana complained as well "Hold it, we're getting there..." Kawahara reassured.

Without interference, Basara revealed the third zone.

> "You will be granted legal immunity until you die. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

Yet another most enticing offer was revealed.

"Legal immunity? As in, immune to the fucking law?" Kawahara asked Basara "Yes, rat. No matter what shit you do, you cannot be held accountable." Basara spoke unbelievable words "T-THERE'S NO WAY THAT'S TRUE!! THAT'S TOO MUCH POWER!!!" Yukishiro became engulfed in the possibilities as she denied it "As much as I want to agree, truth is... That's not the case. But I suppose you'll never know until you try it." Basara concluded "Mhm..." Daniel gave some thought about this option "No, it doesn't matter." He quickly crossed it out of his mind "...You don't plan on resuming your drug empire saga?" Lus asked him "I don't." Daniel replied "Really now..." She instigated "Yes, Lus." Daniel simply awaited for the next revelation.

The second zone came forth.

> "Erase your memory up until a part of your life that you wish to no longer remember. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

They were unaware of what to make of this one.

"This... is not funny..." Ikkiri became enraged by this particular option "I can imagine." Basara emphasized "Can you? If so, then why would this be up here as some sort of joke?!" Ikkiri became even more infuriated "Because it's not a joke." Basara's words shocked her and many others "Details about this can be further known at a later time, but I'll give you my word------this option is not a lie. Your past trauma, can be erased from your memory. The sorrow, pain, anguish, and horrifying experiences caused by others to you-----and you to others-----can be erased, genuinely." Basara's words allowed the students to each individually dive into their minds about what haunted them as they pondered whether or not this was all a big joke "Hey......" Kawahara made his darkest expression yet "This better not be a fucking joke or else I'll fucking kill you, you hear me...?" To Basara, Kawahara threatened with a daunting hollow voice "If you're interested, then we can talk later. Though, of course, this is the second zone we're talking about. 350,000 points are required to acquire it..." Basara emitted a diabolical smirk.

And lastly, the first and final zone; the pinnacle of the pyramid, was ultimately revealed.

> "Drop out of the program; you are no longer bound by the game and as an added bonus you may select two prior zones at the cost of 0 points. Bonus rewards revealed upon purchase."

The outroar was formed.

"HOLY SHIT!!" Kuzan slammed his two fists on the table "So there's a way out after all?!" Akimiyashika smiled as she rejoiced "I get it...!! All this time, it's been building up to this!! If only I had known it would go this deep...!!! I had an idea but this is just...!!" Yukishiro became jubilant and ecstatic "And you also get to select two of the other zones, so you are not only out of the program, but you can essentially fix your fucking life however you want it!!" Tateyana also noted "This-----this changes everything...!!" Lus became so excited she started to tremble "........." Daniel was perhaps one of the few only individuals who saw zero merit to this entire event.

Midst this, he decided to glance at Hyunda, but Hyunda remained unresponsive with his right fist dormant on his face as per usual.

"And so, that concludes the explanation. We are already running late and we have to start the fifth round." Basara declared "Wait... 500,000 points, I just realized..." Akimiyashika blurted out "Is that even realistically achievable? I mean, what's the deadline?" To Sagasuga, Akimiyashika directed her words and Sagasuga didn't mind explaining this "In theory, this game is played until there are no players remaining." He revealed "Um... What?" She became horrified "Yes, that's right. That's the only way that I know how the game ends." Sagasuga further revealed "So we... have to kill each other in order for the game to FUCKING END?!" Akimiyashika became alerted "No, of course not. The teacher just provided an alternative. All you have to do is get 500,000 points and you get to waltz out of here for free and you get many other things as well!" Sagasuga happily declared.

But therein lay the question.

"So what's the most effective way to get points?" Kuzan asked Sagasuga "Getting the right answer, of course." Sagasuga told "No, no, that's not---That's not the most effective way." Kawahara laughed "You're a sly one, Sagasuga. To lie to them this early. Come on now, the real easiest way to farm points is to fucking kill people." Kawahara harnessed the attention of all the students "That----" Akimiyashika was stunned for a moment "Yes, that's right." Daniel intervened and the center of attention was shifted back to him "The bounties that come from the kills are extremely useful. And granted, believe it or not, it's actually possible for every single one of us to achieve the first zone." Daniel was quick to give the good news "You----No, stop, you're lying..." Yukishiro, who usually is against Daniel, accused him of lying but she wanted to see why he thought so "No, no, I'm not." Daniel elevated from his seat.

With quick mathematical precision, Daniel delivered the reasoning.

"You have to first understand something: Our classes go all the way from 5 am to 10 pm. There is a lunch break at 2 pm, which lasts all the way to 2.30 pm, so it's fair to assume that the other half of the hour won't actually be dedicated to another round, so activities resume at 3 pm." Erigaisi became enticed by the way Daniel was drawing the attention "Oh?" He crossed his legs and placed them on the top of the glassy squared-table in the front "Each round usually occurs within the time of an hour. This will be our fifth round. The points we earn from a correct guess will be the double of the prior round-----24, which now will be 48. In the sixth upcoming round, at 10 am, the points we will win will be double of that; 96. In the seventh round, at 11 am, we will win the double of that; 192. In the eighth round, at midday, we will win the double of that; 384. In the ninth round, at 1 pm, we will win the double of that; 768. In the tenth round, at 3 pm, we will win the double of that; 1,536. In the eleventh round, at 4 pm, we will win the double of that; 3,072. In the twelfth round, at 5 pm, we will win the double of that; 6,144. In the thirteenth round, at 6 pm, we will win the double of that; 12,288. In the fourteenth round, at 7 pm, we will win the double of that; 24,576. In the fifteenth round, at 8 pm, we will win the double of that; 49,152. And lastly------" Daniel's lengthy reasoning was making a few not understand the depth of his calculations but there were some that were keeping up as he would deliver the ultimate answer "In the sixteenth round, at 9 pm, the last hour of the game, since 10 pm is when our classes end for the day------we will win the double of 49,152 points per choice which is 98,304!!" The sheer shock of the realization left them momentarily speechless.

Daniel took advantage of the silence to say his speech.

"By the last round, a single right answer is the equivalent of 98,304 points. Add the bonuses you'll probably achieve and tell me; are 500,000 points that much? Don't they seem small in the long run?" Daniel asked to the rest of them "Uhhh..." Bryce had the impulse to say it as the other student council members were rendered silent "Didn't he just break the game?" Bryce felt nervous too "Not just break... He literally---WHAT THE FUCK!!!" Skan flipped his switch as he couldn't comprehend how such a strategy could be born on the spot "There's nothing worse than a criminal with a high intelligence..." Andrea dreaded but tried to remain calm "True." The president, however, took a bite out of his cake as he radiated a composed aura.

Daniel went a step further.

"Drop your personal agendas against one another and obey my strategy. The new player that's coming; we will kill that player. The bounty distributes points to every one of us if we kill the player collectively, which just makes the progress faster. Then, we do it, over and over, until 500,000 points are achieved for all of us." Many were starting to see Daniel's point "No, that's...!!" Yukishiro didn't want to admit "Fuck, it just works though...!!!" She refused to look at him while saying that "Alright, I'm ball. As long as no one tries any shit, I'm in." Kawahara sided immediately "I'm the same, holy shit!! I don't wanna kill anyone from the class, you're all my friends even if you're well---AGHHHH, I'm in!!!" Kuzan refused to elaborate any further "I don't see the problem with this strategy. As long as there is a swift agreement between everyone, I think we all win and fix all of our lives. I'm sure that everyone here, myself included, has things that we want to achieve and for that to happen, it would be crucial to drop out of the program." Sagasuga reasoned "I'm in." He smiled as he entered the fray as well "I'M IN TOO!!" More and more agreements came forth.

And thus, in less than a minute, every single person agreed to partake in Daniel's strategy.

"But isn't this SO BAD FOR US THOUGH?!" Bryce rightfully complained and instinctively looked at Erigaisi "Hm?" Erigaisi noticed Bryce's nervous expression and patted his left shoulder "Worry not, boy!!" Erigaisi laughed "Do you honestly believe this to be enough to shatter the tempo of the game? Dear Buddha, we would be a bunch of incompetent clowns otherwise, wouldn't we? But I'll let you onto something-----I'm friends with a witch!" Erigaisi smiled "A... witch?" Bryce found his words absurd "Yes, a witch. A rather obsessed witch. She asked me to specifically navigate this segment from this area and I think I'm starting to understand now why. It all simply..." He relaxed his arms behind the couch as he tilted his head backwards "----makes sense now!" He laughed to no stop.

As Basara was dealing with phone calls, he was ultimately given the signal.

"Alright. Bring the new player in!!" As per Basara's orders, the black guards began to venture outside of the room in order to bring the player inside the room "This---this is fantastic...!!" Lus was happy, beyond happy "You're a genius, Daniel." She complimented him "It's a very basic calculation. As long as it contains numbers, I can solve it." Daniel reassured "Even so! You managed to get everyone to agree with you and you've solved the game!! Now we can all be free!! You can, you know---also get your arms back together, even if they are prosthetic ones!!" Lus started to tear up as she heavily shook Daniel "I never----thought I would say this to you... But it's almost like you're some kind of her------" Lus as she teared up, looked at Daniel, who was firmly staring at the entrance of the room, as if he saw a ghost "...Daniel----?" Lus only saw Daniel's eyes widened to the max as his silent mouth began to slowly open up "No....." His mouth released a whisper and Lus was forced to look to the entrance.

image [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/9c3e3c59-8f24-49ce-8a2b-546d1bb52197/di264yp-095e88c9-f979-4680-86b2-5280927bf061.png/v1/fill/w_987,h_666,q_80,strp/no_context__by_kumokuroro_di264yp-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NjY2IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOWMzZTNjNTktOGYyNC00OWNlLThhMmItNTQ2ZDFiYjUyMTk3XC9kaTI2NHlwLTA5NWU4OGM5LWY5NzktNDY4MC04NmIyLTUyODA5MjdiZjA2MS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9OTg3In1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.ft2ZTps4cT8Ob2_8izBLbYVPjPfZczzJP1GWhtmo614]

As the player was accompanied by two guards, she looked around the room and found it rather spacious.

"Woah, this place is enormous!!" Her voice made Sana instantly turn around from her chair "?!" Her expression became twisted from happiness but also a sense of false reality "That---that can't be you!!" Sana got up from her seat whilst trembling "Oh great. She found out." Hyunda sighed as he looked at the new player "I can't say I predicted this." Sagasuga lowly admitted "...lia....!!!" Daniel used his left leg in order to kick his entire leg backwards which resulted in it falling over "There's no way that's possible..." Kanawari couldn't believe it either, as Daniel began to composed his body although it lacked balance and the strides had irregularities.

Once near Basara, he introduced the new player to the rest of the class.

"As per request from Akimiyashika, a new player was brought into the game! Say hello to Yu-----" Daniel with irregular strides, with his shirt's white sleeves bouncing all over the place, rapidly went in the direction of the new player with a bright happy smile "YULIIAAAAAAAAA---------ARGHH!!!" Brutally punched to the face by one of the guards nearby, Daniel's body flew backwards "Huh?! What the---!!" The new player took two steps back "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!?!" She unleashed a scream in Daniel's direction as Daniel was put down by the guard that got on top of his back; thus halting his movements "....Wh....at...?" In disbelief, though his head was pressed down by the guard's hand press, Daniel muttered those words to her "Yulia, it's me... Daniel, how---Wh----What do you mean you don't...." He gulped "Remember m------" Despite his attempt, this only resulted in her becoming more erratic "I DON'T KNOW YOU!!! Ugh, and I have to play this stupid game too!! Can my life get any worse, damn it...!!" With disgust and repugnance, she looked at Daniel from above "Nonononono-------" He didn't want to believe it, not one bit "Take him away, you fools! We don't got all day!!" By Basara's orders, two guards dispatched Daniel back to his seat by force "A-AHHH...!! No... NOOO!! Y-You're her, you're just like her!! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T KNOW ME?!?!? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF HOW MUCH I------" With a hit to the solar plexus, Daniel was put unconscious as he got dragged to his seat.

Once there, the guards put his dormant body on his chair.

"That was unnecessary, but allow me to introduce you, once again, the new player to this round---" She preferred to introduce herself instead of allowing Basara to hog the spotlight "Oh fuck off. My name is Yulia! And I'm here to win back my freedom, in other words-----to kill the living shit out of every single one of you." Yulia smiled as she saw her targets on the oval table "It's a pleasure to meet you~" The spiral spun once again.

image [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/9c3e3c59-8f24-49ce-8a2b-546d1bb52197/di276t2-8fff594a-935f-4972-927b-f198394a197b.png/v1/fit/w_615,h_865,q_70,strp/no_context__by_kumokuroro_di276t2-375w-2x.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9ODY1IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOWMzZTNjNTktOGYyNC00OWNlLThhMmItNTQ2ZDFiYjUyMTk3XC9kaTI3NnQyLThmZmY1OTRhLTkzNWYtNDk3Mi05MjdiLWYxOTgzOTRhMTk3Yi5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NjE1In1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.DXDQjF07Ax_gXyeJlfxLIuBpv16CEG2-jcQrGNd7VRs]

Volume 26: Chapter 187: Narcissist's Cradle Arc - Part XV.

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