The first words that came out of Sir Neptune’s mouth were, “You know you’re on fire, right?”

The killer nodded. “Of course, of course!” He patted his body, dousing the last of the flames. “And do you know you’re upside down?”

Sir Neptune shrugged or tried to. It looked very weird upside down. “It’s kind of hard to miss. Mind cutting us down? The blood is rushing to my head.”

The killer shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. See, you are a threat. You can do some real damage, unlike these kids. I can tell you’re smarter, too. So if you don’t want somebody to die, I suggest you go along with what I tell you. Kapeesh?”

“And why should we do that!?” Veriy shouted.

For the first time, the killer was off guard. “E-excuse me? I good you, if you don’t, I’m going to kill these kids!”

Veriy squinted his eyes and made a show of looking around. “What kids? I can’t see any kids here! And what are you doing on my lawn, you freeloader? I didn't give you any permission!”

Reina bit back a completely inappropriate chuckle. Same old Veriy as always. He was going to remain the same forever, wasn’t he?

The killer faltered. “What the-? I like you, old man! For that, I’m going to spare your life, how about that?” he asked.

Veriy barked. “Come on now, don’t be soft and spare my life! Cut me down so we can go at it! Man to man, knuckle to knuckle! I may be old but I still have a few tricks up my sleeves!” Veriy announced.

The killer laughed. “I’m sure you do, I’m sure you do. Unfortunately, I need to do something urgent right now. I have a question I need to ask all of you!” he declared.

“Git! You think we’ll talk!?” Minerva asked.

“Doi. If you don’t, I’m going to kill all the little kids here. Once I’m done with them, I’ll move on to Neverstien and kill the little ducklings there. Oh, it’ll be wonderful! A literal bloodbath, I’ll be so busy cataloging!” he crowed.

“You’re insane,” Minerva uttered in abject horror.

“Maybe. Say, wasn’t there more of you?” the killer asked, tapping his head. Reina’s eyes widened and she examined the list of teachers dangling.

There were more than 12, how could there be more teachers? She supposed there was the staff who took care of the school, was he talking about them?

Speaking of them, what happened? Were they safe? Was the fact the killer hadn’t brought them here enough proof to indicate they had escaped? Or were they all lying down in a puddle of their own blood?

“I have one question! Where is she?” he asked.

“You have to be more specific, my mind isn’t what it used to be,” Veriy said.

“Ah, my apologies. The fiery girl, the one who had fire rushing through their body! Oh, I loved them so much! The look on their face was absolutely scrumptious!” he whimpered.

That had to be her he was talking about. But what did he mean by the look on her face. . .it only served to reinforce her theory about them having crossed paths before. But when had a time occurred that such a look would appear on her face?

On one hand, Reina could count the possible options for this: the day she’d been kicked out of the Academy, the forest fire, the house burning down.

Which one was he most likely to have gone to? Damn it all to hell, she needed more information! Reina felt like she was in a tumultuous ocean with only a log to keep her afloat as waves as tall as skyscrapers tried to drown her. Every time she thought she discovered something to give herself an advantage, the killer brought something new out!

{Notice} [The System has heard your cries, Reina Romane. The skill, [Truth Gazer Rank D], has been unlocked.]

Again? A rush of excitement coursed through her body. Still only Rank D, but that was better than nothing. If she gained [Truth Gazer] because of her 'cries', what kind of skill was it?

{Notice} [Analysis. The Skill [Truth Gazer] is a knowledge-based skill, gaining strength from more uses. It allows the user to read the stats of other system ports.]

System ports? Was that talking about the Artists? Reina forced the thought aside; that wasn't what mattered! If she was able to know the moves of the murderer. . . .

Reina narrowed her gaze onto the killer. How was this going to work? Did she just will [Truth Gazer] to activate or-

System port: [REDACTED] Age: 29 years old Species: Human Strength: Agility: Endurance: D B C Circuit Maintenance: Luck: Skills: C B B

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Reina's eyes widened. His skills were [Rank B]?!

“Anybody? No response? Come on!” The killer kicked Arcturus and swung his body around. “I thought you would help more because you were teachers! Come on, teach!"

He smacked Arcturus so hard he swung backward and slammed into the wall. He came back down and the killer grabbed the chain, holding him steady.

“I’m warning you, I’m being nice right now. If you keep on being unhelpful, I’m going to end you right now.” the killer drew a knife, the light reflecting off its keen edge.

Arcturus spat out blood and glared at him. “You think I’m afraid?”

The killer smacked him over the face. “I know you’re afraid. Everybody’s afraid. Everybody. No exception. Nothing. It’s the way life works, after all.” the killer said.

“If that’s the way life works, what’s your fear?” Arcturus asked. “What makes the killer quiver in his bed late at night, hm?”

A question flashed through her mind: was Arcturus suicidal? He must have balls of steel to talk back to the killer in such a manner, especially in the type of situation they were in.

Arcturus would be Arcturus it seemed until the end of time.

“Ha! You’re wrong! So, so, so, so, so wrong! You’re so wrong, I can’t believe it! I don’t have a bed! Hmm, I don’t have one. Not one. I don’t sleep. I can’t sleep. You see, there are these voices in my head. They talk to me, whisper to me, say things. And I listen. Because I’m a good boy. And good boys listen.”

Arcturus stared at him evenly, not showing the tiniest hint of empathy or sympathy. All around him, the teachers were finding a way to escape as the killer ranted on.

“You’re going to be a good boy now! Tell me where she is, I know she likes you! I know she does, I know she does, I know she does. Tell me!” he insisted.

Arcturus leaned back as far as he could go. “Does your breath have to be so disgusting? I can’t breathe it without wanting to throw up, don’t you ever brush your teeth? Urgh, what did your parents ever teach you?”