Hikaru on page 4, Shiori on 7, Sakurai twins on 8, Raku on 9, Miyu on 10, Satoru on 11, Shu on 12, Rena and Nazuna on 13, Hiroyuki on 14, Reika on 16, Miharu on 17, Toru on 18, Usagi on 19

2 Floor Hallway

Yui: ...Nnh?

As I step out into the hallway, I realize something strange in my pocket.

Hikaru: What happened?

Yui: Uh, I found this in my pocket.

It is a small tablet computer. It’s not mine, though.
At the same time, we discover that our personal smartphones are missing. Monokubs must have taken it away so that we cannot call the police.

Hikaru: Wait! I think I have the same one!

He rummages around and pulls out the same computer from his hip pocket.

Hikaru: It says ‘monopad’ on it...When did they put these stuffs in there?

Yui: I’m not sure...

When I activate it, my name is displayed, which shows this is assigned to each of us. So to speak...this is an electronic student ID or something.

Yui: Hmm. I guess we’d better hold them until we find a trush can.

Hikaru: That’s good. Oh, come on! I see a classroom over here.

He puts his hand on the door, but the door does not open.

Yui: Is it locked...?

Hikaru: Yeah, looks like...classroom C is locked.

The sign above the door shows it is classroom C. The next classroom where we were is B.
If wondered where A is, there is another door across the hallway. Whereas the others have red doors, this one has a different design on it.

Yui: ...Again, it won’t open.

Hikaru: That’s life.

Yui: ...mm...Okay, let’s go find something another.

I leave my hand from the locked door and start walking aimlessly down the corridor.





Not long after we break into the open, we see a girl leaning against the pedestal of a dragon statue near the wall. There is something mysterious about her that sets her apart from average person. Perhaps it is her short hair that could be mistaken for that of a boy from behind. Or perhaps it is her deep, pure black dress with a white collar and a cross engraved on it that makes her look like a nun from a distance.

Hikaru: She looks like a little bit grown-up, but we know she’s a high school student.

Yui: Right. She might have been kidnapped and got here just like us.

At that time,

???: What are you?

The girl stares at me with sharp eyes.

???: Please don’t make me ask again. Who are you?

Her voice is quiet on the surface, but underneath, there is an intense suspicion.

Hikaru: h-Hey, let’s calm down! We ain’t like that you’re doubtin’ now!

He waves his hands to clear up the misunderstanding. Still, she does not let her guard down as if she believed she was the judger whether it was suspicious or not.

???: ...Where did you come from?

The girl asks.

Yui: That is...what I don’t know. I just woke up all of a sudden in the dark, cramped place. I tried to get out, tripped, and then, I was in the unfamiliar classroom. And...I don’t know how to get home. I don’t even have a way to contact my family. I just don’t know what to do.

As I struggle to weave words from my confused thoughts, I realize my voice getting to crack with weakness. Plus, guilt strikes me. I should consider everyone has endured the same fears. Yet, to my surprise, the girl’s voice comes back in gentle and tender manner.

???: Oh, I see. You were thrust into an unknown place, bewildered by everything around you. How terrifying that must have been. Poor thing. Even getting this far must have taken so much courage.

Yui: Mm...maybe. But thanks to Hikaru, I...

I stop short.

Yui: Oh! I haven’t introduced myself, huh? I’m Yui. And this is Hikaru.

Hikaru: Nice to meet ya!

He grins his usual friendly smile. The girl gives a faint smile back.

Shiori: Pleased to meet you. I’m Shiori Amenosaku. They call me the Ultimate Therapist. We’re now friends, do you agree?

Her voice has both the refinement and coolness of a high-class young lady. But also, there is somewhat elder and dependable vibe.

Yui: Of course. So...what exactly does a therapist do?

Shiori: Simply put, I do heal people’s mind and body. I don’t have a strict way, but I choose from a variety of healing methods to personalize each individual. It can be aromatherapy, massage, counseling or a fortune telling...

Yui: Fortune telling?

The word sounds somewhat suspicious...if it is part of her therapy.

Shiori: Yes. There’re those who find solace in believing in mysteries of the universe, the hidden meanings of numbers, the magic of the cards, and other delusions with NO basis in reality. I can do Western astrology, tarot reading, and palm reading.

Squinting her clear blue eyes, she places her hand upon her chest.

Shiori: Every human heart is fragile, so precarious. Whenever you feel scared, sorrowful, or overwhelmed, do not feign strength, nor feel shame. Just tell me. you’ll feel better.