ã€ŠDreamScape: Survival of the Smartestã€‹


 Prologue of the nightmare

    "Dreams"

    What comes to your mind when you hear this word?

    An ideal world? A place where all your wishes can come true?

    A fantasy?

    Or perhaps an alternate reality that resides within our subconscious.

    There may be many things that come to mind.

    Let me ask you another question,

    what if someone tells you that

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it."your dreams can become true"? What would you do? It''s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to turn them into reality. You might think, "It''s wonderful to make them come true."

    A world where our dreams can truly become reality, where we can transform our dreams into reality.

    But for me, it''s a world that should not exist, a world that should never become true.

    You may ask, "Why?"

    "Why do you think so?"

    In everyone''s perspective ,

    Dreams are a realm of possibilities, where wishes may come true, and an ideal world seems within reach.

    But for me, it''s a haunting dimension, a forbidden crossing of paths where nightmares merge with reality. Let me tell you my story, where the line between the dreams and reality blurs, and the darkness of dreams intersects with the shining reality.

    I, Araki Ryota, faced a series of nightmares at the age of sixteen, where dreams converged with reality and our lives were constantly kept at stake.

    This is the tale of my worst nightmare.

 Chapter 1 : Invitation

    "Huh? Where am I?"

    I murmured in a low voice, the words barely escaping my lips.

    "I can''t see anything"

    I was surrounded by an impenetrable darkness, and I felt as if I''d lost my vision. While I was grasping the situation In the midst of darkness, I heard the sound of footsteps coming from behind me. As I turned, wondering what it was, I saw a man wearing a white coat. He approached me and started speaking

    "Why-"

    His voice sounded like a faint murmur, as if my ears were struggling to catch every word, or perhaps my hearing was impaired in the darkness.

    "Why don''t you have any d- beep beep beep"

    As I heard the blaring sound of my mobile alarm, my eyes slowly opened. I reached over, woke up, and promptly silenced it, muttering to myself.

    "A dream? Whatever"

    I couldn''t remember the dream clearly, but it felt like I had a long conversation with someone talking about something important Even though the details were fuzzy, His face appeared blurry in my mind. but it left me with a strong sense of connection. Either way it doesn''t matter cause it''s just a dream. I approached the curtains and pulled them apart, allowing the light to flood into the room.

    "Here we go, off to another boring day."

    With a sign, I resigned to the prospect of facing yet another uneventful routine. I took a quick shower, changed into my school uniform, and headed off to school.

    [September 5th,2025]

    My name is Araki Ryota, a 16-year-old ordinary high school student. It has been five months since I started attending high school in Tokyo, and It has been five days since our summer vacation ended and I returned to Tokyo from my hometown. Incidentally, ever since I began high school, I have been living on my own. I reside in an apartment that is a ten-minute walk away from my school. As you can expect, I don''t have the luxury of preparing my breakfast, so on my way to school, I usually stop by a convenience store to buy my breakfast and lunch.

    After a quick two-minute walk from the convenience store, I arrived at the school. The hallways echoed with the lively conversations of students, filling the air with the sound of their voices. Without stopping anywhere, I proceeded directly to my classroom, avoiding any unnecessary detours, and took my seat at the back by the window, From the left corner far from the back door. my position allowed anyone entering the room to easily spot me.

    "Good morning"

    A guy entered the classroom through the backdoor, greeting as he made his way inside. I couldn''t help but notice his gaze directed towards me.

    "Eh? Is he perhaps greeting me? why?"

    Feeling a bit confused by his greeting, I decided to return the gesture and greet him back.

    "Go¡ª"

    "Good morning"

    Before I could finish my greeting, another voice interrupted me. It came from a boy seated diagonally across from me. I realized then that the initial greeting was not meant for me. Ofcourse it''s not, it''s already weird enough that someone is talking to me because I am known for my cold demeanour, a guy who never smiles or speaks, and always eats alone and stays alone¡ªa true loner.

    At that moment, I was just glad that my voice was low. I silently acknowledged that it would have been awkward if he had heard my voice, maintaining a cool demeanour.

    "friends?"

    For as long as I remember, I''ve never had any friends, and I''ve never felt the need for them. I am certain that from this point onward too, I won''t make any and I don''t need any. Friends invade your privacy, demand your time, and it''s exhausting to deal with their selfishness. In my opinion, the downsides outweigh the benefits. friends often use you and then discard you once their needs were met.

    "There are some honest friends out there?" give me a break! Instead of finding one, I prefer to be alone, because they are like a drop in a ocean. That''s why I''ve abandoned the concept of friendship and decided to be alone. It feels so peaceful and comfortable when I am alone by myself.

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "Girlfriend?"

    The school day came to an end, and as I made my way to the shoe rack on the ground floor to change my shoes, I discovered an envelope in my designated slot. while wondering what is it, I retrieved it and held it in my hands. To my surprise, it was a love letter¡ªa proclamation of affection addressed to me. The note requested that I meet the sender behind the main building.

    Regarding your previous question, it''s better to show you my answer rather than telling you.

    [Behind the main building]

    "Araki kun, I-I''ve been in l-love with you for a long time. P-please, go out with me."

    There she stood, the girl who had been waiting for me, confessing her feelings. It put me in a bind. She had a bob-cut hairstyle and was properly dressed in her uniform and upon closer look, I recognized her as my classmate. No wonder I felt a sense of familiarity. If I recall correctly, her name was...

    "I really like how cool and reserved you are, that''s why-"

    "Umm...Thank you for expressing your feelings towards me. But...Your name....What was it again?"

    "Eh?"

    "Uh"

    Upon hearing my words, she turned and retreated to a corner, her figure disappearing from sight. A moment later, a muffled sob reached my ears. It seemed that my response had left her in tears.

    Her name is Sanehara Kasumi, my classmate. Of course, I already know her name, and I did it on purpose to reject her without bothering to come up with an elaborate response. There''s no need for you to remember her name; I''m certain I won''t be involved with her again.

    As you can see, I don''t want to spare my time with friendship''s so having a girlfriend seems like a far-fetched idea. Even if I were to date someone, I anticipate that the relationship would end within a week, she would definitely get sick of me because dating someone demands a lot of time and I would definitely don''t want to waste my time on these things.

    There are three reasons to why I rejected that girl. First, I simply don''t have any romantic feelings towards her. Second, I don''t want to waste my time and energy in a relationship. And third, perhaps the most significant reason of all...

    "She isn''t even qualified to be my girlfriend"

    With that thought firmly in my mind, I made my way home. Along the way, I stopped by a vending machine and purchased a can of DLightcola, a popular beverage that had gained popularity in recent times. It offered a refreshing taste, and it seemed to be like many people are buying this you can able to spot at least five people per hour drinking this near convenience stores and vending machines.

    Thanks to the meaningless confession, it was already past 6 o''clock, so I hurriedly bought cup noodles at the convenience store and made my way home, eager to cool off and relax.

    As I walked, holding the cover that contains the refreshing cola and cup noodles in my right hand and I held my phone in my left hand, glancing at Zwitter on the screen. Accidentally, I got bumped by a guy who is coming from the opposite direction at the crossing, as a result causing my smartphone to slip from my grip and fall to the ground. With a sinking feeling, I watched as the screen cracked a little upon impact.

    "S-sorry," the stranger stuttered, his voice filled with genuine remorse.

    "No problem," I replied, giving the impression that everything was okay despite the inconvenience.

    I crouched down to retrieve my phone and then *blink*

    I noticed a notification blinking on the screen. So I stood up and clicked on the notification. It was an invitation and a strange e-mail It read: "WE INVITE YOU TO TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY: DreamLink Corporation - Selected Participant."

    "Turn your dreams into reality?" The phrase sent a jolt down my spine, causing my eyes to widen as I read it.

    The email continued, saying, "Araki Ryota-sama, you have been invited to participate in our experiment. Through our innovative technology, you will have the ability to remember your dreams and control your actions within them. We greatly value your assistance in this experiment, we are awaiting for your reply and in return,

    we are pleased to offer you to..."

    "MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE"

    When I spoke those words Everything around me seemed to freeze in that moment, as if time itself had paused.

    "Is this-"

    *beep*

    The sudden sound of a car horn bought me back to reality, breaking my distraction caused by that email, and reminding me that I was standing in the middle of the zebra crossing. The pedestrian light had turned red, indicating it was time to hurry to the other side. I quickly made my way across and continued on my path towards home.

    Nevertheless, I couldn''t help but wonder about the email. What was that email actually? spam? Even for a spam, it looked surprisingly official. Well, Either way, whether it is just a spam or not, it''s clear that I won''t be taking part in this play. "Make your wishes comes true?" No matter how I look at it, that seems so suspicious and besides it''s just a waste of time. To think about it, It''s not like me to take these things too seriously based on just an email. For now, I will just go home, relax, and forget about it.

    Quickly dismissing the strange email from my mind, I returned home while exhausted and I don''t have the energy to make my dinner, so I ate the cup noodles which I have bought at the convenience store earlier and went to sleep.

    The next day arrived, and as I expected, I completely forgot about the email and proceeded with my daily routine.

    Soon,

    Days turned into weeks, As I continued my normal lifestyle, October is in the corner, However, it didn''t take too long for me to notice a change in my routine. Amidst the repetitive days, I began to sense an irregularity entering my lifestyle, a feeling began that something was off.

    However,

    Over the course of three weeks since September 5th, I finally realised what that irregularity is.

    [September 26th, 2025]

    Due to my cleaning duties and errands, I found myself walking home late at 6:45 PM. As I made my way, I began to feel that something was off.

    It''s faint but I can sense it. There is no mistake.

    Unbeknownst to me, my uneventful and peaceful life is about to collapse, and going to take an unexpected and drastic turn in some moments. because..

    "I''m being followed".

    To be continued........Next time chapter 2:Encounter

 Chapter 2: Encounter

    This feeling. There is no mistake

    "I''m being followed"

    [Three weeks back, September 6th, 2025]

    It had been 24 hours since I received that suspicious email and I have long forgotten about it. Sticking to my boring yet peaceful routine, I bought the Dlightcola and purchased some vegetables to make curry in the convenience store.

    It''s not good for my health to buy dinner at the convenience store every day so 4 days a week I try to cook my dinner. But thanks to that girl and the email this week I am going to cook for 3 times only.

    After coming home and taking a quick shower, then changed into my hoodie and relaxed for a while.

    "Ah I forgot the eggs"

    I realized I had forgotten to buy eggs, which I had planned to use for making an omelette for a late-night meal.

    So I went out to buy eggs I locked the door and climbed down and made my way to the store.

    No one was walking on the road outside my apartment, And I found myself alone going to the store.

    After a minute I began to hear someone''s footsteps coming from behind me making me aware that I am no longer alone and someone is behind me. The sound of that person''s footsteps was peculiar and heavy But that doesn''t matter to me anyway so I quickly made my way to the store and bought the goods and went home.

    [September 7th, 2025]

    I closed the door of my room and made my way to school. As I walked, I began to see my school gate and the road was bustling with students and then *tap*

    Among the crowd, I began to hear the same peculiar footsteps that I had heard yesterday night.

    "Huh? This sound, I heard it yesterday as well. Was it a coincidence?" Without turning my head or stopping, I continued on my way to school.

    [After school]

    I quickly made my way home and crossed the school gate and walked alone and after I travelled a few metres *tap* it started again.

    "Again?" I thought, a puzzled expression slightly showed on my face as I continued walking While making sure to maintain my composure.

    The days went by,

    Day by day, day by day, day by day

    Whenever I go out, I can able to sense and hear those footsteps behind me. From home to school or coming back from school, going out on weekends, going grocery shopping. Even walking among the crowd

    Regardless of the time, I could always hear those footsteps behind me.

    That''s when I started realising that an irregularity that should not exist in my day-to-day life has entered and then...

    [Present day - September 26th,2023]

    I came to conclude that

    "*SOMEONE IS FOLLOWING ME*"

    "Who is it? Why are they following me? More importantly, what is their motive? "

    My head was filled with these thoughts but I remained cool on the outside to avoid that person becoming aware of my knowledge.

    Without stopping anywhere I simply came home and after a fresh up and sat on my sofa and started figuring out how to deal with him.

    "They are just footsteps. Why are you getting so worked up over it? You can hear them everywhere when you go out. And aren''t all footsteps the same?" You might be asking me, and it perfectly makes sense.

    I would have agreed with your question If I was in middle school. But now I find it hard to believe that.

    Because We can able distinguish the footstep sounds and identify the details behind them and I am able to do that. This factor is going to help me in identifying and confronting the stalker.

    When I disconnected myself from relations and friendships after starting middle school, all the time I spent alone is not meaningless. I became a keen observer and started observing my surroundings and learned the sound variations around me and I gained the ability to distinguish sounds *very accurately*

    There are many sounds that we can able to identify easily, suppose you are at the beach, you can easily identify the sound of waves, While walking on the road upon hearing *a beep* you can able to tell it''s a vehicle horn without a second thought.

    These sounds are very easy to identify but when it comes to identify a person through his footsteps is a whole different level.

    Even though you can able to say you can hear footsteps but identifying a person through their footsteps is not an easy feat.

    There is a way to compare footsteps and identify which person is making that sound.

    The wavelength, the sound intensity, the walking pattern, and the time intervals between each footstep - everything matters when comparing footsteps.

    Every parameter will help you in identifying the person. But there are some limitations,

    Every person creates a distinct footstep sound when wearing different types of footwear. When someone wears sandals, they produce a unique sound, and when they wear shoes, the sound is different.

    There might be similar sounds but they are just similar and not the same.

    "Isn''t that an obvious thing?" You are absolutely right. It''s an obvious thing.

    But when it comes to identifying whether a person is stalking you or not, this fact plays a crucial role and helps you in identifying him. And fortunately, the person who is following me didn''t change his footwear in all these days which worked in my favour.

    After many days of repetition, I became familiar with the footsteps of the person following me to the point where I could easily identify his footsteps even amidst a noisy crowd.

    Another reason I can identify the footsteps is that they started suddenly all of the sudden.

    I am sensitive to sudden changes and it makes me aware of the change for a certain period. when we talk about the

    Footsteps and after I became aware that someone is following me I can''t simply ignore it. Of course, there are other footsteps that I hear in my daily life like my classmate''s footsteps but this case is wholly different from that because, whenever I went out I was able to hear them.

    I can''t determine clearly whether it''s a man or a woman but I can definitely able to tell that person is wearing loafers by the sound he is making and judging by the intensity and walk pattern, the person is most probably a man and he is keeping a fair distance between me as the sound he is producing is low but heavy. the time interval between each footstep is less than average.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    The average number of footsteps people take per second is typically around 2 to 3 steps at a normal pace. This can vary from person to person based on their pace.

    But this particular person is taking barely 2 steps per second which suits well for a person who is following someone. I tried to be as nice as possible but maybe I should admit that he is a stalker irrelevant to his reasoning.

    These details are enough for me to deduce this much and conclude that he is following me.

    "Now, it''s time to finally see him."

    Up until now, I haven''t taken any actions that would make him aware of my knowledge of his existence. However, if I turn my head to see his face I don''t know what he might do and I might miss my chance to catch him and even worse he could abduct me.

    So I came up with a plan to take a look at him without making him alert.

    But before that, I should confirm his existence once more.

    [September 27th, 2025]

    It was Saturday and a day off for my school so it''s a perfect day to confirm it.

    I went out in the morning wearing a T-shirt with a black colour jacket on it, and wearing jeans on the bottom and I walked in front of the fashion malls in Tokyo.

    *tap*

    "Perfect! He is following me"

    I decided to stop and take a look at the shirts that were placed inside the shop. I stood in front of the shop, facing the glass. As I had expected, the footsteps also stopped.

    "It stopped," I thought.

    After standing there for a brief two minutes, I decided to move on. Just a few seconds after I resumed walking,

    *tap*

    "Just as I expected, he is watching my actions".

    Whenever I stop, the footsteps also cease. This confirmed without a doubt that there is a stalker following me.

    "Now then, it''s time to see how he looks"

    I came across a park and went inside the toilet and took out my mobile opened the back camera and kept it in my back pocket so the camera can record whoever walking behind me. This is the plan I was talking about earlier.

    He must be walking at least ten metres away from me so he may not be able to notice that I am spying on him.

    Then after I left the park, I took the same route as I came to the park and headed towards the shopping malls,

    As usual, after a few minutes, I entered the main streets and I started hearing the person''s footsteps.

    My phone kept on recording the whole session while I was out.

    Upon arriving home, I immediately opened my phone and checked the recorded video of my back.

    The footsteps of that person were definitely audible, but I couldn''t see any suspicious individuals. There was a couple walking behind me, a middle-aged man engrossed in his mobile phone, and a group of teenagers, among other people. However, none of them seemed to match the sound of that person''s footsteps.

    It was at that moment, the person who is responsible for the peculiar footsteps entered the frame.

    All of a sudden, I became alert and watched the video carefully, feeling a jolt run down my spine.

    "It''s matching, the sound matches with the footsteps" I uttered

    As I suspected, it was a man. He appeared to be young and was wearing a hoodie with headphones on his head. Although he was far from the camera, I couldn''t make out his expression. However, what caught my attention more than anything else was the fact that he was undeniably looking in my direction. After that, the focus of the lens became more clear, giving me a better sight and then I looked at his legs and there I saw...

    HE IS WEARING LOAFERS.

    who wears loafers in that outfit? But, regardless, all the checkboxes are ticked. There is no mistake He is the guy who has been following me.

    My expression turned into a smirk

    "Bingo."

    I decided to confront him tomorrow, but before that, I would like to take a look at his appearance properly.

    [The same day 7:30 pm]

    I went out to the convenience store, and as usual, I could hear his footsteps. While walking, I took out my mobile phone as I approached the store and opened the camera. I put it on selfie mode and stopped, pretending to be scrolling. The footsteps stopped as well. I tilted my camera to my right side, zooming it to 2x, and then I saw the person standing behind me. To my surprise, there was a delinquent? He is standing near the vending machine, with yellow hair and piercings glowing on his ears.

    With one hand holding the phone, I tilted it downwards to see his shoes there I saw...

    "Loafers? " I thought briefly while surprised

    What''s going on? Where is the person following me? I''m certain they must be visible in my camera. Why is there a delinquent here wearing loafers and is it that person who is making the exact same sound with the same pattern?

    My mind was filled with these thoughts as I assessed the situation.

    I kept my phone in my pocket and decided to walk past the convenience store and started walking, Incidentally, footsteps also began again.

    Then I realised, slowly as my expression turned into a smile I started speaking with a low voice,

    "I see. Disguise huh"

    [September 28th, 2025]

    Today I decided to confront him, So I came at night and repeated the same routine as yesterday morning and walked in front of fashion malls at 8 pm. This time I am going to see his face with my own eyes.

    I threw my purse deliberately making sure he doesn''t notice it and I crouched down to retrieve it.

    "The moment he stops, I will get up and start walking towards him then I will take a good look at his face". I thought to myself

    While crouching, I was waiting for the moment when the footsteps stop.

    But, the footsteps didn''t stop. It continued and became louder and louder than usual.

    He isn''t stopping. Is he approaching me? I didn''t expect that.

    The loafers came into my vision, he is now standing right in front of me. I turned my head upwards to take a glance at him. The man stopped and look at me and started speaking.

    "What''s up, young boy? " The man asked

    "It''s nothing. I just dropped my purse" I stood up while speaking, trying to maintain a calm demeanour.

    This time office worker disguise huh

    He is taller than I expected and is holding a bag in his right hand and wore a suit and his hair is dyed black again and he look like he is in 30s.he appears to be like an office worker who is going home from his office.

    "Um... Are you going home from your office?"

    "Yes, Fortunately, my overtime work didn''t take much longer"

    Caught him.

    "Even though it''s a day off? " I spoke as I glared at him with a smirk on my face.

    Let''s see how will you answer.

    "In adult life, there will be days where we should work even on days off, this is one of those days" The man replied instantly.

    "Tch," I thought internally, frustrated by his quick reply.

    "I see, being an adult is tough"

    "That''s right. Well I should better get going"

    The man turned around and began walking briskly, increasing the distance between us.

    For the first time, I found myself standing behind the person who had been following me all these days. It''s ironic, because this time it''s me who is pursuing his identity and purpose.

    I am sure he will follow me again. With that thought, I turned back and started walking.

    I came to the streets and headed towards my apartment

    *tap*

    "Here he is"

    [Third person point of view]

    The man who had been following Araki appeared behind him and cautiously continued to follow. Araki turned the corner towards his apartment and vanished from the man''s vision.

    The man was wearing the same outfit as before, holding the same bag. The difference now was that he was wearing glasses and had changed his tie, altering his appearance.

    As the man reached the turning point and turned,

    "Yo," Araki stood there, speaking while leaning against the wall.

    [Araki P.O.V]

    "Haven''t you gone home yet? I thought you finally got some time off." I said, sarcastically.

    "W-Who are you? Have we met before?" the man asked hastily.

    "Playing dumb, are we? Didn''t we just meet earlier? Right, Overtimer-san, or should I call you STALKER-SAN?" I spoke while glaring at him.

    "S-Stalker? W-What are you talking about? And besides, what is a kid doing outside so late at night?"

    "You can change your appearance in such a short time heh that''s impressive. But if you change your footwear, your disguise would be perfect."

    The man fell silent, a serious look washing over him as he looked down.

    "First, you were a headphone boy, then a delinquent, then an office worker, and now office worker 2.0. It must be hard to maintain your disguises."

    Suddenly, my expression turned cold, and with a piercing look, I asked

    "So why are you following me? Isn''t it time already to confess everything, what is your purpose?"

    The man started shaking. Is he scared? crying? For real?

    "Mmmmm"

    I started hearing murmuring sounds from the man, and then...

    "Hahahahahahhahahahahahahahah,"

    all of a sudden, the man burst into laughter. If you ask me how was he laughing, It was an evil laugh. Tension filled my mind, and I quickly put my guard up and took a stance to prepare for the worst.

    The man threw his glasses and put his hand on his head, ripping off the mask he was wearing while loosening his tie. He has a handsome face and looks like he is in his 20s.

    "Good grief (yaare yaare), you caught me, huh? Or rather, you knew it right, from the very start, don''t you?" he said, smiling.

    "Well, yeah, you''re not wrong. By the way, is this how you really look?"

    "Who knows"

    The man smiled and started speaking formally,

    "Sorry for the inconvenience I''ve caused you Araki Ryota-kun. Don''t worry I don''t mean to do any harm. Well then, Let me introduce myself, Nice to meet you or else Nice to meet you again I guess. I am Kurogane Tatsuya from DreamLink Corporation. I am here to invite you to participate in the experiment."

    "DreamLink Corporation?" My eyes widened as I uttered, realising that I had heard that term somewhere before.

    "Experiment? Invite? Why does this link feel so familiar? D¨¦j¨¤ vu? No, I definitely saw those terms together before. Am I forgetting something?"

    As I closed my eyes, the email I received on September 5th flashed before me, and I exclaimed,

    "That email?!"

 Chapter 3: Threat

    "That email?!" I thought With a shocked expression on my face,

    "Judging by your expression, you seem to know about us. Did you read that email? We are still awaiting your reply to our invitation" Kurogane said.

    Damn it, my thoughts are written all over my face. With a calm expression, I began to speak.

    "Email? I don''t know what you are talking about. Besides my inbox is filled with a lot of spam emails I don''t know which email you are talking ab-"

    "No(iye), you certainly read the email. That too thoroughly" Kurogane interrupted with a heavy response, narrowing his eyes.

    "This guy is perceptive," I thought to myself.

    The flow of this conversation, it''s definitely not going to end well. I need to do everything I can to avoid getting involved in any mess.

    "That''s not good Araki-kun, you told me to stop playing dumb but here you are acting like you don''t know," Kurogane said sarcastically.

    "How are you so confident, That I read it thoroughly?" I asked while glaring at him.

    He can easily confirm whether I''ve read the email or not through a read receipt, but that doesn''t mean I read its contents. There''s a high chance I could have dismissed it as spam without reading it. Even a single peek can be considered a read receipt. So, how can he be so certain that I read it thoroughly?

    "Of course, I''m confident about it because I saw you standing in the middle of the road, completely absorbed in reading the email after your phone dropped because of me. Is there any other way to explain it?"

    What? He saw me while reading? But how? From where did he see me? at the very least, I am sure he wasn''t anywhere near me. Am I missing something?

    Wait, did he just say "Because of me." Realizing what it means, my expression swiftly changed into a smile

    "Hmph, I see, you''re that guy who bumped* into me, aren''t you?"

    "So you finally caught on", he replied with a cunning smile

    no wonder I didn''t notice him, At that time I was running late home and that email grabbed all my attention, that''s why I didn''t notice his footsteps. So that means he is watching me from the moment I received that email.

    "So why didn''t you reply yet?, the HQ is awaiting your re-"

    "No need to tell that nonsense, just cut to the chase already and tell me what you want from me" I interrupted with a straight face.

    Kurogane gave a brief smile after hearing my response,

    "As always, you don''t like to waste your time. To be honest, I also don''t like to do this formally and it''s a waste of time."

    "So what do you want from me?"

    Kurogane takes a deep breath and releases,

    "I will get straight to the point, I want you to participate in the experiment, Araki Kun"

    "So you are telling me to become a guinea pig in your experiment."

    "Haha, that''s an amusing way to put it. But that''s not what I am saying"

    "I refuse."

    "What? "

    "As I said, I refuse to participate. You must know it very well since you followed me all these days, I am not interested, and besides It-"

    "It''s a waste of time, of course, I know it very well. But, who told you that you have the option to refuse? " Kurogane shot down my response.

    "What are you trying to say? " I replied, narrowing my gaze.

    "Say Araki Kun, why do you think I followed you all these days if all I meant to do was just to invite you? "

    That''s true, if all he meant was just to invite me he should have done it right away after I ignored that email. There is no need for him to follow me all these days just for that small reason. Then, why is he following me? Is there any other reason for it?

    "Normally, I should not tell you this but I will make an exception for you. The moment you got that email you have already witnessed our company''s secrets, our experiment where you can remember your dreams and control your actions, We didn''t make it public yet. Since you already know about it you don''t have a choice to reject it"

    "huh!? You are the guys at fault, I didn''t ask you to send me your secret-"

    "As for the other question, Why I am following you" Kurogane interrupted with a heavy tone reply.

    He is completely ignoring me. That means he doesn''t care about my answer.

    "Since you already know our secrets, what do you think will happen if you disclose or tell about that email to other people? "

    Don''t tell me(masaka)

    "You will........ Kill me? " maintaining a cool expression, I responded with a low voice, although I can feel a drop of sweat running down my cheek.

    "Haha, you are wrong, you are wrong. What do you take us for? Don''t worry, we don''t kill you. But we will make sure to silence the people with whom you have shared the contents of the email" Kurogane said in a chilling tone

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "So you will kill after all"

    "That''s how it is( soyukoto). That''s why I followed you, to ensure that the details of the experiment aren''t leaked"

    The air around us suddenly turned heavy. I never expected that this conversation would take such a dangerous turn.

    "That''s quite dangerous, isn''t it? Nobody warned me not to disclose that email to anyone. What if I accidentally told anyone by mistake? " I voiced my concern, trying to grasp the intensity of the situation.

    "That''s your fault, Araki Kun, you didn''t reply to our email, So you didn''t know about that besides you didn''t tell anyone right? I told you everything I have been up to, So participate in the experiment. " Kurogane asked seriously.

    "What if I insist on rejecting? "

    "Hmm, so you really don''t want to take part, that''s unfortunate," Kurogane said with a disappointed look.

    Did he convinced by that?

    "There is no helping it then, Araki Kun if I recall correctly your parents live in Shinjuku rig- "

    I stepped forward, my hand instinctively grabbing his collar, and with a deadly gaze, I looked at him. Our surroundings became silent all of a sudden, and I spoke with a heavy tone.

    "I didn''t hear it quite right. What did you just say? " I asked while giving a death stare

    "Don''t make me repeat myself, I think you understand what I''m implying here very well " Kurogane replied with the same tone.

    I narrowed my eyes and tightened my grip on his collar, but then I released my hands, letting go of his collar.

    "Well, let''s calm down for a second, I believe you understand that you''re in no position to reject our invitation. If you don''t cooperate, we need to harm your family to ensure your participation "

    "Threat huh, isn''t that a dirty play coming from you," I said with a disgusting tone

    "Adults have their own ways of handling things, young boy," Kurogane replied with a hint of condescension in his voice.

    "hmmph, isn''t killing me would be the best and quickest way to avoid any leakage and disagreement? " I asked

    "No. You are a very valuable sample for our experiment. We won''t kill you, but if you leak anything about us, we will eliminate the other person and make sure you live along with that guilt, you have to suffer your entire life knowing that someone has died because of you" Kurogane stated with a chilling tone.

    "That''s quite an outrageous policy you guys follow," I said sarcastically.

    "That''s why you have no choice but to participate and I don''t think you have any demerits here. Because we are offering you to grant your wishes if you participate-"

    "Regarding that. How much of that part is real?"

    "How much if you ask? Everything is true"

    "Is really participating is enough for you to grant my wishes?" I asked without hesitation with a straight face.

    Kurogane''s eyes narrowed

    "I don''t think I have an answer for that, but it''s clear that, if you don''t participate you won''t get anything instead you might lose something valuable, what do you say? A-r-a-k-i Kun"

    This guy keeps reminding me that he will harm my family if I don''t take part in it. He has completely cornered me. I don''t have any cards to play anymore, or rather, I didn''t have any cards from the beginning. This situation is unavoidable ever since I received that email. I am already involved in this mess. There is no choice left, I have to accept it.

    I let out a deep sigh, accepting the reality of the situation, and made up my mind to confront it head on.

    "Looks like you''re really determined to fulfill my wishes. Fine. I accept it. I will participate in the experiment. However, promise me that you won''t lay a finger on my family. Is that clear?"

    Kurogane''s smirk widened, sensing his victory

    "You''re usually cold-hearted when it comes to friendships and dating, but you unexpectedly have a soft spot for your family, huh?"

    "Shut up(damare), that''s not an answer" I retorted sharply

    "Very well, I promise you. I won''t even look at your family. It seems we have a deal. Others have accepted without resistance, and you were the only one left," Kurogane responded, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction.

    "Others? Are there other people too?"

    "Of course, there are other people as well. We can''t rely on a single person to achieve good results."

    "I have some questions, why did you select me? what are going to do in the experiment? also what is the purpose-"

    "Hold on for a moment, I cannot answer your questions regarding the experiment publicly"

    "Then tell me, why did you choose me for your experiment?" I asked, seeking a direct answer.

    Kurogane paused for a moment, considering my request.

    "Honestly, I don''t know why they selected you either. The professor handpicked the participants from this region. He monitors your dreams and chose individuals who showed potential and unique abilities, and perhaps you possess an ability that piqued the professor''s interest."

    "monitors? Are you saying you can spectate other people''s dreams?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

    "Oops, it seems like I let slip something that shouldn''t have been said. Don''t worry, there''s no need for you to know, and also I am not obliged to answer" Kurogane responded casually.

    Maybe I''m just overthinking things, but it seems like they''re hiding something. If my intuition is correct, then this experiment is definitely bad news. But there''s no backing down now.

    "If you have suspicions about our organization, don''t worry. We will explain everything about the experiment at the venue."

    "It''s getting even more suspicious and that''s not reassuring at all"

    "Don''t say that, Well then, Since I answered your first question, I also have a question for you" Kurogane asked nonchalantly

    "What is it?"

    "It might be a little late for this" Kurogane hesitated

    "Just spit it out already. What is it?"

    "How did you figure out that I was following you? I made sure to change my disguise and alter my appearance, ensuring that you wouldn''t notice me." Kurogane asked with a serious look.

    Silence grew between us for a while, his question left me blank. collecting my thoughts in one place I began speaking,

    "You... You really have awful timing, don''t you? Isn''t it already too late for that?"

    "I am well aware of that, but my job comes first before my personal curiosity. So, how did you figure it out?" Kurogane asked with a straight face despite his weird timing.

    I explained to him in detail how I had noticed his presence by observing his loafers and the distinct sound of his footsteps, recounting everything that had led me to realize he was following me. Including the strategies I had implemented to catch him without his knowledge.

    "So you''re saying that my footsteps gave away my presence? Seriously?"

    "It might sound unbelievable, but your unique footsteps give away your presence. I noticed the distinct rhythm and pattern of your steps, which helped me identify your presence."

    Upon hearing my answer, Kurogane burst into laughter, startling me a bit.

    "Hahaha...Wonderful(subarashi), to think I got caught in such an easy way. I thought no one will notice my footwear and loafers will go well with office disguises so I didn''t change them but looks like I underestimated you, No wonder my disguises were futile."

    "Well it wasn''t easy actually" I replied silently

    "You are really an interesting person. I see. I am starting to get why that person sees you so special" Kurogane said.

    "That person?"

    "Nothing. I was just talking to myself. So, once again"

    Kurogane extended his hand, offering a handshake.

    "On behalf of DreamLink Corp.(DLC), I appreciate your cooperation and I welcome you to take part in our experiment, Araki Kun"

    I extended my left hand and interlocked it with his hand in a firm handshake.

    I don''t know what we are going to do in this experiment, or what is their purpose and I still have my doubts about the part where they said they will fulfill our wishes. On top of that this whole experiment is suspicious, I still have many questions, but I am sure from now on I will find their answers one by one Because my life is going to take an irreversible turn now. But whatever the case.....

    "Let me be clear, I am not doing this willingly. don''t you dare forget the promise you made Got it?"

    "Of course, I am also not willing to break our deal. I, Kurogane Tatsuya, am a man who stands by his word. I will do my very best to uphold my promise".

    If they dare to disrupt my daily life,

    I Will Make Sure to Destroy the Whole Organization and Make Certain That They Regret Every Single Thing They Have Inflicted Upon Me

    Next time....Chapter 4: Countdown

 Chapter 4: Countdown

    After that conversation, I exchanged contact information with Kurogane and headed straight home. I lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Even though only two hours had passed, it felt like an incredibly long and exhausting day, and that''s how my Sunday ended. But that didn''t mean it was over. There would be more days like this in the future, filled with uncertainty and fear. And that future wasn''t too far away¡ªit was looming just around the corner.

    [September 28th,2025- 30 minutes back]

    "Seminar?"

    "That''s right. On October 5th, which is next Sunday, we will commence our experiment, and the details of the experiment will be revealed during the seminar."

    "Exactly one month after that email, huh," I muttered in a low voice.

    "That''s why I want you to open your schedule on that day because you need to attend the seminar, and you''ll be testing our product. That''s all I can say about it."

    "What about the venue? Where should I go?"

    Kurogane paused for a second recollecting his thoughts, then started speaking with a smile.

    "Ah, regarding that matter, don''t worry. I will send my men to pick you up, and of course, after the seminar, they will drop you back home," Kurogane said with assurance

    "It almost sounds like you''re asking for my consent before kidnapping me," I responded with a hint of sarcasm in my voice.

    "Hahaha, you really have a nice sense of humour," Kurogane said, laughing.

    "Shut up(damare)," I replied instantly.

    "Well then, I will see you again on next Sunday"

    [present-september 28th, 2025-8:55 pm]

    "October 5th, huh," I said to myself, lying on my bed.

    I have a vague idea about the experiment based on what Kurogane had told me. First, there would be a group of people participating in the experiment besides me¡ªwell, that was obvious. Second, Kurogane mentioned something about testing their product, so fortunately, they weren''t conducting any human experiments, That reduced one of my suspicions and We are going to be testing their product. And third...

    "We can remember our dreams and control our actions, is that really possible?" I questioned myself.

    We are In 2025, the things that seemed impossible 10 years ago are becoming true one after one. Science and technology are advancing day by day, and virtual reality (VR) is developing to the point where it can transform into reality. So, it''s not strange if humans try to conquer dreams and turn them into reality. It is a possible thing.

    If DLC* did indeed invent a product that enables us to conquer our dreams, I can understand why they are not making it public and why they are hiding it from the government and other companies. If word gets out, there would surely be individuals who would want to get their hands on that technology. Other companies might attempt to steal their data, potentially leading to a loss of their profits. If we consider the situation carefully, it is possible for such events to occur if they publicize their research.

    [ Writer note-DLC-DreamLink Corporation]

    But this is just my optimistic thinking. Perhaps there is another reason for them to keep this experiment hidden from the public. They might be planning something outrageous behind the scenes. We simply don''t know what the future holds in store for us. Anything is possible.

    I am a realist, and that''s why I consider worst-case scenarios in this matter. If I know how to deal with them beforehand I can utilize the remaining time on thinking about what to do next. It''s just the way I approach things usually and that''s the kind of person I am.

    "There isn''t... much... time. I need to... hurry," I struggled to speak those words, feeling the urgency in my voice. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, I was drawn to sleep, closing my eyes and calling it a day. Today was really a long day.

    October 5th,  the day when I will finally get my answers. There isn''t much time left to think. I need to prepare myself for the worst because...

    THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN.

    [September 29th,2025]

    It''s Monday, and I''m on my way to school. The constant sound of footsteps that I used to hear whenever I was out has finally come to a halt. I believe even Kurogane knows that I won''t disclose any details, despite him not following me, because my parents are on the line here.

    I arrived at school and took my seat in the classroom. The teacher came, and the homeroom class began. After two periods, the break finally arrived, giving me a chance to strategize before the seminar.

    "Let''s revise everything before thinki-"

    "Don''t stop me Kasumi"

    As I was going deep in thought, I heard a loud voice that seemed to be yelling, coming from outside.

    "Please listen to me hina-chan, Don''t go"

    Two girls entered the classroom, approaching me while engaged in their conversation. One of them was...

    "Sanehara Kasumi? Why? " I thought, surprised

    If you don''t know her, don''t worry. It''s not your fault because I was the one who asked you not to remember her. She was the girl who confessed to me on the day I received that email.

    The girl who was with Sanehara approached my seat along with her,

    *slam*

    She slammed my bench with her left hand, standing in front of me and started speaking,

    "Araki, Can I have a moment? " She said

    Sawada Hinako, one of my classmates, if I recall correctly, She is often seen with Sanehara, and they are supposedly best friends, or so I''ve heard from others. I don''t pay attention to other people''s relations, So, in this matters I can only rely on what I''ve heard. She''s not exactly dressed formally, with her top button unbuttoned and wearing a short skirt, and has a side ponytail. If I say so she is your typical gyaru type. The exact opposite to Sanehara,

    So What brings her here?

    "Araki, Is it true that you have rejected Kasumi?" Sawada asked with a heavy tone

    "Looks like you also* have an awful timing, it''s been three weeks why does it matt-?"

    "Just answer my question, did you reject her?"

    "hina-chan, stop this, I said I am fine"

    "No, you''re not fine, Kasumi. I see you every day and I''ve noticed you crying on the rooftop during lunch. Whenever I try to ask you what happened, you always avoid the conversation." Sawada shouted.

    The class suddenly fell silent, and my classmates began paying attention to our conversation.

    Crying? Why? Does she really have feelings for me?

    "Sanehara, What does this mean? " I asked with a straight face.

    "Eh? " Sanehara spoke up, surprised

    " IT''S SANEHARA-SAN FOR YOU, who gave you permission to speak informally with Kasumi? use the friggin honorific" Sawada warned.

    "The same goes for you too, Who gave you the permission to speak to me informally? S-A-W-A-D-A"

    Sawada leaned in close, gripping the collar of my shirt, and looked into my eyes from a very close distance.

    "Damn Araki(kuso araki), don''t get carried away just because you rejected a girl like Kasumi. Guys like you should just shut up and answer" Sawada said with a cold voice.

    "H-Hina-chan, please stop. I''m sorry, Araki-kun. The thing is, Hina-chan saw me crying since that day, and today she became more insistent about it. So I told her the reason why I was crying. So, you know my name?" Kasumi said.

    Sawada released her grip on my collar.

    "This guy isn''t as ignorant as you think. he pretended not to know your name in order to completely reject you and hurt your feelings. If you think properly, it''s such an obvious thing. " Sawada said.

    ''what''s happening there? ''

    People started to talk among themselves

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    ''Araki rejected Sanehara-san it seems''

    ''No way, he rejected that innocent beauty?''

    Innocent beauty? What a lame name. So that''s what they are calling Sanehara. I honestly don''t care about that stuff. But things are getting too noisy here. If Sawada stirs up more trouble for me, I might end up in a bad situation.

    "It''s getting noisy here let''s change the place" I said.

    "NO, I want the answer immediately, Why did you reject her? "

    "Will you just shut up?"

    "huh? "

    "Ever since you started talking, All you have been saying is Why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, you are so annoying! " I shouted

    Once again silence grew in the classroom.

    "Ara... Ki? " Sawada spoke, scared.

    "Why? Do you want to know why I rejected this girl? " I said, pointing my finger towards Sanehara.

    "You really are dumb, huh? Don''t you get why I rejected her? Seriously, are you that clueless?" I said.

    "Araki what....are you say-"

    "HahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha" I burst into laughter,

    [people started talking]

    "Ara...ki is laughing?" a guy in the class spoke

    "It is kind of scary" a girl in the class spoke, scared

    I stopped laughing, and with a serious expression, I started speaking

    "Why I rejected her? Sawada, Let me ask you one thing before answering, Do you have a boyfriend? "

    "Not¡­yet"

    "Has anyone asked you out before? "

    "Well..... yes"

    "What did you do to him?"

    "I... rejected him"

    "Why did you reject him? "

    Sawada fell silent overwhelmed by my question.

    "If you don''t have the answer then don''t ask me hypocrite, Why I rejected her? Don''t make me laugh, isn''t the answer is obvious"

    "I HAVE NO INTEREST IN DATING THIS WOMAN IN FACT, SHE ISN''T EVEN WORTHY TO BE MY GIRLFRIEND, IS THERE ANY OTHER REASON? " I shouted.

    "What did you just sa-"

    *drop*

    "huh" sanehara murmured

    As I spoke those words, I heard the sound of teardrops and noticed that Sanehara was crying.

    "Why.. Am I? "

    "kasu... Mi? Are you crying? "

    "N-no, you''ve got it wrong..... hina chan, I got dust into..... my eyes earlier, it... Must be the... " *sob*

    Sawada quickly turned her head and gripped my collar once again, her gaze piercing and filled with intensity.

    "I don''t know what Kasumi sees in you, but I am against the idea of her dating you. Because of you, she is suffering so much, she doesn''t deserve that painful rejection and I will make you pay for making Kasumi cry. Remember it well, Araki I will-"

    "Shut up, You don''t have the right to talk, after all you are just a hypocrite" I slapped her hand away from my collar.

    "What- "

    "And besides, does this girl really love me?" I questioned, pointing Sanehara

    "Are you telling me that Kasumi''s feelings are not genuine? You je- "

    "That''s right. Actions speak more than words. I need proof that she is not just talk"

    "What are you trying to say? Kasumi cried every day because of you. You rejected her so cruelly. Are you saying that her feelings weren''t genu"

    "If her feelings are genuine, "

    "SANEHARA, WILL YOU SLEEP WITH ME? "

    "Eeh?" Sanehara exclaimed, her face turning red, clearly shocked by my bold statement.

    [After a brief silence, everyone started to talk]

    ''Hey hey, it''s getting heated up''

    ''Araki asked Sanehara to sleep with him''

    ''For real? ''

    ''I have never seen Araki-kun acting like this''

    ''I can''t believe he asked such a thing''

    "U-um, Araki-kun, just now... What do you mean?" Sanehara asked, her voice filled with interruption.

    "Don''t get me wrong. I am just asking you to sleep with me, I am not suggesting anything here. If you truly love me you can at least sle-"

    *slap*

    I was interrupted by a hard slap from Sawada''s left hand, causing my head to turn to the left and leaving me speechless at the moment. Once again silence grew.

    "... Out"

    "huh? " I said

    "GET THE HELL OUT" Sawada shouted.

    After a few seconds of silence, I got up from my seat, grabbed my bag, and silently walked away from the classroom.

    "Wait. Araki-ku-"

    "Leave him Kasumi"

    "But-"

    "I SAID LEAVE HIM! "

    [People started talking as Araki walked out of the classroom]

    ''I can''t believe him''

    ''he is the worst''

    ''he deserved that slap''

    I started walking in the hallway heading to the ground floor through the stairs

    This is for the best. I doubt that the conversation has any alternative ending, I am up against two girls among the crowd and I can''t win alone. This conversation was never meant to end well for me. However, it works out well for me to strategize for the upcoming seminar. There is no other way to escape from this situation. If I stay there, the conversation may drag on for the whole day and I really can''t afford to waste a single second. Of course it charged me a lot,  I might be targeted and rumors will likely spread for a few days. But I don''t care. I will simply ignore it, and eventually, the flames will disappear.

    ''This is for the best''

    "Do you really think that?" I asked myself.

    I tightened my fist and...

    *Bang*

    I punched the shoe locker(rack) with my fist in frustration.

    "This is for the best? Don''t lie, you idiot, Deep down you know it right"

    "Araki-Kun"

    I turned my head and found Sanehara panting, catching her breath. She must have chased after me.

    "Sanehara?"

    "I... I''m very sorry for what Hina-chan did"

    "Don''t worry about that, it isn''t your fault"

    Truth to be told, this whole situation is happened because of you, Sanehara.

    "No, It is my fault. If only I don''t have feelings for you this would never happen"

    At least you are aware of it. That''s right if you didn''t confessed to me on that day, I won''t be wasting my time like this.

    "It was partly my fault too. Lately, there have been many things pressing on me, and I ended up taking out my anger on you and said some crazy things." I said

    Actually, from now on, you are also one of those things.

    "That''s why there is no need for you to apo-"

    "But! " Sanehara shouted.

    "Huh? "

    "But... I want you to know that... My feelings for you are genuine. I really love you. " *sob*

    "Why don''t you believe her? Her feelings seem genuine." If you are asking me this question, let me tell you something.

    If you believe someone simply because they appear genuine, you are bound to experience a lot of suffering. The concept of "belief" doesn''t exist in this world anymore. Every person has ulterior motives behind their words and actions. They seek your belief because they want to use you, exploit you, and eventually discard you. This world no longer works on the principle of ''give and take'', it operates on ''use and throw'', friends, lovers, and colleagues. Everyone will try to use you. Believe someone and they will backstab you someday. That''s why I don''t believe anyone. Because rather than being on the deceived side I would prefer to be on the deceiving side.To put it simply, rather than being hurt I would prefer hurting others, if not, you can''t able to survive in this cruel world.

    This is the ''Reality''

    This world is rotten to the point from

    where it can''t recover anymore.

    That''s why, doubt everything. Don''t give them a chance to use you, exploit you and discard you. Because of the world it is now, you need to avoid them before they use you, orelse

    "USE AND DISCARD THEM BEFORE

    THEY USE YOU"

    That''s why I don''t believe this girl, feelings can easily be toyed with.

    I began speaking,

    "Sanehara, I didn''t gave you a proper answer right? "

    "Eh? Yes"

    "The thing is, Not only you I don''t have interest in dating any woman, I don''t have the time to spare for you and I don''t want to invest my time in such relationships. That''s why I am sorry"

    "Is...that right?"

    "That''s right. That''s why I want you to give up on me"

    "I see... There is no choice, is there? I thought that you hated me all this time, so it''s kind of a relief, but... it''s really painful."

    Who gave you the impression that I like you as a person?

    "I am really sorry"

    *Noding* "Mm... There is no need for Araki-kun to apologize. I understand. As you said, I will give up on you. I shouldn''t hold onto it, right? I should move on."

    "Thank you I really appreciate it"

    "Also, please forgive Hina-chan too for asking such a question. She made you trouble huh, She is just attached to me, So she can''t bear the thought that I got rejected"

    "Don''t worry, I don''t mind. Besides, there is no use in thinking about things that are already over."

    That right, it''s really a waste of time and I owe all of it to that girl.

    "If!"

    "Mm?"

    "If things are hard for you from now, please consult me. I will always be there for you to hear your troubles."

    My eyes widened upon hearing that. What is she saying? Is she trying to console me after all the trouble she has caused me?.

    "I understand. Well, then, today I will go home. I need some time to cool off. Don''t worry, I will come to school tomorrow."

    Sanehara nodded with a smile. I changed my shoes and started to set off.

    "If things are hard for you consult me huh"

    I''m sure I''ll be in a dire situation for a few days. But I don''t regret what I said earlier. First of all, why did she ask such a stupid question?

    Wait,

    That''s right. Why did she ask such a question like "Why did you reject her"? Normally, people would know without asking that he doesn''t feel the same way about that girl, so he rejected her. Even if she is concerned about her friend and asked me anyway, the timing is weird.

    It''s been precisely 24 days since Sanehara asked me out. From what I''ve heard, Sanehara has been crying every day since the day I rejected her. And today, Sawada became insistent and asked her about it. But something doesn''t add up. Do people normally wait 24 days to know the reason why someone rejected them, especially when that person has been crying for three weeks? Most people would ask within a few days or at least become persistent within a week. But 24 days is not a joke. This flow of things doesn''t make sense. That stupid question, weird timing, 24 days, and the result-

    "I will be targetted" My eyes widened upon saying these words,

    If this strange flow of events and that weird conversation is meant to frame me and make me a subject to target then no matter how absurd the argument is, if it is meant to reach a particular goal then that''s all matters. It makes sense. If it is meant to reach this result then everything will make sense.

    Don''t tell me...

    I turned my head and noticed that Sanehara had vanished from my sight.

    "Nah, there is no way" I said to myself

    On second thought, there is no way. Maybe I am just overthinking because that woman doesn''t have the brains to pull off something like that.

    "Let''s go home and better prepare myself for the seminar"

    [Third person P.O.V- at 12:35pm]

    Sawada headed towards the rooftop, climbing the steps and reaching the door. She opened it and stepped onto the rooftop.

    There stood Kasumi in front of the entrance drinking a juice box(??)

    "Kasumi-"

    "Huh!" Sanehara glared

    "I-I''m very sorry, Kasumi-sama" Sawada bowed and apologized

    "Looks like everything went as we planned Kasumi sama, how did I perform earlier?"

    "Yeah, great work out there hina-chan,I can''t believe it, Araki reacted better than I expected, I am really glad to have you as my underling"

    "I-I''m very honoured to hear that"

    "I thought Araki was just a plain boy, easily breakable, So I was willing to play with him that''s why I confessed to him, but..."

    "But?"

    "I have never been rejected before in my life, and besides, it''s usually me who rejects others. But to think that he has the guts to reject me and on top of that he humiliated me... It''s really irritating"

    Kasumi squeezed her juice box in frustration.

    "I am not worthy to be his girlfriend? Hey, Hina-chan, isn''t that guy so full of himself? Just because he has some good looks, Does he think he is some big shot or something?"

    "Y-you are absolutely right"

    "Well, whatever. Compared to my previous toys, oh sorry, my ex-boyfriends this guy is somewhat of a trouble, but it''s all taken care of already. From tomorrow, he will get targeted and everyone will think badly of him. All kinds of rumors will spread throughout the entire school. Everything is perfect Mmm, hahahaha," Kasumi laughed, enjoying the idea of Araki facing consequences for rejecting her.

    "Kasumi-sama?"

    "I WILL MAKE HIM PAY FOR WHAT HE DID TO ME. SLOWLY, ONE AFTER ANOTHER, I WILL DESTROY HIS HIGHSCHOOL LIFE AND MAKE HIM BEG FOR MY FORGIVENESS, EVENTUALLY, I WILL THROW HIM INTO DESPAIR"

    "Damn witch" Sawada thought to herself.

    "This is just my way to exact my revenge on you, I am really looking forward to it, A-r-a-k-i Kun"

    In that moment, I didn''t realized yet that Sanehara Kasumi was not just an ordinary side character.

 Chapter 5: October 5th

    "DreamLink Corporation" *type*

    I typed these words in the Goggle search on my laptop, hoping to find results related to the designated company. But...

    "No luck huh" I sighed

    ''DLC, DreamLink, Remembering our dreams, Control our actions.'' I searched for various alternative terms to find any connection between them. Each search yielded an average of 55,10,00,000 results. Even I know that It would be impossible to check every single result, so I decided to focus on the first 10 pages for each search. The first few pages usually contain the most accurate information, and since each page has approximately 10 sites, I need to check around 100 sites per search to find some leads. That means, If I search 100 terms I need to check 10,000 sites to increase my chances, I know it will take a lot of time. But I need to cough up that thought, however, as I expected, nothing showed up about the company, But that didn''t mean I was going to give up. Fortunately, I have the company logo from the email. I took a screenshot and scanned it using Goggle Lens on my mobile device. But...

    "Tch, Why? " I clicked my tongue in frustration

    It didn''t work either.

    I have been searching for the whole time since I came home, but I haven''t found any information about the company or its logo. They even don''t have any social media handles like zwitter, finsta, handbook. They are so good at concealing their details. There is absolutely no information available about them on the internet, which proves that they don''t want the public to know about their experiment not to mention other companies too. It also suggests how careful they are in safeguarding their project. Well either way it just raises my suspicions, Now It''s clear that they are not a official organization.

    "Why are you so overthinking about this?"

    Do you seriously askIng me? I really wish that I was just overthinking here, but Kurogane''s threat was the real deal. His expression and way of talking, everything seemed genuine. He meant it when he said he would harm my family. If what he told me is true, there must be a group of people watching over my family, ready to attack if I make any suspicious moves here. That''s why I''m being extremely cautious about this experiment. There''s no telling what they are planning when they are forcing the participants to join by going to such lengths as harming their families.

    [Beep- 1:00 am]

    "It''s already that late? "

    I was still wearing my school uniform and hadn''t realized that I hadn''t even changed my attire since coming home, not to mention I hadn''t eaten anything. Well, it''s fine. That''s all for today, I guess. Again tomorrow-

    I paused for a moment

    "Tomorrow....huh" I smiled

    That''s right from tomorrow...

    [September 30, 2025- at school]

    ''Hey, hey isn''t that Araki Ryota from class 1-B? ''

    ''Yeah the guy who asked Kasumi-chan to sleep with him''

    "(Uh-uh, they are totally talking about me, this sucks)" I thought

    [ () these brackets indicate inner thoughts]

    ''Disgusting''

    ''Don''t come to school like nothing happened.''

    "(Shut up, That''s none of your business.)"

    That''s right from today onwards I am going to live in this hell. Just as planned I will ignore them until the flames disappear, and wait for my everyday life to come back.

    [In class- Third person p.o.v]

    "Make sure to remember this formula," The teacher said

    "(Huh? I feel somewhat dizzy..No way)" Araki closed his eyes and fell asleep.

    "So when you substi- hmm..." The teacher caught Araki sleeping.

    "Araki-kun, don''t fall asleep. Focus on the class"

    ''haha, Araki is sleeping''

    ''He must be dreaming about naughty things with Sanehara''

    "(Oh will you just keep quiet, Looks like I fell asleep due to the fatigue I got from staying up so late at night.)"

    "Araki..Araki-Kun...Araki Kun!"

    Araki stood up from his seat and started walking towards the door.

    "Wai-Araki-Kun Where do you think you are going? The class is still-"

    *Ding dong* The bell rang.

    "So, Is the class still running?" Araki asked

    "ugh...Lets continue the class tomorrow. Everyone, take a break" the Teacher said, irritated

    "YES!" the class responded in unison

    Araki walked away from the classroom.

    "This is just the beginning Araki-Kun" Sanehara talks to herself, looking at Araki from her seat.

    Sawada approached Sanehara, making sure no one was near them.

    "Kasumi, What are you planning to do with him?"

    "When everyone is targeting Araki and as the bad rumours spread about him, I will be the only one who will act kind towards him and make him fall for me. By doing that, I am sure one day he will confess to me."

    "and then you will...reject him?"

    "Huh!"

    *Sawada gulps*

    "You are so naive, Hina-chan. Don''t think that I will be satisfied with that."

    "then-"

    "I will accept his confession then we will go on dates."

    "But that doesn''t sound like a revenge to-"

    "DON''T GET THE WRONG IDEA, YOU DIMWIT. I WILL MAKE HIM OBSESS WITH ME TO THE POINT WHERE HE CAN''T LIVE WITHOUT ME. I WILL MAKE HIM SPEND LOTS OF MONEY ON ME, AND I WILL MAKE HIM GO BROKE. AFTER USING HIM THOROUGHLY, I WILL DUMP HIM IN THE MOST HORRIBLE WAY. AHH, I CAN''T WAIT TO SEE THAT FACE. HIS LIFE SHOULD BE FILLED WITH DEBTS, SADNESS, FAILURE. THIS IS WHAT I CALL REVENGE."

    "(This woman...how outrageous she is)" Sawada thought.

    "But I don''t think Araki will fall in love with you, he is not the typ-"

    "No, he will. Hina-chan, in the end, all men are the same. That bastard is no exception."

    (Araki... I''m sorry) Sawada thought with a hint of concern on her face.

    [October 1st,2025- Araki P.O.V at school rooftop]

    It''s October, but nothing will change from yesterday. The same treatment awaits me, attracting a lot of attention just by being here.

    Humans like to meddle in other people''s lives. Instead of focusing on their own careers and lifestyles, they like to pry into the lives of others. They derive pleasure from the misfortunes and failures of others. If they can''t achieve something, they don''t want others to succeed either. They yearn for others to fail. That''s why I despise these kinds of people. My classmates are a perfect example of such individuals. All it takes is a spark to burn the whole forest. Sawada was the trigger, no, that''s not right. Sanehara was the spark that ignited all of this. And then everyone fanned the flames. Honestly...

    "I hope they all just die."

    "Araki-kun?"

    Here comes the spark.

    I stood in front of the fence on the rooftop, and when I turned my head, I saw Sanehara standing near the door.

    [Third person POV]

    "Are you alone?"

    Araki started walking toward Sanehara.

    "So, what are you doing¡ªHuh?"

    Araki walked past Sanehara and started descending the stairs. Just then, Sawada was climbing the stairs to the rooftop.

    "Huh, Araki?" Sawada spoke.

    Araki silently continued going down ignoring Sawada.

    "He''s completely avoiding you and he isn''t paying any attention to other people."

    "Heh, so that''s how you play, Araki-kun."

    "What will you do? At this rate-"

    "Hina-chan, Let me tell you something. All people have their limits. That guy will eventually reach his limit. I will just wait until then and enjoy his suffering."

    [October 2nd,2025- Classroom]

    I thought it would be best to avoid Sanehara for a few days. In fact, I don''t want to get involved with her anymore. That''s why I''m ignoring her to prevent more rumors from spreading. If I get even more involved with her, I might be the one adding fuel to the flames. I am well aware that I dug my own grave by reacting to Sawada''s persistent questioning, so I can''t afford to make my situation even worse. I should keep a low profile and stay calm untill the Strom passes away-

    "Araki."

    "Hmm..."

    "I need to talk to you."

    I was sitting at my desk, gazing out the window, when a tall boy approached me, standing in front of my seat. His sleeves are rolled up just like me and has good physique.

    This must be about Sanehara. Don''t they ever get tired of this? I''ll try to wrap it up quickly.

    "What do you want? And who are you, anyway?"

    "You really are as ignorant as the rumors say. I''m Hiroshima Takumi from class 1-A. You must have heard¡ª"

    "Never heard of you."

    "Wha-"

    "If you''re done here, could you please not waste my time and leave?"

    "I''m not finished! I''m here to ask you about Sanehara Kasumi. Is it true that you rejected her?"

    *Sigh* I''m so tired of this.

    "Yes, it''s true. So what?"

    "Why¡ª"

    "Will you leave already? It''s not like I have so much time to spend with you."

    "?? Heh, aren''t you an arrogant brat? You also seem to ignore the rumors."

    "Huh!? What are you trying to say? Do you have a problem with that?"

    "Of course I have a problem. I really hate your attitude. I still don''t get it why did Kasumi-chan choose a guy like you? And to make matters worse, a nobody like you rejected her. It really irritates me."

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    "You are not making sense, why does it irritate you when she was the person who got rejected"

    "Because I confessed to her two months earlier and got rejected. Now, the fact that you rejected the girl who turned me down makes me feel inferior to you. There''s no way you are better than me, and yet you seem so ignorant about the rumors. It really ticks me off. You don''t have a clue about how I feel "

    "I don''t have a clue about how you feel?" I told in a low voice

    I didn''t realized yet that subconsciously my anger was piling up every time I hear people talking about me. No matter how much I tell myself to stay calm and ignore it, to think that those words were actually acting as a catalyst for my limit bar. And now(soshite),

    I have reached my limit.

    "I don''t have a clue about how you feel? Stop kidding. Do you know how am I feeling in the first place? Do you know how much I am suffering now?"

    "Huh? Why do I care about how a nobody feels"

    "Isn''t that right? Yeah you are absolutely right. That''s why I don''t give a damn about how you feel"

    "What? How dare-"

    "Also-

    "DON''T GET JEALOUS JUST BECAUSE YOUR OLD FLAME LIKES ANOTHER GUY. YOU''RE A GROWN-UP, AREN''T YOU? HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND TO ACT LIKE A CHILD?"

    "REALLY, IT''S SO EMBRASSING AND YOU CALL YOURSELF A MAN?" I told with a smug face.

    "Araki!!!!!!"

    Takumi lifted his hand, tightening his fist to punch me with great force.

    "Damn yo(kisama)- guh"

    *Thud*

    I forcefully kicked the desk with my right leg, exerting immense pressure. It collided with Takumi, causing him to fell down along with the desk, creating a loud commotion. We quickly became the center of attention, with people gathering around us.

    "*coughx2*ugh..It hurts...Araki damn you"

    ''What''s going on, a fight?''

    ''Araki...kicked takumi?''

    ''No way''

    I got up from my seat and walked near takumi and crouched down, grabbed his collar.

    "Don''t show me your face again and don''t intend to talk with me, if you waste anymore of my time I will seriously make sure to

    "KILL YOU" I told with low voice, with a cold look.

    Takumi gulped.

    "Got it?"

    "D-dont think that I will-guh"

    I punched his stomach with my fist.

    "Dont drag this anymore if you are done then just get the hell out of here"

    I happen to know after then that, Hiroshima Takumi was actually the ace of the basketball team. Unfortunately, I had messed with a popular guy.

    Now I''ve really done it.

    [The next day- October 3rd]

    "What is this..."

    The next day when I arrived at school, My desk became a complete mess. Juice had been splattered all over it, and trash was stuffed inside. This was undoubtedly an act of bullying.

    (I see it evolved to this point huh)

    "Hey, who did this?" I asked seriously

    "Sorry, sorry (gome gome), it''s not my fault. My hand just did all of that without my control."

    The guy who was sitting beside me answered. Looks like he is the culprit.

    "Is that so, then don''t mind me"

    "Wha-"

    *Thud*

    I reached over his seat and kicked his chair, making him fall to the ground, and swapped his bench with mine.

    "What the hell are you doing?"

    "Sorry, sorry, it''s not my fault. My leg just kicked you without my control."

    Bully? Heh. If you think you can bully me then, you are a million years behind to do that. Don''t think that I will give you a chance to bully me, not even in your dreams.

    [Lunch time on the skybridge connecting the two buildings]

    I was walking on the skybridge talking to myself while holding my bento.

    "Sign...That felt really good"

    "Uh"

    "Hmm geh" I stopped.

    I crossed paths with Sawada while walking on the skybridge. This is awkward, of all people why should I come across with her?.

    "What''s with that face?"

    "Nothing(betsuni). Well I will be on my way then"

    I resumed walking.

    "Wait, I want to ask you something"

    "What is it?"

    "Umm...are you fine?"

    "Huh? What are you saying? Are you trying to be considerate after everything you have done"

    "N-no you are wrong( the thing is I really want to apologize to you for the things I have done, I can''t disobey Kasumi, that day I slapped you because I wanted to stop you from saying any more things that will affect you, but If I disobey Kasumi she will..)"

    "Araki, there is something I want to talk to you in priva-"

    "Oh, Hina-Chan" Sanehara called out for Sawada from her behind.

    Sawada gone silent.

    "Sawada? Why do you-"

    "Hina-chan what are you doing he- ah Araki kun hello, What are you two talking about?" Sanehara approached.

    "I-i-its nothing Kasumi, I just happened to cross paths with him comeon let''s go"

    "Sorry I have to go" I resumed walking.

    "Wait, Araki-kun"

    "Let''s go Kasumi"

    Oof, I''m glad it didn''t take too long, but still, why did Sawada make such a face when Sanehara called out for her?

    Why did she look so SCARED?

    [October 3rd- Same day at lunch- rooftop]

    "So Peaceful"

    I was eating my lunch alone on the rooftop. There is a bench located near the fence so I sat on it and started eating, It''s not often that I eat here, but today''s cloudy weather made it the perfect spot.

    That felt really good earlier. I unleashed my anger. Well, it may have side effects, but it''s too late to worry about that now. I''ve prepared myself to face the consequences, and thinking any further is just a waste of time.

    *Door open*

    "Ah Araki-Kun"

    Sanehara entered, opening the door

    "Are you eating here? What a coincidence I was also about to eat here- Can I sit beside y-you and eat?"

    "Sign- Go ahead"

    Sanehara came and sat beside me.

    "What brings you here? Don''t you usually eat with your friends?"

    "Well, they were teasing me lately, I wanted some space so I came here today"

    "Hmm"

    "Peaceful isn''t it?"

    (Yeah it was peaceful until you came and then peace has destroyed into pieces)

    "Yeah"

    "The weather is nice too"

    "Yeah"

    "Do you eat here oftenly?"

    "Yeah"

    "What happened? You have been saying "yeah" the entire time"

    "Oh sorry, I kind of spaced out"

    "Hey, Araki-kun, lately you''ve been avoiding me, haven''t you?" Sanehara asked seriously.

    "Is that so? I don''t think that''s tru-"

    "Do you hate me?"

    "Huh"

    "I''m causing trouble for you, aren''t I? I''ve been watching every day what they''re doing to you. It''s all because of me. It''s not strange for you to hate me."

    I remained silent.

    "I am...very sorry that you ended up in this situation*sniff*. But please don''t... avoid me*sob*. Even if everyone goes against you I will be the only one who will stay by your side that''s wh-"

    "Hey"

    "Hmm"

    "Will you just drop that act"

    "Huh?" Sanehara shocked by my answer.

    "Do you think that I will fall for you or something if you act like that?"

    "Araki¡­ Kun? "

    " ''I am very sorry that you ended up in this situation?'' stop kidding. You are the one who set me up in this situation isn''t it."

    "I set you....up? What are...you talking about?"

    This is just a test. I honestly don''t think that she has the brains to set me up and plan all of this. But it doesn''t hurt to confirm it. Her expressions, her answers, delay in her response, eyes aversion, her lip moments when she lies, hair curling. I need to check everything to confirm whether she is telling true or not. Let''s see how you will answer.

    "Why..do you think so?"

    "Because isn''t it strange? Sawada asked me a very dumb question like ''why you rejected her?'' And started a pointless argument. Isn''t it an obvious thing that I don''t feel the same way about you thats why I turned you down? Well then let''s consider that Sawada asked me anyway out of consideration for you, since you mentioned she is attached to you(that face earlier made me curious too but it''s not essential now), but the timing is weird, it''s been 24 days. She really asked you after that many days? Do normal people wait 24 days to ask their friends when she was crying everyday? They will surely get persistent within a week or at least in 10 days, but 24 days is almost a month. It''s definitely not negligible, and knowing Sawada''s personality, 3 days would be max for her, that''s why it doesn''t make sense but.."

    "If you are trying to make me a target in audience and reach a particular goal in other words- REVENGE"

    Sanehara''s eyes widened.

    "(Did I hit the nail?)"

    She reacted a bit. Let''s continue this.

    "If we think from this perspective then everything changes and all of it starts to makes sense, the outsiders don''t know when you confessed me or when I rejected you so they don''t question anything only the involvers know that this flow of events is strange, like me. So no matter how dumb the argument seem to us but for the outsiders it looks perfectly normal since they are not aware of the details. If what you did was to provoke me to react, then you really did a great job. Because I am perfectly suffering right now. Also-"

    "DID YOU REALLY CRIED FOR THIS MANY DAYS?"

    Sanehara remained silent looking down.

    She definitely reacted a bit earlier, but that could be considered as her being shocked by my statement of suspecting her. It doesn''t necessarily mean that she is shocked because her plan has been revealed. If she lies, she will most likely avert her eyes or curl her hair. I need to observe her closely for any signs of deception. I will push her to the limit.

    "This is just a hypothesis, but that''s why I think you set-"

    *Drop*

    *Sanehara sniffs*

    "...y?"

    "Sane...hara?"

    Seriously? No way

    "Why?.."

    This girl...

    "Why...do you say... like that?*sob* Why are you so mean, it hurts Araki-Kun, I just wanted to be by your side even...if as a friend, So I can''t even think...of reveng- but if you talk like that*sob* then what should I..."

    Sanehara looked at my face, I was left with a shocked expression, she was looking straight into my eyes, no extra movements, her eyes filled with tears looking like a jewel, her tone matches with her expressions, it''s hard to believe that she is lying, those tears are undeniably the real deal, an act? No way. A high school girl can''t be able to pull off acting at this level.Then she really is innocent.

    "What should I do...to make you believe me?"

    "O-okay I get, I get. First of all, calm down for a second"

    I gave her my handkerchief to wipe off the tears.

    "*Sniff* But I get your point, its not strange for you to suspect me, if this is enough for you to believe me.."

    "Hmm?"

    Sanehara face turned red.

    "I-I will sl-sleep with you"

    "Wait a second! I told I get it already, no need to go that far and besides it''s just a joke I was not serious about that"

    "Really?"

    "Sorry I talked like that just to test you that''s it, and I have been avoiding you because I want to avoid rumours to spread anymore, that''s why calm down"

    "Is...that so?"

    "Yeah"

    Maybe I am just overthinking too many things lately, so it''s just a coincidence that Sawada asked me about that after such a long time.

    "Sorry, I will wash it and give you back"

    "It''s fine you can keep it"

    "Thank you. Well then the period is almost over I will be on my way"

    "Sure"

    Sanehara packed her lunch box and left the rooftop.

    It turned out into a mess, but I''m glad I confronted her about this topic. It seems like it really was just a coincidence. Her earlier response was unbelievable. It''s hard to imagine it was an act, as she seemed genuinely concerned and approached me with good intentions. Well, whatever the case may be, I should stop suspecting her for real this time. It''s reassuring to know that she doesn''t harbor any malice towards me or have any harmful intentions.

    You are lucky, Sanehara Kasumi, Looks like I was wrong, But in case if you intended to take revenge and framed me in this situation

    I WOULD HAVE DESTROYED YOU BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY.

    [Sanehara P.O.V]

    Sanehara closed the door and stood in front of the staircase, with her back to the door.

    After a brief silence,

    "He found out(bareta)"

    "Why?(nande?)"

    Why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why

    "Why does he know, no(iya) , How does he know!? " I panicked, internally.

    He figured it out? No way. Hinako and I put on such a perfect act, and everything went so smoothly. There isn''t a single flaw in our performance. We even practiced for 20 days to ensure it was flawless. So how did he figure it out? Do people normally think so deeply about the question Hinako asked him? And as for the timing, is it really that strange? Sure, it''s been a while, but the answer has already been set in stone for that. I can easily pass it off as a coincidence, saying, "I''ve been hiding the fact that I got rejected from Hinako, and she found out recently, so she asked Araki about it." I can easily fool him with that explanation, but he completely ignored that entire fact. Is Araki actually a smart guy? Smart would be an understatement for him. How did he figure it out in the midst of this chaos?

    ("Hina-chan what are you doing he- ah Araki kun hello, What are you two talking about?"

    "I-i-its nothing Kasumi, I just happened to cross paths with him come on let''s go")

    I suddenly remembered the scene which happened earlier.

    "I see. Haha, Now I understand. Of course There is no way he has the brains to figure it out on his ''own'', Someone must have told him."

    "THAT BITCH!"

    [Third person P.O.V]

    Sanehara is walking swiftly with fast footsteps in the hallway. She hurried to the classroom and opened the door. Sawada and her friends were talking in the front row.

    "Oi HINA- Hina-chan ?, will you come out for a moment?"

    "K-kay" Sawada answered.

    [In the washroom]

    "W-what happened, Kasumi?"

    "Earlier, what did you talk with Araki?"

    "N-nothing, I said right, I just happen to cross-"

    "You told him right? Everything. About my plan and whatnot."

    "Wh-what are you talking about?"

    "HE KNEW EVERYTHING. HE DIRECTLY ASKED ME WHEN I WAS EATING LUNCH WITH HIM. HE KNOW EACH AND EVERY DETAIL ABOUT MY PLAN, THE THING I WANT REVENGE ON HIM AND I SET HIM UP, EVERYTHING"

    "What? Araki¡­knew about it? How"

    "Don''t play dumb you bitch! You are the one who exposed my plan to him didn''t you? Otherwise there is no way he could have known or figured out"

    "Y-you are wrong Kasumi, I am telling the truth,I didn''t talk with him about anything and I don''t have a clue about how he figured it ou-"

    *Slam*

    Sanehara forcefully pinned Sawada against the wall with one hand, looking into her eyes while giving a death

    stare.(kabedon)

    "Hey, Hina-chan, are you betraying me? Didn''t I told you to obey me no matter what. You are my precious underling aren''t you. What should the owner do if his/her pet disobeys? I would have killed it. And if you disobey me do you know what will happen?-"

    Sanehara came close to her ear and started whispering.

    "THOSE PHOTOS OF YOURS, I WILL UPLOAD THEM RIGHT AWAY"

    Sawada''s face was filled with fear upon hearing those words. She was trembling.

    "...me"

    "Hmm? I can''t quite hear you"

    Sawada kneeled on the ground(search dogeza on web) and stretched her hands.

    "Please forgive me Kasumi-sama if I did something wrong, but I really didn''t tell him anything about your plan, so please, anything but those photos. Please don''t upload them I beg you" Sawada genuinely asked for forgiveness, scared.

    "Ew..I am surprised how you can kneel down in the toilet, how gross. Well these photos are your life so I can''t blame huh, So you really didn''t tell him?"

    "Yes, I swear"

    She is telling the truth. Hinako will never lie when it comes to the photos. Then that means he really¡­

    "Fine then. I managed to do something about that, so the situation did not changed much, but-

    IF YOU DARE TO BETRAY ME DO YOU KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN? YOUR LIFE IS IN MY HANDS"

    "Y-yes, I understand" Sawada answered, sweating.

    Sanehara came out of the washroom. Few girls passing by the toilet in the hallway spoke to her.

    "Hey kasumi-chan, this Sunday we are planning to go out. Will you join us?"

    "Oh sorry?, I can''t make it this Sunday"

    "Heh that''s unusual. What is it? Did you have any date on that day? Don''t tell me, a date with Araki-Kun?"

    "You are wrong, you are wrong,The thing is I have some other plans on that day which I need to attend"

    "Aww that sucks"

    "I will join you someother time"

    "That''s a promise"

    "Yeah" Sanehara nodded

    The girls left.

    [Sanehara P.O.V]

    Hinako didn''t tell him anything. So he figured all of it on his own? Seriously? But either way for now I managed to fool him with my acting. I am sure he asked me about it because he wanted to confirm it. So for now it''s safe to assume that he won''t suspect me anymore,but¡­

    ("Araki ryota just who the hell are you?")

    [October 5th,2025- Araki P.O.V- 2:35 pm, Sunday]

    *Beep beep*

    My phone rang.

    "Hello(moshi moshi) who is this?"

    "Araki-Kun good afternoon"

    "Kusogane huh, what do you want?"

    "Kuso? *Cough* well I will let it pass this time."

    [Araki purposely addressed kurogane as kusogane, kuso means shit or trash in japanese"]

    "So what do you want?"

    "Your ride has came"

    I paused for a moment. It''s finally the time.

    "I see"

    "My men are waiting for you. It''s the black car in front of your apartment. Well then, Let''s meet in a few moments."

    "Got it. I will be on my way"

    October 5th, the day when I will get my answers is here. I don''t know what awaits ahead of me. It might be a paradise or a burning hell. No matter what it is, I am prepared for it.

    If this experiment dares to disrupt my daily life,

    I WILL MAKE SURE TO ERASE THEM FROM THIS WORLD.

 Chapter 6: Seminar

    [October 5th- 2:40pm]

    The wall clock indicated 2:40 pm.

    "It''s time"

    After receiving the call from Kurogane, I changed my outfit. I wore a white T-shirt and on top of it, I put on a black with grey combination hoodie-like jacket (same as the one he wears on the cover), I put on my watch too.

    I turned off everything, left my room and locked the door to my flat.

    "There they are," I said as I looked at them from outside the entrance of my flat, peeking from the wall.

    There is a guy who is wearing a black suit, with black glasses, standing beside the black car and facing the apartment. He is the perfect example of a suspicious person.

    " ''Dont worry?'' my foot, everything smells fishy about them"

    I climbed down and approached them.

    "Ah-I assume that you are Araki Ryota-sama right?"

    "Yes, that''s me."

    "We have been waiting for you. Now, enter the car."

    The guy who was standing beside the car spoke to me and opened the door. I kept staring at the doorstep of the car.

    (What are you waiting for? There is no point in becoming nervous after you came this far, you know it very well right? You can''t possibly back down now after you came this far, so standing idle anymore than this would be-)

    "A waste of time...hmph(smiled)...I know it(wakaterru)" I talked to myself in a low voice.

    I don''t know what awaits me ahead at the H.Q. It might be a paradise, or else a burning hell. But I am prepared for the worst outcome. If it''s just my imagination and overthinking, then it''s fine and all. But life always favours the worst outcomes, that''s why I can''t rely on my positiveness. It''s the bitter truth of life. So no matter what awaits me...

    "Please go in"

    I will face it head-on.

    I stepped inside and settled in the back seat, The guy who had spoken to me earlier sat beside me. Inside the car, there was another guy dressed in the same attire sitting in the driver''s seat, indicating he was the driver.

    "Umm.. where are we going?"

    "We are going to the DreamLink Corporations H.Q" the driver answered

    "( I know that much, you dumbass(baka), I am asking where is it)"

    "I am asking where is its loca-"

    "Araki-sama, could you please wear this?" The guy beside me requested.

    "A Blindfold?"

    "Yes"

    "Why?"

    "I am afraid that I can''t answer your question, but these are our orders so please try to cooperate with us, don''t worry the higherups will explain everything once we reach there"

    I see, they don''t want us to know their location huh, just what I can expect from a cautious organisation, on top of concealing their details on the internet they are also hiding their location. That''s why Kurogane hesitated a bit when I asked him about the location.

    (Flash back-"What about the venue? Where should I go?"

    Kurogane paused for a second.

    "Ah, regarding that matter, don''t worry. I will send my men to pick you up, and of course, after the seminar, they will drop you back home," )

    On the surface, it might seem like they are offering a transport facility for us and reducing our expenses. You might think how generous they are. But in reality, that''s not the case; they are just doing this for themselves. They don''t want us to know their location, that''s why they are providing a transport facility.

    But that''s not a problem because...

    SO FAR, EVERYTHING IS GOING JUST AS I THOUGHT.

    I anticipated that something like this was going to happen and I already know that they will do something to avoid me from finding the venue.

    When I asked Kurogane about the venue''s location, his response seemed like an answer, but in truth, he dodged the question and didn''t give me a proper answer.

    ("Ah, regarding that matter, don''t worry. I will send my men to pick you up.)

    If they really don''t want us to suspect them, then why did Kurogane dodge the question? Telling the location is not a big deal, and it helps to build trust between us. On top of that, they are providing transportation facilities. Normally, people would get overjoyed by the idea and don''t question that "Why are they providing this?".

    But I questioned it,

    And that''s why I realized the reason behind why Kurogane dodged my question and why they are providing transport for us.

    "THEY DON''T WANT US TO KNOW THEIR LOCATION"

    And now it became clear after he gave me this blindfold. This proved that my hypothesis was correct. And this guy is sitting beside me to ensure that I won''t remove the blindfold of my own accord. They are doing a great job, but the question is-

    Why are they hiding their venue?

    If you ask me, then there is no need to think about it. Because the reason is simple-

    THEY WILL BE IN TROUBLE IF WE KNOW THEIR LOCATION

    Is there any other reason to why they are going this far? They are definitely gonna face some sort of problem, that''s why, in order to avoid it they are hindering my actions and blocking my senses making sure that I won''t get a glimpse. That''s why I concluded that they will be in a dire situation if their location gets revealed.

    Seriously, everything is going just as I thought.

    "Fine(wakkata). But you owe me an explanation later"

    "I promise and thanks for the cooperation."

    This might be my last chance. I looked around with just my eyes, without turning my head. The windows were covered with sunshade covers, making it impossible to see outside. So even if my blindfold comes undone by accident, I won''t be able to see what is outside. I can only rely on the front glass, but my sight will be blocked by the driver''s seat even if I peek. I can''t possibly look behind me or lean towards my left because the guy who is sitting beside me will notice if I do. So seeing outside is impossible.

    I wore the blindfold.

    "Well then, fasten your seatbelt here we go" the driver told.

    The car has started.

    Blindfold huh, sorry to say but this doesn''t work on me. To be frank, what they are doing is completely-

    "POINTLESS"

    Because, no matter how hard they try to hinder my actions, even if they block my sight, I will know their location anyway. That''s right, now, I am going to-

    PINPOINT THEIR LOCATION.

    I believe that the fact they don''t want us to know their location may prove to be an important card to play. If things go south, I can make use of this card to keep a check. That''s why I will take advantage of this fact.

    So I came up with two plans. Plan A, this plan might be too simple and obvious, but I will use everything at my disposal to ensure my chance of winning. Upon reaching the HQ, I will use the GPS on my mobile to locate my position on the map. That''s why I said it''s pointless to make me wear a blindfold. We are in 2025; In this age a blindfold doesn''t help them to stop me from finding their location.

    But,

    In case this doesn''t work, I have plan B. Well, this plan requires more time to pinpoint their location and also requires manpower. Well, you will know eventually what plan B is. For now, I just need to wait until we reach there.

    "Hmm?" I noticed something.

    Seems like the windows are completely closed. It''s silent in here, and I can''t hear anything. Sound proof huh, I get that they don''t want me to take a peek outside if my blindfold comes undone, so the windows are opaque. However, there is no reason to completely close them. Do they know that I have extraordinary hearing ability? If so, then Kurogane must have told them.

    "Uh, can you open the windows a little bit? It''s kind of hot here" I asked

    "Is that so? Sorry for the inconvenience I will increase the A.C, so don''t worry" the driver answered.

    Tsk. They really don''t want to open the windows even a little bit. I thought that I can catch some leads on our location by listening to the surroundings but it looks like it will not work. It can''t be helped then.

    (I should wait after all)

    [After some time]

    *Tap*

    I began tapping the floor after every ten seconds with my foot.

    *Tap*

    "Hmm?"

    *Tap*

    "What happened, Araki-sama? You have been tapping the floor. Are you nervous?" the guy beside me asked.

    "Y-yes, sorry. This is my bad habit, whenever I get nervous, I tap the floor with my foot unconsciously."

    *tap*

    "See?"

    "Haha, don''t be so nervous. I know that you are feeling somewhat uneasy, but don''t worry, just stay calm."

    "Thank you so much. But I might do it again, so don''t pay any attention to it. I do it unconsciously."

    "I understand. How about you sleep until we reach there? I will wake you up once we arrive."

    "I really appreciate it. By the way, Driver-san?"

    "Hmm? What is it?"

    "Umm... the thing is, I have motion sickness, so I am meaning to ask you to go a bit slow, atleast go below 40km/hr, or else I might get dizzy and feel nauseous."

    "Oh, I see. But rest assured, I have been going at 40km/hr since the beginning. Also, we will reach there soon enough."

    "Thank you very much. Well then, I will sleep for the time being."

    (It''s a lie though)

    *Tap*

    And so the time has passed. The car got closer to our destination steadily and we finally reached the H.Q.

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    [Scene change: At the H.Q]

    "-sama....Araki-sama"

    Hmm.

    "Araki-sama we have arrived. Please wake up"

    The guy who sat beside me called out for me.

    "Oh, we are already here huh? Then-"

    "Aah please don''t remove your blindfold yet, here, follow my lead"

    He took my hand and pulled. I allowed him to drag me.

    "There are steps here so be careful"

    "Hey, I think it''s all right to remove them already"

    "Y-you can''t do that. I will be in trouble If you do."

    "Yes yes(hai hai)"

    I could feel the steps underneath as I walked, but the surroundings were silent. All I could hear was the sound of wind and birds. Then, I heard the door opening, we must have reached the entrance.

    "Now then, please enter," the guy told me.

    Here we are. The place where I will get my answers. I entered, and the door got closed behind me. My blindfold was removed, and my vision returned. There was a huge hall in front of me with many pillars. There was a counter near the door, but no one was standing there. The interior design and lighting gave a modern vibe.

    Now then, I am sorry for these guys for struggling so much to hide their location, but it''s time to know where I am,

    "Now then(sathe)"

    I put my left hand in my pocket to take my phone and locate my position but...

    "It''s not there(inai)", My eyes got widened

    My phone is not there. The pocket was empty, I am sure that I brought it with me and it''s in my left pocket. Don''t tell me...

    I looked behind, the guy was standing with a creepy smile on his face in front of the door.

    (I see. He noticed huh, I think He wasn''t just an airhead, I think it was too obvious, but when did he take my phone? I was awake the whole time.)

    "What happened Araki-sama, it seems like you are panicked"

    (This guy, he knows what he is asking)

    "Mister, Do you know where is my phone? I am sure that It was in my pocket"

    "Ahh, your phone. Don''t worry, I am holding onto it. Actually, phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in there. So for the time being I will hold it."

    I see, He is telling me that I can''t use my mobile to locate this place. Not bad.

    "Then, are watches also not allowed in there? I believe that my watch is just a normal one."

    That''s right, the watch which I was wearing disappeared as well. This guy, when did he take it? Is he a former pickpocketer or something?

    "We want everyone to pay attention to the seminar, so the watch might be a distraction. That''s why I am holding onto it as well."

    "Really? Then why do I hear like you don''t want me to track or know the time?"

    "It must be your imagination."

    DLC, so that''s how you play, They are being thorough and careful in hiding this place. If I know the time, then I can make use of it to locate this place. But now that they took my phone and even my watch, I don''t even have the means to track the time. But...

    THAT''S NOT A PROBLEM AT ALL IF I KNOW THE TIME BEFOREHAND.

    3020 seconds, in other words, 50 minutes and 20 seconds ¨C that''s the time it took to reach here from my house. The car started at 2:42 pm, So the time currently is-

    ["October 5th, Sunday- 3:32 pm!"]

    ''How do you know the time?''

    Isn''t the answer is obvious?

    I COUNTED IT

    Is there any other way to know the time without my phone and watch?

    From the moment the car started, I began counting and to maintain my focus I pretended to sleep and to keep a precise count I tapped the floor every ten seconds while counting.

    [Flashback- *Tap*

    "Araki-sama? You have been tapping the floor."

    "This is my bad habit, whenever I get nervous, I tap the floor with my foot unconsciously."

    (7,8,9,10)

    *tap*

    (1,2..)]

    HONESTLY, EVERYTHING IS GOING JUST AS I THOUGHT.

    I already anticipated this situation, and as I expected, they took my belongings. I know that they are not that dumb to overlook such a simple trick.

    I knew from the start that Plan A had a 90% failure rate because the whole plan would depend on my mobile. So, if they took custody of it, then forget about the location; I can''t even know the time, not to mention they took my watch along with it. But time is very essential for me to locate this place.

    Of course, I can estimate the time through instincts, but that doesn''t help at all because I need the exact time to locate this place. That''s why I needed to count it.

    They might have blocked my senses, but that can''t stop me from thinking.

    302 taps, which means 3020 seconds have passed so converting it into minutes will be 50 minutes and 20 seconds.

    On average, a car can cover 41 kilometres in 50 minutes, but I want the precise distance to locate this place. For that, I need the speed of that car to calculate the distance.

    "But you don''t know the speed."

    Hmph, are you sure about that?

    ("I have motion sickness, so I am meaning to ask you to go a bit slow, atleast go below 40km/hr."

    "Rest assured, I have been going at 40 km/hr since the beginning.")

    40 km/hr ¨C if you want the speed, then I already know it.

    For this purpose I made sure to make him drive at a constant speed, Now then,

    ?The time is 50 minutes

    ?Speed is 40 km/hr

    So to calculate the distance, I need to multiply the speed with time. The time is 50 minutes and 20 seconds, which I can round off to 50 minutes. Converting 50 minutes to hours means dividing 50 by 60, which equals 5/6 hours. Now then, 40 km/hr multiplied by 5/6 hours will be 200/6, which equals 33.33 km, Let''s round it off to 33 km then. So taking 33 km as a radius and using my apartment in Tokyo as the centre,

    "THIS PLACE IS LOCATED WITHIN 33 KM FROM TOKYO!" I exclaimed, internally.

    This is Plan B, count the time, calculate the distance and narrow the location.

    That''s right, I already set Plan B in motion before Plan A, knowing that Plan A will fail.

    Plan B has a 99% success rate, but the remaining 1% can only happen if they manage to stop me from thinking, in other words, making me UNCONSCIOUS or PUTTING ME TO SLEEP.

    However, they didn''t take that precaution, they didn''t do that

    AND THAT WAS THEIR MISTAKE

    The moment they allowed me to remain conscious, my victory was set in stone.

    NOW THEN LET''S NARROW THIS LOCATION.

    Within 33 km, there are several possible locations I can think of, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Saitama, Kawaguchi, Kawasaki, Itabashi, and some parts of Chiba, among many others. If I search all these places and thoroughly investigate every corner, I will eventually find this place. In other words

    THIS PLACE IS LOCATED IN ONE OF THESE LOCATIONS.

    But,

    Plan B only lets me to narrow the location, that means I can''t pinpoint this location immediately. That''s right

    I can''t locate ''IMMEDIATELY'' but I can find it eventually. That''s why finding this location is-

    JUST A MATTER OF TIME

    According to my observation,

    Outside of this building, it was quite silent, so it is safe to assume that there is no traffic, and there are very few buildings near this place and the roads are empty. Which means this place is most probably located in a deserted area, places with few people and buildings. Perfect for hideouts.

    With this conclusion I can narrow the possibilities even closer.

    PERFECT

    Besides, there is a possibility that this place might be located in Tokyo itself, behind my apartment, or it might be in my next neighbourhood. There is a possibility that he drove in circles for an hour in the same place to buy some time in case someone like me narrows down their location. Normally, people will start searching from the outskirts, So they will have some time to escape in the meantime.

    I think that this information is very useful, of course, I may not be able to tell the location immediately but, at least there is no need to search around the entire Japan.

    But this is as far as I can go, my role ends here because from here on out I can''t act alone, It''s almost impossible for me alone to search every corner to find this place and Like I said before, Plan B takes some time and requires manpower to pinpoint and find this location. That''s why I need the help of cops.

    I narrowed the possibilities from here on I can''t move alone.

    I finally acquired this card, now I have the advantage over them. All that''s left is to find their location and crush them if they try to pull anything funny. With this it''s-

    (CHECK)

    "Now then, Araki-sama the seminar takes place on the first floor, it''s better to hurry. follow me."

    "Got it"

    The guy showed me the way, I climbed up the stairs, reached the first floor and found a huge door.

    "Please go in," the guy opened the door.

    It looks like a big auditorium, the seats are arranged in an inclined order, like in a theater. The stage is huge with a big screen mounted on the wall visible to everyone. The room is cool and well-designed. There are around 100-200 seats, and about 100 people are sitting in their seats, I can also hear some murmurs. People who look like guards, wearing black suits, are standing beside the stage and also beside the door as well from which I entered.

    "Yo! Araki-Kun"

    "hmm?"

    I turned my head towards left to find out who was calling me, it was Kurogane, he was sitting in the back row.

    "We meet again, it''s been a week isn''t it?"

    "It''s just Kurogane huh"

    "A-R-A-K-I Kun, I believe that I am at least 9 years older than you, so I want you to show me some respect. I would be grateful if you used -san beside my name."

    "Why the hell should I respect the guy who is threatening to harm my family?" I answered, sarcastically.

    "Well, you have a point"

    I approached Kurogane and leaned, putting my hand on his shoulder.

    "Kusogane, you didn''t break the promise, right? By chance, if know that you bothered my family..."

    "If I did?"

    "I WILL SERIOUSLY END YOUR LIFE"

    A moment of silence grew, Kurogane smiled and started speaking.

    "Don''t worry, Don''t worry, Like I said before I am a man of his word, I didn''t break it, also please stop with that nickname"

    I restored my posture and turned away.

    "Araki-Kun also"

    "Hmm?"

    "The promise, you didn''t break it right?"

    I stopped.

    "About the experiment, did you tell anyone? "

    I glanced over my shoulder and narrowed my gaze.

    "Well, of course you didn''t tell anyone. In fact, you don''t even have friends to talk to, so I can''t imagine you revealing our details, hahaha."

    "Shut up"

    "It''s a joke, It''s a joke, anyways,To be honest, there is no need to threat you, but you are so stubborn compared to others that''s why I needed to threat you."

    "What do you mean?

    "Didn''t I say before, that you are the ONLY ONE who refused our invitation"

    "I am the only¡­one?"

    Now that I think about it, I recall that Kurogane said something along those lines.

    ("Others have accepted without resistance, and you were the only one left")

    "That''s right. Everyone accepted without any resistance, Although some of them ignored the email just like you, but once we explained the details, they all accepted to participate. That¡¯s why there was no need to threat them"

    These people didn''t receive a threat because everyone accepted it? What''s going on? Did they actually believe this suspicious organisation? Why?

    that means,

    THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT FULLY AWARE OF THE TRUE NATURE OF THIS ORGANISATION.

    ¡°why-¡±

    ¡°Well then, the seminar is about to start.¡±

    ¡°Don''t run! Answer my question. Why did they accept without questioning? If you didn''t threaten them, then What tricks did you use? There should be some people who resis-¡±

    ¡°Shut up, you brat¡±

    ¡°Wha-¡±

    ¡°Run? Don''t get so cocky-

    WHY THE HELL SHOULD I ANSWER TO A BRAT? IF YOU WANT THE ANSWER SO BADLY THEN FIND IT YOURSELF¡±

    Tch

    (As I thought, I hate him afterall)

    ¡°As I expected, we don''t get along¡±

    ¡°Is that so? I think we can get along very well¡±

    ¡°Ah so¡±

    ¡°Anyways, Take a seat somewhere the seminar will begin or else you want to sit beside me?¡±

    "Even if the hell freezes, I will never"

    "Eh?! That''s mean"

    Well, Whatever, I think I should worry more about myself than worrying about these strangers, afterall I don''t have the time to worry about others.

    I climbed down and found an empty seat in the left row. I settled myself there. I can hear people talking among themselves about the seminar.

    ''Hey, do you think that we can really remember our dreams?''

    ''I think it''s possible. I would love to know what I dream.''

    ''Make your wishes become true. Are they serious about this? Will they really fulfill our dreams?''

    ''I honestly don''t know, but I am here because they told me they would fulfill my dreams.''

    ''Isn''t it kind of exciting?''

    ''You are right, but I feel somewhat anxious at the same time.''

    ''This whole setup seems so suspicious, not to mention the way they brought us here. I have so many questions to ask them.''

    ''You are thinking too much into it. I am sure it will be alright. They will explain everything to us.''

    ''I hope all ends well.¡¯

    Some people are excited about this despite the way they brought us here. It must be nice to not worry about anything. They really are not aware of this organisation''s dirty tricks and dark side.

    On the other hand, some people are suspicious and seriously looking for answers to ease themselves. Well, you can tell that I am also one of them.

    Despite what Kurogane said, there are some people who are aware of their current situation, I think it is obvious, after how they brought us here most of the people would suspect and want some explanation.

    But it''s about time to know; I no longer need to wait. The real objective of this experiment and what they will make us do, everything will come to light.

    The lights went off except at the stage.

    "Everyone, May I have your attention¡±

    A lady wearing white coat, standing in the middle of the stage.

    "I am Yamamoto Akiko, one of the lead researchers at DreamLink Corporation. I thank all of you for cooperating and attending this seminar."

    Not bad for a first impression, they look proper.

    "I am aware that everyone has their questions, but don''t worry we will try to answer and clarify every question. So today, we have decided to commence our experiment, so in today''s seminar, we will explain the details and tell you about the experiment. I am looking forward to working with all of you." She bowed

    ¡®Yamamoto-San are you married?¡¯ someone yelled

    ¡®Idiot, what are you asking her?¡¯

    Seriously, who the hell is that guy asking such a question in this situation?

    ¡°Umm¡­Not yet, *cough* I think we are going off-topic here. Well then, let''s start the seminar, by the way, I am not the one who will be taking charge of this stage¡±

    Hmm? Is there another person going to take the lead?

    ¡°Everyone put your hands together, I welcome, the head professor and founder of DLC, Nakabachi Hideo- Sensei¡±

    *clapping* Everyone started to clap.

    Founder and head professor huh, I wonder what kind of-¡±

    *step*

    (Wha-)

    I slowly stopped clapping, my eyes widened, and my mouth fell open. My heart started racing at an unbelievable speed, I could feel a jolt sent into my spine. I became alert all of a sudden. Although the room was filled with noise, I couldn''t hear anything, or rather, I stopped listening. His presence froze my mind. He got my attention.

    A man with a white lab coat entered from the backstage, wearing glasses and looking over 40 years of age. For most people, he might have appeared perfectly normal. Then why...

    WHY DOES HE LOOK SO DIFFERENT IN MY EYES? WHAT IS THAT BLACK AURA COVERING HIM?

    I am sure it''s just my imagination, but his presence is overwhelming for me, because...

    "Good afternoon, everyone. I am Nakabachi Hideo. First of all, I thank you all for attending this seminar, from the bottom of my heart I really appreciate it. I will be the one presenting the details and explanation of our experiment. I hope that all of you will cooperate and make this experiment a success. Well then...

    I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU.

    (That white coat, that height, that voice and this strange familiarity I''m feeling) because...

    I THINK I HAVE MET HIM BEFORE.

 Chapter 7: Answers

    "I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU"

    (That white coat, that height, that voice and this strange familiarity I''m feeling)

    I THINK I HAVE MET HIM BEFORE.

    [October 5th- Approx *4:00 Pm ]

    "I think everyone has a vague idea about what the experiment will be..."

    Nakabachi Hideo continued with the introduction but I can''t pay any attention.

    I CAN''T HEAR ANYTHING

    My mind is occupied by his presence, he totally caught me off-guard, my heart won''t stop racing and I am trying so hard to remember him.

    (This feeling¡ªit''s undoubtedly the real deal. If not, I wouldn''t be this tense and my heart has never raced this much.)

    He feels so familiar. For someone like him to steal my attention and leave such a great impact on me, he should be someone whom I know from before. If so then why-

    WHY CAN''T I REMEMBER HIM?

    Am I forgetting something? It''s not just that I feel like I have met him; I also feel like I talked with him, if not then how could I able to recognise his voice? Who is he to me? Think

    "Think(kangaero) "

    Think, think, think, think, think, think, think,think, think, think, think, think, think, think,think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think.

    Wait-

    Let''s calm down for a sec, First of all

    DID I REALLY MEET HIM?

    If I really did then why can''t I remember him? Is this feeling some kind of deja vu? I don''t know but I can''t ignore this sensation.

    Considering that I really did meet him then-

    WHEN DID I MEET HIM? WHERE DID I MEET HIM?

    Nakabachi Hideo, as I expected it doesn''t ring a bell. If my memory serves right, this is the first time I have heard of this name. In other words,

    I MIGHT HAVE MET HIM BUT I DON''T KNOW HIS NAME.

    It''s possible but I can''t guarantee that.

    Did I meet him when I was a kid? If so then no wonder I can''t remember him, But his presence overwhelmed me and this feeling, I can''t neglect it, so there is no way I would forget about such a person so easily. Besides, my parents have never mentioned him before, so there is no chance that this man would be an acquaintance or a friend to one of my parents.

    Then, did I meet him recently? But where? Near the convenience store? Idiot, why the hell would a scientist, on top of that, the founder of this company would bother with such places? But, I can''t think of any other places where I would have met him.

    Aah, It''s no use...

    I CAN''T REMEMBER ANYTHING!

    (Damn it!)

    "As we explained in the email, our experiment is about-"

    "Will you leave that crap for later? "

    "Hmm"

    (Huh?)

    Suddenly, someone''s voice from afar has brought me back from thinking. I came back to my senses.

    He is a red-haired guy, he seemed to be around my age. He is wearing a white jacket.

    "First answers, Why did you brought us here in that way? "

    That''s right. What the hell was I thinking? I was completely distracted. What''s important now is my answers, I can think about him later.

    "Hey, mind your langu-"

    "Guard-kun, it''s all right", Nakabachi stretched his hand

    The guard who came along with Nakabachi on the stage was interrupted by him.

    "Yukimura Kazuki-Kun, right? "

    He know our names?

    "That doesn''t matter, first answer"

    ''That''s right, that''s right, we need an explanation ''

    Along with him, others started asking too.

    ''I felt so scared''

    ''You confiscated our smartphones too''

    ''You better not trying to commit a crime, are you? ''

    A-awesome(sugoi) Everyone started to feel restless and became persistent in asking about this situation, no, that Yukimura guy made them to ask.

    "Alright, alright I understand(wakarimasta). Just like Yamamoto-Kun told, I am also well aware that you have many questions, Of course, I intend to answer all of them, that was the plan."

    "Then answer, why are you hiding this place? " Kazuki asked.

    "Fine(iidaro) -I WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING"

    *Araki gulps*

    The time has come. I have been waiting for this moment. DLC- DreamLink Corporation. An unofficial organization, on top of that they are doing an experiment involving humans. The details were not made public, their location is hidden. Any person can become suspicious just seeing these details.

    What are they trying to do? Why are they hiding this place? What is their objective? Why they are being so secretive?

    Everything will come to light now.

    "Why am I hiding this place huh? I guess It''s only natural for you to ask that after being brought here in such a way"

    Why are they hiding this location?

    I said earlier that they will be in trouble if their location gets revealed but,

    THAT''S NOT THE END, THERE IS MORE TO IT.

    These people want to know why he is hiding this place but what I want to know is

    WHAT KIND OF TROUBLE HE WILL FACE?

    If you ask me this question, then I can think of two possible reasons to why they are hiding this place. Well, For now, I will keep it on hold until he responds.

    Most probably I will get my answer right now.

    Now, Nakabachi Hideo how will you respond to this question?

    "Before answering that question I think everyone knows that we have created a product that will allow you to remember and control your dreams, am I right? "

    "Y-yes" The crowd responded in unison

    "Also we didn''t publicize this experiment in other words, other than the people who sit here, no one knows about our experiment or product-not even the government or other companies similar to us"

    Hmm? What is he trying to sa-Wait, this flow...

    "And that product, research data, Everything regarding the experiment is sleeping in this building, so here is the question:

    WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN IF SOMEONE SITTING HERE LEAKS THIS LOCATION?

    As I expected, I know what this man is getting at.

    "What will happen if someone leak this loca- Don''t tell me" A girl shouted, covering her mouth with her hands.

    "Oh ya, looks like you have guessed it"

    I think some people have realised it.

    That''s right, one of the two reasons which I mentioned and the trouble they are going to face is-

    RAID AND THEFT

    What these people invented is beyond extraordinary, A product that will help us to remember our dreams and can allow us to control our actions. So, for suppose if someone sitting here leaks this location to someone, more importantly-

    IF THIS LOCATION GETS LEAKED TO DLC''S RIVAL COMPANIES

    In simple terms-The companies which are researching about the same concept, Since Nakabachi admitted that all of the research data resides in this building, there is a high possibility that one of them might try to raid this place, steal the research data and claim it for themselves which can result in a huge loss for DLC, I think I have mentioned something like this before* too.

    It makes sense, no wonder they are hiding this place.

    "I believe that what we have created is unbelievable, but it''s the truth. We, the people of DLC, have succeeded in creating a product that will conquer dreams, but we didn''t announce it to the world - we didn''t make it public. Now, Since we didn''t made it public this gives an opening, in other words, a chance for our rivals. They might try to steal our data. Since everything regarding the experiment resides in this building, there is a huge possibility that this building will get pillaged by other companies, and our data may get stolen along with the product."

    So that''s the reason after all, Looks like there is no need to mention the second rea-

    "But, THAT''S NOT THE MAIN PROBLEM"

    Eh?

    "We are the very first company to have successfully conquered dreams with our product. I believe it''s not an exaggeration to say that this is a great achievement for Japan, one that will go down in history."

    He is speaking the truth, this is undoubtedly a great achievement. To be honest, the concept of this experiment seems too far-fetched; it almost feels unreal that such an invention took place this early. But these people claim that they have succeeded in making it. If what they are saying is true, then ''great achievement'' would be just an understatement.

    "But"

    "WE CAN''T BE SURE YET THAT THIS ACHIEVEMENT TRULY BELONGS TO JAPAN"

    Huh? What does he mean by that? It definitely belongs to- AHH

    My eyes widened, and I was left with a shocked expression because right now-

    I HAVE REALISED THAT HE IS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING VERY DANGEROUS.

    "What do you mean?" A man asked, sitting in the crowd.

    "For example, if someone posts the details about the experiment on social media, It will be known worldwide in other words, big countries like America and Russia will become aware of our project"

    (that''s....enough)

    "So what are you getting at? "

    "Don''t you think that they want to get their hands on this project?"

    "E...h?"

    "Ah, let me rephrase it,

    DON''T YOU THINK THAT THEY MIGHT WANT TO STEAL AND GRAB OUR ACHIEVEMENT?"

    ''Are you serious?''

    ''No way''

    ''Hey, what does he mean by that?''

    ''Shut up for a moment, let me listen''

    (No, don''t say anymore)

    "The fact that we didn''t announce or make anything public will not only give a chance to our rivals but also to other countries. Right now, we don''t have approval or protection from the government; we didn''t safeguard our data either, and we didn''t get a patent as well. Right now, we are defenceless. So if anyone sitting here SELLS THE INFORMATION ABOUT US TO A SPY FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY-

    WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN?"

    (Stop...it)

    "Once they become aware of this invention, they will surely attempt to attack this place, it''s not a private conflict anymore. Countries fight amongst themselves to get their hands on this product. They will want to claim this achievement. This is not a problem of DLC anymore, this will be a problem for the whole Japan. Because of someone sold the information, this conflict will start as a shadow war and will eventually evolve into a- WORLD WAR"

    ''World...war?''

    "That''s right, just because of someone, this land will become a- BATTLEFIELD"

    Aah, he said it, the thing which I don''t want to hear the most.

    THE WORLD WAR

    That''s right, this is the MAIN PROBLEM-the current situation is even more dangerous.

    I can''t believe that DLC has predicted that far and started taking precautions, why didn''t I realise it sooner? No, there is no way I could have realised it before, not only me

    NOBODY COULD HAVE GUESSED IT.

    If you ask me, this product has the potential to become a catalyst for a more developed future, but since it is hidden from the public, this product can as well become a-

    TRIGGER TO THE UPCOMING WORLD WAR

    But we can''t say for sure if it will happen or not but there is a possibility. Because big countries would want to claim this for themselves to become an even more developed nation that''s why there is a chance.

    Looks like everyone has been shocked by hearing his answer. I guess they can''t help it because if someone gets swallowed by their greed and sell this information to people like spies, their single mistake would lead to a war. In otherwords, they will be digging their own grave.

    I hate to admit it but everything makes sense now. no, it makes more sense. He gave a very logical explanation, it even exceeded my expectations.

    The reason why they are hiding this location, Why they don''t want us to tell about this to anyone, Why Kurogane followed me all these days and made sure that I didn''t tell anyone that time

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    (Flashback-"About the experiment, did you tell anyone?")

    Everything makes sense.

    Not only they don''t want other companies to steal their data, they also want to avoid a world war.

    ''Then the reason you confiscated our mobiles''

    "Yes, to prevent you from filming/recording the seminar, what you are going to know is absolutely confidential Information so if you record it and post it on social media it would be a problem for us."

    I see, that explains why he has confiscated our mobiles, everything is linked but looks like he forgot to mention one more thing, or rather HE DIDN''T MENTION IT.

    Not only that, he also doesn''t want us to use our GPS to find this location. The presence of a smartphone might prove to be a thorn for DLC, That''s why they are not allowing them in here.

    I can see that, how desperate they are in avoiding any leakage- Wait

    SOMETHING DOESN''T FEEL RIGHT

    The puzzle is still incomplete. A piece is missing. If they really want to avoid any leakage and if they are desperate to prevent their data from getting stolen, if they really want to avoid any loss, not to mention the World war

    ISN''T THERE A VERY SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR IT?

    If there is a solution for it then why are they not doing it? That''s right

    If they want to prevent these consequences then why don''t-

    "If you really want to prevent this mess from happening"

    "Hmm"

    "THEN WHY DON''T YOU MAKE THIS PUBLIC ALREADY?"

    (What? That''s exactly what I was thinking)

    "Can you say more specifically? Mizuki Reina-san"

    She was sitting in the fourth row on the right side, wearing a half-shoulder blue top paired with a skirt. Her eyes are blue and She has dark blue hair (midnight blue) and appeared to be the same age as me.

    "You make it sound like it''s our fault but in truth, you are the ones who are responsible for this, if you announce this project and take the government approval, there won''t be a single problem, honestly- WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO PULL HERE?"

    ''That''s right, he can just announce it?''

    ''A-are you trying to blame us?''

    ''Stop kidding''

    It''s the exact same thing. She asked him what I was thinking. That''s right, if he made it public there won''t be any problem. Then why didn''t he do that?

    "That''s a really wonderful question. That''s right if I announce it and obtain government approval, our product will be patented, and they will provide support and help in safeguarding our project. Once we patent our project and name it under DLC, forget about other companies; not even other countries can interfere with us."

    ''Then-''

    "Then why didn''t I do that, right?"

    This man, is he joking around? If he is afraid of loss and leakage, then why doesn''t he make it official? There is no need for them to be this secretive if what they are doing is a good thing. If they make it public, then it''s a lot easier for them to handle things. Why do they go so far as hiding this location and threatening me when the solution is right in front of them?

    WHY CAN''T HE MAKE THIS PUBLIC?

    "Well The reason is simple, it needs perfection"

    Perfection?

    "To tell the truth, THIS PRODUCT IS NOT FULLY DEVELOPED"

    Not...developed? What is he saying?

    The crowd became silent upon hearing his response.

    (Huh? In other words it''s incomplete? That means he is testing on us? It almost sounds like...)

    WE ARE JUST A BUNCH OF GUINEA PIGS?

    ''S....''

    "hmm?" Nakabachi murmured

    ''S-STOP JOKING!!!!!!''

    All of a sudden the people raised their voices in anger.

    ''Are you telling me to test it when it''s not even complete? no way!''

    ''Do you want us to risk our lives?''

    ''How will you take responsibility if something happens!?''

    (What the hell is he saying? Damn, I can''t able to think straight)

    ''What do you take our lives for!?''

    ''I know it, these people are dangerous''

    ''I don''t want to take part in this!''

    (It''s not fully developed? Is it really incomplete or they are trying to improve it?)

    ''I can''t put up with this!''

    ''Send me home!''

    ''Hey, let''s get out of here right now''

    ''I shouldn''t have accepted afterall''

    (Tsk)

    "QUIET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I shouted

    *silence*

    "WILL YOU GUYS BE QUIET FOR A SECOND? HE IS SPEAKING RIGHT, LET HIM FINISH"

    Nakabachi smiled.

    ''Hey mister-'' the guy sitting next to me, called out for me

    "Huh!?" I glared

    ''s-sorry''

    (Honestly, my mind is already overwhelmed with so much information on top it, these people shout like idiots, it''s really annoying)

    "Thank you, young man. It seems like you people have gotten the wrong idea here. The product is complete, we have certainly created a product that can conquer dreams. However, we believe that there is still more room for development."

    ''Can you say more specifically?''

    "To sum it up, The reason we have called you here is to test our product and give us your feedback. We want to know, How much you can remember? To what extent you can control your actions? By the results obtained from the experiment we can able to perceive if we can improve it further"

    ''What does that have to do with announcing about this project?''

    "Will you announce a movie when you don''t know if you can make it?"

    ''What?''

    "Alternatively can you release a video game with full of bugs?"

    ''Well....I am not sure''

    "Exactly. We are also in a similar situation. Think of our experiment as a game in it''s testing phase. It still has many bugs, and we alone can''t identify all of them. That''s why we invited you all here, you can assume it as a beta test. We don''t want to announce a product that we can''t deliver on or promise. It needs to be perfect before we can make it public."

    I see, It makes sense but,

    IT''S TOO SELFISH

    Do you know that the whole country is on the line? This is not the time to be thinking about buisness and stuff. Because of one mistake there is no telling what could happen. Also, many people are still worrying about testing the prod-

    "BUT THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY"

    ''Huh?'' Crowd in unison

    "The product will work. If you are worried about the risks about being the first one to test it, then there is no need to worry. because the people of DLC, including me, have all tested it already. Besides, I will also be using this product alongside you. If you think that you are the only one taking the poison here, then you are completely wrong."

    ''But-''

    "If anything happens, I will take the ENTIRE RESPONSIBILITY"

    I will take the entire responsibility? He is saying like it''s not a big dea- Wha

    Nakabachi bowed, maintaining a perfect posture, requesting us.

    "PLEASE TRUST ME, I PROMISE THAT I WILL MAKE IT UP TO YOU NO MATTER WHAT. I, NAKABACHI HIDEO, SWEARING UPON MY NAME THAT I WILL TAKE THE ENTIRE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS EXPERIMENT."

    "Wai-Sensei!" Yamamoto exclaimed, standing at a corner on the stage.

    "Don''t stop me, Yamamoto-Kun"

    "But-"

    "(Nakabachi noded) This is my decision"

    (Is he serious? Even if he bow like that, we can''t just accept)

    "Next month"

    ''hmm?''

    Nakabachi restored his posture.

    "We have already planned to announce this project and make it official next month. We just want you to test this product for the time being and help us in developing it. If you don''t leak our details for a month, then certainly no problem would arise. That''s why, we just need you to keep this experiment a secret for just a month."

    ''Hey, what should we do?'' people started talking

    ''I am not sure but personally I am against it''

    ''Well, I don''t have any intention to leak any details''

    ''So you are saying that you are alright with cooperating?''

    ''If I say yes then it might be a lie though''

    ''I need time to think''

    There is one more solution other than making this public which can also avoid the loss of DLC and other possible problems. That''s right, if we keep it quiet and don''t tell anyone about this experiment then there is no need for them to announce it untill the product develops perfectly, but...

    THIS IS EXTREMELY HARD

    Because,

    HUMANS CAN''T BE TRUSTED

    There are around 100 people sitting here, there must be at least one person who will be willing to leak. Just like a spark can burn the whole forest, a single leak can give birth to many problems. That''s why we can''t say for sure that everyone will uphold their promise.

    That''s why what Nakabachi doing is entirely pointle-

    ''Hey, look there''

    ''No way, What is he doing?''

    Hmm?

    I opened my eyes and looked at the stage.

    (Why are they-)

    As I lifted my head, the noise of the crowd has increased. I was wondering Why are they so surprised? After looking at the stage I came to know the answer,

    They are surprised because

    NAKABACHI KNEELED ON THE FLOOR.

    ''Is he for real?''

    ''I don''t know what I should say''

    "Whew, Now He has done it" Kurogane whistled, sitting in the back.

    (Seriou¡­sly?)

    "I request all of you, not as the founder of DLC, but as Nakabachi Hideo, I genuinely ask everyone to cooperate and make this a success. I''m requesting each and everyone of you.."

    ''This kind of¡­ puts me in a bind''

    ''Y-yeah''

    ''What should we do?''

    ''But we should not just trust him so easily''

    ''Is he really seriou-''

    "Ishikawa Akari-san"

    ''Huh? That''s me''

    "Nakajima Haruka-san"

    ''That''s my name''

    (He is calling our names?)

    "Shibata Riku-kun"

    ''That''s me''

    "Tanaka Hiroto-kun, Suzuki Aya-san, Ito Yuto-kun, Nakamura Sayaka-san, Kobayashi Ren-kun, Sato Hina-san, Watanabe Taichi-kun, Kimura Mei-san, Yamada Ryo-kun, Kinoshita Kenta-kun, Sasaki Kaori-san, Itou Nana-san, Morita Shun-kun, Matsumoto Yuki-san, Inoue Haruto-kun, Ogiwara Misaki-san, Fujii Hayato-kun, Hoshino Yua-san, Kondo Yuuki-kun, Ota Risa-san, Fujimoto Mei-san, Ohashi Futaro-kun, Sakamoto Mina-san, Maruyama Taichi-kun, Ogawa Rina-san, Matsumura Kota-kun, Murata Asuka-san, Hirano Nanami-san, Sato Yuki-kun, Kurosawa Eri-san, Hori Shinichi-kun"

    ''Oi oi, is he serious''

    ''He knows all of¡­our names?''

    ''Not just that he is calling everyone''

    (What!?)

    "Aizawa Shu-kun, Nakagawa Yui-san, Kuroki Hiroki-kun, Igarashi Misa-san, Ayumi Taiga-kun, Tachibana Aoi-san, Watanabe Hikari-kun, Hinawa Mei-san, Kagawa Maru-kun, Miyazaki Kei-san, Yamashiro Yuu-kun, Nishikawa Ema-san, Uesugi Yudai-kun, Kaneko Saki-san, Kaito Kenta-kun, Yoshida Miki-san, Ito Daichi-kun, Yamaguchi Nana-san, Shimizu Ryo-kun, Okada Sakura-san, Kondo Soma-kun, Maeda Hitomi-san.."

    ''F-for real?''

    ''It''s not¡­stopping''

    "Fujita Makoto-kun, Umi Yurika-san, Ukegawa Taiki-kun, Ouka Rena-san, Ogawa Chikawa-kun, Aomi Yuna-san, Hamada Nanami-kun, Nakamura Yumiko-san, Matsuda Shima-kun, Nakano Riya-san, Akizuki Shiro-kun, Hinako Yuka-san, Shinoyama Soma-kun, Ono Hana-san, Hiroshi Miharu-kun, Takahashi Akane-san, Kimura Kotaro-kun, Matsumoto Aika-san, Kobayashi Yuta-kun, Mizuhara Sakura-san, Izanami Seiya-kun, Koizumi Yuzuriha-san, Nakami Kakeru-kun, Kitagawa Aika-san,Yamaguchi Meisa-san, Akagami Kazuma-kun, Shinozaki Rio-san, Fujimoto Asuka-san, Kanazawa Kaoru-kun, Naoki Megumi-san, Kojima Taiga-kun, Shinohara Haru-san, Iura Makabe-kun, Hayamoto Koyama-san, Kitamura Miyo-san, Shinozawa Hiroyama-kun,Hayami Misa-san, Oreki Gojo-kun, Takanashi Sumi-san, Mado Kiryu-kun, Ishigami Atsushi-kun, Natsukawa Yume-san¡­"

    ''H-he is crazy''

    "Yukimura Kazuki-kun, Mizuki Reina-san¡­"

    "And ARAKI RYOTA-KUN"

    I became alert hearing my name.

    "I am begging everyone of you"

    ''Im..possible''

    ''Am I dreaming or.. something?''

    "Oh, By any chance, Did I miss someone?"

    The crowd remained silent, looks like he called out everyone.

    Nakabachi smiled.

    "Then I will take your silence as my answer. As you can see, I am totally serious here, I am requesting everyone of you to participate, because THIS PROJECT IS MY DREAM"

    (You are joking right?)

    Wait, wait , is he sane? First he bows then he kneels down and now he remembers every name? He is the founder y''know, is this normal? What''s going on with his head?

    HE PRACTICALLY CALLED EVERY NAME.

    When he said he was requesting everyone, he really mean it? You must be kidding me. I have never seen a person going this far to prove his determination. What he just did is seriously unbelievable.

    I CAN''T PREDICT HIS MOVES.

    Nakabachi Hideo, are you really a HUMAN?

    "Got it"

    What?

    "We will cooperate" Kazuki answered.

    ''h-hey, why are you deciding that?'' The guy sitting beside Kazuki replied.

    "What he says is true, if we stay quiet for a month then everything will be alright. There should be no problem"''

    ''but-''

    "What is this? ARE YOU PERHAPS TRYING TO SELL THIS INFORMATION?"

    ''''Y-y-your wrong!''

    "Then, there is no problem right?"

    ''Tch, W-well whatever, We will cooperate''

    ''Don''t forget your promise''

    ''If he is saying that much then it''s probably alright''

    Are they really sure about that? Well I can see his determination. So we are really doing this¡­

    "Thank you, Thank you everyone, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart"

    Nakabachi got up and put his glasses back which he had removed earlier.

    "I believe that all of your questions have been cleared now, well then why don''t we move¡­"

    "Not yet!"

    A girl shouted

    "Huh?"

    "One¡­more question is left"

    (One more quest- Ah)

    "Is it true that you will fulfill our wishes?"

    Everyone became alert hearing her question.

    "IS IT REAL THAT OUR DREAMS WILL BECOME TRUE?"

    ''Y-yeah there is one more left''

    ''Is it really true?''

    That''s right, this is the question which is left unanswered. What does he mean by that? When I asked this to Kurogane he refused to answer. But now we are not backing down.

    " *Sign*, Yeah there was still a question left unanswered, thanks for reminding me NATSUKAWA YUME-SAN"

    She was wearing a pink hoodie, and her face was covered in it so I wasn''t able to see her face. She was wearing shorts and her hair was also covered.

    ''Is it really true?''

    ''Explain it to us''

    He can''t possibly refuse now, This is really an important question. How can he say that he can fulfill our wishes? Is it really true?

    "Fine, I will answer it. Guard-kun"

    "Here"

    "Are the preparations complete?" Nakabachi said in a low voice.

    "Yes, but are you sure?"

    "Yes of course"

    The guard left the stage in a hurry upon hearing his response.

    "Well then everyone, instead of telling, LET ME SHOW YOU THE ANSWER"

    ''Show?''

    (He will show the answer?)

    "Now, Get ready. Let me show you the answer right now"

    Nakabachi raised his right hand and snapped his fingers.

    *Snap*

    The room is filled with silence. It''s been 5 seconds but nothing happened.

    (Huh? Nothing is happening-)

    As I was staring at Nakabachi,

    A piece of paper came into my vision flying from the ceiling in the midst of the darkness. I reached my hand and caught it wondering what it was.

    (Hmm? What the hell is th-)

    "WHA-!?"

    I don''t think you will believe what I saw in my hand. To be honest, I can''t believe it either. It was not too late that I realized what came flying was not actually a paper. It was

    "10¡­000£¤?!"

    It was actually a currency note. That''s right, it''s MONEY.

    (Don''t tell me¡­)

    I quickly looked above.

    "What¡­the hell!?"

    I was completely left with a shocked expression. What I saw in the air is absolutely astonishing. My eyes might be deceiving me orelse this might be a dream. But what I saw there is completely unbelievable. I never saw such a scenario in the 16 years of my life, not only me it''s the same for these people too, if not¡­

    THEY WON''T BE MAKING THAT FACE

    If I have to explain the scenario in one word¡­

    IT''S A MONEYRAIN!!

    (They are all¡­.money!?)

    The notes are slowly falling from the ceiling, they keep on multiplying by each passing second. I can see more and more. They keep on increasing.

    "They¡­are real, this note is real"

    That''s right, this is not a prank or something. These notes are real. It''s the real deal.

    (Ah)

    I thought that it was weird that I wasn''t able to hear any noise. But I realized it was just a matter of time. The common thing which you can expect when a money rain occurs. That''s right

    A PANIC HAS STARTED.

    ''Money!!!''

    ''This is real!?''

    ''Bastard, that''s my money!''

    ''What!? Since when did this become yours?''

    ''Give me''

    ''Ahhh, money give me more money''

    ''With this, all my problems will be solved''

    ''Don''t touch my money''''

    ''Eek, where are you touching?''

    ''Shut up, ugly''

    ''Ouch''

    ''That hurts, you idiot!''

    ''Like I care''

    ''I am not giving to anyone, I am not giving to anyone''

    ''More,more,more!!!''

    Everyone started to fight and tried to steal money from each other. It was a RIOT.

    THIS IS THE TRUE NATURE OF HUMANS.

    Hey, what do you think is the most powerful thing in the world?

    Trust? Friendship? Bonds? Love? Unity?

    No, you are wrong.

    The most powerful thing in this world is¡­

    "MONEY"

    It has the power to turn lies into facts and facts into lies, it will decide your place in this world, it will grant you the power. It can create a problem, it can solve a problem.

    You can buy friends, you can buy love, You can buy faith, You can buy trust. If you have money people will flock to you, people will support you.

    It will grant your wishes, it will fulfill your dreams. Money will make you success. Money will let you live in a paradise.

    You got a job? For what purpose? What is your reason to do a job? Isn''t it obvious, Money. Money has the power to make a person move, change, work etc..

    Money has the power to change a nation, develop a nation. It is the ultimate source for civilization.

    THE WHOLE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND MONEY.

    Without money you can''t study, without money you can''t be healed, without money you can''t eat, without money you can''t SURVIVE.

    MONEY WILL DECIDE YOUR WORTH.

    Everything in this world is connected to money, and right now this man has used the most powerful card in this room¡ªMONEY

    (Un¡­believable)

    The moneyrain came to a halt but¡­

    THE PANIC DIDN''T CAME TO AN END

    ''That''s unfair, you have way too much''

    ''So what?''

    ''Give me some, comeon''

    ''W-wai, you are hurting me''

    Ah, now I understand. Hey Kusogane, I found the answer. Why did these people accepted without any resistance? Why did these people came here? These people didn''t come here out of curiosity, nor were they interested in this experiment¡­

    THESE PEOPLE WANT THEIR WISHES TO BE FULLFILLED THAT''S WHY THEY CAME HERE.

    I can''t help but sit idle. I was completely freezed. I am trying to stay sane. Even the people who are sitting beside me joined the fray, I can feel my legs getting crushed.

    My vision was blocked with people standing, but slowly the stage came into sight.

    My eyes widened seeing Nakabachi.

    Even though this much chaos is happening, Nakabachi kept watching them, Even after seeing this riot how can he make a face like that?

    WHAT IS THAT CREEPY SMILE?

    Tell me Nakabachi Hideo, are you enjoying this? If not, why are you making such a face?

    "Everyone, calm down for a second"

    ''Oi you, I have hidden some money under my seat you better not took it right?''

    ''huh!? I don''t know''

    ''Dont play dumb!!''

    "Everyone.."

    ''You want a fight?''

    ''If you lose, hand over your money''

    "SHUT UP FOR A SECOND ORELSE DO YOU WANT ME TO TAKE THE MONEY BACK?" Nakabachi warned, his voice is cold.

    *Silence*

    Everyone settled down and took their seats.

    "As you can see, these money is the real deal. Not only that"

    Nakabachi clapped twice signalling his guards.

    There were ten guards who came up the stage each holding a suitcase.

    "Open"

    ''What!!!!!!!''

    ''That''s¡­money right?''

    The suitcases were filled with money.

    "That''s right, it''s money. Every suitcase has 10 million yen. Not only this, Yamamoto-kun"

    "Yes"

    Yamamoto clicked a button on the remote. The large screen which was mounted on the wall has showed the display.

    ''Trucks?''

    "These trucks are currently present in the basement of this building, Now then open the shutter"

    There were 5 trucks in the display which we are able to see, and the shutter has opened slowly.

    ''Oooooooooooooo''

    (You must be¡­.kidding)

    Each of the truck is completely filled with tons of cash. An amount of money which I can''t even imagine.

    "The money which I have distributed you is just 10 million yen"

    ''He says just!?''

    (Are you serious? It''s 10 million yen that means it''s around 100k dollars!)

    "Yamamoto-kun, if you will"

    "Yes"

    She clicked once again, and the display changed into a number which is kept on increasing.

    (Wait)

    ''What is that?''

    "Hmm, this is my bank balance"

    ''Are you serious!?''

    The screen displayed 59,879,532,620£¤

    But the number is not constant. It kept on increasing.

    "I earn around 1 million daily, and of course, this money is legitimate, I legally earned it, so there is no doubt here. What I gave you is just a drop in my ocean. This is the reason I can provide transportation facilities for everyone."

    ''Everyone?''

    "That''s right, I provided individual cars for everyone of you"

    Wait, wait, wait 1 million yen daily!? Also there are around 100 people here y''know!? If what he just said is true, then that means he owns 100 cars!?

    ''More, more give me more money''

    A middle aged man kept running towards the stage.

    (What is he doing? )

    ''Hey wait'', the guard tried to stop

    ''DON''T STOP ME, LET ME-OUCH!!! ''

    The guard restrained him.

    "Now, now Don''t hurt him guard-kun, he is a precious tester y''know"

    ''S-sorry, sir''

    "Now then, What does this money have to do with fulfilling wishes? Looks like there is no need to answer. Money can fulfill your wishes and I am willing to grant your wishes. With this much money not just one, I am able to grant each and every wish. Do you want a job? Yeah I will give you. You want a house? Car? Women? Land? EVEN BECOMING A PRIME MINISTER IS NOT A DREAM"

    (What the..hell is he saying?)

    "YOU ALL ARE ELIGIBLE TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY"

    Everyone kept on listening but I can see it, it all shows on their faces

    THE GREEDINESS

    "But"

    (Huh)

    "This money is just a piece of paper for me, it helped me in reaching my dream but it left me along the way. It can''t help me in granting my dream. This project is my dream. Even money can''t grant me this wish. But¨C

    YOU PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO GRANT MY WISH. IF YOU COOPERATE, I CAN GET A STEP CLOSER TO MY DREAM.

    WILL YOU HELP ME AND PARTICIPATE? WILL YOU GRANT MY WISH?"

    "YESSSSSSSSSS!! WE WILL PARTICIPATE!!!!!! "

    Nakabachi''s smile widened.

    ''Even money can''t grant me this wish? '' Stop kidding. It already granted your wish. Look at the faces of these people.

    THEY ARE READY TO COOPERATE.

    Until a few minutes ago they were so against it, but this man has turned the tables by using the most powerful card. A complete 180. Everyone is ready to cooperate. Isn''t this what you were after this whole time?

    A COMPLETE COOPERATION

    Now there won''t be a single person who will leak these details.

    This guy manipulated all of them.

    BY USING MONEY

    "Thank you¡­. . Thank you very much"

    (Nakabachi Hideo¡­ )

    "Well then everyone, why don''t we start the seminar for real.."

    I can''t read him, he is unpredictable. What''s going on with his mind? What is he thinking? His way of thinking is beyond my understanding. Among the people I have met so far, he is the most unpredictable person ever.

    "LET''S TALK ABOUT DREAMS"

    Nakabachi Hideo just who the hell are you?

 Chapter 8: Project D.R.E.AM

    "Thank you....thank you very much. Well then everyone, why don''t we start the seminar for real"

    I can''t read him. Among the people I have met so far, he is the most unpredictable person ever.

    "C''mon"

    (Nakabachi Hideo¡­)

    "LET''S TALK ABOUT DREAMS"

    Just who the hell are you?!

    THE SEMINAR IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.

    [Third person P.O.V]

    *Door open*

    Akiko entered the control room where a top view of the entire seminar could be seen through a large glass window. The room is dimly lit, and a young man is seated in front of his laptop illuminated by the glow of the screen.

    "Ah, Akiko-chan?, what''s up¡ª"

    "DON''T YOU DARE CALL ME LIKE THAT EVER AGAIN, UNDERSTOOD?" Akiko''s voice turned icy.

    "Y-Yes sorry(scary)"

    "As long as you understand."

    "You really can change your character so easily, don''t you, Akiko-San?"

    "It''s really tiring to keep up that act. I would rather be myself." Akiko let her hair down.

    "Eeh, but I prefer the Yamamoto Akiko who acts all cute and innocent?"

    "Shut up."

    Akiko approached him and crossed her arms, looking at the stage through the glass.

    "Quite a show isn''t it, Tanizaki"

    "Yeah, you can say it again. No matter how many times I see it, I will never get bored of this"

    {Tanizaki Shu, 21 years old. He gives off a casual aura by wearing a lousy t-shirt with shorts, he has headphones hanging around his neck. He is in charge of graphical editing, control room and security management of DLC.}

    "Honestly, humans are very interesting," Akiko said.

    "This makes it fifth time, by the way Akiko-San, is it okay for you to leave the stage?"

    "My job is done and the rest of it can be handled by Nakabachi sensei on his own"

    *Sign* Tanizaki signed

    "Aa ah, there goes another 10 million yen, I can''t believe professor Nakabachi really did it again"

    "Why are you complaining?"

    "It''s 50 million yen! It''s not even a joke. He threw 10 million for every session that happened in these two days! If you gave me that much I would skip work and enjoy the whole year!"

    "You want to get fired or something?"

    "Well, keeping it aside, if he is going to do it anyway, why can''t he do it at the start? He has wasted a lot of time "

    "Moron(baka) didn''t I say earlier? To make this experiment succeed we require their trust and cooperation, doing that stunt right off the bat would just raise their suspicion."

    "Yeah yeah"

    "Well this is the last session *yawn* Finally I can get some rest"

    Tanizaki became quiet all of a sudden, slowly his expression changed.

    "Akiko-San..."

    "Hmm? "

    "I have been meaning to ask something from yesterday"

    "What is it? "

    "The display showed that the professor''s bank balance is 5 billion but in truth, it is not 5 billion-

    IT IS 50 BILLION ISN''T IT?" Tanizaki asked seriously.

    Akiko startled

    "Oi, HOW DID YOU FIND OUT?" Akiko narrowed her eyes

    "I did just a little bit of investigation" He said while tapping the laptop

    (That laptop) Akiko''s eyes widened

    "Hmph, I don''t have the memory of giving you my laptop, you sneaky thief"

    "Now now, Don''t change the subject"

    (This guy..)

    "Answer me Akiko-San.

    Why is he hiding his real balance?

    besides, not only that, he said that he earns around 1 million yen per day, but that''s not true. Professor''s daily income is  around 5 million yen, in other words, 150 million yen in a month. It''s an unbelievable amount of money. How is he earning that much? First of all, can a person earn that much-"

    "Tanizaki-Kun"

    "Yes?(kun?) "

    "It''s been 1 and a half year since you joined DLC right? "

    "Yes, what of it-"

    "You are smart but as a senior let me give you a small advice"

    "Huh? "

    Akiko landed her right hand on his shoulder and leaned towards his left ear and whispered.

    "YOU ARE JUST A EMPLOYEE HERE, IF YOU STICK YOUR NOSE WHERE IT DOESN''T BELONG, BEFORE YOU KNOW IT,

    YOU WILL END UP DEAD"

    Tanizaki froze upon hearing those words. The atmosphere became heavy.

    "Got it? "

    Tanizaki narrowed his eyes, slowly changing his expression.

    "C''mon C''mon, why are you getting so serious? I was just curious, well as long as you pay me that''s all matters"

    "(That''s right, just stay as you are. It really helps a lot that you are so nonchalant and carefree, Tanizaki) anyways¡­"

    Akiko restored her posture.

    "Seminar is about to start, once this is over the real fun will start. Really

    I CAN''T WAIT FOR TONIGHT"

    [Seminar starts-Araki P.O.V]

    "Dreams" Nakabachi started

    "What comes to your mind when you hear this word?

    An ideal world?

    A fantasy?

    A place where your wishes can become true, Where your desires take shape Orelse

    A ALTERNATE REALITY RESIDES IN OUR SUB CONSCIOUSNESS,

    I am sure that many things would come to your mind

    But! "

    ''Eh'' the crowd murmured silently

    "What is this phenomenon we are facing every night?

    What exactly are dreams?"

    ''Dreams...''

    "That''s right, What are dreams? There might be many answers but If you ask me, dreams are a possibility, a potential! A world which may really exist, a parallel world, a paradise! If we count the possibilities, they are infinite. If I have to describe it in one sentence It''s

    ''A world which can make the impossible possible''

    It''s really a wonderful realm..."

    Seminar has started.

    Only five minutes had passed since the crazy incident, and everyone had settled down. Just moments ago, there was complete chaos, but this man handled it very easily. As I expected, this man is something else, and besides¡­

    (Flashback- I THINK I HAVE MET HIM BEFORE)

    That feeling¡­I can''t ignore it after all.

    (I have to do something) I clenched my fist

    "Dreams are the epitome of our imagination. Anything can happen and anything is possible in dreams because they are not binded by our world rules. They don''t obey the laws of physics.

    You can fly in the sky if you want, visit places in a second, run at 100km/hr, lift 1000kg weight with your bare hands, you can also create matter from nothing in other words, you can use magic"

    ''Magic? ''

    "Haha, it might sound strange coming from a scientist but we are talking about dreams that''s why ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!"

    (Huh? This is kind of getting interesting)

    "But there is a problem here" Nakabachi continued with a depressed look.

    "We can''t control our dreams. What we dream is completely random. Once the morning arrives, we will forget most of it and as the time passes, the small fragments which has remained will erase from our mind that''s why dreams are nothing more than a delusion"

    "But" Nakabachi''s voice held a distinct pause.

    "What if, what if I told you there is a way to control your dreams? A way to manipulate your dreams."

    ''Huh''

    Nakabachi''s smile widened.

    "WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THERE IS A WAY TO TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY?"

    (A way...to turn dreams into reality?)

    Everyone has paused hearing his question including me. His question and the concept is so captivating that it almost feels unbelievable.

    ''Turn dreams into reality?''

    "That''s right! this is our project, dream aswell as our invention!" *snap*

    "PROJECT D.R.E.A.M!!!" Nakabachi exclaimed.

    With a finger snap, the display has changed into a text written as PROJECT D.R.E.A.M

    ''PROJECT....D.R.E.A.M?''

    "Dreams into Reality through Experimented Altered Minds, this is our experiment. Let me explain your role,

    As a participant, You are going to use a product which will help you to remember your dreams and which can enable you to control your actions, and by product I mean this..."

    Nakabachi put his hand in his pocket and took out a tiny box of pills, the display changed and we could see the box in his hand through the large screen behind him.

    ''A pill?''

    "Yes, you are going to consume this pill(??) the effects of this pill will let you remain conscious in your dreams and by remaining conscious you can control your actions and by controlling your actions...do you know what I mean?

    It means YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR DREAM ASWELL"

    ''WOAH! ''

    ''A-amazing''

    ''This is so exciting'' the crowd started to gasp and murmur in excitement.

    "I said right, WE HAVE CONQUERED THE DREAMS. "

    ''So How did you make it?'' A person asked.

    "Tsk tsk tsk, I am very sorry, as of now I can''t tell you how it was made or the chemistry behind it. That''s why let''s leave it as a secret" Nakabachi nodded his head.

    I see. If he reveals the mechanism behind it, there might be a person who tries to replicate it and sell it, in otherwords he is avoiding unauthorized replication.

    (No wonder they are keeping it a secret)

    "Well then, Let''s talk more specifically about this project, have you heard of LUCID DREAMS?"

    ''Lucid dreams?''

    LUCID DREAMS

    I have heard about it, when I was searching for some leads on DLC in the internet, I came across this term.

    From what I saw, It is a phenomenon related to dreams. Well, you will know about it soon enough. But, now that I think about it. This project''s concept is very similar to it.

    "I am sure that some of you already know it But let me explain- Lucid Dreams is a type of dream where a dreamer becomes aware that he is dreaming"

    ''He becomes aware? ''

    "That''s right, the person will know that he is in a dream. This state of awareness allows the dreamer to realize that the events and experiences he is facing are not a part of the reality"

    ''Heh''

    (But)

    "But that''s not the end!

    When a dreamer becomes aware that he is dreaming, what do you think will happen?"

    ''When he becomes aware that means he can!-''

    "Correct, he will gain the ability to control his actions to some extent in otherwords HE CAN MANIPULATE HIS DREAMS"

    ''Ohhhhh! ''

    That''s right, These are Lucid Dreams, that''s why I said this project is very similar to it.

    "Interesting right? When I first learned about this phenomenon during my third year of high school, I was also captivated by it''s wonder just like you. Even now I think, ''Ah How wonderful it is'' However..." Nakabachi paused

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "lucid dreams are rare; you may not experience them frequently, it might occur once in a month or once in a year and complete manipulation of our dreams is not possible. This led me to think, what if...

    WHAT IF THERE IS A WAY TO COMPLETELY MANIPULATE DREAMS? "

    ''Dream...''

    ''Manipulation.. ''

    (This guy...)

    "I decided to find it - a way to manipulate our dreams. So I began my search. Over the past 25 years, I have been searching for a way to manipulate dreams. I chose this field, joined a university, and researched about dreams. I failed many times and tried numerous things, but I didn''t give up. I kept on researching. Day and night All I did nothing but research. Every day, every day, every day, and then..."

    ''Then...? ''

    Nakabachi''s expression turned into a smile

    "I found it...I succeeded in conquering the dreams! The way to manipulate our dreams and that way is right in front of your eyes! "

    ''Project... D.R.E.A.M''

    "Looking back, it was a long road. It took so long to reach this point, I sacrificed many things along the way. But in return, we have found a way that exceeds your expectations ¨C a kind of dreaming which has surpassed lucid dreams and even virtual reality!

    Now you can manipulate your dreams, direct your dreams, narrate your dreams, guide your dreams which means

    YOU ARE THE GOD OF YOUR DREAMS!"

    ''This is.. ''

    "Yes, this is PROJECT D.R.E.AM and the origin of this invention, Ladies and gentlemen get ready because This is the beginning of a New Era!!!"

    (Beginning of a new... Era?!)

    "THAT''S RIGHT, IT''S TIME FOR HUMANS TO EVOLVE"

    I-I can''t believe it. He used his half of his lifetime to chase after this pipe dream?! Isn''t he afraid of failure? No, he isn''t afraid of it that''s why he made it

    PROJECT D.R.E.A.M

    If what he just said is true, then not only we can remember our dreams and control our actions,

    WE CAN COMPLETELY MANIPULATE OUR DREAMS ASWELL!?

    He created such technology!?

    (Is this really tru-)

    "If you still have doubts about whether this is true or not.. "

    (Huh)

    "Don''t worry, because soon you are going to experience it to the fullest, The world of fantasies and desires-

    THE DREAMWORLD!"

    ''DREAMWORLD..''

    "Hmm?, Interesting" Mizuki thought to herself

    "Dreamworld huh" Kazuki murmured silently.

    People started to chat and surprised murmurs spread through the crowd.

    "Well then let''s contin-"

    "Um"

    "Hm? "

    "You said that this project will turn dreams into reality right? " Natsukawa interrupted

    "Yes, Indeed"

    "Then

    IS IT POSSIBLE TO FEEL THE SURROUNDINGS IN DREAMS? "

    ''Surroundings? ''

    ''Feel? Does she mean that we can use our senses in dreams? ''

    ''Nah nah there is no way''

    It''s that pink hoodie girl again. What the hell is she asking? Using our senses in dreams? I didn''t even think about it. You are kidding right.

    (No way that''s-)

    "Hmph"

    Wait, no way¡­. Right? In that case

    WHY IS HE SMILING?

    (Wait wait don''t tell me...)

    "You really ask some amusing questions don''t you, Natsukawa Yume-san, but I am very glad that you asked it. Well I already planned to talk about this, looks like I have to rearrange things"

    ''Does that mean-''

    "Yes, it''s exactly what you are thinking. You can use your senses. "

    ''For...real!? ''

    ''Un-unbelievable''

    ''Are you serious, professor? ''

    "Advanced Neural Synchronization"

    (Sync?)

    "Let me explain, Normally in dreams you are able to feel emotions but you can''t feel your surroundings. You don''t feel anything when you touch something, you don''t know the smell, taste etc. No wonder you can''t sense anything because it''s a NORMAL DREAM"

    "But! " Nakabachi continued

    "The dreams which you are going to experience in our project are not normal! It''s a special kind of innovative dreaming" *snap*

    The display changed.

    "I call it ''Nova Dreaming'' "

    ''Nova dreaming? ''

    "This pill has micro sensors inside it. After you consume this pill, they will travel to your brain and then these sensors will establish a connection with the dreamer''s consciousness.

    Further, This connection will synchronize the senses between the dream body and the physical body, In otherwords, it will directly connect the dreamer''s body with the main body. So When the dreamer interacts with something this sensor will detect the signals and transmits them to the main body in reality allowing the person to interact with objects. to put it simply

    YES YOU CAN FEEL YOUR SURROUNDINGS"

    ''Woooah!!'' The crowd reacted in surprise.

    "You can touch, smell, taste and You can even hear everything! Just like in reality, you can feel everything inside the dreams, it almost feels like you are living inside the dream, At this point it''s not a dream anymore!

    IT''S UNDENIABLY THE REALITY"

    ''Real..ity''

    "Didn''t I said, THIS PROJECT WILL TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY"

    This is...Unbelievable. By synching our senses we can feel and sense everything? Is there any greater experience than this? No there isn''t, because

    IT''S REALITY ITSELF

    It just became reality, neither V.R nor A.R can catch up to it any soon.

    (This is Advanced Neural Synchronisation-)

    "Ah that''s not the end, there is more to it"

    (More!?)

    "Up until now, you have come to know that you can remember your dreams, control your actions, and manipulate your dreams. Not only that, you can even feel everything inside, isn''t it?"

    ''Yes''

    "Then-

    Have you ever thought of two people having the SAME DREAM? "

    ''Eh?''

    "Yes, I am talking about MUTUAL DREAMING"

    (Did he just say Mutual dreaming!?)

    ''Sorry, What did you just say? ''

    "You heard it right, Mutual dreaming"

    ''It''s... Possible? ''

    "Yes, of course. After coming this far we can''t possibly leave that behind, that''s right

    MUTUAL DREAMING IS POSSIBLE"

    ''O-oh come on, T-there is no way, we are talking about two different people dreaming together y''know? No matter how awesome these people are they can''t possibly develop that techn-''

    "We developed it," Nakabachi interrupted.

    ''h..uh''

    "And besides, isn''t that term already there in our name?

    DreamLink- As the name implies it means we are going to link dreams"

    ''Link?''

    "This micro sensor is also capable to link two minds. After the sensor gets linked with another sensor, they will begin transferring the data of it''s holder with each other making it possible for dreamers to experience mutual dreaming. While dreaming, they both exchange information and by doing that it will link two consciousness and allows two people to appear in a single dream and experience the same environment, in otherwords

    IT WILL LINK THEIR DREAMWORLDS"

    So what he is saying is,

    THIS PILL WILL CONNECT TWO DREAMS!?

    (This is far beyond my expectations)

    "This is DreamLink, and besides not only just two, there is no limit to the connections it can make. Every sensor can make infinite connections and every sensor can get linked with each other which means

    EVERY DREAM CAN BE LINKED"

    ''That means everyone sitting here can experience mutual dreaming!?''

    " *Snap* Just as you said(sonotori) , everyone can dream the same thing! Everyone can experience the same dream! You can interact with each other and together you can navigate through dreams and you can even coordinate with each other! Don''t you think that''s amazing?!"

    Ha..haha, What is...he saying? His explanation is like straight out of a sci-fi movie. The more he says the less it sounds like a dream. At this point,

    IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REALITY AND DREAM?

    Is there a single thing that reality has and  dream doesn''t?

    "With this all the pieces are together..." Nakabachi continued

    "Now you are going to experience your dreams like never before. You are going to witness an unknown reality! Consider yourself lucky my people! Because You are going to become one of the very first people to experience Nova Dreaming.

    Comeon, let''s explore the dreamworld together,

    LET''S DREAM TOGETHER"

    ''*gulp*''

    (....eaked)

    This technology should not be leaked. No matter what. because I can see it, If this project gets leaked, Japan will once again become a battlefield.

    Nakabachi is hiding a time bomb this whole time.

    "Now everyone, enough with this nonsense and let''s get more practical"

    ''You mean..''

    "Yes, I am commencing the experiment.

    IT''S TIME TO DREAM"

    (Wait, It''s starting already?)

    "You are going to trial the pill now, we have arranged the beds on the 2nd floor so I request you to move there. Once you reach there you will be given the pill to consume it. Don''t worry there are no side effects and besides I personally will join with you"

    ''You are also going to dream with us?''

    "Yes, As I am already experienced with it I will do my best as a guide. Well then everyone if you quickly-"

    "Yo"

    "Hm"

    (This voice, it''s from behind me?)

    "Who told you that you can proceed yourself? I still have something to ask"

    "(I see, it''s not over yet) What is it? I thought Q&A is over already, UKEGAWA TAIKI-KUN"

    He is sitting two rows behind me. He is tall, with blonde hair. His shirt is unbuttoned, and he is wearing a golden chain.

    "Finally it''s my turn, I have been holding back this entire time. Ever since I came here, no, the moment I stepped in the car, A nasty feeling keeps on bugging me"

    "I know that you feel restless but didn''t I explain earlier? The way we brought you here is just to protect our-"

    "Ah ah I get it, I get that crap but Something doesn''t feel right to me, something is missing"

    "Oh¡­What do you mean by that?" Nakabachi lowered his head

    "But after thinking I have finally came to understand, the reason behind this feeling *heh* Ukegawa smiled

    Regarding that crap you told us before, HOW MUCH OF IT IS TRUE?"

    Nakabachi narrowed his eyes

    "Are you asking about our project-"

    "No, I am talking about your CRAPPY EXPLANATION, Hey old man are you perhaps lying about something?"

    (Lie?- Ah)

    Now that I think about it, although his reasoning makes sense, but what if it was a lie? There might be some other reason for him to do that. If there really was, the trust he built up until now will fall apart. Then

    HE HAS SOME OTHER MOTIVE?

    ''Hey, are you dumb? Don''t you understand the risk-'' The person sitting behind him called out.

    "Shut up, greedy bastard"

    ''Wha-''

    "I am asking him not you, so shut your mouth"

    Ukegawa crossed his legs.

    "Let me tell you something, I am not like these greedy bastards, until I am satisfied I won''t leave it. Looks like they are dumb enough to believe you but I- wait

    I get it¡­so that''s how it is, I understand now, so it''s like that right haha"

    "What''s so funny-"

    "It''s alright guard-kun, What is it, Ukegawa-kun? "

    "No, I thought it''s weird that why these bastards are keeping quiet about that money rain but it''s just that these people are not quiet because they are dumb,

    YOU MADE THEM QUIET USING MONEY"

    Nakabachi startled.

    "Am I right? "

    (This is working)

    HE CORNERED HIM.

    Others also started to waver and doubt,

    Now Nakabachi is back to square one.

    "But it shucks right? I will not succumb to money"

    "*Sigh* Looks like you misunderstood me, I don''t have any ulterior motives behind doing that-"

    "I AM NOT FINISHED YET"

    Ukegawa interrupted Nakabachi.

    "But that''s not the main issue, the problem is your reasoning"

    "Regarding that there is no need to worry, I didn''t lied about anything-"

    "But I am not satisfied, If you are really telling the truth then convince me"

    "I see, in other words I should make you believe me, am I right?"

    "Not bad old man, This makes things faster"

    "So, what should I do to make you trust

    me?"

    "Answer"

    "Answer?"

    "The answer that I want to hear the most, The thing you forgot to mention, or rather, the thing you are deliberately keeping quiet about."

    (Keeping quiet?)

    "Well believe you or not will depend on your answer So" Ukegawa expression changed

    "Fess it up old man, tell me everything

    WHAT IS YOUR REAL OBJECTIVE?"

    Nakabachi paused.

    (He just startled.. Right?)

    ''objective?''

    ''Now that I think about it he didn''t told us yet''

    "Comeon Why are you silent? You have one, right? " Ukegawa asked with a piercing look.

    *Sign* Nakabachi signed

    "Ah¡­Now that I think about it I didn''t mention about did I? But I guess you already know it, DLC''s objective is one and only one- To turn dream into reality-"

    "Wrong, don''t make me repeat myself. What I want to know is

    YOUR ''REAL'' OBJECTIVE?"

    (I see)

    This confirms it,

    NAKABACHI IS STILL HIDING SOMETHING

    ''Real objective? That means''

    ''Is he hiding something?''

    (Great..)

    This is great. That guy pressed Nakabachi on his vital spots, and thanks to him the stage is set now. Now he can''t get away with petty answers

    Comeon, Nakabachi you can''t possibly keep quiet and ignore. Let''s see what''s inside your pocket.

    WHAT ARE YOU PLOTTING?

    "....velous"

    (Huh)

    "mmmmmm, HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAHHA!

    MARVELOUS!!!"

    (He''s laughing?)

    ''Why is he laughing?''

    ''Did he hear the question?''

    Nakabachi took a deep breath and released.

    "Good grief, this is unexpected. You saw through me huh, looks like I can''t hide anything from you Ukegawa-kun."

    ''What does it mean?''

    Murmurs spread among the crowd.

    "What is our Real Objective huh? Very well I will tell you,

    But Don''t get the wrong idea here, I thought there is no need for you to know that''s it, But,

    At this point I believe that you people should need to know it.

    Project D.R.E.AM''s ULTIMATE GOAL" Nakabachi adjusted his glasses

    (Here it comes)

    With this, everything will be cleared: his real objective behind this project. But,

    Is this answer going to be the last? or is it going to be the first of many upcoming questions? Which will it be?

    Now then, how are you going to answer this, Nakabachi Hideo

    "Before answering it, I have a small question for you"

    ''question?''

    "WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT REALITY?"

    ''Huh? What do you mean? ''

    "Then Let me rephrase it,

    WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS WORLD?"

    ''This world?''

    "This world is beautiful, no, It used to be beautiful but now,

    IT''S JUST A PIECE OF TRASH"

    I startled upon hearing it.

    ''Eh''

    ''What is...he saying?''

    "The present world is full of lies. This society is toxic. In every corner of the world people continue to suffer. Strong bullies weak, Government continues to loot money from us in the name of tax, Poor become further poor, everywhere there is discrimination. Everyone yells ''justice justice'' but deep down

    NO ONE CARES ABOUT JUSTICE

    This world claims that everyone is ''Equal'' but in fact

    THERE IS NO EQUALITY"

    ''What are you-''

    "Because isn''t that true? By birth we are categorized, by birth we are not equal. This society will massively differentiate us by saying Gender, race, status and treats us differently. I doubt that a time comes where everyone is truly equal. That''s why Equality doesn''t exist or rather

    EQUALITY CAN''T EXIST IN THIS WORLD"

    People continued to watch in silence.

    "Hey, do you think we are living freely?

    ARE PEOPLE REALLY FREE IN THIS WORLD?!

    That''s wrong, first of all-

    IS THERE SUCH A THING CALLED FREEDOM?"

    ''Freedom? ''

    "What? Why are you thinking about it? Is there any need to think about it? The answer is obvious, it''s ''NO''. We are not free, the freedom which we think is just an illusion. It''s not the real freedom.

    THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FREEDOM.

    If you think we are free, you are wrong. It''s not your thinking, this world made you think like that

    For many years, we have been binded by chains called laws and restrictions. There will always be something that stops you from doing things you want to do.

    Everyone says ''Don''t do that'' ''don''t do this'' Honestly

    SO ANNOYING.

    And besides, this dirty society,

    They ignore your pain, they ignore your suffering, they ignore your troubles but for some reason they all make sure to notice

    YOUR MISTAKES

    And we should play along with them? Don''t give me that. Really

    WHAT A BUNCH OF INSECTS"

    ''H-hey..What is he''

    "You want to talk about your favorite things but you can''t. You want to be special but this society doesn''t allow you, these insects don''t let you because

    THEY DON''T WANT YOU TO LEAVE THEM BEHIND.

    They want you to be normal, they want you to be average, they don''t want you to become successful. They bully you, they  discourage you, they look down on you, they isolate you, they reject you and ultimately

    THEY WILL TRAP YOU"

    ''Tr..ap?''

    "Yes, they will trap you in a box called ORDINARY"

    ''Matrix¡­ ''

    " ''What do others think?'' ''Should I say this?'' ''Should I tell them they are wrong?'' ''Will they hate me if I do it?''  Why are you so afraid of society? Why are you holding back your feelings? In this world

    ARE YOU NOT SUPPOSED TO EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS FREELY?"

    The audience clenched their fists and listened to him.

    "You want to become a designer? artist? musician? But your parents are refusing it, friends are discouraging you and society is making you choose a more standard job with more pay. Like this, many of you have given up your dreams, many of you are doing things you don''t like.

    Why are you obeying them? Why are you accepting it? Why are you giving up? If it''s something you want to do then why can''t you do it?

    ARE YOU NOT EVEN FREE TO CHOOSE YOUR CAREER? "

    ''He got a point'' people started to talk

    ''He''s right''

    "But¡­

    You can''t help it, there is nothing you can do about it. No matter how hard you try you can''t avoid these thoughts.You can''t ignore society. But don''t worry it''s not your fault. That''s right, It''s not your fault, The one which is at fault is not you

    IT''S THIS WORLD"

    ''This¡­ ''

    ''World''

    "This world is rotten. To the point where it can''t be saved. This world revolves around money. People became greedy, Kindness is dead. Humanity has perished and Money became power. Those with power will take everything from others, It became the norm of this world. We can''t go back anymore.

    You can''t do the things you want. You can''t  express, You can''t oppose, you can''t choose. Is there any need to live in such a world? A world full of lies, A world full of flaws,  A world where you can''t achieve true happiness,

    ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO LIVE IN THIS WORLD? "

    ''N..o''

    ''Oi, What are you saying? Are you mad? ''

    ''No, as you can see I am perfectly fine and I am serious, I don''t want to live here''

    ''You-( What the hell¡­is that face she is making?)''

    Huh?

    What is this?

    For some reason I feel so good. If that''s not the case then why

    WHY AM I SMILING THIS MUCH?

    Ah I see¡­ so that''s how it is. Haha¡­It must be it. Why didn''t I realize it a bit sooner? Looks like I also got

    SICK OF THIS WORLD

    "This good for nothing world is no longer suitable to live¡­

    because"

    ("Because")

    "IT''S A PIECE OF TRASH"

    ("IT''S A PIECE OF TRASH")

    Everyone became captivated by his words and started to reflect on their thoughts and actions.

    "You know what? " Nakabachi continued

    "There was a point in my life when I decided to change this world, but I alone don''t have that power. To change this world, I need to change trillions of people. No matter how many lives I can have, it''s impossible. However,"

    ''Huh''

    "That''s when I thought, if I can''t change the world

    I JUST NEED TO MAKE A NEW WORLD"

    ''New world? don''t tell me!...''

    (What the-)

    "That''s right! This is our DLC''s desire, The real objective of Project D.R.E.A.M and my long lost dream, in this dreamworld

    I AM GOING TO BUILD A NEW WORLD!"

    ''Oi oi you can''t be¡­serious''

    ''This can''t be''

    (H..Hahha)

    New world he says? Is his head alright? Are you telling me that he wants to surpass the god himself? Just how..

    HOW DOES HIS BRAIN WORKS?

    I really can''t read him,

    (Really¡­)

    YOU REALLY ARE INTERESTING,

    NAKABACHI HIDEO!

    His answer left the audience speechless. The thought of building a new world is insane itself, this man is really not afraid of failure.

    "Does this satisfy you? Ukegawa-kun"

    "H..haha, New world? You sure say some interesting stuff old man. I can''t believe you, But it''s interesting, I like it, I am also starting to get tired of this world. Alright, Count me in"

    Nakabachi''s smile widened.

    "It really makes me happy that someone understands me, and besides I am serious this is not a joke

    Within dreams, I am going to build a new world, A world without Law! A world where everyone is truly equal. A world where everyone is free and this world will become THE NEW EARTH"

    ''He is serious''

    ''Awe..some''

    ''This is cool''

    (Really interesting¡­)

    He is crazy, no,

    HE IS BEYOND CRAZY

    "In this world you can live freely, you can do whatever you like, you can become anything, the weak will become strong, nobody is inferior to anyone, there is no diversity, everyone has the same worth. People can live happily and everyone can find happiness. it''s undeniably

    A FREE WORLD

    And I want to build this kind of world. You see, I am tired of this crappy world. For a long, long, long, long time I wanted to leave this world.

    I CAN''T LIVE HERE ANYMORE

    but the wait is over. The path of the New World has opened for me. A world of happiness, unlike this crappy reality, every night will be fun there, no,

    EVERY SECOND WILL BE FUN

    What about you? Don''t you want to come with me? Come on,

    LET''S BUILD A NEW WORLD TOGETHER"

    ''I want to go¡­I want to visit that PARADISE''

    "Yeah, this is the Real Paradise. With this pill, the gates will be opened. You are just a step away. Didn''t I say it earlier? This project will give you the power to control your dreams¡ªmould them, manipulate them, change them to your liking. No one can stop you in that world. Because you are the king of your dreams. If you wish,

    YOU CAN EVEN BECOME A GOD"

    ''Go..d?''

    "You are controlling your dreams, you are controlling your world, if that doesn''t make you a god then I wonder what you should be called"

    In that moment,

    Nakabachi''s words seemed like magic, it continued to draw the audience towards his speech and ideals, Of course

    INCLUDING ME

    I don''t think I will ever forget about this day

    Because, This is the first time in my life that I''ve felt like this.

    Until now, I''ve lived an ordinary life, without a care in the world. I just wanted to be myself and wait for the time when I''ll die. I''ve rarely shown my feelings or expressed anything. I thought it was my lifestyle But for some reason today, no, at this moment-

    "Heeh" my smile widened

    I CAN''T STOP SMILING

    "Now, A new world is waiting for you. I just want you to be happy, I don''t want you to give up on your dreams,

    Life is short, and death is always sudden that''s why before we die we have to live our life to the fullest, that''s why

    THIS IS A CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY

    Tell me, what will you do?"

    ''Let''s go''

    ''This is amazing''

    ''At first I worried what would happen, but I am very excited now!!''

    ''Dreamworld I can''t wait to see it''

    (That''s right, that''s the spirit that''s why Humans are really¡­ ) Nakabachi thought to himself

    *Clap x2* Nakabachi clapped, requesting attention.

    "Looks like you all are in"

    ''Yes!'' crowd in unison

    "Now, without any further do, let''s proceed. This is the starting line of a new era, well then everyone let''s begin our experiment, this time for sure-

    IT''S TIME TO DREAM"

    (Dumb and Interesting) Nakabachi thought.

    [PROJECT D.R.E.A.M STARTS]

 Chapter 9: The First Dream

    "Everyone, please come this way"

    "Y-yeah" I replied as I climbed the stairs

    The seminar has completed. Right now, we are heading to the second floor for the next stage. That''s right,

    THE EXPERIMENT

    ( Flashback-"I am commencing the experiment.

    IT''S TIME TO DREAM")

    Currently, this woman is leading us to that room which is on the second floor. Based on what he said, we are going to take that pill and enter into the dreamworld. Well it would be fine if that''s all there is to it. Also

    (Flashback- "Heeh" my smile widened)

    What was that? That was me... right?Something was definitely wrong with me. It''s not like me to get excited over something like this. That feeling, that thoughts, really

    WHO IS THAT GUY? [He means himself]

    I think even now that feeling is still somewhere deep inside me because,

    Nakabachi has buried it inside me.

    There is still a part of me enjoying this situation.

    (For some reason I hate this-)

    "Wh..at?" I stopped.

    I have reached the second floor. Just what can I expect from DLC, they don''t leave a hole anywhere.

    I can''t believe

    THEY EVEN SEALED OFF THE WINDOWS.

    "This is...tape?"

    All I can see is that the windows are pitch black, not even a hint of sunlight is entering the hallway and we can''t see outside. The windows are covered with black tape from outside and tightly locked. This explains how thorough they are in hiding this location. Because If we catch any landmark through this window, then this place is doomed.

    "Araki-sama"

    "Oh( darn it, I didn''t realize I was standing idle)"

    "This will be your room, please hurry up"

    "Yes, sorry"

    I ran over to my room.

    (Room no.2 huh)

    As far as I can see there are around 10 rooms on this floor. By the looks of it I am assigned to this room.

    I entered the room. It was huge, fancy and peaceful with around ten beds, each separated by curtains. There are around 100 people in total so my guess is they will assign ten people to each room.

    "I will bring you the pill so take your bed"

    "Right"

    I reached over to my bed and sat.

    *Inhale* I took a deep breath

    Lucid dreams, Nova dreaming, Dream Manipulation and

    PROJECT D.R.E.AM

    Its not like all my doubts are cleared but slowly but surely everything is coming into sight.

    "New world..huh"

    (Flashback-"in this dreamworld

    I AM GOING TO BUILD A NEW WORLD!")

    He is really crazy. But that craziness helps him to succeed. That confidence in his face tells me ''he can do it''.

    NAKABACHI HIDEO MIGHT REALLY BUILD A NEW WORLD.

    All he requires is our cooperation, Now that he got his final piece. Building a new world is a matter of time.

    "Thanks for waiting, here"

    The lab assistant approached me with a tray of pill and a glass of water on it.

    (So this is the pill)

    Once I take this I can experience Nova dreams and I can visit a world which is close to me yet so far- The dreamworld. The key to that world is here.

    *Step* my feet started trembling

    *Exhale* (Don''t be nervous myself)

    I streched my hand and took the pill and pushed into my mouth and drank some water

    *Gulp*

    (Huh? It feels surprisingly normal, I don''t feel anything in particular)

    "Now then, Lay on the bed and go to sleep. The DREAMWORLD is waiting for you"

    At that time, I didn''t yet know that this pill would change my life completely. My mind was filled with thoughts about the dream world that I didn''t notice, that''s right after I took the pill...

    I didn''t noticed that

    THE LAB ASSISTANT WAS SMILING CREEPILY

    I stretched my body preparing to sleep.

    This time everything will be cleared, Nakabachi''s ideals and how is he going to build a new world I will make sure to see it with my own eyes, now then here we go

    And so, it begins THE FIRST DREAM.

    [Meanwhile]

    Nakabachi enters his private room. A lab member was working there.

    "Oh professor, good work there"

    "Are the preparations complete?"

    "Yes, you can go at anytime"

    "That''s good to hear, what about everyone?"

    "Yes, everyone took the pill and went to sleep. Everything is ready"

    Nakabachi smiled with a hint of satisfaction.

    "I am almost there, just a little bit more. Don''t worry I will make your dream true, NOVA" Nakabachi speaks in low tone

    "Sir?"

    "Nothing, it''s just a self -talk. Looks like everything in place"

    "Yes, It''s about time, isn''t it? We are so close"

    "Yeah, once again our time has come. Well then everyone I will make this a wonderful dream that you will never forget in your life, now then

    LET THE SHOW BEGIN"

    [In dream]

    "Huh? Where am I?"

    A few minutes after I closed my eyes, I was quickly drawn into sleep and found myself in complete darkness. There was no hint of light, and all I could see is nothing but darkness. But strangely,

    (This feels familiar)

    "This is...dream? Wait, I am floating?!"

    It''s like I am stuck in space, but I couldn''t able to move from one place. What''s happening- Wait

    I AM STILL CONSCIOUS

    Because I can tell, I can tell that this is not reality and besides,

    My memories from reality and what happened in that hall, everything I can recall. Which means as of now

    MY TWO SELVES HAVE BECAME ONE.

    That pill really worked. Amazing But I am not going anywhere. What is happening here?

    "Oh"

    *pop* In the midst of the darkness a screen has suddenly popped infront of me

    <<Link>>

    "Link? "

    I see, If I click it, my mind will be connected with other dreamers. Mutual dreaming heh. So to escape from this darkness I need to go through this huh.

    I stretched my hand in response to that screen.

    *click*

    << Are you sure? >>

    Confirm

    "One sec.. "

    Why is it asking this question? It makes no sense because

    THERE IS NO CANCEL BUTTON

    "Bug? Well whatever"

    *click*

    <<Linking... >>

    <<" DreamLink successful">>

    It can produce a voice too!?

    <<"Entering into the dreamworld">>

    <<"Now then HAVE SWEET DREAMS">>

    Looks like I can enter, but nothing is happen-

    A trap door opened beneath me.

    "...ing"

    I began to fall.

    What is this? I am falling. Eh? You are kidding right?! Nobody told me about this.

    "WHICH PART IS SWEET ABOUT THIS!? GIVE ME A BREAK DAMMIT!!

    Everything is white under that trap door and besides it feels like I am getting closer to the surface. That is surface right? No, it''s definitely surface.

    This is bad(yabai), this is bad, this bad.

    Just when I thought about hitting the surface, it turned out to be clouds and when I passed through them, my eyes got brightened and as I slowly opened my eyes.

    "...Sky? "

    I found myself suspended in the middle of the sky, and the scenery that unfolded before my eyes was truly spectacular. It was as if summer had returned ¨C the sky was bright, and the sun was glowing, Below me there is a ocean and the water is sparkling as it reflects the sunlight. As far as I can see there is water everywhere. However this is no time to enjoy this scenario because

    I AM STILL FALLING.

    In a few moments, I am about to drown in water. By the looks of it I am falling at 200 km/hr speed, So if I hit the water, probably the force of impact can break my bones and I am not sure how deep I will sink and- Wait

    Why am I so afraid? This is a dream.

    That''s right, this is a dream, even if I fall it''s not like I will die that''s why I should not be afraid infact

    I SHOULD ENJOY THIS BECAUSE,

    ISN''T THIS THRILLING?

    A situation which I can''t experience in reality.

    I have to savour this more.

    Because this fall,

    This feels so real!

    That sun, those clouds even the water everything feels too realistic, even my fall. I can feel the wind too!

    They are going out of their way to provide this experience In that case,

    I HAVE TO ENJOY THIS.

    "Heh"

    And once again,

    that feeling which nakabachi has buried is back and it took control

    OF MY BODY.

    I stretched my hands and legs with my back to the ocean preparing to fall.

    Comeon DLC, don''t disappoint me.

    "ENTERTAIN ME MORE, DREAMWORLD!!!!"

    [ARAKI HAS ARRIVED IN DREAMWORLD]

    *Splash*

    I fell into the ocean.

    Mm

    I slowly opened my eyes.

    "I can..breathe"

    It feels like I am sinking.

    "I am still...conscious? But''''

    My body feels heavy, I am drowning. It''s dark. In the midst of it, Something has caught my attention.

    "Huh? Is that...a fish?"

    I can''t see clearly. what is tha-

    My eyes widened.

    "Hu...man?"

    Don''t tell me!?

    I turned my head just to find out that,

    Many people are drowning along with me. They are also people like me, that''s right

    THEY ARE DREAMERS.

    What the hell is...happening?

    "What? "

    All of a sudden the ocean currents became more intense. As if the god of ocean became angry, It started to

    FLUSH OUT PEOPLE.

    "Wait-what, no way"

    My body began to move along with it. I am spinning and going deeper into the ocean.

    *Scream*

    "What the hell is this!!!!"

    *scream* People continued to scream.

    Shit, It became hard to breathe, I can''t...hold on. Atleast if I know where I am going-

    Although it''s difficult to see properly through these currents but I came to know these are leading to a specific destination. I focused on looking at that destination and discovered what it was.

    (Is that a...hole? That''s way too big also It looks deeper)

    If we go inside it probably

    WE WILL BE TRAPPED THERE FOREVER.

    I never dreamed of diving like this. But, there is nothing I can do now. I am getting closer and closer to it. Seriously this is..

    "Oi oi, This is way too...realistic"

    I am completely enveloped by the currents, and they led me to that hole. Just like a black hole, within a fraction of seconds,

    ALL OF US GOT SWALLOWED BY THAT HOLE.

    "Aaaaaah"

    I went deeper into the hole, and just then

    "Light? "

    The bottom of the hole began to glow and just when we passed through it, we ended up in a white room, looks like we escaped from that ocean but,

    I am about to fall and hit the surface.

    (Damn, I am about to hit)

    "Woah!! "

    *bounce*

    Huh? It''s soft.

    "I am... Alive? "

    ''What was...that?''

    ''I was scared to death''

    ''I thought I would die''

    It was a huge room painted in white, and along with me rest of them also gathered here. looks like all of us are here. We are really mutual dreaming now. This is unbelievable and besides,

    This surface...is covered with pillows? Oh!

    The surface began to transform and returned to a normal surface.

    *hit x2* I crouched and knocked the surface with my index finger[like knocking door]

    (It became hard)

    Also I am dry already? It''s like I was never wet in the first place. What''s with this worl-

    "Hello everyone! "

    ''Look there''

    ''He is... Flying? ''

    (This voice )

    "WELCOME TO THE DREAMWORLD"

    Nakabachi Hideo!

    [NAKABACHI ARRIVES]

    I looked up and saw Nakabachi Hideo descending from the top. He stopped midair, and the ceiling got closed.

    "So how is it? Did you enjoy the ride? "

    ''Enjoy!? ''

    ''It scared the hell out of me ''

    "Hey, What the hell was that? " Kazuki asked

    "Haha forgive me, it''s just a little prank"

    ''Prank!? ''

    ''What!? ''

    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ''That has gone too far''

    ''but well it''s a relief that I am alive''

    "Sorry sorry, I just thought of surprising you, don''t worry

    IT''S JUST A PRANK"

    (Oh)

    That''s right, this is not real.

    For a second I forgot that this is a dream, because this is way too realistic

    [He means at the ocean]

    Looks like I am wearing the same clothes as in reality, amazing, it can even imprint my appearance. Also my arms and legs I can feel them and control at my will.

    This is not at the level of present technology. It''s beyond that.

    "So, what do you think of this world? "

    ''For starters, This definitely feels too real''

    ''And besides that ride we took just now, it was scary but it was really exciting''

    ''I can control my arms!''

    ''It''s like reality''

    "Isn''t that right? This place is too close to reality that''s why it''s easy to mistake this dream as reality

    Just like I said in seminar, you can feel, sense and do everything you can do in reality and not only that, you can even do things you can''t do in reality just like I am flying now"

    ''How are you doing that? I am trying but I can''t *jump X2*''

    "This is not an easy task, it takes some practice. For me it took 5 nights"

    ''5 nights!? ''

    ''Looks tough''

    ''So, what''s up with this room? ''

    "This room you ask? This room is created by my imagination, as I said earlier I am the creator of this world, this world resides within my mind that''s why I can create things as I wish"

    (Create matter from nothing huh)

    "To contain 100 people in one place,

    I thought this is the best way to do it, that''s why I created this place

    Now then let me tell you,

    HOW DOES THIS WORLD WORK?"

    (The mechanism...)

    "Right now our minds are connected with each other. That''s why we are able to dream together. I guess everybody knows this much but how exactly does this work?"

    ''That''s true, I still don''t get it exactly''

    "This world is my dreamworld"

    ''Your dreamworld?''

    "Yes, since it resides within my brain, and just like me everyone have their individual dreamworlds, But thanks to the pill our dreamworlds are connected allowing you to travel between them"

    ''If our dreamworlds are connected Then, can we go back to our individual dreamworld?''

    "Yes, you can go back but"

    ''but?''

    "You all are in a long term link with me, to go back to your own world First, you need to unlink with me, in that way you can exit from my dream"

    ''Unlink huh''

    "Have you ever heard of party games?"

    ''You mean like in Video games?''

    "Yes, in party games there will be a host, that host invites people to their party to play together, just like party games, mutual dreaming also works in a similar way, right now I am the host and you all are guests, I invited you to my dream through the pill so to leave the party a.k.a this world there are two ways

    Either I remove you or you have to unlink yourself"

    (I see)

    So he meant this when he said that our dreamworlds will be linked.

    (Flashback- "IT WILL LINK THEIR DREAMWORLDS")

    Interesting, so that''s how it works.

    ''So, how do we unlink?''

    Nakabachi remained silent.

    (Hmm?)

    "Unlink...you ask? Well after the experiment completes you can choose to resume wandering this world along with me or if you want to quit, I have prepared another pill that will destroy the link"

    Huh? That look... Is it just me? But Somehow

    He looks sad but

    I FEEL LIKE THAT''S NOT THE CASE.

    (It''s something else-)

    Well..it doesn''t matter.

    "*Clap* Now then let me show you the beauty of this world, I am almost bored of this seeing this place so let''s change the location"

    ''Wait- change? ''

    "Don''t be surprised, Everyone close your eyes because we are going to teleport now"

    (Teleport!?)

    "Prepare yourselves

    *Fingersnap*

    "Woah" in unison

    I closed my eyes and the ground seems to be shaking. What''s happening?

    "We are here, open your eyes"

    *Water*

    ''Amazing!''

    ''Beautiful''

    As I thought why are they praising all of the sudden, I slowly opened my eyes.

    "This is.."

    "Niagara falls," Nakabachi stated.

    As I slowly opened my eyes, a beautiful scene unfolded before me. We are witnessing one of the famous waterfalls in the real world-Niagara falls. The sound of water, color of the sky and this smell reminds me that nature is so beautiful.

    ''Did we come to America?''

    "Not quite right, We didn''t came to america- I brought it here"

    ''What do you mean?''

    "We are still in the same place, but I just switched that room with this place, of course I replicated this place with my imagination and knowledge"

    I see, to put it simply, he just changed the lobby.

    "This is open lounge? It''s huge " Mizuki said

    "Well there are 100 of you so I created this lounge we are standing on, I guess in real life there isn''t one located here, but I thought this is the best way to see the fall so I built this"

    ''So, Can''t we move from this place? Like going into the city''

    "Yes, you can go. Didn''t I said, right now I bought the america here if you want you can go right away"

    ''Yah! ''

    "But I bet it will take so long if you walk"

    ''Ugh makes sense''

    "But you can teleport"

    ''Eh teleport? But what''s the difference between how we got here and teleport? ''

    "Technically, switching places is a form of teleport but the real thing different, for example like this-*snap*"

    ''Oh!''

    ''He vanished? ''

    (He disappeared-)

    *pat*

    "This is teleport"

    (He came behind me!?)

    Nakabachi appeared behind me and put his palm on my shoulders.

    (That startled me)

    ''Teleport is Amazing''

    "But, just like flying these have it''s own tricks so I doubt you can do this on your own, if I have to say switching places is more easy, you can teleport along with others, like this *snap*"

    We changed places once again.

    ''That is.. ''

    "Statue of liberty"

    ''Huge...''

    ''It''s my first time''

    ''I guess almost everyone are seeing this for the first time''

    ''Shut up''

    "Now then"

    *snap*

    ''This place, Don''t tell me-Paris!? ''

    "Look above"

    We all looked up together.

    "That is Eiffel tower"

    The sight is truly magnificent, it was night and the moon combined well with the tower to produce a great view for us.

    ''Amazing''

    ''So tall''

    ''But there is no one here other than us''

    "Because, this is a dream. I didnt included anyone other than you people, ofcourse I can create people but it will be crowded"

    ''Seriously? ''

    ''Uh I am not surprised anymore''

    ''You said it''

    "And one more*snap*"

    We moved again.

    "Here it is Mt. Fuji"

    ''Wooo''

    "We really can''t miss to see our own treasure"

    We are standing in an open place, it was huge and a perfect spot for seeing Mt. Fuji.

    "Just like I did back then, I am switching the places, so it''s easy for all of us to move places"

    Move places?

    (Flashback- "You can fly in the sky if you want, visit places in a second")

    So when he said we can visit places in a second he meant this huh, unbelievable.

    "Now then, I want to show you more places but, we are running out of time so if you have any questions you can ask"

    ''What about that white room? I don''t think such a huge place exists''

    "That white room is in different dimension, just as you said it doesn''t exist on this earth"

    ''Different dimension? ''

    "Yes, I switched that dimension with earth"

    ''Earth!? ''

    Hey, don''t tell me, did he just replicate-!?

    "That''s right, I replicated the whole earth"

    ''What!!!!!? ''

    "Don''t be so surprised, didn''t I said?" Nakabachi flewed again

    "I am the creator of this world in other words

    I AM THE GOD

    Replicating the earth is a piece of cake, all we need is knowledge and imagination. Surprisingly, a human''s fantasy is far more incredible.

    Do you know what makes this world so beautiful? Unlike reality we can make the impossible possible. Truly an ideal world. That''s why creating another dimension is not entirely impossible because,

    This world is not binded by science laws. This world is just like the universe, it is infinite, this dream has no boundaries, as long as your imagination runs wild, you can do anything.

    Create however you want, destroy, change and rule, If you are the god then

    YOU ARE INVINCIBLE"

    ''Invincible... ''

    "Well, isn''t this exciting?

    Doesn''t this make your heart race? "

    ''You really.. Conquered the dreams''

    "I really can''t wait to build and paint this world, that''s why let''s build this together and reshape this world.

    With this project, there will be a new way of life, new professions, new entertainment and many more, Ah All I can see are benefits. Do you know how happy I am right now? Just the thought of it gives me goosebumps and if it becomes reality I can''t handle myself. That''s why I want to share this happiness

    What do you say, my people? Let''s reshape this world!"

    "Interesting"

    (Huh)

    "This looks hella fun, to be honest, I was worried a bit but..Mm I can live in this world" Ukegawa said.

    "Yes, you can be free"

    "I said earlier too, I am in"

    ''Me too''

    ''I want to enjoy more''

    "Yeah, the fun part is about to begin. What you saw is just a fragment, There is more to this world but

    LET''S SAVE THE FUN FOR LATER

    But before that a special bonus*snap*"

    "We are here"

    ''Where are we? ''

    "The world''s biggest forest-Amazon"

    ''Seriously!? ''

    "I cleared the trees around here to make this vacant place"

    ''So why did you brought us here? ''

    "From here on you are free to move, I will give you 10 minutes, feel free to look around and go into the forest. After 10 minutes we will exit the dream and end the trial, also make sure to note your experiences and tell me"

    ''Alright-''

    ''Wait! ''

    ''Why are you stopping me?''

    ''In these large forest, what if some dangerous animals attack you-''

    "Did you forget?"

    ''huh?''

    "This is dream, don''t worry this place is under my control and besides I removed the animals so it''s safe"

    ''oh that''s right''

    ''and besides even if they attack us it''s not like we will die''

    Nakabachi smiled.

    "That''s why explore to your heart''s content after 10 minutes we will meet back in reality"

    We all went into the forest, and I started wandering on my own. It''s like the tutorial is over and I finally got the controls. Almost feels like a game.

    I know that I am saying this again, This is really way too realistic. Although this is a dream, I never expected to visit such places in my life.

    "This tree" I touched the tree

    I can feel it, it is like a real tree, The world''s biggest forest- Amazon, although I haven''t visited but I have watched a few videos, don''t tell me

    HE REPLICATED THE WHOLE FOREST DOWN TO EVERY DETAIL!?

    I really can''t shake off this feeling.

    "Amazing¡­"

    There are still many mysteries surrounding this world, although this looks like Earth but I feel like it is an entirely different entity from it. Maybe because of these supernatural phenomenons we are experiencing I guess. But in the end this is also science, there is really no limit to how far it can evolve.

    The world I''m standing on was crafted by a single person''s imagination. It''s truly incredible to think that all of this was born from one individual''s mind. Once again, it reminds me¡­

    Nakabach Hideo is really something else.

    This is DLC''s masterpiece-

    PROJECT D.R.E.A.M

    "Woah"

    <<Reminder>> A screen popped up out of nowhere before me, I hit the tree and falled down.

    "Ew¡­even though we won''t die but we can feel a slight pain when hit huh, they really¡­overdid this, hmm?"

    What is this?

    <<"This is Nakabachi Hideo, Everyone the trial period is over, It''s time to wake up">>

    "Eh? Already!?- What!?"

    My body started dematerialising and disappearing into thin air from bottom to top.

    "I am..vanishing?"

    [Meanwhile]

    "Now then, it''s time to wake up"

    *Clap* Nakabachi clapped.

    [Reality]

    "Ha"

    I opened my eyes.

    "I am..back?"

    More importantly, I can remember

    I CAN REMEMBER THAT DREAM!

    Me falling into the ocean, getting caught in that hole and that white room, Niagara falls, Statue of liberty, Eiffel tower, Mt.fuji, Amazon everything!

    I CAN REMEMBER EVERY DETAIL!

    (Flashback-" You can remember your dreams and control your actions")

    Project D.R.EA.M- This is¡­the real deal!

    "Oh, Araki-sama looks like you woke up"

    "Yes(it''s that lab assistant again)"

    "Everyone went to the seminar hall"

    "Understood, I will be going then"

    Looks like I am the last one to wake up, I''d better keep going.

    [Seminar hall]

    I hurried to the seminar hall and after a short while, Everyone has settled down in their previous places.

    "Looks like everyone is here, so how is it?

    YOUR FIRST DREAM IN THE DREAMWORLD"

    ''I can''t believe it''

    ''I can remember it clearly''

    "Amazing.." Natsukawa yume spoke

    "Hey professor,

    IS THAT REALLY A DREAM?"

    Nakabachi smiled.

    "Yes, what you people just experienced is undeniably a dream, but this is what it feels like to remember your dreams, now do you get what I mean when I said It will turn dreams into reality?

    From here on too, you will be experiencing these wonderful dreams. We had so much fun in this little amount of time, so just imagine how much fun you can have when you can always dream like this.

    No matter how hard your life is, Even if days are weighing on you,

    THE NIGHTS ARE GOING TO BE FUN!!!"

    Huh? What is going on with me?

    MY HEART WON''T STOP RACING

    Am..I having fun?

    "Heh" my smile widened.

    Fine, fine I will admit it,

    DREAMS ARE SURPRISINGLY FUN .

    ''So are we going to repeat dreams like this?''

    "No, it will be different.

    WE ARE GOING TO DO SOMETHING MORE INTERESTING"

    ''Heh, what will we be doing?''

    "Didn''t I say?

    LET''S SAVE THE FUN FOR LATER

    But don''t worry, I will tell you tonight"

    ''You can''t spoil the fun right''

    "So that''s how it is, now then I will give you one more pill, before going to bed consume it *finger snap*"

    Several lab assistants holding trays entered the hall and they started distributing the pills to everyone individually.

    "Here"

    "Yeah" I nodded and took the pill.

    Hmm, not that much different from that earlier pill.

    ''What is this pill for?''

    "Actually you have to take two doses, this is the second dose. After you consume this it will improve your senses even further"

    ''Cool''

    "Professor"

    Akiko enters the stage and whispers in Nakabachi''s ears.

    "I see, understand. Looks like it''s almost time, so everyone I am concluding this session. I thank all of you for cooperating with our project. Let''s make sure to make this a success and together let''s build a new world!!"

    ''Yeah!!!''

    "Well then let''s meet again tonight, make sure to sleep early because,

    IT''S GOING TO BE A LONG NIGHT

    Well then, I will excuse myself"

    Nakabachi left the stage,bidding farewell.

    "Well, Even if you don''t try to sleep early you will," Nakabachi muttered as he left.

    "Everyone, please exit the hall one by one" The guard requested.

    Everyone started vacating the hall but then suddenly,

    I STOPPED.

    "This way-hmm, what''s up boy-"

    *Swift*

    "Wha- Hey , where do you think you are going? " I ran past that guard and headed towards the stage.

    [Meanwhile- backstage- hallway]

    "Professor, about the thing I said before-"

    "Don''t worry, Yamamoto-kun"

    "Huh?"

    "Everything is ready, it''s going to be fine, all we just need to do is,

    WAIT FOR TONIGHT"

    *Running sound*

    "Ha¡­ha..ha Professor, wait a minute"

    Nakabachi turned his head.

    "You are? Hey- What are you doing he-"

    Nakabachi stretched his hand and interrupted Akiko, signaling her to move ahead without him.

    "Professor?"

    "You can go ahead, I will join you later"

    "U-understood"

    Akiko left.

    "So, what are you doing here? You are going to miss your ride, Araki Ryota-kun?"

    *Pant*

    "Ha..ha..ha I..have something to ask"

    "Oh, what is it?"

    I restored my posture and took a deep breath.

    *Inhale* *exhale*

    "I will get straight to the point, I don''t like wasting my time you see, so I will ask only one thing

    HAVE WE MET BEFORE?"

    Nakabachi''s eyes widened.

    Really, I can''t ignore that feeling after all, without knowing the answer, forget about dreaming, I can''t even sleep. That''s why the best way to find whether that feeling is accurate or not is

    I JUST NEED TO CONFIRM WITH THE PERSON IN QUESTION.

    Comeon, answer me

    "Araki-kun, you may don''t know much about me but I know well about you because I am the one who selected you"

    (He selected me?)

    "But unfortunately, I believe this is the first time we met like this that''s why I am sorry"

    "Is..that so?" So it''s really¡­

    "So what makes you think that we met before?"

    "No..I just felt like we have met somewhere that''s it, sorry for wasting your time"

    "No, no that''s not a problem. Anyway your ride is waiting, you better hurry or you will miss it"

    "Yes, thank you"

    Nakabachi waved his hand as I left.

    So it''s really just my imagination¡­

    I quickly hurried to the exit.

    [Third person P.O.V]

    A few seconds after Araki left, Nakabachi stood idle with an expressionless face and after a short while-

    "....mmmmmmmm

    Hahahahhahahahhhahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahahaahhahahahahh

    WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!"

    HE LAUGHED WITH AMUSEMENT.

    "TRULY WONDERFUL! I didn''t expect this, Araki Ryota, you really are amazing. As I expected, selecting you was the right choice, really wonderf- huh" Nakabachi noticed something.

    " *Cough*And how long do you intend to hide? Kurogane-kun"

    "geh-"

    Kurogane revealed himself, he was hiding behind the pillar this whole time.

    "Ah ah you found me, looks like I can''t hide from you, Nakabachi-san"

    "Isn''t it obvious?Just how long do you think we are being together?"

    "You have a point there"

    Kurogane approached Nakabachi.

    "So he, Araki-kun, looks like he still remembers you"

    "Yeah, although he is not sure but for a second he definitely remembered meeting me, it is truly a shock, because there is no way a sane person can remember that, after all

    WE MET IN A DREAM"

    [Araki P.O.V- At araki''s apartment]

    "We have arrived"

    Just like how they took me there, before leaving that building they blindfolded me again before dropping me back. It makes sense.

    Slowly he removed the blindfold and my vision has returned.

    "Here, your mobile and watch"

    "Yeah"

    "Sorry for troubling you"

    "No, it''s fine. I got my explanation"

    "Thanks for understanding. Then we will be off also make sure to take that pill before sleeping"

    "Yes, thank you"

    So after those exchanges I returned to my room.

    *Close door*

    "I came back¡­"

    The clock indicated 6:07pm.

    Even though it''s been only a few hours, it felt like few days has passed and besides

    They are really idiots aren''t they? when I get home I can know the time anyway. So taking my watch is pointless, But to calculate the time it took to get back I need to know my departure time. That''s why it''s not entirely pointless but¡­

    "51 minutes huh.."

    This is the time it took to get here. Of course Just in case I counted again. So by counting back I departed from there at 5:16pm, So if I calculate the distance it will be almost same as before but

    "I guess I don''t need this info anymore"

    As far as things went everything is normal, I can see why he wants to reshape that world and build a new world. His ideals and motives, everything have got through me. If all we need to do is repeat those dreams and share our experiences so it could help with the experiment then I don''t mind giving my time and besides

    It looks fun.

    Also,

    "I really need to stop overthinking things"

    Lesson learned.

    And three hours had passed.

    [October 5th, 9:02pm]

    "Huff"

    I jumped on to the bed. Looking at the ceiling.

    "It''s about time"

    He said to sleep as early as possible, but for a 16 year-old boy this is way too early.

    I took the box with the pill from my pocket, and holded with my fingers while staring at it.

    Still, I don''t get why they gave another pill? Because, I can''t imagine experiencing even more than that. Well, I can''t say without seeing it myself. That''s why

    Once again, it''s time to visit that world.

    Well then, time to get started.

    I got up and pushed the pill down through my throat and drank water.

    *Gulp*

    It is going to start shortly, the me at that time didn''t even anticipate this. That something,

    SOMETHING REALLY BAD IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW.

    "Hmm?" My left palm has caught my eye.

    Huh? This scar

    I DON''T REMEMBER THIS-

    "WHA-!?"

    Huh? What? What is happening? My head¡­hurts.

    "It hurts, hurts, hurts,hurts,hurts"

    Damn,damn,damn,damn

    I CAN''T BEAR THIS!!!!!

    Why!!!

    WHY IS IT SO PAINFUL!?

    This is the first time something this severe is happening. Why? Did I eat something bad? My water - Don''t tell me

    THIS PILL?!

    Slowly my vision became blurry and..

    "Huh? I am.."

    After a few seconds, I completely collapsed on the bed and

    I BECAME UNCONSCIOUS.

    [In Dream]

    "Ha!"

    I woke up in the dreamworld.

    "Where..am I?"

    *Whisper* people started whispering.

    "It''s¡­kind of nois-" I got up suddenly

    White room again? Which means, I am back in this world!? Wait that''s right my pain-

    MY PAIN HAS STOPPED.

    Just what the hell was that!? Is that because of..the pill? I thought there were no side effects. I was perfectly fine when I took the first one. What about everyone-?

    "Huh?"

    Is it just me? It looks like

    THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE THAN BEFORE.

    What''s going on-

    "Good evening!!!!! Everyone!!!!!!"

    Nakabachi descended from the top and stopped midair.

    "Once again, Welcome to the dreamworld"

    There he is

    "Nakabachi¡­ Hideo" I muttered

    "Looks like everyone here, I am so happy. Now then without any delay,

    LET''S START THE EXPERIMENT"

    *gasp*

    ''So, what should we do?''

    "Don''t be so hasty, I am going to give you a very interesting assignment. "

    ''Assignment?''

    Nakabachi''s smile widened.

    "Yes, Right now, right here

    I WANT YOU ALL TO PLAY A GAME"

    (My eyes widened)

    ''Game? ''

    ''Hah, Playing a game in dreams? Interesting''

    "Yes, A VERY FUN AND INTERESTING GAME"

    Wh..y? What''s going on with me?

    I don''t know why but for some reason,

    I HAVE A REALLY BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS.

    SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS ATMOSPHERE

    ''So what does it have to do with improving the product? ''

    "No, It definitely plays a significant role in developing our product. Well,

    YOU WILL SEE SOON"

    ''What game are we going to play?''

    "Don''t worry, don''t worry I will explain one by one

    So for the first round,

    I WANT EVERYONE TO FORM PAIRS"

    ''Pairs? ''

    ''Alright ''

    ''Hey, Wanna pair? ''

    "Wait a second- Rather than pairing with some stranger, I want you to pair with someone you already know.

    Because, THAT WOULD BE MORE INTERESTING"

    Everyone started pairing.

    Huh? He seems somewhat different, no,

    IS HE REALLY NAKABACHI HIDEO?

    For some reason,

    MY HEART IS BEATING SO FASTLY.

    Something is wrong¡­ ,

    Even so, game he says? This is so sudden, I can''t see the relation with the project. What''s going on?

    For now, I should go along with it.

    But even if he says to pair with someone I know, I don''t think there is anyone among these people who actually knows me-

    "Araki-kun?... "

    I heard a voice, A familiar voice,

    After hearing that voice, my mind went completely blank, and it felt like time itself had stopped for me.

    I heard a voice which I can''t forget, because this person showed me hell for five days, There is no way I can''t recognize

    That''s when I thought

    COINCIDENCES CAN BE SCARY.

    Because, this is not possible,

    "Why¡­? "

    Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

    WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HERE!?

    SANEHARA KASUMI!

    "Sanehara¡­Why? " I turned behind and confronted her.

    She was wearing casual clothes and looked puzzled just as much as I.

    "Araki-kun, why? "

    What is going on? There is no way. She should not be supposed to be here because, she is not even there in the seminar hall and besides when Nakabachi called out every name I am sure her name didn''t popped up

    So why-?

    " *Clap x2* Attention please"

    I am sure there are some of you wondering that"

    (Huh?)

    "WHY IS THIS PERSON DOING HERE? "

    (Don''t tell me)

    "Actually, along with your session, there are four other sessions happened, each session has around 100 people so you might wonder why they are more people here than before, so let me tell you

    THERE ARE TOTAL 502 DREAMERS ARE THERE IN THIS DREAM"

    (50¡­ 2!?)

    "That''s why there might be at least one person you might know. ( That''s how I arranged anyway) Now then,

    CONTINUE WITH THE PAIRING"

    THIS IS THE WORST.

    Out of all people, it needs to be her?! Then she also got the invitation!? But, the timing is really bad because things are really awkward now. I guess after all that happened at the rooftop it''s only natural. But, Is this coincidence?

    IS THIS REALLY A COINCIDENCE?

    "Looks like we don''t have a choice, want to pair with me? You know what? I am actually feeling so happy and surprised that I met you here, Araki-kun"

    "Yeah, I am also surprised. So, you also got that email? "

    "Yes, but I didn''t expect that you are also invited"

    So it''s true¡­

    "For now, let''s work together"

    We shaked hands.

    "Heh

    Looks like everyone is ready, Now then let''s start the first round

    This game is going to be a elimination process"

    ''Elimination? ''

    "Yes, don''t worry I will explain one by one, Now then, there are 251 pairs are here, and the first round rules are simple

    AMONG THESE 251 PAIRS ONLY 251 DREAMERS CAN PASS TO THE NEXT GAME"

    ''Huh? ''

    ''What does he mean? ''

    "To put it more simply,

    I WANT YOU TO LOWER YOUR NUMBERS"

    ''Lower? ''

    "Yes, In every pair only one of you passes to the next round and

    THE OTHER ONE GETS ELIMINATED"

    ''Eliminate¡­''

    "So choose among yourselves who will be eliminated and who will pass"

    People started talking among themselves.

    ''So what should we do? ''

    ''Let me go''

    ''Eh? But I also want to move forward''

    ''In other words, we should convince each other and decide who will go first? ''

    ''Seems like it''

    ''I guess I will drop, I am not good with games''

    ''I don''t think so''

    "We should also- Huh? Araki-kun, what happened?

    ARE YOU NERVOUS? YOUR HANDS ARE SHAKING"

    Something is wrong, something is wrong.

    THIS WHOLE SITUATION FEELS STRANGE.

    This feeling is more intense than that I felt in the seminar. Also

    NAKABACHI LOOKS STRANGE

    Just,

    WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN?

    "Boring"

    (Huh)

    "Boring, I am disappointed in you"

    ''What did you just say!?''

    ''Huh? We are doing just as said''

    ''What do you mean?''

    "*Sign* Looks like you people don''t get the actual picture, that''s why you are taking this too lightly, you see

    When I said one of you gets eliminated, what I am saying is,

    THAT PERSON WILL DIE"

    My eyes widened.

    "ELIMINATION=DEATH"

    ''... Death? ''

    "YES!!!! You heard it right,

    What I am saying is

    KILL AMONG YOURSELVES"

    Ki..ll?

    ''Hey, are you joking? Stop it''

    '' It''s not even funny''

    "Joking? Ah, sorry sorry I should have told you a bit sooner, you see this game is not a normal game,

    IT''S A DEATH GAME"

    ''Death''

    ''Game? ''

    "W-h-i-c-h m-e-a-n-s( su-ma-ri) , By the end of the game,

    ONLY ONE OF YOU STAYS ALIVE

    And

    THE OTHER 501 DREAMERS WILL DIE"

    "..... Eh? "

    Di¡­e?

    "T-that''s not possible!"

    Ukegawa Taiki raised his voice.

    "Hmm? Why is it not possible, Ukegawa-kun?"

    "STOP JOKING!! We will die? There is no way, because did you forget?

    WE ARE IN A DREAM

    There is no way, You losers, what are you so afraid of?"

    ''T-that''s right''

    ''Oof, He really scared me for a second''

    "Oh¡­I see you guys don''t know right"

    Huh?

    "What?" Ukegawa asked

    "As I said before, That pill will synchronize your two selves, that''s why you can feel everything inside the dream and you can experience many things"

    "So what?"

    "If you can feel every sensation, Then.."

    Nakabachi''s smile widened

    "IT ONLY MAKES SENSE TO THINK THAT YOU CAN ALSO FEEL PAIN

    ISN''T THAT RIGHT?"

    ''....huh?''

    We can also feel¡­pain? Don''t tell me!

    No way!

    "Ah ah, Let me tell you one more interesting thing, you see

    WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN IF YOU ARE INJURED IN DREAMS?"

    I slowly lifted my left hand.

    "You see, if you face any injury anywhere"

    Don''t tell me¡­

    "IT WILL INFLICT ON YOUR REAL BODY TOO"

    Everyone became speechless. The revelation is far too great to grasp the situation. Why didn''t I realize this before?

    This scar on my left palm, That time I wasn''t able to remember it, but now I remembered, this scar is not from reality!

    (Flashback- <<Reminder>> A screen popped up out of nowhere before me, I hit the tree and falled down.

    "Ew¡­)

    I got this scar IN DREAMS.

    He is telling the truth!!

    That means,

    OUR LIFE IS IN DANGER.

    ''inflict? Eh?''

    "For example, if you got a scar in dreams it will inflict on your real body, Well, if I put it simply,

    IF YOU CUT YOUR FINGER, YOUR REAL FINGER WILL CUT OFF YOUR BODY"

    ''Ee!''

    "Leg for a leg, hand for a hand, eye for an eye and if your head gets decapitated

    I GUESS YOU KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN

    In short,

    IF YOU DIE HERE, YOU WILL DIE IN REAL LIFE AS WELL."

    (Wh-!?)

    ''...No''

    ''You can''t be serious''

    ''I will¡­die?''

    ''Ah I get it. just like before, this is a prank right?''

    Nakabachi remained silent.

    ''Hey, You are joking right?.. please tell me¡­this is a prank right?

    "Unfortunately, I AM DEAD SERIOUS"''

    ''N..o¡­¡­''

    ''Noooooo!!!!''

    ''Oi, what''s going to happen to us?''

    ''Die? Eh? I can''t follow, eh? ''

    ''Die¡­I will die¡­I will die''

    "Hahaha, Nice very nice, I like that reaction so now you get it right?

    DON''T TAKE THIS LIGHTLY,

    Your life is on the line, that''s why if you want to live

    KILL THE OTHER and

    WIN THIS DEATH GAME."

    (I was¡­)

    That time I felt,

    I WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG,

    WE WERE LURED INTO THIS.

    That feeling and my way of thinking, everything was right. But,

    I LET MY GUARD DOWN.

    And once again I realized how naive and careless I was. But even if I tried to do something

    IT''S ALREADY TOO¡­LATE

    "NOW, EVERYONE"

    With that, this marks the start of the one of the most brutal incident in human history and the start of my hellish days

    That''s right,

    "LET''S BEGIN THE GAME!! "

    (WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!?)

    IT''S THE BEGINNING OF THE NIGHTMARE.

 Chapter 10: Survival Of The Smartest

    "Hey"

    I have a small question for you, Have you ever wondered or ever thought about this?

    If YOU or SOMEONE ELSE

    If one of you should die for the other to live, in that case

    WHAT WILL YOU DO?

    If the other person is a stranger or just an acquaintance, I suppose you will choose yourself in the end. Because, no one wants to die for a stranger.

    "But"

    What if that person is someone

    VERY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

    It might be your lover, friend or a family member. But you care for them a lot. In that case

    WHAT WILL YOU DO?

    What? Can''t decide? Yeah figures, because these choices are too cruel to consider. But,

    If one of you really chose to die for the other, You really are admirable, how inspiring but...

    I DON''T KNOW IF YOU REALLY CAN.

    Because,

    THE REALITY DOESN''T WORK AS YOU THINK

    The moment when you face this situation, and once you know that your life is in danger, your body will act before you think.

    YOUR REAL SELF WILL TAKE OVER YOUR BODY.

    Because,

    THE REAL DEAL IS FAR TOO HEAVY

    Even if your mind approves,

    YOUR BODY WILL REFUSE DEATH.

    Even if that person is very important to you.

    ''How can you tell? '' Hah, I can tell, because

    Right now...

    I AM FACING THE EXACT SITUATION.

    "From every pair,

    ONE OF YOU WILL DIE"

    ''Di..e?''

    "That''s right, out of 502 dreamers only 251 dreamers will get to the next round alive and by the end of the whole game only one will survive and the rest of them

    WILL DIE.

    Don''t forget, this is not a normal game

    IT''S A DEATH GAME

    In short,

    IF YOU DIE HERE, YOU WILL DIE IN REAL LIFE ASWELL"

    ''I will..die?''

    That''s right,

    ''No...way''

    On this night...

    "Now, LET''S BEGIN THE GAME!"

    (What the hell...is this!?)

    EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED.

    [October 5th, 9:30pm]

    Silence broke in the crowd. Everyone''s faces became pale and puzzled on what is happening right now. Although, they are not reacting in anyway, but I can tell, deep inside

    THEY ARE ALL SCARED TO DEATH.

    ''(No way, I am gonna die?)''

    ''(Game? Eh? )''

    ''(If I die here..no...I don''t want to think about that)''

    ''(Why did this happened?)''

    "A-araki- Kun, W-w-what is he saying?" Sanehara asked me, trembling.

    "H-hey, Araki-kun answer m- Araki...kun? what happened t-t-to you?

    ARE YOU TREMBLING?"

    "Just"

    "Huh?"

    "JUST BE QUIET FOR A SECOND, I ALSO DON''T KNOW WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING"

    I covered my face with my right hand, breathing heavily.

    (WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?)

    Game? What is he talking about? This is totally different from what he said, I can''t see the relation to his objective. What is he trying to do? No, first of all, Isn''t his objective is making a new world? Then,

    WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?

    If I die in this dream, I will die in real life too? By the end of the game only one will survive? This is ridiculous, this is really ridiculous but..

    HE IS SAYING THE TRUTH!!

    This scar is the proof. If I die here then really....

    (DAMNIT!) I gritted my teeth.

    If he is really serious about this,

    WE ARE SCREWED!

    "Huh? Why are you all idle? I may not look like it but, I don''t like wasting time that''s why

    START KILLING ALREADY" Nakabachi said, adjusting his glasses.

    "STOP KIDDING!!!!! " Ukegawa shouted

    "Hmm? "

    "Game? We have to kill each other? Don''t give me that! What kind of joke is this? "

    "Good grief, Are you still going on saying that? How childish you are, I am saying the truth"

    "Truth you say? Do we look like fools? The injuries will also get inflicted on our real bodies? Do you think I will believe that? It''s all a load of crap "

    "Load of crap?.. "

    (...You are wrong)

    You are wrong, Ukegawa. Even if it is ridiculous He is telling the truth!! This scar is not too deep but it''s definitely manifested through dreams.

    HOW DID HE MADE THIS EVEN POSSIBLE!?

    Science has this much power!?

    "Load of crap you say? "

    "Huh? Yeah, got a problem with that? After All it''s just not possible"

    "Heeeh, Now I can''t let that slide"

    He is... Angry?

    " *Sigh* Well, I can''t blame you, because you don''t know after all. Seems like we need to continue the seminar"

    Huh?

    "I guess everyone wants to know about the same thing-

    HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRANSMIT INJURIES TO REALITY? RIGHT? "

    "Y-yeah" Ukegawa answered.

    Nakabachi''s smile widened.

    "Well then I will tell you,

    Answer is- Quantum dissociation"

    What?

    "Quantum? "

    "Due to the pill, your body has now entered the quantum state, In this state the law of physics and causality will be slightly altered. When a person enters this state, the thoughts and actions of this world holds a great significance over reality- Oh can''t understand? Well to put it simply

    RIGHT NOW YOUR BRAIN IS THINKING THIS IS THE REALITY"

    ... Huh?

    "After coming here many of you might have experienced the same thing, for a few minutes,

    YOU FORGOT THAT THIS IS A DREAM"

    My eyes widened.

    That''s...true.

    Not only just once, It happened twice. Then, are you telling me..

    "That''s not a coincidence, It happened because

    YOUR BRAIN IS THINKING THIS IS REALITY"

    ''What!? ''

    ''No way''

    "My brain...? " Sanehara spoke, shocked.

    Everyone was shocked hearing this.

    "That''s why, when you get injured or your body gets altered in this world, those injuries will get transmitted to reality. If you have complaints you have to blame your subconsciousness and brain for that"

    ''Im-impossible''

    Hey, hey wait a sec...

    Is this...even allowed to sell? What did he just create? No, first of all, Is this possible? Really Nakabachi Hideo is...

    HE IS A GENIUS.

    Otherwise, this is not possible!

    "Wh...y? " Ukegawa muttered.

    "Hmm"

    "Why did you do such a thing? "

    "Ah, didn''t I say that earlier?

    I WILL TURN DREAMS INTO REALITY"

    Wha-

    "In reality humans will die, not only humans other life forms too. There is no world that exists in this universe where a lifeform is immortal. If such a world exists then it''s not real it''s just a dream"

    Are you.. Serious?

    When he said he will turn dreams into reality,

    THIS IS WHAT HE MEANT?

    "If you still have doubts don''t worry

    YOU WILL SEE IT BY YOURSELF

    Whether I am telling truth or no-"

    "SHUT UP!!! " Ukegawa exclaimed.

    "Impossible... Impossible, impossible, impossible, impossible, impossible

    IMPOSSIBLE!!! "

    "You are quiet stubborn huh, stop whining already and face the reality in front of you, Ukegawa-kun"

    "You are telling me to accept this? No way I will. Besides, why didn''t you tell me about this before?"

    "Ah, Because,

    YOU NEVER ASKED"

    ''........ Eh? '' In unison

    Eh?

    "If you want to blame someone then blame yourself because, this is your fault for not asking me,

    YOU PEOPLE NEVER ASKED ME

    that''s why I didn''t told you"

    Wait, what is he saying?

    HOW THE HELL WOULD WE ASK HIM? THERE IS JUST NO WAY.

    If we think normally, no one would get that doubt. Absolutely no way because-

    WHO THE HELL GETS THE IDEA ABOUT FEELING PAIN IN DREAMS!?

    But, even if someone asks him..

    "Well, even if you have asked me

    I DON''T THINK I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU"

    (I DOUBT HE WOULD HAVE TOLD US THE REAL REASON)

    From the start, We are destined to meet this end¡­

    "Oi, are you toying with me? " Ukegawa asked

    "No, I don''t plan to waste my time by doing that."

    Ukegawa gritted his teeth.

    "Ah I see, I see"

    "Hmm?"

    "You deceived us huh"

    Nakabachi narrowed his eyes.

    "Deceive? "

    "Well played old man. Luring us to this world and making us kill each other and have fun looking at us, this is your real objective right? YOU LIAR!! "

    Nakabachi became silent.

    "... Liar? "

    "Yeah, isn''t that right? None of these events are coinciding with your objective. This is not what you have told me! The shit about building a new world and having fun all of that is just a ''Load of Crap''

    Ideal world? Hah, This world is worse than the real world. Right? Everyone! "

    ''Yeah''

    ''I was right, I thought something is off''

    ''I can''t believe him''

    ''dreamworld? This is a crappy world''

    ''Far from ideal''

    ''THIS WORLD IS SHIT-''

    "SHUT UP YOU FILTHY INSECTS!!! " Nakabachi shouted.

    Ukegawa and others fell silent.

    "You are just a bunch of insects, Don''t you dare insult my world"

    ''Uh''

    ''*gulp*''

    "Load of crap you say? Lie? FYI I didn''t tell a single lie! I didn''t lie about anything. My ultimate objective is same as before- To create a New world"

    "T-then what the hell is this? Which part of this contributes to making a new world? "

    ''That''s right, Why are you doing this? ''

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    "As I expected, you don''t get it. You don''t get a single damn thing! Ah Now that I think it makes sense because,

    YOU ALL ARE INSECTS AFTERALL"

    "HUH? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?"

    "What? Did you not hear me? Orelse are you one of those type?

    INSECTS WHICH CAN''T HEAR"

    "Wha- "

    "If you are not then shut your annoying mouth and let me talk,

    What do you want to know?

    Why am I doing this? You want to know the reason behind this? You want to know the purpose of this game? Fine I will tell you, I won''t repeat this so listen well. Do you remember that conversation about reality we had before?"

    ''What conversation? ''

    "Ah I guess other sessions except 5th don''t know

    I ASKED ABOUT WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE REAL WORLD? "

    ''Real world? ''

    (Flashback-"WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS WORLD?")

    Ah that must be it.

    "I will rephrase it and ask once again,

    WHAT DO YOU THINK MADE THE REAL WORLD SO DIRTY? "

    ''Huh? ''

    "The answer is same and simple, Humans!"

    "What? "

    "Few thousand years ago, this world was much more beautiful. But, now it is fully contaminated from both outside and inside. As I said earlier, people are toxic, this filthy society has polluted the real world with their idiotic thoughts. Yes, that''s right, society and people are the reason for the world to end up in that state. That''s why

    I DESPISE THEM"

    "Huh? What does that have to do with this world?"

    "Listen till the end, brat"

    "Brat?!"

    "You see, When I said society,

    I MEAN YOU ASWELL"

    (Huh)

    Don''t tell me..Eh?

    We all are taken back by his words, slowly everything is becoming clear. People started realizing.

    Ah, I started to get it.

    I also started to realize

    WHAT NAKABACHI REALLY MEANT THAT TIME.

    "What..are you saying? "

    "In the end, you are also a part of society, and besides there are still toxic, filthy and dirty insects are still lurking among you. I can''t let them walk free that''s why

    I NEED TO WEED THEM OUT"

    "Weed them?"

    "By... Killing? "

    "Looks like you are getting the picture now, Do you think I will let you run free in this world? With that dirty mind of yours? Be real! This is my world! I will never let you, I will never let you pollute this world. That''s why I will eliminate the scum!!!"

    Ah, I see... So that''s how it is

    "This will become an ideal world, without any dirt, the people who live in this world are genius and talented. There is no place for scumbags to live here. I will not let you tarnish this world! This world will surpass the real world. If those scums binded by society walk freely, this world will also end up like reality. You know what?

    Just being around you makes me want to puke. The thought of breathing the same air as you gives me shivers. I holded back, all this time I acted like normal while struggling inside. But there is no need for that anymore. I will eliminate those trashbags, that''s why I thought

    WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ELIMINATE THEM?"

    Ah this is..

    This is the real Nakabachi Hideo huh,

    I misjudged his ideology, but I finally understood Nakabachi''s real ideals, why he is doing this, for what purpose he is doing, everything.

    "That''s when I got this brilliant idea"

    Nakabachi Hideo, He is trying to..

    "WITH THIS GAME, I WILL ELIMINATE THOSE SCUMS"

    ("With this game he wants to kill those scums")

    Haha.. This is what he is trying to do,

    What a dangerous person he is. He is crazy, something is really...

    SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG WITH HIM.

    "In this death game, you will play several games and by each round the number will be halved, as you clear the games the unfits gets eliminated more and more and at last the one who stands at the end is the most craziest, smartest, talented, rational, logical and befit to help me building this world. I want that person!

    With that person I will build the most amazing world.

    Ah don''t worry, the one who wins this death game and survives

    WILL BE GRANTED ANY OF THEIR WISHES"

    "When you said your dreams will come true you mean! "

    "Yeah, this is what I meant when I said your dreams will come true. Yes, I will grant your dream.

    Whoever wins this death game, THEIR DREAMS WILL BE GRANTED"

    This is his way of building a new world...

    This is so messed up and I hate how logical it is. I know I may sound cruel but,

    THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO DO IT EVEN IF IT''S CRUEL.

    He really comes up with the craziest ideas. I really can''t read him. But, even if it''s best there are few things that you can''t do.

    OUR LIVES ARE ON THE LINE YOU KNOW, THIS IS NOT A JOKE.

    Once you die everything is over!

    "Why.. Why didn''t you say this earlier? " Kazuki asked

    "Yukimura-kun, Like I said, you never asked. No one asked me how I am going to build a new world. "

    "What about Fulfilling our wishes? "

    "Did you forget? I said everyone have a ''chance'' but I never said I will surely fulfill"

    "What about every night will be fun? " Ukegawa asked

    "Ah, yes every night will be fun, even this moment is fun

    FOR ME THAT IS"

    "Ideal world?"

    "For me it is"

    "Wonderful world?"

    "For me it is"

    "Every second will be fun? " Sanehara asked

    "For me that is"

    "What about paradise? " I asked

    "It''s absolutely a paradise, FOR ME THAT IS"

    Ah, this is-

    HOPELESS.

    "I said right? I never said a lie"

    That''s right, He isn''t lying, He never lied. The one who is at fault is us. We never asked him for details, We were convinced with his answers. That''s why we were easily lured into this mess.

    THAT''S ALL THERE TO IT..

    "Looks like everything is clear now, Now then,

    STOP WASTING MY TIME AND START KILLING-"

    "I refuse" Ukegawa rejected.

    "Huh? What did you just say? "

    "After hearing all this, Do you really think I will play along with you?

    I WILL NEVER RISK MY LIFE FOR THIS CHILD''S PLAY"

    "Child''s play? "

    "Do you think I will accept this? This is basically asking me to die! There is no way I am playing this stupid game, I misjudged you old man, I thought you would bring bliss to me but it looks like I was wrong.

    THIS WORLD WON''T GIVE ME BLISS IT JUST MAKES ME SUFFER EVEN MORE.

    HEY, Are you guys okay with this? At this rate everyone will die, count me out, this is not what you promised me that''s why

    I REFUSE"

    ''Y-yes''

    ''That''s right, there is no need to obey him''

    "Well said, brother(Aniki). There is no way we will go along with him" Ukegawa''s pair guy said.

    "I see"

    "HUH? What is it?"

    "You refuse to participate huh? Hmmmm, looks like you people still don''t understand what situation you are in. You people forgot one important thing"

    Nakabachi slowly removed his glasses.

    (Ha!)

    Huh? What is.. This? My body is... Trembling? Eh?

    "Araki-kun? "

    I get¡­I get these really bad vibes, something

    SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

    This overwhelming aura and presence, I felt something like this before. Yes, at the seminar!

    Huh?

    Am...I scared? My heart rate suddenly increased. And

    Once again, I started to see things, which don''t exist. Black aura, no, miasma is spread across the crowd. The room became dark all of a sudden.

    "Let me remind you once again"

    I know, I know the source deep inside. Where this feeling is coming from, I know but I don''t want to realize.

    "I am the creator of this world,

    I AM THE GOD.

    Are you telling me,

    YOU WANT TO DEFY THE GOD?

    A merely human like you? "

    His eyes were glowing red, looking down on us. It was as if the god descended, such an overwhelming presence took over my thoughts. This is what it feels like to anger the god.

    A throne started materializing and Nakabachi firmly sat on it, crossing his legs while looking down on us.

    "G-God? Cut that act. No matter what you say my answer will not change

    I REFUSE"

    " *Sigh* I see, too bad. I thought you would be willing to help me. Since it came to this I have no choice then"

    "Help you? I''d rather die than help-"

    *fingersnap*

    *cut*

    My eyes widened.

    "Aniki? "

    *bounce*

    What? Everyone looks kind of shocked? Also my EYES KINDA LOOK RED, What happened?

    "A-araki- kun"

    Sanehara?

    "There is b-b-b-b-blood.. Blood on your fa-face"

    Blood? What is she talking about?- *roll* hmm? I felt like something just touched my feet-

    My eyes widened.

    ¡­..Eh?

    Why? What happened just now?

    WHY IS UKEGAWA''S HEAD IS NEAR MY FEET?!

    Eh?

    "His he-he-he-he-head has¡­"

    Sanehara, to be honest I saw and I know what happened but I don''t want to believe it, I don''t want to believe what I just saw

    THAT WITH JUST A FINGERSNAP UKEGAWA''S HEAD WAS CHOPPED OFF FROM HIS BODY, SPLASHING BLOOD ON THE FLOOR AND REACHED MY FEET.

    I DIDN''T WANT TO BELIEVE THAT.

    This liquid on my face, This is re-re-real blood?? This color, This smell-

    Ah... No doubt.

    IT''S REAL!

    Tha-that m-m-means..

    Slowly I came back to my senses, my heart rate increased rapidly.

    (Ha.. Ha... Ha.. Ha.. Ha)

    HE IS¡­D-D-D-D

    (DEAD? )

    ''His head¡­is not there''

    ''N...o''

    ''He is dead¡­ ''

    ''He killed him?''

    "Hey, Aniki? "

    "Rather than worrying for your friend"

    "Huh"

    "YOU SHOULD WORRY ABOUT YOURSELF"

    "Eh-"

    His body began to fall, but

    ONLY HIS UPPER PART.

    HE WAS CUT IN HALF.

    "Here is a fun fact,

    Why did I choose a white room?

    BECAUSE RED GOES WELL WITH WHITE"

    Red... Blood.

    *Fall* his body fell to the ground.

    ''No... No!!!!!!!!!!!!! ''

    ''He died''

    ''He is serious''

    ''He is God..''

    ''God will.. ''

    ''He will kill us''

    ''No, I don''t want to die''

    "Finally we are on the same page, to tell the truth I know it, there will be few idiots who will try to disobey me. Because, no one wants to risk their life like this. For this purpose I needed to do this, First of all-

    Why do you think I selected 502 members? Don''t you think it''s odd that I selected 2 extra people"

    Ha...Ha...Ha

    (DON''T TELL ME! NO WAY)

    ''What? ''

    "Because, I should show a example

    WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU DISOBEY ME? "

    This man, I can''t believe him.

    "Don''t worry, don''t worry

    THEY BOTH DIED WITHOUT ANY DOUBT.

    Ukegawa-kun''s head chopped off from his real body too, I guess he will be on news tomorrow, Ah his friend too"

    What is he saying? With such a joyful face.

    SOMEONE JUST DIED YOU KNOW!

    "Eeek" Sanehara screamed.

    Slowly, ukegawa''s head started to move and fly towards Nakabachi''s hand on its own.

    It''s flying?! On its own!?

    It landed on Nakabachi''s right hand, spilling blood on the floor.

    "Good work, Ukegawa-kun. You became a fine example. Also,

    I OWE YOU A LOT FOR HUMILIATING ME THAT TIME

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH"

    I started sweating.

    Stay calm, don''t waver, stay calm.

    "With this, We are even-wait I guess it''s pointless to talk to a dead person. Atleast, May your soul rest in peace" *crush*

    E....h?

    After seeing this, one thing has made clear

    NAKABACHI HIDEO IS NOT A HUMAN- no wrong, he ''was'' a human, Just before few minutes he was, but from this point onwards

    HE IS NOT A HUMAN ANYMORE.

    ''a...a..a..''

    He crushed...him?

    Nakabachi crushed his head with his hand, his head crushed to pieces and spilling the blood, slowly his flesh remains started disappearing.

    ''kyaaaaaaaaa!''

    ''It''s over..''

    ''Seriously...?''

    "A-a-raki-kun, he just¡­he just¡­what sho-should we d-do?"

    "Uh-ah, don''t worry, you can see right? There is nothing we can do now because,

    IT''S ALREADY TOO LATE"

    "So, now you get it right?

    YOU ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO REFUSE ME.

    Right now, There are only two choices in front of you. One, Play the game and survive. Two, like Ukegawa-kun and his friend, die here.

    Unfortunately,

    THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE FOR YOU

    Now, what will you choose? "

    Ha...ha...ha.. I can''t hold my breath.. My hands are shaking..

    This is...the god''s authority? ABSOLUTE ORDER. He demonstrated the power gap between us and made it clear,

    If we defy him, HE WILL KILL US.

    (Damnit!!)

    "Personally I won''t recommend the second choice. But remember one thing, by the end of the game

    EVERYONE EXCEPT ONE WILL DIE.

    If you want to survive, right now, right here Kill the other. In this world,

    IT''S KILL OR BE KILLED"

    ''kill...''

    ''Or be killed''

    "Besides, I don''t get it. I don''t get why you are refusing to play? You took my money right? Then do as I say, Why are you defying me? If you ask me, this is a golden opportunity! If you win, your dreams will come true. Of course, Risk is great but you can gain a lot. This is really high risk-high return

    THIS IS ONCE IN A LIFETIME CHANCE!

    How you lived until now and how you are leading your life now none of it matters, in this world everyone is equal, between you there is no difference in power. Everyone has an equal chance to win. If you win

    YOU CAN MAKE A GREAT COMEBACK IN REAL WORLD TOO!! IT''S TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE. "

    Huh? What kind of nonsense is he saying?

    Do you know the odds?

    Winning rate is 0.2%, you know!!

    If every is game is like this or even more dangerous then there is no way-

    "Don''t worry, YOU CAN WIN"

    Huh

    "Unlike the real world, this world is fair. Money doesn''t influence this world, just your intelligence and knowledge will empower you. No matter how weak you are in the real world.

    IT DOESN''T MATTER.

    Let me tell you the key to victory, being strong is not enough to win this game. That''s right

    THIS WORLD DOES NOT WORK ON

    SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST-

    It''s SURVIVAL OF THE SMARTEST"

    Survival of the... Smartest?

    "The smart, no, the smartest will win and move forward, to win this game your body strength doesn''t matter, your mental strength is the key. How do you use others? How do you deceive? Everything counts.

    That''s why, in order to win this game, you need to deceive others, betray them, and crush them. To do that, throw away your humanity, ethics, everything! Those are just unnecessary things for you. You fight alone and win alone. Don''t forget, only one will survive. Other than yourself,

    EVERY OTHER PERSON IS YOUR ENEMY.

    The person who tossed their morals and humanity,

    WILL BE STANDING AT LAST"

    Throw away¡­humanity?

    "How long do you intend to be a human?"

    Huh?

    "This game is not something a human can win. If you want to win, no if you want to survive then hurry up and abandon your humanity. It''s high time to show your true colors. Be true to yourself, you want to live right?

    IF YOU WANT TO LIVE KILL THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU AND START THE GAME

    if not,

    I WILL KILL EVERY ONE OF YOU

    DON''T WORRY

    I will not leave a single soul, Without mercy

    I WILL KILL YOU"

    When I first got to know him, My first impression was that he is a genius.

    He is a genius and a bit crazy, but now that I got to know him I can describe him even better.

    He is a genius, crazy and an unbelievable PSYCHO PATH.

    A real mad scientist!

    A big screen popped up behind Nakabachi indicating 10:00.

    ''What is that? ''

    "I am giving you 10 minutes, finish the first round before that orelse

    I WILL MASSACRE EVERYONE OF YOU"

    ''Wait! -''

    "Now, LET''S BEGIN THE GAME"

    It''s over¡­There is¡­ no other choice.

    WE HAVE TO PLAY THIS DEADLY GAME.

    Everyone lost hope, finally everything came to light. Few hours back we didn''t even anticipate something like this would happen. No one could have predicted this.

    Of course, it''s obvious, no one can because,

    WE CAN''T PREDICT NIGHTMARES.

    ''Please¡­ ''

    "Hmm? "

    ''Please, let us go. Many lives are connected to us. Our family and work that''s why''

    "So what? "

    ''Huh? ''

    "You see, I don''t give a damn about that world. If your death ruins other''s lives then so be it.

    I DON''T CARE"

    Ah that''s right, THIS BASTARD DON''T EVEN CARE ABOUT THAT WORLD.

    Do you remember? When I said there are two possible reasons for DLC to hide their location. I didn''t mention the second one right? Let me tell you the second reason and THE REAL REASON.

    DLC, no, Nakabachi,

    HE DON''T WANT US TO REPORT THIS TO THE COPS.

    That''s why he took those measures. He actually doesn''t give a shit about raids, world war or other companies. He doesn''t want us to let the public know about this game and his crimes. He is,

    HE IS REALLY A PSYCHO!!!

    I gritted my teeth. Why? How?

    HOW DID WE END UP IN THIS SITUATION?

    You planned everything from the start for this moment, right? NAKABACHI HIDEO!!

    "Come on, hurry up. If you want to live then you know what to do right? JUST KILL ALREADY From today,

    YOU ALL ARE MURDERERS"

    Everyone started to feel the danger, they finally understood risks, this is an inescapable fate everyone got to know it. If you want to survive

    YOU HAVE TO KILL THE OTHER.

    It''s about to start,

    In a matter of seconds it''s going to start, THE CALAMIT-

    ''B-boss? What are you-''

    What? I turned my head.

    "Oya" Nakabachi became attentive.

    ''B-b-boss, I can''t¡­ breat- please stop if you¡­continue I.. Will-''

    "Sorry Kiyama, thank you for working under me until now. We were really a good gang but THAT ENDS TODAY"

    ''Gah¡­ st..op''

    *crush*

    (H¡­uh)

    "Thank you for dying for me"

    Wha-?

    There was a big guy standing with light clothes, short hair and he was bulky and looked powerful. He.. He just lifted his friend who is his pair and choked his throat.

    *throw* he threw his dead body.

    "Hah, survival of the smartest? As I expected power is everything *deep breath*

    LISTEN YOU LOSERS, I WILL WIN THIS GAME IF YOU GET IN MY WAY

    I WILL KILL YOU, GOT IT? "

    "Wonderful, truly wonderful!! Looks like you get the assignment,

    TAKAHARA MINERU-KUN,

    Truly a Wise choice! Yes, that''s the spirit. I thought the game is not started yet but I was wrong,

    THE GAME IS ALREADY STARTED"

    He just¡­killed him? Are we really going to do this?

    IS KILLING IS THE ONLY OPTION?

    "Hehe, looks like this will be entertaining. Let me give you a piece of advice. Apart from being smart, one more important thing matters,

    That is FASTEST FINGER FIRST

    If you are smart but slow in deciding, then you will die in no time. The smartest and the fastest will win. This rule will apply to both worlds.

    Takahara-kun, You have quickly killed your opponent before giving him a chance to think, which is also a smart choice. "

    "Hmph" Takahara narrowed his eyes.

    "With that Takahara-kun you have advanced to the next stage. So now then, one down, more 249 to go. Come on, Before they kill you

    MAKE YOUR MOVE. "

    I see, looks like I was wrong-

    THE CALAMITY HAS ALREADY STARTED.

    [Alive- 499, dead-3]

    Ha¡­ ha¡­ Ha.. Breathe.. Just breathe. Don''t think, don''t see. Just stay calm and analyze the situation.

    Right now, We are in a huge white room, Few guards near the walls, Nakabachi sitting on a throne, Sanehara behind me, 499 dreamers are alive, 3 people dead, blood on the floor and the task we were given-

    TO KILL EACH OTHER.

    The Survival rate is 0.2%. If I don''t kill then he will kill me, How are we, no,

    HOW AM I GOING TO WIN THESE ODDS AND SURVIVE?

    "Everyone! Please don''t forget"

    Huh?

    "TIME IS TICKING"

    [7:02]

    WHA- 3 minutes¡­ have passed already? More 7 minutes! This is bad! Think! What should I do? What should I do? At this rate-!! No Wait, First, what about every-

    ''Hey''

    ''What happened? ''

    ''Sorry, but Can you please DIE FOR ME? ''

    ''Hey you are joking..right?''

    "*smile*( IT FINALLY STARTED) " Nakabachi thought.

    ''I have future that''s why''

    ''What are you talking about? You want to play this game?''

    ''If I don''t he will kill me, this is no time to think!''

    ''Sorry *punch* I am really sorry *punch* Die''

    ''DIE FOR ME *punch* I WANT TO LIVE''

    ''I ALSO WANT TO LIVE! ''

    ''Gah..''

    *Stomp* *stomp*

    ''Stop!''

    ''Sorry, but you have to die''

    ''You.. I thought you were a friend''

    ''Ah so, but I didn''t considered you as one though''

    ''Stop.. What are you doing, Dad? ''

    ''You good for nothing son, at least die and prove yourself as useful * squeezing the neck* ''

    '' *coughx2* H-Huh?! As a father you have to fulfill your son''s dream, in fact you have to die for me!!! *Kick* ''

    Everyone started brawling.

    The¡­ Hell?

    Everyone? What is.. Happening? Are they sane? They are really..

    THEY REALLY INTEND TO PLAY?

    ''My hair!! ''

    ''Ah!! ''

    ''Die, die, die''

    ''No hard feelings, this is just for my sake''

    *punch*

    (This¡­ is bad)

    They are really¡­trying to kill

    What is this?...What the hell is this!?

    "More 6 minutes left, Hurry up"

    Shit! There is..no time. After 6 minutes he will kill us!

    What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? There is no time! At this rate he will kill us, I will die- wait

    I WILL DIE? Me? Here? Like this?

    WHY?

    First of all I never asked to be a part of this, I was dragged into this mess. You people forced me into this and now you are asking me to die? Are you kidding me?

    AM I GONNA DIE?

    "No way¡­"

    No way, No way, no way, no way

    NO FREAKING WAY!!!

    I refuse to accept this!! Even if it is God who says that-

    I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS!

    No matter what!!

    Then, what should I do? How can I survive-

    No, there is a way. I can survive

    IF I KILL SANEHARA I CAN SURVIVE

    Because, I have no choice, right? Otherwise he will kill me. What now?

    SHOULD I KILL SANEHARA?

    Mm. That''s the only choice, that''s the right answer Because, Look at the timer there is no time to think. If I hesitate here I will die. That''s why

    I WILL KILL HER.

    Kill her and survive, It''s the most logical thing. I can think about the rest later. For now, I can''t afford to die here,

    I HAVE TO SURVIVE NO MATTER WHAT

    That''s why I should-

    H..uh

    I looked at sanehara and found myself speechless. She was shaking.

    Ah, I am an idiot, just take a look at her. How scared she is. No matter how you see, this task is too much for a girl like her. And besides-

    (Flashback- "A-a-araki- Kun I-I love you, please go out with me")

    She loves me, she can''t possibly kill me. There is just no way. And here I am thinking of killing her while she is tremb- Huh?

    My eyes widened,

    " Mmmmmmmmmmmm"

    (Tremb¡­ling?)

    Wait, wait a damn second- Is she really

    trembling? No wrong, She-

    Sanehara is not trembling! No, no way

    She is-

    "Hahahahhhahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahhahahahhhahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahahhhahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahah"

    E¡­h?

    "Oya? oya oya Looks like something really interesting is going on" Nakabachi said to himself, smiling.

    I became completely speechless. Out of all that happened today, this is the most surprising and TERRIFYING THING I HAVE WITNESSED. Yes, more than this game I found this exact moment terrifying. Because,

    Sanehara, she was not scared, in fact

    SHE WAS LAUGHING.

    "Hahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahhaha"

    "Hey¡­Why? Why are you

    laughing..Sanehara?- No, WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? "

    "Ha..That was a good laugh"

    "Sanehara¡­ ? "

    "Sanehara? Ah now I go by that name right I almost forgot, Well it doesn''t matter now, nevertheless this is a problem. Really this sucks"

    What? Eh? What the hell is this? Are my eyes and ears deceiving me? Why is her tone quite different? Quite? Are you kidding?

    WHOSE VOICE IS THIS? WHO IS SHE?

    Her voice almost sounds like a different person.

    Sanehara? Is that..Sanehara? Sanehara right?

    "By the way Araki-kun, you look so shocked, Haha I kinda like that reaction"

    "(What is going on?) "

    " *yawn* I am so tired of acting, looks like there is no need for that"

    (Acting? Eh? )

    By the way, There is actually one more thing I forgot to mention, When you know that your life is in danger not only your real self takes control over your body,

    YOUR FACADES WILL BE EXPOSED, MASKS WILL FALL OFF FROM YOUR FACE AND

    "You¡­ This is.."

    "That''s right Araki-kun, this is the real me

    THE REAL SANEHARA KASUMI"

    YOUR REAL FACE WILL APPEAR.

    "The real¡­Sanehara? "

    "To tell the truth, I actually hate you. I hate your guts, I hate your attitude. I hate everything about you"

    "Huh? "

    "On the rooftop, honestly I was scared that you found out my plan and my cover had blown. But looks like you were not sure that time so let me confirm

    IT''S JUST AS YOU SAID

    I WANT TO EXACT REVENGE ON YOU"

    My eyes widened.

    No matter how hard I tried, I really couldn''t believe what just happened. I can''t hear what she is saying either, but I knew one thing for sure

    I WAS RIGHT ABOUT THIS GIRL.

    I was right all along, about everything. From the start,

    I WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING!!!

    But, I didn''t want to believe it. That''s all there to it.

    "But I didn''t expect that my chance would come this fast"

    "Hey Sanehara, wait- wait a sec, What are you-"

    "Well this also works, this way is more easy and efficient, Mm, I changed my mind, Sorry Araki-kun, I really really can''t afford to die here, That''s why(dakara)

    I WILL KILL YOU"

    Sanehara Kasumi, In everyone''s mind she is just an innocent, pure and honest person. If I have to say, She was like a rose flower..

    ''But''

    After seeing this, I finally realized one thing,

    EVEN ROSES HAVE THORNS.

    "Nice! This is Very nice! This is getting more and more interesting! I was right, You people are really interesting! Looks like this is going to be a long night, Comeon, my dear dreamers

    IT''S TIME FOR THE CLIMAX OF THIS ROUND"

    ["More 4 minutes and 8 seconds left"!!]

    "Make sure to entertain me till the end,

    I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO IT."

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­..What?

 Chapter 11: The Angels Disguise

    ["September 5th, 2025"]

    Looking back, everything has started on this day. Yes,

    EVERYTHING

    It was supposed to be any other normal day but before I knew it, it became a day that I can''t forget in my life, because

    THIS DAY HAS CHANGED MY ENTIRE LIFE.

    That''s right, it changed everything.

    On this day, two important events happened.

    First, I received a mysterious email from a certain company and Second,

    "I-I''ve been in l-love with you for a long time. P-please, go out with me."

    On this day, This girl, Sanehara Kasumi has confessed me. On top of it she is from my class. It was really unexpected. Of course, I rejected her. Given my personality, Even If I date her we would definitely break up in less than a week. That''s why I rejected her. Investing time in a temporary relationship is

    JUST A WASTE OF TIME.

    At that time, I was sure that I wouldn''t get involved with her ever again. It was supposed to be the first and last conversation with her. It was supposed to be...

    But,

    "Araki, Is it true that you have rejected Kasumi?"

    As twisted as fate can be, I got involved with her again and to make things worse I went a bit far.

    "If her feelings are genuine,

    SANEHARA, WILL YOU SLEEP WITH ME? "

    "Huh¡­"

    "If you truly love me you can at least sle-"

    *slap*

    "GET THE HELL OUT!! "

    Thanks to her and her friend I witnessed hell itself for a few days. Well, it partly was my fault. But I don''t have any regrets. Even though I was so rude to her, she said one thing to me

    "But... I want you to know that... My feelings for you are genuine. I really love you. "

    After all those harsh things I said to her, she still said that she loves me. At the start, I didn''t believe her, I had my suspicions. That''s why,

    I TESTED HER.

    " ''I am very sorry that you ended up in this situation?'' stop kidding. You are the one who set me up in this situation isn''t it?"

    I felt something was off, that''s why I doubted the whole situation, even though it looked perfectly normal. But somewhere, It didn''t make sense to me. That''s why I sought an answer which would satisfy me so I asked her. And her answer

    "...why? "

    "*snob* It hurts Araki-Kun...I just wanted to be by your side "

    She cried.

    Once again, I hurt her feelings. After seeing her like that I came to understand why everyone sees her as an angel. She is just pure.

    She is innocent, pure and cute. An angel-like entity.... Atleast

    SHE IS SUPPOSED TO BE.

    ''Supposed to be?''

    Because, that innocent, pure and cute angel is now

    TRYING TO KILL ME.

    "Sorry Araki-kun, I really really can''t afford to die here, That''s why(dakara)

    I WILL KILL YOU"

    "................ What? "

    In truth, She is not an angel,

    SHE IS A DEVIL DISGUISED AS AN ANGEL.

    "Nice! This is Very nice! This is getting more and more interesting! I was right, You people are really interesting! It looks like this is going to be a long night, Comeon, my dear dreamers

    IT''S TIME FOR THE CLIMAX OF THIS ROUND"

    ["More 4 minutes and 8 seconds left"!!]

    "Araki-kun, I will kill you"

    ...............Eh?

    What? What the...hell did she just said? Kill me?

    Eh?

    "What...did you just say? "

    "Like I said, I WILL KILL YOU"

    My eyes widened.

    What is...she saying? I don''t get it. I don''t get it Sanehara.

    Why? Why are you smiling? I don''t get it and besides How?...How can she say such a thing WITH SUCH A BIG SMILE ON HER FACE?

    This is.. Real Sanehara?

    .....Eh?

    "S-Sane...hara"

    "What? Araki-kun?"

    "What...are you saying? You are not serious...right? You are joking right?"

    "Hmmm, Why do you think so?" Sanehara said, narrowing her eyes.

    "Because it doesn''t make sense. There is no way you can kill me. This must be some kind of-"

    "Araki-kun"

    "huh?"

    "Looks like you are not facing the reality, After seeing what happened just now,

    DO YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD JOKE IN THIS SITUATION"

    My eyes widened.

    "No..way"

    No way, no way, no way, NO WAY!!!!

    THIS MUST BE A JOKE!!

    Sanehara will kill me? it''s impossible!! There is no way she can kill me. That innocent girl who cried on the rooftop would never do that. This doesn''t make sense! There is just no way! Because... because

    SHE IS IN LOVE WITH ME. NO MATTER HOW I THINK THERE IS NO WAY SHE CA- Huh? Wait, hold on,

    Sanehara is in love with me....right?

    Don''t tell me...

    "Hey"

    "Hmm? "

    "Just tell me o-one thing"

    "What??-"

    "Enough... It''s enough, you can drop that act. I am finally getting the picture that''s why just tell me one thing, from the start

    YOU DON''T HAVE FEELINGS FOR ME, RIGHT?"

    Please, even if it is a lie, tell me I am wrong!!

    Sanehara''s smile widened.

    "Bing bong, correct"

    *grit* I gritted my teeth.

    "Even though you confessed to me"

    "Right?"

    "Then, That commotion in the class?"

    "Flawless right???"

    "You cried on the rooftop?"

    "Hehe, My talent"

    "You said that you want to be by my side, What about that?"

    "Mmm? Arey...Did I say such a thing?" She tilted her head giving a smile.

    My eyes widened.

    "Sorry, I FORGOT"

    "I see...I see..."

    Ah I see, I finally got the picture. So that''s how it is.

    LOOKS LIKE SHE GOT ME IN HER PALMS.

    "That''s why, Didn''t I say?"

    "What? "

    "It''s just as you said, YOU WERE RIGHT, THIS IS THE REAL ME"

    In other words,

    SHE COMPLETELY FOOLED ME HUH.

    *fall* I fell on the ground, sitting.

    ...I knew....I knew it was coming...I knew that actually she is not what I think she is. I knew it..but still...

    *clench* I clenched my fist *grit* *Bam* I punched the floor.

    "Dammit!!!!!!!!!! " I shouted

    WHAT THE HELL I WAS DOING!???!

    "Nice, I like it! More, show me more Araki-kun. This, this is what I wanted to see! Show me more of your pathetic side. C''mon ARAKI-KUN!!"

    I should have believed my instincts!! I was right! As I expected, this girl is bad news. I should have known this fact!!!

    I hurted her feelings? Wrong, In the first place, SHE NEVER HAD FEELINGS. Innocent? Cute? Angel? Who the hell said that?

    SHE IS 100% BITCH!

    Look at her, How she is smiling despite the situation. You call her innocent? Be real!! Her confession, her feelings, her tears everything

    EVERYTHING IS A BUNCH OF LIES!!!

    Right from the start, she''s been waiting for this exact moment. With my mind currently preoccupied with this game, it''s the perfect time for her to reveal herself and further increase the burden on me.

    (... Damn)

    This is the worst!!

    Why? Why?!!! Why is this happening? Just...

    WHERE DID I WENT WRONG?!

    Given the situation, there is one thing I know for sure,

    I am definitely screwed here. No matter what I try to do, things won''t get better. It''s over. Even if I try to do something my body is not moving. My heart is beating at an unbelievable speed. I can''t stay calm. I can''t think. Things are already bad for me but thanks to her I am no longer able to focus. I don''t know....what should I do anymore.

    IT''S HOPELESS...

    I was right about her. But, I didn''t believe it, I didn''t wanted to accept that side of her, No, it''s not about accepting or not,

    I UNDERESTIMATED HER.

    That''s why,

    "I am...screwed"

    I am screwed.

    "Ah this feels so gooooood"

    "Eh? "

    "You know what? I waited for this moment for a long, long time, just to see your shocked and pathetic face and seeing your reaction like this makes me feel like I already won. Do you know how happy I am? Because Finally, I CAN BREAK YOU

    UNTIL NOTHING REMAINS"

    There is just one thing, I was wrong about just one thing,

    On September 5th, 2025. On this day, two important events happened. But after seeing this I finally realized. It''s not that two things have happened, it''s actually TWO THINGS HAVE STARTED.

    This story, started by Nakabachi Hideo and SANEHARA KASUMI''S REVENGE.

    That''s right, This is the truth behind this girl. This is-

    "THE REAL SANEHARA KASUMI"

    "Looks like everyone is on board," Nakabachi said, looking down on us.

    Huh?

    "Finally huh, took you enough time to understand. So now you get it right?

    The people who you thought were important or good people are now showing their true colors. They are turning against you, In other words,

    THEY BETRAYED YOU"

    ''Be..tray"

    "In the end, humans are selfish. Deep down they don''t care about anyone other than themselves. But you can''t blame them, because your lives are on the line. But this makes one thing clear, In this world, no, in any world

    THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR LIFE

    That''s why, throw away your morals. You don''t need any friendship in this world.

    Everyone is your enemy. That''s why there is no need to show pity, if they get in your way

    KILL THEM"

    Nakabachi stood up.

    "Now, the stage is set. let''s enter into climax. I have a present for you *fingersnap*"

    Something just glowed behind me?

    "Look near your waists, I HOPE YOU WILL LIKE IT"

    Near my waist? - Huh..

    I reached my hand around my waist, and an object clashed with my right hand.

    This shape- don''t tell me!

    There is no need to even look at it, because, I can tell, I can recognize this shape

    *clack*

    (K-k-k-k-KNIFE? )

    It''s a knife.

    I unsheathed the knife, My hand shaked while holding it.

    ''T-this is''

    "Yeah, it''s a knife"

    ''Wh-why? ''

    "Huh? Why? Are you dumb? Can''t you tell,

    TO KILL OF COURSE"

    My eyes widened.

    "Don''t tell me you want to kill with bare hands? Hahaha, No way, it''s impossible. It will take you a millenia to kill because Unlike Tachihara-kun you are not strong. It is not fair. That''s why I provided you these knives because,

    HUMANS ARE QUITE STUBBORN.

    Not just humans, all life forms are stubborn, They don''t die easily, that''s why weapons exist. With a gun, a mere human can easily go up against a beast. It''s easy to kill. Now that everything in place,

    KILL AND BE AT EASE"

    Be at ease? After this late What is he doing? If he want to give us then he should have given at the start because,

    ONLY 2 MINUTES LEFT!!!

    There is no way we can complete this round!

    "Oh see the time, sorry sorry, You people are dancing so fabulously that I forgot to check time. I guess 2 minutes is kinda hard to kill, Well, don''t worry *fingersnap* "

    The timer changed from 1:56 to 19:56

    "This is a bonus, instead of 10 minutes, I will give you 20 minutes. I am sure you have a few questions for your partner.

    That''s why, this is more than enough time to halve your numbers. Now, from here on every second counts, there are no more bonuses. It''s now or never. Because,

    THIS MIGHT BE THE LONGEST AND LAST 20 MINUTES OF YOUR LIFE.

    Now, Kill or be killed. Do or die, Choice is yours"

    (20 minutes, Looks like I CAN ENJOY EVEN MORE.) Nakabachi thought.

    ''I-I never held a knife like this''

    ''Can I kill with this? ''

    "What? Don''t tell me you are hesitating?Why? "

    ''Be-because, It will be pai-painful-''

    "Death is always painful, and besides it''s not like you are going to feel that pain, it''s the other who will feel the pain. That¡¯s why there is nothing to fear.

    YOU ARE FINE TO KILL¡±

    ¡°We are¡­fine to kill¡±

    ¡°Don''t tell me, are you afraid of laws and police? Did you forget?

    THIS IS THE DREAMWORLD

    Real world laws mean nothing in this world, no one will complain, this is a lawless world. That''s why even if you kill anyone there is no problem"

    ''There is no...problem''

    "That''s right!!! Even if you kill, no one will find out! There is no proof. That''s why you can go wild. You people are free to kill! Now tell me how you want to kill? Stab them? Cut open their guts? Slit their throat? Crush their eyes? Use any method! But

    MAKE SURE TO KILL THEM"

    ''No one... Will find out... HEH Oi, Mind if I kill you with this? I WANT TO TRY STABBING YOUR EYES ''

    ''Wait...hold on..You don''t mean..No, wait let''s think again!''

    ''What are you saying? There is no time to THINK'' *slash*

    ''*Dodge*''

    ''Tch, WHY ARE YOU DODGING?!! ''

    ''SHUT UP!!! ''

    ''IF I CAN''T KILL YOU I WILL DIE''

    Everyone continued killing each other, but this time not with their fists, they are clashing their knives. But this time, I can see

    THE BLOODLUST IN THEIR EYES

    Some are afraid, at the same time there are a few who are TRULY ENJOYING THIS.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    "Nice! Yes, that''s the way! This is what I wanted to see! You all are doing great! There is no need to hold back! You can run wild, There is no one stopping you.

    This white room is a big canvas, so feel free TO PAINT IT WITH RED"

    (Ha... Ha... Ha.. Ha )

    What the¡­''hell'' is this? Everyone is... We are really doing this.

    This weapon in my hand, This is... A REAL KNIFE!!?

    He wants us to use this!?!! But, if we do that-

    WE WILL BE PLAYING RIGHT INTO HIS HANDS.

    "Heh, Make sure to entertain me, my dear insects"

    *Grit* He is totally enjoying this!!!

    But...There is no other choice. What now?-

    "This is a good knife?"

    My eyes widened.

    ...huh

    "I like it, don''t you think so too? A-ra-ki-kun"

    *spin*

    ...What is she doing? She is... Spinning the knife?

    IS SHE¡­FOR REAL?

    "Now then, What should I do? ?"

    *lick* She licked the knife. *Heh*

    "H-h-hey, Sanehara wh-what are you doing? "

    "Hmm? Just testing it"

    No, Something is wrong! Why she is so good at handling them? The way she is holding, the way she spins, it almost feels like- Don''t tell me, wait! Wait! Hold on!

    DON''T TELL ME!

    "S-s-sanehara"

    "What?"

    "Don''t tell me, A-A-ARE YOU EXPERIENCED??"

    "*smile* IF I SAY I AM, THEN WHAT WILL YOU DO? "

    ......You are kidding right? Experienced? This is not the time for jokes! That means

    SHE K-K-K-K-K-KILLED SOMEONE BEFORE?

    "Tell me, Araki-kun. So what if I am experienced?"

    "I... -"

    Huh? My voice...is not coming out. My body...trembling? Don''t tell me, Am I?

    AM I SCARED? ME?

    I am..scared? By Sanehara? By this girl? Me?

    WHY?

    (No way)

    No way, No way, No way, No way, No way!

    I am scared of her!? Impossible! What are you doing!? Get yourself together, me!! So what if she is experienced? That doesn''t matter now! First, Stay calm, calm yourself-

    "I will not let you"

    ¡­Huh? Behind m-?

    *cut*

    I quickly turned and dodged and took a defensive stance, defending myself.

    What just happened? Did she just try to cut ¡­my neck?

    ¡­FOR REAL?

    (Th-That was close! )

    But When did she get behind me? I felt like a strand of my hair getting cut off. Is she really going for my neck?

    Eh?

    That speed of her hand, If I didn''t acted quickly

    She would have slitted my neck.

    "Tch, I missed huh, Too bad, but don''t worry I won''t miss next time"

    This woman,

    SHE IS SERIOUSLY TRYING TO KILL ME!!

    "You are stubborn aren''t you, Araki-kun, Well I can''t blame you. But don''t worry,

    I WILL NOT LET YOU DIE EASILY "

    "Huh? "

    "At Least You should know why you are going to die,

    YOU SHOULD KNOW THE REASON OF YOUR DEATH, YOU SHOULD KNOW MY PAIN AND HUMILIATION I EXPERIENCED AND YOU HAVE TO SUFFER WHILE DYING that''s why

    I WILL NOT KILL YOU THAT EASILY"

    Ha...Ha..Ha..*grit* She is serious!

    "Don''t tell me Sanehara, do you r-really want to play this game? Are you s-serious?-"

    "HUH? Araki-kun is your head okay? What are you saying? You saw right? How that guy''s head chopped off. Apart from playing this game there is no other choice! We should do this, it''s you or me. We have to do this If not he will kill us and besides

    YOU ALSO TRIED TO KILL ME, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING NOW?

    She... Realized?

    "Actually you think that I am not smart, right? That''s why you underestimated me. And now see, Because of your carelessness I have an overwhelming advantage right now"

    "Advantage? "

    "Because Araki-kun, YOU ARE SHAKING SO CRAZILY"

    My body is.... Again? Am I back to...square one? No¡­Move

    "In your current state you can''t kill me, Looks like my victory is guaranteed."

    Move...move, move! move! move!!

    This is bad, don''t tremble! At this rate, YOU WILL DIE! SHE WILL KILL ME.

    MOVE!!! If not- No, don''t think about the future, Snap out of it! Me! There is no time! Accept reality and move on. Move your body Araki Ryota!

    Don''t think! Just focus on her. Just focus on what you can do now! It''s not over yet, if I kill her I can survive. That''s right it''s not over yet. I should...I should cut her. Kill her!

    It''s not over ye-

    "It''s over, Araki-kun"

    "...What?"

    "It''s over, You can''t kill me"

    "I can''t kill you...?"

    "Because, Look at your hand"

    "Huh? "

    "You can''t even hold your knife properly, If you¡¯re like that then forget about killing me, you can''t even scratch me "

    My hand is shaking, I quickly stopped it by holding it with another hand.

    "Accept the reality, YOU CAN''T KILL ME"

    I paused for a moment.

    Ah..Maybe She is right, It''s just as she said. It''s over.

    If I stay like this I can''t survive, she will kill me. Even if she doesn''t kill me, he will kill me. Either way

    I WILL DIE

    This is the reality. As a realist I should know it very well.

    Ah it''s no use, I can''t shake this feeling. She got me. I am barely controlling my body, and besides the timer is continuously marching towards death, I can''t stay like this, I know that I can''t stay like this

    But...

    "W-what should I do?"

    "Hngh?? This really feels good! "

    "..Huh?"

    "I really like your face right now, this is how you really should be and above that, Looking down on you like this while you are sweating and trembling with fear- Hngh!!

    THIS MAKES ME EVEN MORE EXCITED TO KILL YOU!!"

    Sanehara rotated on her toes.

    She is...dancing?

    "This is the best! I want to take a photo of this moment. 5 months before me would never even have imagined this. Humans have many faces right? Looking at your pathetic face like this really satisfied me. Really, These 5 months really worth it"

    "5 months? You mean! "

    Sanehara''s expression changed.

    "You want to know, right? Why am I doing this? Fine, I will tell you, You should know it, Didn''t I say? I will not kill you easily because you should know,

    THE PAIN AND HUMILIATION I HAVE SUFFERED"

    I narrowed my eyes.

    "5 months ago, April 25th, 2025 , It''s the day when I first laid my eyes on you.

    At first I thought you were just a silent, cold and reserved person. But somehow you seemed different from other boys. You were always alone, deep in thought, You don''t really stand out but I don''t know why but you got my attention.

    That''s why I observed you for four months"

    Four¡­ Months?

    "Days went by, The more I saw you the more you got my attention. Before I knew it my eyes followed you. You made my heart race that''s when I thought ''Ah This guy can satisfy me'' That''s when I decided

    I CAN PLAY WITH THIS GUY, HE IS GOING TO BE MY NEW TOY"

    "...toy?"

    "I was so excited! That cool, cold Araki-kun how does he look when he gets dumped by a girl? What face will he make after I break him? Will he cry? Will he scream? Will he fall into despair? I was so excited to see it!¡±

    Wait, wait, wait JUST HOLD ON FOR A DAMN SEC!

    What is she going on¡­about? To her, I am nothing more than a toy? Then from the start,

    SHE NEVER SAW ME AS A HUMAN?

    ¡°I hoped to enjoy that moment, That''s why I confessed to you. I wanted to spend time with you, play with you but....."

    "Huh?"

    "But you rejected me...It was a shock, I never imagined that I would get rejected one day, Until now, no one rejected me, besides it''s usually me who rejects others that''s why I totally thought you would accept otherwise it doesn''t make sense! But you rejected me, A cute girl like me got rejected by a guy like you. I didn''t wanted to admit it... I didn''t wanted to admit it!!!

    THIS MUST BE A DREAM! THIS IS NOT TRUE! THAT''S WHAT I THOUGHT!"

    "H-hey"

    "There is no way! There is no way you can reject me! You don''t have a reason! I got rejected? IT''S JUST IMPOSSIBLE!!

    But I can''t change reality. I got rejected, no one can change that fact. You refused to play with me, even though I wanted to spend my precious time with you, EVEN THOUGH I WANTED TO GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE YOUR YOUTH!"

    Huh? What is this woman saying? She gave me a chance? Who asked that? You are the one who decided to confess to me aren''t you? You wanted to play with me and you are the one who is suffering now, IT''S YOUR OWN DAMN FAULT!

    "I can''t forgive you, I can''t forgive you for rejecting me.

    YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE I CAN''T FORGIVE!

    You have to pay for what you did to me that''s why I decided, TO TAKE REVENGE¡±

    She is nuts¡­What a girl she is. No, Can I even call her a girl? She is hiding this face the entire time- Wait,

    Why am I listening to her? That¡¯s right

    WHY AM I LISTENING TO HER?

    My hand¡­is not shaking.

    THIS IS MY CHANCE!

    Now that I think carefully, this is a chance! At this point I don''t care about her motivations, I don''t care about the past! It doesn''t matter! That¡¯s why there is no need to listen to her! Don''t miss this chance! All I need is one swing

    KILL HER! DON''T LISTEN TO HER!

    Don''t forget! There is no time, if you lose this chance it will be too late! Grip your hand tightly and cut her! Neck, stomach, head anything is fine, Just shut her mouth! Think, find the right timing and look for an opening and-

    ¡°LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE IS NOT PAYING ATTENTION¡±

    ¡­Hu..h?

    Sanehara closed the distance in a blink of an eye, her face is too close to me. She is looking straight into my eyes giving a death stare.

    ¡°U-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t move or I might accidentally stab you¡±

    Her knife¡­is

    The tip of her knife is poking my stomach. It''s like she is ready to kill at any time.

    ¡°You can''t do this Araki-Kun, I just came to the good part, you have to listen properly if not I can¡¯t kill you.¡±

    Damn! S-she is too fast! I need to quickly escape from her hold-

    "You know, Araki-Kun, there is something you are unaware of. Want to know?¡±

    ¡°Uh?¡±

    ¡°You see, The moment you rejected me,

    YOU HAVE LOST YOUR RIGHT TO LIVE¡±

    ¡°....Wha?¡±

    Right¡­to live?

    ¡°Those who have hurt me should not be allowed to live peacefully, they are not allowed to smile, that''s why I will destroy your high school life- that''s what I decided. But, would I be satisfied? Of course not! If I really want you to suffer, If I want to be satisfied¡±

    Sanehara leaned towards me.

    ¡°I SHOULD DESTROY YOUR LIFE ITSELF¡± She whispered in my ear.

    "My¡­life-"

    ¡°That''s right!¡± Sanehara stepped back

    ¡°You will pay with your life! After all, this is the best choice that can satisfy me!

    I wanted to see your devastated look, your hopeless face! That''s why I decided to destroy your life. For that sake, Me and Hina-chan practiced for 20 days to perform flawless acting. It was really a pain to teach her but the result exceeded my expectations. Because,

    YOUR REACTIONS WERE INCREDIBLE!¡±

    "...wha-?"

    "I didn''t even expect it! Your reaction really helped a lot in progressing my plan. I guess Hina-chan did a great job. Thanks to that, You became a target in the whole school. Everyone started to talk about all kinds of bad things about you, they even bullied you. I was having a blast! Day by day your reputation started falling, finally I thought you were going to break. All that was left is to get close to you while you were suffering, console you, and make you fall in love with me.

    After that, we''d start dating, and I''d let you become obsessed with me, making it so that you couldn''t live without me. I planned to make you spend your whole wallet on me and leave you broke, and just when you become obsessed with me, I will dump you and kick you into despair. That was my plan. It was a perfect plan!

    But....

    You ignored them... It''s like you do not even care about them. But I thought you would eventually hit your limit but you didn''t even budge. Everything worked out but it''s pointless if it doesn''t affect you! Not just that, you even figured out that it was my plan, even in the midst of the chaos you figured it out! YOU FIGURED OUT EVERYTHING!

    I was scared, I was really shocked. It was the first time that someone saw right through me. I really panicked at that time. But thanks to my talent I got out of it but

    IT''S REALLY IRRITATING"

    "*Gasps*"

    "It''s really frustrating, I can''t stand you. I don''t get you! Why are you so different from others? Why are you able to stay calm? I DON''T GET IT! That''s why it''s really frustrating. You humiliated me in front of everyone, You hurted my feelings numerous times but I overlooked them since it all worked in my favor

    But what about my pride? Can I let you go just like that? Nah! You should pay for what you did! But even after I did all that there is no hint of sadness or any change in your routine. In the end, you just remained the same! No matter what they say you just ignore them.

    It really pissed me off. This can''t be happening.

    You have to suffer, you have to understand my pain and beg for my forgiveness. If not, it doesn''t make sense!

    YOU SHOULD ACCEPT THAT FATE"

    "Fate?"

    "The day after you rejected me"

    "Huh"

    "I got the email from DLC, at first I thought it was spam, but it really piqued my interest that''s why I replied to them and accepted the offer. But

    After coming here, I met you. Out of all people it was you. I panicked, I couldn''t believe it. Why is this guy here? Coincidence? That''s the only thing weighing my mind. After that, that old man told us to kill each other? Game? We have no choice to play? If we die in this dream, we will die in real life? Are you joking? Everything seemed unbelievable until

    HE ACTUALLY KILLED SOMEONE.

    I was scared, I thought it''s over, I am gonna die now- What should I do? What should I do? I was really scared, and before I knew it I gave up at some point. Because there is nothing I can do. After meeting you my life has become upside-down. Nothing goes as planned , even now I am on the brink of death. Because of you I am going to die, First of all maybe I was invited because of you, I felt I was really unlucky¡­OR SO I THOUGHT"

    "You thought..?"

    "Actually, I am not unlucky, I am really lucky. Because if you think carefully this death game,

    IS MY CHANCE, ISN''T IT?

    Because, I CAN KILL YOU¡±

    (....Huh)

    ¡°Destroying your life will take some time and I don''t think I will succeed if you stay like that but If I can''t destroy your life then all I need to do is end your life. If I do that,

    I CAN END THIS SUFFERING IN AN INSTANT! ¡±

    ..I see.. That''s why you decided to destroy my life..You are finally making some sense, Sanehara..This is the reason you became like this- no

    I GUESS YOU WERE ALWAYS LIKE THIS.

    "No matter how I think, I really can''t bring myself to forgive you! That''s why If I kill you here I can satisfy myself. If I kill you, a nuisance called Araki Ryota will exit from my life. It''s really two birds with one stone! Moreover, No one will find out that I have killed you because there will be no proof!

    ISN''T THAT AMAZING?

    You will regret for rejecting me, I will make you regret everything you have done to me. Araki-kun, I am really angry right now, a normal death would not suffice, You have to suffer a painful death that''s why

    I WILL KILL YOU IN THE MOST PAINFUL WAY EVER"

    Looks like I really underestimated her, no, Maybe I was too overconfident that she is not that smart. I believed my thinking, But who would have guessed that

    SHE IS ACTUALLY AN UNBELIEVABLE PSYCHO.

    "Hey Araki-kun, Why are you still alive?"

    ".. Me? "

    "Your existence itself causes problems for others, you don''t have friends, you don''t talk much, you are always alone. Even if you die the world will not change, but on the other side myself, If I die many things will change, unlike you I have friends, there are people who love me, if I die many people will cry. I have a future! I have dreams! That''s why I can''t afford to die here.

    And compared with me, you. No one loves you, and even if you die no one from our class will cry, In that case, you should just die.

    And besides Araki-kun, I bet you don''t have any dreams right?

    THEN WHY ARE YOU STILL ALIVE? "

    My eyes widened

    "If you don''t have any dreams then for what purpose are you living? You won''t seek anything and you just waste your life! You are just a dead weight in this world! You are not even eligible to play this game! The only thing you can do is die here and make a path for me. If you die many people will be relieved. If you just disappear it will be good for everyone, That''s why you should die, you should disappear, It''s better if you don''t exist. Of course IT WILL BE GOOD FOR ME TOO that''s why

    Die for me Araki-kun, that''s the only way you can atone your sins. Die here and help me to survive. Because,

    THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION FOR YOU. "

    In truth, I didn''t want to listen to her. I was afraid to know the truth. I was not ready to face the reality, But after listening to her I felt

    I AM TRULY GLAD THAT I LISTENED

    Thanks to that I am starting to redeem myself, It feels like all the pieces are together. Why did she confess to me, why is she doing this. Everything. Now that I understand everything, I regret just one thing

    WHY DIDN''T I KILLED HER THAT TIME?

    After all, isn''t it? Did you see her? Her words, her actions, her attitude, her mentality, and did you see how selfish she is, how cruel she is, Without my consent she got involved with me and now she is trying to destroy my life all by herself, And look at her face, she is smiling and laughing as I suffer,

    DID I JUST SHOW PITY FOR THIS GIRL?

    For this girl? Did I just shiver due to this girl? STOP KIDDING. I felt bad for her? For this woman?

    I FELT BAD FOR THIS PSYCHO WOMAN?

    Why? No, since when did I start caring for others? Did I lose sight of myself? What was I doing? When did I become such a boring guy? This is not like me, This is not like me!

    Hey hey get yourself Araki Ryota, you are not this kind of man aren''t you? When did you become so pathetic? You know it very well don''t you!?

    THIS IS NOT HOW YOU ARE SUPPOSED BE!!!

    As I expected this is wrong. Something is really wrong with me!

    But it ends now, I''ve had enough, that uncertainty in my mind has gone, that''s why I''ve had enough, now that I know her true nature, there is no need to hesitate, there is no need to be afraid.

    THERE IS NO NEED TO HIDE ANYMORE.

    "You can''t kill me, You are going to die here, This is the fate"

    "Fate, You say?" My expression changed.

    "Yeah this is fate, you can''t kill me, That''s why for mysake, for my future

    GIVE UP AND DIE-"

    "Shut up"

    "..huh?"

    "Give up? Me? Why?"

    "Like I said there is no other choic-"

    "I said WHY SHOULD I GIVE UP? "

    Sanehara freezed.

    (Hu..h?) Sanehara thought.

    "W-What-? Hey Hey Araki-kun, did you hear what I said? You can''t kill me-"

    "Will you just shut your mouth already?"

    "Wha-"

    "On and on, On and on, On and on , All you say is you can''t kill me, you can''t kill me- You are so annoying!

    DON''T TALK TO ME ABOUT THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPENED! "

    ".....Eh?"

    "What did you say earlier? This is fate? I don''t have a choice? Don''t make me laugh!

    If my death is a part of fate then all I need to do is rewrite that crappy fate. Just because you told me to die, Do you expect me to keep quiet and listen as you say? BE SERIOUS!"

    (W-w-w-w-What is happening!? Just a few moments before he looked so hopeless,

    But now he is countering? His tone also changed?

    Something is wrong, He¡­He feels somewhat different- ''somewhat?'' No, no you must be joking!

    It''s like he switched his personality- A complete different person

    JUST WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!?)

    Sanehara thought.

    "Oh-Ohhhh! Finally, Finally you are awake, ARAKI RYOTA!

    This is what I was waiting for! That''s right, you should be like this! I really like those eyes. Now, show me, SHOW ME YOUR REAL FACE, MR. DARK HORSE" Nakabachi exclaimed inside.

    *Sigh* I finally feel like I am on the right track. But, I am back to this state huh¡­

    I guess this is how I really should be¡­

    *Smile* I smiled.

    "O-Oh, I don''t know what happened but you seem to get full of yourself don''t you? Are you underestimating me again?"

    "No way, I learnt my lesson. YOU ARE WAY TOO DANGEROUS."

    "What? -"

    "You know what, Sanehara"

    "Huh? "

    "You are right. I really underestimated you. Something is wrong with me. I really hate myself for that. You know, Today I am not acting like myself, this isn''t like me. Lately I have been doing nothing but making mistakes. Even now I made a huge mistake. The usual me will not make this mistake

    THE REAL ME WILL NOT DO MISTAKES"

    "What are you-?"

    "And by the way, The mistake I just made is the biggest mistake I made in my life. Want to know?"

    "Mistake?"

    "IT IS TO SHOW PITY ON YOU"

    Sanehara eyes widened

    "I should not have shown you any pity, that''s why I hesitated. But, After seeing this side of yours there is one thing I can say for sure,

    You don''t deserve any pity,

    I SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU THAT TIME"

    "Ar..aki-? "

    "That''s why let me say thanks first. Thanks for revealing your real face, it helped me clear the fog in my mind. My eyes are open. I should not let you live otherwise I can''t live peacefully. Now there is no need to hold back, I don''t need to hesitate. Finally

    I CAN KILL YOU WITHOUT ANY HESITATION"

    "H-ha? You will kill me? Hahaha, Hey hey Araki-kun, Are you escaping reality again? There is no way you can kill me because I have the complete advantage her-"

    "You ''had'' an advantage"

    "Huh"

    "To be honest, it was really a shock. I was so surprised that I couldn''t even process the situation. But that''s all there to it, it was surprising, that''s all"

    "That''s¡­all?"

    "The moment you revealed your true colors you have lost that advantage, it gave me enough time to process the situation. Thanks to that, even if I kill you I won''t feel any guilt.

    NOT A SINGLE BIT OF GUILT"

    Sanehara narrowed her eyes.

    "Looks like the situation has not changed much, We both have an equal standing on this ground. The only thing which changed is my perception of you, until a few moments ago you were my classmate but as of now,

    YOU ARE MY ENEMY"

    "En¡­emy?"

    "Now that I have identified you as an enemy, the only thing I need to do is to kill you and survive. This is the only thing I need to do right now. There is no need to think any further.

    Finally I can look forward, that''s why thank you, I am really grateful to you

    THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A BITCH"

    *Silence*

    "Ara..kun, Wh¡­ say? " Sanehara murmured.

    "Huh? I can''t hear you"

    "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY? "

    "I said, THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A BITCH, want me to repeat again? If you want I can repeat as many times as you want, ''BITCH-SAN'' "

    "How dare you¡­ "

    "Huh? "

    "How dare you..How dare you¡­How dare you

    HOW DARE YOU TO CALL ME LIKE THAT!

    Unforgivable! Now you have done it Araki Ryota! I will not forgive you..I''ll kill you, I''ll kill you, I''LL FREAKING KILL YOU!"

    "Shut up! Don''t make me repeat myself! Stop talking about the future! Talk about ''now!''. If you can kill me, then right now, right here show me

    COME AT ME, BITCH!!"

    "*grit* You really piss me off¡­ Araki-kun, if you want to take back then this is your chance, if not I won''t forgive you even if you beg-"

    "I am aware and I don''t intend to. Who wants your forgiveness? Disgusting "

    "SAY WHAT? " Sanehara said with a piercing look.

    "And besides,

    HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND TO STAND THERE? JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND COME AT ME ALREADY, THERE IS NO TIME

    LET''S END THIS QUICKLY"

    "Yeah¡­Let''s end this¡­I also thought it''s about time. You really seem to have a death wish, But don''t hurry like that, even if you don''t ask me

    I WILL PROPERLY SEND YOU TO HELL!"

    *woosh*

    She disappeared again?

    Two people passed in front of me, crossing their knives. As soon as they passed, Sanehara disappeared.

    She never gets bored huh, *sigh* Where is sh-

    "I am here-".

    "I know, Baka"

    *clash* Sanehara sneaked behind me and launched an attack for my neck, I quickly turned my blade and blocked her attack.

    (He stopped¡­ it?)

    "Tch" Sanehara retreated.

    "What happened? I thought you won''t miss next time"

    "You really are stubborn, Araki-kun. I really hate stubborn boys"

    "Heh, What a coincidence I also hate girls like you"

    "Ah so but, NO ONE HAS¡­ASKED YOUR OPINION!"

    *run*

    Sanehara started running towards me.

    "Die! Araki! "

    *clash*

    "Die!Die!Die!"

    *swing* Sanehara swung her knife, I bent down and dodged it swiftly and took back my position.

    *Clash*

    She is really fast, her movements, her swings, they are really fast. But,

    NOT AS FAST AS MY EYES.

    She is going to hold the knife in reverse and try to stab.

    *Rotate* Sanehara changed her gripping style.

    (Heh)

    I CAN READ HER MOVEMENTS.

    "Aaaa" *stab* x2

    I gently slid my head as she tried to stab my face.

    *Clash*

    "Tch"

    *Rotate*

    Slash huh?

    Sanehara launched a slash aiming for my chest, I tilted my shoulders to avoid it. Clashing our knives, she then retreated and charged in.

    *Sigh* What a pain.

    Sanehara swung her knife, I grabbed her right hand and using my right hand I gave a chop at her neck.

    "Ha..!" She quickly withdrew.

    "Ew..It hurts!"

    "I see, I am glad it hurts"

    "You will pay¡­You will pay!"

    *Clash*

    "...Why? "

    "Heh, I guess you are also a girl after all. YOU ARE SO DAMN WEAK"

    What¡­is this? I can''t¡­land a hit. He is stopping every attack. Am I gonna..die?

    No¡­

    *Clash*

    "Even in the very last moments¡­" Sanehara stopped on her feet.

    "Hmm?"

    ¡°Even In the very last moments you still want to get in my way. Why¡­Why it has to be you¡­if it wasn''t for you I could have lived happily¡­Why don''t you understand? Why don''t you understand my pain?! Why don''t you respect my feelings?-¡±

    ¡°Feelings? WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? Do you think you have any right to talk about feelings? Screw you, Sanehara!! WHEN YOU DON''T EVEN CARE ABOUT OTHER FEELINGS DON''T ASK ME TO RESPECT!! "

    "DON''T SPOUT BULLSHIT! -"

    "THE ONE WHO IS SPOUTING BULLSHIT IS YOU!"

    "..Huh? "

    "You don''t understand a thing! Respect your feelings? YOU DON''T EVEN KNOW MY FEELINGS! HOW DARE YOU TO ASK ME!"

    "BUT THAT DOESN''T CHANGE THE FACT THAT YOU HURT ME!"

    "Hurt?! STOP PLAYING THE VICTIM ROLE! THE REAL VICTIM HERE IS ME!

    All you people did was laugh as I suffered! Don''t talk like you are the only one who suffered! Even now you are enjoying this moment"

    (Isn''t that right NAKABACHI HIDEO!)

    Nakabachi smiling, looking down on Araki and Sanehara.

    "You have suffered? Don''t joke! Even after I planned everything, it didn''t affect you!"

    "It didn''t affect me? As I expected you don''t know a single thing! Do you know how much struggle I faced in those five days? Do you know how much I endured those hellish days? Do you know how it feels to be targeted? Everyone talked about me, no matter where I go I can feel people looking at me. Even on the way to school, even in the toilets. I DIDN''T EVEN GOT A SINGLE MINUTE TO REST. Everyday was so painful to bear, I didnt even wanted to come to school but even though I endured, I endured, endured, endured, I endured the entire time. Whose fault do you think it is?

    IT''S ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!

    Because of you I went through hell, and now you are talking like I didn''t suffer at all, you don''t know a single thing and how dare you to decide that! I hurt you? if it''s ok to hurt me then what is the problem if I hurt you? You don''t even know how I felt, When you don''t even care about me

    so don''t go around asking for my respect!!

    THAT''S WHY I DON¡¯T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS!¡±

    ¡°WHAT ABOUT YOUR SINS? YOU NEED TO ATONE THEM!-¡±

    ¡°SCREW YOU!!! I need to atone my sin? What is my sin actually? Is rejecting you a sin? Who asked you to confess me? Who asked you to involve with me? Don''t decide everything on your own! Without my permission you come into my life, mess with my life like you want. At Least tell me when you are going to kill!!

    YOU AND NAKABACHI HIDEO, WHY ARE YOU PLAYING WITH MY LIFE!?

    Hey, Tell me, What have I done to you? Why do I deserve this? I just want to live peacefully! I don''t want to do anything with you! I DON''T WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOU! But one after another, you people appear out of nowhere and try to destroy my life. Even now, I finally thought I would be at peace but it''s that same shit again! Game? We have to kill each other? And the worst, out of all people my partner is you! Really, WHY CAN''T YOU LEAVE ME ALONE?!

    Everyone one of you, What do you take my life for? Did I do something bad? How much do you want to hurt me until you''re satisfied?! Is it that much fun? Breaking me and looking down on me as I suffer. Just give it a stop!

    WHY ME!??!! WHY DO YOU TRAMPLE ON MY LIFE? MY LIFE IS NOT SOME PLAYTHING!!

    I¡­.I AM NOT A TOY! I AM HUMAN! A HUMAN NAMED ARAKI RYOTA!!

    You are also human aren¡¯t you? Why don''t you understand my pain?!! I''ve had enough¡­you took more than enough, Don''t take anymore from me,

    I REQUEST YOU¡­JUST GIVE ME A BREAK! "

    Huh¡­How long has it been since I was this much angry? But it feels good. I can feel all my stress leaving my body. I can finally yell my heart out. My pain, my suffering I will unleash everything.

    I am¡­tired. Why should I go through this pain? I didn''t do anything wrong. I just wanted to live peacefully, quietly and slowly wait for my death. I didn''t wish for any other. I just wanted a peaceful life but these people took my life from me. They stole my peaceful life. no, Maybe peace is just an illusion. Looking back,

    MY LIFE WAS NEVER PEACEFUL

    After all, isn''t that right? If not I won''t be in this situation. Even if you stay quiet or get involved with others, no matter how you lead your life, the problems will still continue to follow you. Just like I am facing now. Maybe my life was never meant to be peaceful.

    But, If I can''t attain peace in my life, If I am never meant to be at peace. If that is my fate, In that case,

    ALL I HAVE TO DO IS MAKE PEACE BY MYSELF.

    I am done living like this. I am done waiting. If I don''t take a step here then I''d be better off dead. These people took my daily life, I will not allow them to take anymore from me. Even if it''s God''s wish, Even if it''s fate.

    I WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON MY LIFE.

    That''s why I will survive no matter what, For that sake¡­

    "Hey, Sanehara. You said you wont forgive me? Actually I should be the one who should not forgive you. I won''t forgive you for disturbing my life. You, Kurogane and Nakabachi. I WON''T FORGIVE ANYONE. Even if you crawl, cry, scream I don''t change my mind. THERE IS NO WAY I CAN FORGIVE YOU.

    That''s why let''s settle this once and for all"

    "Settle?"

    "Yeah, playtime is over. THIS TIME LET''S KILL EACH OTHER FOR SURE

    I can''t allow you to live any longer than this. Every nerve in my body is urging me to kill all of you. Even now, he is laughing inside as we speak. It''s so amusing right? To see others suffering. That''s why First, I will erase those smiles on your faces. I will make sure you never laugh again.

    That''s why If you want to kill me then go ahead, I won''t stop you but I will not go down that easily. Likewise, I will also go for the kill.

    I am done playing around. I will take this seriously, that''s why you also take this seriously if not it won''t be a fight"

    (Seriously? But, I am taking this seriously from the start- That means!

    HE IS HOLDING BACK¡­THIS ENTIRE TIME? )

    "Let''s end this farce, Don''t worry I won''t run anywhere even if I try to run, that bastard won''t let me and besides I don''t intend to

    AFTERALL I HAVE A GREAT DEBT TO PAY TO YOU ALL.

    I owe you guys a lot, Just as you said I will pay back. I WILL PAY BACK EVERYTHING.

    That''s why I decided, I won''t leave anyone.

    I WILL KILL EVERYONE WHO GETS IN MY WAY

    Until I finish that I wont die, I will fight till my last breath"

    That''s right, no matter what happens

    I WILL FIGHT UNTIL THE END.

    Even if it''s painful, even if I know I am going to fail, even if it''s my fate to die here, even if my opponent is God,

    I WILL SURVIVE NO MATTER WHAT.

    For that sake, I will use any methods I can. Even if I hurt myself, I won''t give up.

    Instead of dying here, I would rather die fighting. That''s why I won''t give up. You people already took my daily life. I won''t allow you to take anymore. Your turn is over. Now it''s my turn. That''s right,

    "Come on, Sanehara. LET''S END THIS SUFFERING¡±

    IT''S TIME TO TAKE BACK.

    [10 minutes 17 seconds Left]

 Chapter 12: Gates Of Hell

    "Hey, Hideo-kun"

    "Hmm? What is it?"

    ¡°Hypothetically asking, If you or someone else had to die. Who''d you choose?"

    "Huh? What is this out of the blue?"

    "Just tell me, Who would you choose?"

    ¡°You''re kind of acting weird today. This isn''t like you. What will you do after you know- ¡±

    ¡°I just want to know¡­ is that not enough?¡± She asked politely in a low voice.

    Once again¡­How many times has it been now, five times? ten times? I''ve lost the count but¡­it''s nostalgic. For some reason, I remember it sometimes¡­This nostalgic memory from my high school days. That''s right, it''s a conversation with ¡°that¡± person which I can''t forget¡­

    {Nakabachi hideo, 18 years old. High school 3rd year, reading a book on the rooftop while talking with a long-haired girl with beautiful blue eyes }

    I paused and let out a sigh at her response. Sigh,

    "Isn''t it obvious? If really someone is supposed to die and if I am forced to make a choice. I''ll choose myself. There is no need to think."

    "Then, What if that someone else is a person you love, would you still choose the same?"

    Nakabachi closes the book and speaks,

    "Listen, Nova. Even if It''s between me and my father, my mother, a friend, lover or some rando, no matter who it is.

    I''LL STILL CHOOSE MYSELF.

    I have dreams, I have a future and I have the determination to reach that future. My parents'' role was already done when they brought me to this world. That''s why It only makes sense for me to live. And If my lover genuinely loves me then she would die for me without giving a second thought. Much less I won''t sacrifice myself for the sake of some loser''s future.

    In this world, nothing is more important than yourself. In the end, everyone leaves you someday. That''s why choosing myself is the most logical thing. "

    "Heh, I see, Pfft-", She chuckled on hearing my answer.

    "Hmm? What is funny? "

    "Nothing. I expected you to say something like this. As always, Heartless aren''t you?"

    "Think as you like, That''s who I am. So What about you? Who''d you choose?"

    "Me?....hmm, If I am forced to make a choice then probably..No, nodes, I am sure I would choose the other person"

    "Even if that person is a complete stranger?"

    "Even so, I''ll choose that person to live"

    Nakabachi narrows his eyes.

    "You really are an idiot, aren''t you?"

    "Eh?! That''s mean! Why?"

    "You don''t make sense, sacrificing yourself for a stranger is just absurd. Even if you die for their sake, I am sure they won''t even feel grateful to you. They just forget about you as if nothing happened. That''s how this world is. That''s why, You would be just wasting your life-"

    "You may be right. I might be wasting my life for nothing"

    "Then why-"

    "But I want to believe. I want to believe in humanity, in this world. If my sacrifice will save many people''s lives or save someone''s future then I''d be glad to die. If my death will change the world even a little bit then that''s all I need. That''s why I will choose the other"

    "Hmph, Absur-"

    "Even if it''s between you and me, I''d choose Hideo-kun, I am sure without a second thought,

    I''D CHOOSE YOU"

    Nakabachi''s eyes widened upon hearing her answer.

    (Flashback- And If my lover genuinely loves me then she would die for me without giving a second thought)

    "What about you? Maybe I already know the answer but I want to hear it from you. Would you still choose yourself?¡± She asks seriously.

    "I-"

    You are wrong, Nova. That''s not the point. Even if you die or Even if I die, no matter who dies, the world will not change. Not a single bit. It will continue to revolve as if nothing happened, that''s how this world is.

    But even if I told you this I doubt you would change your mind because you are always like this. Always thinking about other''s sake, you always put other people on top of you. You are just too good. That''s why it reminds me again and again

    HOW NAIVE AND FOOLISH YOU WERE.

    You don''t know anything. All you see is the bright side of humanity, That''s why let me prove your foolishness,

    You see, Nova. In the end, Humans are the most selfish creatures in this world because

    EVEN IN DREAMS THEY STILL CHOOSE THEMSELVES.

    Clash

    ''Die!!! ''

    ''S-stop it! ''

    ''Why won''t you die already!? ''

    Clash

    ''Stop defending! ''

    ¡®N-no!¡¯

    ''Sorry''

    Clash

    ''No¡­ I don''t want to die''

    "Now, hurry up! ", Nakabachi exclaimed.

    ["ONLY 10 MINUTES LEFT"]

    ''Aaaaaa!'' Yells

    Clash

    ''N-no, D-Don''t kill me'' Trembling

    ''Sorry, I can''t do that. I also don''t want to die that''s why DIE'' stab

    Blood scattered everywhere.

    Scream

    Heavily breathing ''It hurts- cough it hurts! Please leave me-'' stab

    ''She died¡­I killed her¡­With this¡­I can live..Haha.. Hahaha!!! I DID IT!!''

    Yes! Yes, that''s it! That''s the way to go! You all are on the right path. Don''t think about others, think only about yourself because this is the right choice. Be honest with yourself and submit to your desires. That''s what makes you a human. That''s why there is no need to hide,

    SHOW ME YOUR REAL FACES!

    Run, pant x2

    ''Ha.. Ha.. Ha Ha! '' fall

    ''Hey hey, Don''t run away like that, Stay quiet and it will be over in a second''

    Raises his knife.

    ''No¡­stay away! Don''t come any closer! Plea-'' Stab x3

    Are you watching? Nova! This is the real nature of humans! Believe in humanity? How laughable! Can you still say the same thing after seeing this? Look! how they are so desperate to live. Be it their family, Friend, or lover, Regardless of who they are¡ª

    THESE PEOPLE ARE STILL TRYING TO KILL EACH OTHER! JUST SO THEY CAN LIVE! THIS IS THE REALITY!!

    ''F-father! Stop it! ''

    ''What happened to you!? Come back to your senses! ''

    ''Shut up! ''

    ''I want to live''

    Clash

    ''H-hey, let''s t-talk¡­ Don''t.. Keep that knife down.. I don''t want to kill you! I don''t want-'' stab

    ''Aaahhhhhhhh! ''

    Stab

    ''No!!! ''

    ''Wait, don''t run!''

    ''It hurts! ''

    Stab

    ''Please! Don''t kill-'' stab

    ''Hahahahahahah''

    ''B-blurg! Coughing blood ''

    ''I can''t take¡­ this anymore''

    ''Oh God¡­ is this hell? ''

    ''IT''S LIKE A NIGHTMARE''

    Aaah¡­This is good! I can''t express how thrilled I am! Just hearing their cries makes me so excited! Humans are really interesting!

    But, the interesting part is yet to come. Am I right? ARAKI RYOTA!!

    Now! Will this mark your last 10 minutes or not? WHICH IS IT?

    IT''S TIME TO CHOOSE!

    [ARAKI''S P. O. V]

    Uh-uh¡­I can feel it. With every second It''s getting more intense¡­it''s getting stronger and stronger¨C THE SMELL OF BLOOD.

    I see, That means it has already started, THE BLOODBATH

    It makes me sick, even though we all are humans but I have no right to say that. because

    I AM ALSO DOING THE SAME

    "ARAKI!!!!! "

    "Don''t shout like that, I can hear you very well, SANEHARA!!! "

    Clash, their knives clash.

    There are still many unanswered questions. Why do we need to play this deadly game? Why is my partner Sanehara?

    WHY DID HE SELECTED ME?

    There are too many things to know. But that can wait. It doesn''t matter right now. Before that,

    I WILL KEEP THIS WOMAN TO ETERNAL SLUMBER.

    I decided, right now and right here, I¡¯LL KILL SANEHARA.

    Chapter 12: GATES OF HELL

    <<9:08 left>>

    "I''ll never forgive you! I''ll never forgive you!! Araki!"

    "Like I said, clash, That''s my line! "

    "Everyone! You all are doing great! Just keep going on like that and you will win but don''t interfere with other pairs. Your enemy is only one. You know right, To survive, Make sure to kill that person Now,

    LET''S CONTINUE THE FRENZY! "

    Clash

    That bastard¡­ Is that supposed to be a motivation? He and his cunning smile¡­He really ticks me off. How much does he want to enjoy? Nevertheless, time is ripe¡­

    <<8:56 left>>

    Here on, it''s a race against time. Every second counts. In these 10 minutes, my future will be decided. Of course,

    DYING IS NOT AN OPTION.

    Good grief, This will be the longest 10 minutes in my life.

    That''s why 7 minutes, in 7 minutes I''ll kill Sanehara. I can''t afford to waste any more than that Because after 7 minutes it will be sudden death, Sanehara will surely rush, that''s why there is no telling what could happen¨C

    ''Are you saying that she might kill you? ''

    Smile,

    Nah, EVEN SO I''D WIN.

    Clash

    "Hey¡­Why are you smiling?!" Sanehara asked with an irritated face.

    "It''s just nothing, when I think about how you would look before dying, I can''t stop smiling"

    Grit Sanehara grits her teeth.

    "Oh yeah? Looks like your eyes are still closed. Keep on dreaming while you can. Clash, Soon YOU WILL NO LONGER ABLE TO DREAM!"

    Clash

    "Oi oi, are you still saying that? Looks like there is someone else who needs to open their eyes, really

    I AM SURPRISED THAT YOU STILL THINK THAT YOU CAN WIN"

    "...Wha?"

    "You want to kill me right? Then TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY! Don''t make me repeat it again and again!

    YOUR MOVES ARE TOO OBVIOUS!"

    "..Ha!?"

    "With those moves, do you really think you can kill me? Nah! Forget about killing, You can''t even scratch me! This is just a boring fight,

    DON''T DISAPPOINT ME, SANEHARA.

    Where did your hatred go?

    ¡°....shut up¡±

    ¡°What about your resolve? Your determination? In the end, Is that all you have got? ¡°

    ¡°...shut..up¡±

    ¡°Come at me like you mean it! This is hardly a fight. I thought you wanted to kill me, or what? ARE YOU JUST TALK?"

    "Aahhhhh! Shut up!!! Don''t mock me! What do you know about me!? From the start, I am dead serious! If I can, I want to kill you this instant!" Sanehara yelled.

    "In that case, put in more effort! Give me a hard time! Make me struggle! Let''s forget about this game for a moment. It''s just a fight between you and me, the person who kills first is the winner!

    WE ARE STAKING OUR LIVES! THAT''S WHY LET''S GO WILD!

    It''s just YOU or ME! The winner will survive and the loser will die. Your past or my past none of it matters! What really matters is only the future! I am risking my future here that''s why I''ll give it my all so you too give your all! Come, Sanehara.

    It''s the final night where we dance together!

    LET''S FIGHT TO DEATH!!!!!"

    Sanehara''s eyes widened.

    I see¡­Araki-kun, he is serious, then the one who isn''t serious is¡­me? I see¡­I SEE!

    SO THAT''S HOW IT IS!!

    I thought I was serious this entire time but I was wrong! I was actually holding back this entire time! I wasn''t serious yet, that''s why I wasn''t able to land a hit on him!! I get it now! It makes sense now! In that case,

    ¡°Yeah¡­YEAH! NOW YOU SAID IT! YOU''RE ON, ARAKI!!! LET''S FIGHT TO DEATH!¡±

    IT''S TIME TO GET SERIOUS!

    Sanahera gripped her knife tightly and charged towards me.

    ¡°YOU''RE DEAD!¡±

    Clash

    My hand came back on impact.

    (Huh? Her power¡­has increased?)

    ¡°NOT YET!! (mada-mada)¡±

    Clash, clash, clash Sanehara attacked continuously.

    Huh? I feel strange, For some reason I AM REALLY FIRED UP!, Sanehara thought.

    Clash, clash

    (She is pushing me¡­back? Not just that she is 5x faster than before. For¡­real?)

    ¡­He is stepping back, which means IT''S WORKING!!! I HAVE GOT THIS!! Finally, finally, finally!!

    I CAN KILL HIM!!

    You are an idiot Araki-kun! Provoking your- no, Motivating your enemies like this, you really are an idiot, but thank you. Because, right now your words will hunt you, thanks to you I CAN KILL YOU!

    Is what she is thinking right now, if I say so myself what I did is really stupid but you know what?

    THAT''S WHAT I WANT!!

    Clash, clash

    ¡°C''mon, cmon! What happened? Araki! ¡±

    Nice! You are doing great Sanehara! Finally, you got serious! I can feel the heaviness in your slash every time I defend! Yes! Just like that.

    BECOME OVERCONFIDENT! GET ON YOUR HEELS! BE MORE ARROGANT!

    Think that you have the upper hand! Think that your victory is already set in stone! The more you get confident THE MORE MY CHANCES OF WINNING WILL INCREASE!

    Show me more Sanehara, expose your filthy nature until I feel nothing about you and if you do that, IT MAKES ME EASIER TO KILL YOU!!

    ¡°Cmon! Cmon! Cmon! "

    Hehe! He is going backwards! More! Push him more! Make him panic! I can do it! I CAN KILL ARAKI!! I CAN SURVIVE!!

    You can do it, SANEHARA KASUMI!!!!

    Right now, Sanehara Kasumi is gravely mistaken about one thing, it''s not like she is pushing him

    ARAKI RYOTA IS GOING BACK ON PURPOSE.

    To fuel her confidence and TO USE IT TO HIS ADVANTAGE. But she doesn¡¯t know about this. That¡¯s why, She has not realized it yet,

    (What is this? This is crazy! This is really crazy! I get this feeling that I can win! I feel like the current me can achieve anything!)

    THAT SHE IS WALKING RIGHT INTO ARAKI RYOTA¡¯S TRAP.

    <<7:58 left>>

    Clash x4, Sanehara continued to press on with her attacks rapidly, But Araki calmly evaded every slash with a small hint of struggle.

    ¡°Hey hey! What happened to your rage?! ARAKI! You told me to get serious and here you are standing still, clash, This is boring! Why are you backing off?¡±

    7 minutes more, Mm I can make it! But more importantly, Araki-kun is panicking. Look at his hands, He is clearly struggling. He is giving his all just to dodge, If this keeps up I can cut him.

    Grin, sanehara grinned.

    Too bad Araki, THIS IS THE END OF YOUR LIFE!

    Clash!! Clash!!

    Mmm¡­Oh no, don''t laugh or else she will notice. But,

    SHE IS SO HILARIOUSLY EASY.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    But not yet, still not enough. I need you to get more furious or it''d be a problem. Don''t hurry Araki Ryota. Wait until she gets full of herself. Until then

    FOCUS ON YOUR ACTING.

    "I''ll kill you, I''ll kill you, I''ll freaking kill you! "

    Expressions, footwork, everything! I will make use of every inch of my body. If it makes her feel like I am struggling, that''s all I need! To achieve that I will use everything!

    (Dammit¡­), Sanehara thought.

    It is taking more time I thought, but well, Soon or later he will show an opening in that moment,

    I WILL PIERCE HIS NECK

    This time for sure, that''s why do your best until then. Let''s see how long you can endure, Araki-kun.

    Clash

    "Looks like you are in a pinch, aren''t you? " Sanehara asked.

    "Must be, clash, your imagination"

    "Ha! It''s useless to hide. Because It''s showing on your face, you are barely dodging. Now you get it right? You can''t stand a chance against me! You will regret underestimating me!"

    Smile, my smile widened.

    Clash!

    "Regret huh, Looks like you are getting so full of yourself. I admit it, you''re certainly strong. but don''t get the wrong idea I am just waiting for the right time¨C"

    "You are lying"

    "Huh? "

    "Do you really think you can fool me? Your face is telling everything! You are struggling to keep up! Just admit it Araki-kun, you don''t have a chance! If you really want to disagree then how about stop defending and try to attack me? or what?

    DUE TO MY SPEED, YOU CAN''T EVEN FIND THE CHANCE TO ATTACK ME, AM I RIGHT? " Sanehara said with a smug face.

    I was startled.

    "Ara~ Did I hit the¡­.nail?¨C "

    Sanehara''s eyes widened.

    To Araki, This is a golden chance, that''s right you can say that,

    HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT.

    It took just a split second. In just a split second, Araki Ryota has closed the distance between her, holding his knife, and right now HIS KNIFE IS ABOUT TO CUT HER NECK.

    "...Eh? "

    Inhale, Araki took a deep breath.

    Thank you, Sanehara. Because of you, I realized how pathetic and naive I am. But I am done being pathetic. With this,

    I WILL END EVERYTHING.

    I don''t want to regret anything, I don''t want to repeat those mistakes, I don''t want to go back to that pathetic state.

    I WANT TO CHANGE

    That''s why, THIS CHANCE, I WILL NOT LET THIS SLIP!

    In this instant, in this moment I will unleash every emotion that has been bottled up until now! My anger, fear, regrets, everything! I''ll put everything on this single strike! And with everything I''ve got,

    I''LL CUT YOU!

    Wait..hold on a moment! Eh? What¡­is happening? Araki¡­He is close¡­ When did he¨C realizes Shit! This is bad! This is bad! This is bad! I dropped my guard! At this rate¡­! Y-you must be kidding! I can''t avoid it! He is going to cut my neck!

    HE IS GOING TO KILL ME!, Sanehara thought.

    I wonder what face I made at that time? I don''t remember much. It''s just¡­My body moved on its own, but I remember that feeling very well, it felt like my emotions were flowing into my right hand and empowering my knife¨C I felt like that, But I just focused on killing her that I didn''t even realise yet,

    THAT MY KNIFE WAS ENGULFED IN BLUE FLAMES.

    Something¡­! I need to do something! But-I CAN''T MAKE IT IN TIM-!

    "It''s over, Sanehar-"

    Run

    ¡®M-move!¡¯

    (Eh?)

    Slash, Bam, A guy bumped into Sanehara while running from his partner. Sanehara fell to the ground on impact.

    No way¡­ I missed. At this range¡­?

    ¡®Hey, come back here! Masayuki! ¡¯

    Afraid, ¡®N-No!¡¯ Runs

    ¡®Hey-¡¯

    ¡°Hey, Wait¡­¡± I stopped him, holding his shoulder.

    ¡®Wha- Huh?! What are you doing?! I am in a hurry can''t you se-¡¯

    ¡°That''s my line, DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAVE YOU DONE JUST NOW? After ruining everything, WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING? ¡±

    ¡°H-Hah?!¡±

    ¡°He said, right? Don''t interfere with other pairs. And what the hell are you doing? That was a golden opportunity, I was so close to killing her AND YOU TWO TOTALLY RUINED IT! If because of you I fail to make it in time, I will end up dead,

    HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THIS? ¡± I said with a cold tone.

    Brief silence

    What''s with¡­this guy? I get these strange chills. It feels like If I make a wrong move here I will be killed. I can tell with a single look at his eyes, that he''s dangerous¡­Every nerve in my body is telling me to run from him. But¡­ I can''t afford to run. If I get cold feet here I can''t survive!

    ¡®Hmph, If you say that then I am also the same, not just me, everyone''s the same. Everyone here is desperate to prioritize their own survival. Being forced to kill someone like this is enough to make me anxious and to increase the tension that timer, there is no time to worry about others. If I worry about each and everyone I would end up dead before I knew it. ¡¯

    I narrowed my eyes and slowly released him.

    ¡°Tch¡±

    ¡®Thank you¡¯

    Grit, Damnit! I was so close! Why doesn''t anything go my way!? If those two didn''t interrupt by now I would have¡­sigh,

    Well fine, what happened has happened, Just thinking about it won''t change the result. It''s fine, The Next one will end this. But that said,

    ¡°You really are so lucky, aren''t you? To think that you have avoided it, It''s unbelievable. Right? SANEHARA KASUMI¡±

    ¡°Ha¡­ Ha¡­ Ha¡­Ha huh? ¡±

    Although I might have missed it, It has an effect!

    Sanehara lay on the ground, looking shocked and out of breath. Trying to process the situation.

    Ha¡­ha¡­Ha¡­Ha I''m..saved? But Wha-what just¡­happened? I can''t quite follow, Did he just close in? In that split second? You must be¡­kidding. And more importantly, what was that¡­just now?

    I FEEL LIKE I SAW A BLUE FLASH FROM HIS KNIFE.

    Was it my¡­imagination? Really? But for the first time after so long I felt like my life was in danger. If those two didn''t interrupt, if that knife hits my neck by now I would¡­no nodes, I don''t want to think about it! Stay calm, Me! I''m not dead yet, it''s a relief that I''m still aliv- Relief?

    IS IT ALRIGHT TO BE¡­RELIEVED?

    This is bad¡­Throbx3, my heart won''t stop pounding. My hands are¡­trembling? My face is burning. My body is¡­hot. This is¡­fear?

    AM I¡­SCARED?

    ¡°So how does it feel? To escape death by a feather. ¡±

    Look at her, She is trembling! Of course she would, Even if she escaped death, the shock will remain. Now that she knows how death tastes, she can''t stay at ease! She can''t stay calm! I can understand Sanehara. It''s scary, right? But you are fine that way because this makes it easier to kill you!

    (N¡­ o)

    No! No! No! Don''t be afraid! If you show fear it will give him another chance. Get yourself together! But I can''t erase it from my mind, I still can''t believe¡­his moves are nothing like an amateur, the way he dodged and the way he tried to¡ªNo, nodes.

    That was just a fluke! It was because I was too careless in guarding myself that I gave him a chance to attack. That was just my mistake, there is no way someone like him beat me! If I stay on guard from the start then everything would be fine. Mmhm, I am not lost yet, the one who is standing in front of you is just a coward, A coward who can''t even fight me face to face!

    ¡°How long do you intend to sit there? Stand up, bitch. LET''S CONTINUE. ¡±

    ¡°Grit?? (Bastard¡­) T-That''s not fair, Araki-kun. I am still talking and attacking me like that is not fair. Are you perhaps chickening out? Can''t you fight with me face to face? You coward!¡±

    ¡°Fair? Don''t give me that crap. Who''d want to fight fair and square when your life is at stake? First of all, you talk too much. I don''t have any reason to listen to your nonsense. If you speak too much it''s the same as telling me to kill you. Besides, you also did the same thing before. What are you complaining about? Have you finally lost it? ¡±

    ¡°Say wha-¡±

    ¡°This is not a sport or a fun game. THIS IS A DEATH GAME, what matters is the result, As long as I survive that''s all I need. That''s why your words don''t make any sense to me nor I care. For me, every single moment is my chance, I can''t let anything slip. You are also the same right? So quit your yapping already and let''s continue from where¨C¡±

    My eyes widened as I slowly looked at her face.

    (He¡­ stopped?)

    ¡°I see¡­so I didn''t¡­Ha..Haha¡­ hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha¡±

    Puzzled,¡° H-huh? What''s gotten into you?¡±

    ¡°Sick! This is sick! This is unexpected but I like it! Looks like it wasn''t for nothing, This really rocks! Really¡­

    I''M REALLY GLAD I DIDN''T KILL YOU THAT TIME, SANEHARA!¡±

    ¡°H-hah?! (Glad? What does¡­he mean?)¡±

    ¡°Wait, don''t tell me, you are so freaked out that you didn''t even notice it?¡±

    ¡°Notice?¡±

    Good grief, And here I''m thinking that I missed that chance. Don''t shock me like that but this is really the best!

    ¡°Sanehara¡± pointing out, "Do you know how your face looks now?¡±

    Raising my hand,

    ¡°THAT''S A NICE TATTOO YOU GOT THERE ON YOUR FACE,¡± I said while pointing my knife covered with blood stains towards her face.

    (Tattoo- ) drip, Blood drops on her hand.

    Eh? Blood? But from where¡ª

    Eyes widened.

    ¡°IT REALLY SUITS YOUR UGLY FACE!!¡±

    Uh¡­?

    As her image reflects on her knife, she slowly turns towards her knife only to find out,

    THAT HER FACE WAS BRUISED AND BORE A BIG SCAR ACROSS HER FACE.

    (No way¡­What is¡­ this? Is this me¡­ ?)

    With her bangs blocking her face I didn''t get a good view before but now I look properly

    THAT WAS A NICE GOOD SCAR!

    That''s right, What I missed was an instant kill but, THE HIT ITSELF HAS PROPERLY LANDED!! THAT TOO IN THE BEST POSSIBLE SPOT EVER!

    Terrified, (My¡­ face)

    ¡°Aa¡­.aa¡­aah¡­AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!¡± Sanehara screamed, covering her face.

    ¡°Yeah yeah! Scream more! After all, I RUINED YOUR FACE WHICH YOU ARE SO PROUD OF!¡±

    What the hell! What the hell is this? No way! No way! NO WAY!!!! Aaahhhh! It''s burning! It hurts! The bleeding won''t stop¡­My face¡­ My precious face has been defiled! That cute face, my pride¡­

    IT GOT RUINED!!!

    This is bad, W-what should I do? The wound is deep, will it heal? No way, I don''t want this! I didn''t accomplish anything! How should I show this face¡­to everyone? Wait¨C that''s right!

    ¡°H-hey professor!¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°The thing about wounds getting inflicted on our real bodies, that was a joke¡­right?¡± Sanehara asked, desperately.

    That''s right, this is a dream. There is still a chance that the professor might be lying about wounds¨C

    ¡°Unfortunately, Everything is true¡±

    ¡°...Huh¡±

    ¡°No matter how small the injury is, Irrespective of its place it will get transmitted. Believe or not It''s the truth,¡±

    ¡°That can''t be¡­¡±

    ¡°Oya, That was a huge scar on your face. But don''t worry,

    BY THE TIME YOU WAKE UP, IT''LL MANIFEST ON YOUR REAL FACE.¡±

    ¡°N¡­o, Nooooooooooo!!!!!!¡±, Sanehara screamed in depression, unable to fathom the reality.

    ¡°Good for you, now everyone gets to see your tattoo, I''m sure you''ll be even more popular. Well assuming that you will survive that is¡± I said, Smiling.

    (Hmph, What a pitiful woman) Nakabachi thought.

    No¡­That means¡­I should live the rest of my life with this face?! No! I can''t accept this! How am I supposed to live like this?! How should I face them?! With this face¡­

    HOW CAN I FULFILL¡­MY DREAM?.....MOM¡­

    (Flashback- ¡°I''m sure you can do it, Kasumi.¡± A soft and gentle voice echoed in her head)

    ¡­Why? Why did this happen to me?! I''ve worked hard for years¡­and years¡­and he ruined in an instant¡ª That''s right, It''s his fault¡­because of him, my life became a mess! He ruined everything!

    The fact that my life is on the line, this scar, each and everything is HIS DAMN FAULT!!

    ¡°...unforgivable¡±, she muttered.

    (She''s standing up? But in her state, she is unable to fight. If I go offensive now then she cannot avoid my attacks. I''m sorry but this is gonna be my win.)

    ¡°What happened? Finally, feel like continui¨C¡±

    ¡°You know what?¡± Sanehara interrupted, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her bruised face with a hint of anger.

    ¡°I¡­wanted to become an actress, ever since I was born I''ve always admired them and it''s my dream. That¡¯s why, I''ve worked hard and hard and hard, I''ve spent all these years refining my acting skills, and I even applied to countless auditions. I did everything I could just to enter into showbiz and became a professional actress. And do you know what is important to become an actress?¡±

    I narrowed my eyes, ¡°Face, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, IT''S FACE. If you have a cute face then you can sell well in a short time. Opportunities will come endlessly! You''ll be loved by everyone!! For an actress her face is everything! Do you know where I''m getting at? YOU JUST SHATTERED MY DREAM!! YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!

    With this scar, with this face, I can''t get selected! No one will look at me! I can''t become an actress! Do you know how hard I worked?! For my dream, I gave up on many things!! That''s why, I don''t even attend P.E. classes just to avoid getting hurt!! But now, everything has gone to waste!!

    And EVERYTHING IS YOUR FAULT!!! BECAUSE OF YOU, MY DREAM WON''T COME TRUE!! IF I CAN''T BECOME AN ACTRESS THEN WHAT IS THE POINT OF ME IN LIVING?! ¡±

    ¡°Like I care! I don''t give a shit about your dreams! If you really can''t live with that face, In that case, WHY DON''T YOU JUST DIE?!¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­maybe you''re right. There is no point in me living anymore but I won''t die, NOT UNTIL I KILL YOU I WON''T DIE¡±

    ¡°..What?¡±

    ¡°I''ve decided! I''ll win this death game! I''ll win and make that bastard fix my face!! But If I can''t win then at least¡­I''ll take you with me!!¡± Swoosh

    (She''s coming!?)

    Sanehara charged towards me with her blood lust to kill me, I quickly changed my stance to defensive in order to tackle her. But she ferociously attacked me, pushing me back. But this time she is really pushing me back.

    Clash, Clash, Clash!!! I retreated quickly, maintaining my distance.

    (Are¡­you serious?)

    Even I can tell, something has changed. This is nothing like before, Her attacks feel more heavier now. It''s like the atmosphere around has changed all of a sudden- Don''t tell me,

    SHE TURNED HER DEPRESSION INTO RAGE?

    ¡°I can''t¡­forgive you! You''re the only one I can''t let you get away with!! You''ll pay properly for ruining my face!!!

    I''LL CRUSH YOUR FACE AND PLUCK YOUR EYES, SLIT YOUR TONGUE AND I''LL STAB YOU IN THE GUT FOR 100 TIMES!! I''LL STAB AND STAB AND CONTINUE STABBING UNTIL YOU BEG ME TO KILL YOU! I''LL DRAIN EVERY LAST DROP OF YOUR BLOOD, BEFORE YOU DIE I''LL SHOW YOU HELL!!

    I¡¯LL FUCKING KILL YOU ARAKI RYOTAAAAA!!!!!!!¡±

    To Sanehara Kasumi, Her pride is more important than her life, she can''t tolerate the things which hurt her. But there''s something more important than her pride¡ªHer face. But without knowing, Araki Ryota once again touched her pride, or rather you can say

    HE DESTROYED HER PRIDE.

    After completely losing her pride, Sanehara Kasumi is no longer an ordinary girl,

    SHE''S NOW A REVENGE-SEEKING BEAST.

    <<6:17 left>>

    Clash, Clash

    ¡°I¡¯LL KILL YOU! I¡¯LL KILL YOU!! I¡¯LL FUCKI¡¯N KILL U!!!¡±

    I know that this isn''t going to be easy but to be honest this is¡­tough. She completely lost her mind, her attacks are so random. I can''t read her movements either. Of course I can¡¯t, because right now Sanehara is on a rampage. Normally, her wound would start burning by the moisture in the air and she must be suffocating. But she''s having an adrenaline rush right now so she''s ignoring everything. Good grief, seems like I messed with something I shouldn''t.

    Clash!!

    ¡°Hey hey, Don''t overdo it. It''s hurting right?¡±

    ¡°SHUT UP! JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU DIE!!¡±

    I''ve made up my mind! I don''t care anymore, even if it kills me I''ll make sure to kill this guy!! To kill him I''ll do anything!! NO MATTER THE COST!! I despise him¡­I hate him¡­I HATE HIM, I HATE HIM, I HATE HIM,

    I REALLY HATE HIM!!

    ¡°ARAKIIIIIII!!!!!¡±

    Clash!!Clash!! Her attacks became more furious, it''s like I''m sparring with a diamond knife. She continuously swung her knife without giving me a chance, just a few moments before she was only aiming at my neck, but now she is trying to slow me down by targeting my chest and arms. Not only that, She''s always one step forward whenever I try to attack so I can''t find the right time to make a move.

    (Looks like this isn''t going to be as easy as I expected)

    But well fine, it''s not like this will go on forever. my chance will come. For now, I should defend myself. Until then be patie¨C

    Fwoosh. Sanehara lifted her leg, attempting to give a kick to my head.

    (...Are you serious? )

    ¡°IT''S TIME TO BOW DOWN¡±, Sanehara said coldly.

    THUD!!!

    ( Yes! Did I get him?- )

    ¡°I''m surprised¡­So you even know karate huh? No wonder you can fight like that.¡±

    (No way¡­He''s blocked it?!)

    That was close. If it directly hit my head, It would have taken a lot of damage but thank god my hand has reached in time.

    ¡°Not bad, That was really a nice kick. But I don''t recommend you to use kicks much since you are wearing a skirt and besides I definitely don''t want to see your panties¡±

    ¡°Shut up¡ª (Huh? I can''t move my legs, Can it be?!)¡±

    Keh ¡°CAUGHT YOU¡±

    (Shoot!) Sanehara thought.

    I caught her right leg using my left hand making her immobile.

    ¡°H-HEY, L-LET GO¡ª¡± Sanehara struggles, Waving her knife at me but she is unable to reach my body.

    Now then, time to end this play. My right hand is still free, I''ll just stab her face like this¡ª

    Woosh.

    ¡­.Eh?

    I lowered my guard. I was so confident that she wasn''t able to move at that time. But, I DON''T KNOW THAT SHE IS ABLE TO KICK LIKE THIS.

    Sanehara jumped on one leg, rotating her body. She tried to land a jump spin kick and,

    BAM!!!!

    She landed the kick.

    Slide, Her feet came in contact with my cheek with great force. I quickly freed her right leg and forced me to go back on the impact.

    (I landed it! Right on the face!) Sanehara restores her posture and lands on the floor.

    Ew¡­my ankle? Did it sprain¡­or not I guess. I''m glad nothing serious happened. With my right leg being immobile, to escape that situation that was the only choice I had. It was risky but it worked!

    ¡°How is that Araki? I bet it hurts a lot! Serves you right!¡±

    At last, I managed to hit him!

    Silence~

    Ah uh, this sucks. I thought that I''d let her have her way until she became overconfident so that she could drop her guard but¡­for some reason,

    THIS REALLY PISSES ME OFF.

    ¡°What happened? If you want I can go easy on you¨C¡±

    ¡°Don''t be ridiculous¡±

    (What!?)

    Ptooey, I spit out the blood.

    ¡°You''ll go easy on me? Hey hey, don''t get carried away just because you landed a hit. Just so you know,

    I''M STILL STANDING¡±

    (Tch, Guess it''s too soon to celebrate) Sanehara thought.

    ¡°Ara~ Too bad. I really wish you had laid down by that. ¡±

    ¡°I''ll admit it, that was indeed a nice kick. For better or worse, It hit at the right spot. It served as a nice warmup.¡±

    (Warmup?- This guy¡­)

    ¡°Heh, don''t get cocky you shitty bastard. Well if you''re that confident, try not to die quickly or else it''ll be no fun for me.¡±

    ¡°Looks like you''re having a big misunderstanding here and it really pisses me off so let me clear it to your fish brain,¡±

    ¡°Misunderstanding?¡±

    Crack, crack. I stretched my neck.

    ¡°The one who should not die quickly is not me, it''s you. So try your best until end to not die because,

    I''M JUST GETTING STARTED ¡±

    ¡°Ah yeah? Then let''s see who is right, Don''t we? ¡± Sanehara prepared to attack, taking her stance.

    This play has gone on too long, that''s why,

    I''LL WRAP THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL.

    [MEANWHILE]

    More 6 minutes, and besides¡­

    ¡®Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!¡¯

    Clash, clash

    ¡®Help me-¡¯ stab, blood splitting.

    They are at it! This is going faster than I thought. As I thought Death is really scary, huh. The ones who are still standing are 350 no, 300 I guess. But, it''s still not enough¡ªBeep, beep.

    Nakabachi tapped the earbud in his ear.

    ¡°Ah-It connected! Hello, Sensei Can you hear me?¡±

    ¡°Yamamoto-kun, What took you so long?¡±

    [REALITY- Akiko and Tanizaki along with others monitoring the dream through the control room.]

    ¡°Sorry, sensei. Maybe due to many people dreaming the same dream, it became difficult to make a connection. But we finally got the audio.¡±

    ¡°So what do you think?¡±

    ¡°To be frank, IT''S A VERY SPECTACULAR SIGHT.¡± Akiko answered with a big grin on her face.

    ¡°YEAH, THAT''S WHY HUMANS ARE REALLY INTERESTING. Don''t forget to record this dream.¡±

    ¡°Understood! Tanizaki, make sure to record every pair¨C Tanizaki?¡±

    ¡°Amazing¡­¡± Tanizaki was amused, immersing himself in the monitor.

    ¡°Tanizaki?...¡± Akiko called out.

    ¡°Akiko-san, look at those two. The boy in a hoodie and that bob-cut girl¡±

    ¡°What happene- Eyes widened. THIS IS!! If I recall, that''s Araki Ryota and Sanehara Kasumi.¡±

    ¡°Here I thought everyone was boring but I was wrong! These two are on a whole another level!¡±

    Clash, Clash! Slash!, Araki and Sanehara engaged in fierce blade exchange, outwitting one another.

    ¡°It''s¡­unbelievable, They are matching each other''s movements and fighting. Compared to others, they are giving a proper fight!¡± Akiko said.

    ¡°Not just that, Their footwork, fighting style, they don''t look like some amateur movements and also none of them are backing down. Just watching them is giving me goosebumps! Are you sure they are just high schoolers!?¡±

    ¡°But at this rate, will we get a winner? By the looks of it, that girl is severely injured. So maybe that boy can¨C¡±

    ¡°I wonder, Yamamoto-kun, I don''t think so,¡± Nakabachi interrupted.

    ¡°Sensei¡­What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Although we are the same humans, we must never underestimate one another. Just like animals, every human possesses a strong hidden weapon inside them¡ª SURVIVAL INSTINCT.

    The strong desire to live, when that activates your body will move on its own. No person is capable of denying that feeling. Neither you nor me can. When faced with extreme situations, your true potential will come out. Something you''re unaware of will take over your body. Depending on the situation it can give you 2x or even 10x than your original strength. Even if you''re a coward, for a single moment it''ll turn you into a monster, That''s why they say,

    When you''re experienced with extreme danger, or When the demon in your heart enters the fray

    THE HUNTERS BECOME THE HUNTED, THE PREDATORS WILL BECOME THE PREY¡±

    That girl¡­despite losing the purpose of her life she is still moving forward. Not bad! This irregularity is what makes this game interesting. In that case¡­

    ¡°Yamamoto-kun, Change of plans¡±

    ¡°Yes!-wait? Change of plans?¡± Akiko responded, her voice wavering.

    ¡°Yeah, I JUST GOT AN INTERESTING IDEA!¡±

    That face of Sensei, he''s definitely thinking about something outrageous! I have known him for the past 5 years, That''s why I can tell. If he''s decided on something then no one can stop him. But, if that is your wish¡­

    ¡°So, What''s the plan?¡±

    ¡°As expected of you, you catch on quickly. Then listen to me carefully¡­.¡±

    Akiko''s eyes widen hearing it,

    ¡°SENSEI! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? If we do that, it changes everything!!¡± Akiko exclaims with a shocked face.

    ¡°I''m serious. You can always believe my instinct at times like this. Don''t worry, just trust me, this is going to be 100 times more interesting than the original. So ACTIVATE CODE DM.¡±

    ¡°BUT-¡±

    ¡°Yamamoto-kun, Hurry. There''s no time.¡±

    ¡°Sigh, Understood. Tanizaki¡±

    ¡°On it,¡± Tanizaki answered firmly.

    ¡°Sensei, anytime!¡±

    ¡°Now then,¡± Nakabachi slowly removes his glasses. ¡°Let''s heat up the things a bit. Don''t we,¡± Nakabachi took a deep breath, slowly opening his eyes.

    ¡°DREAM MANIPULATION¡±

    With his eyes glowing, as soon as he muttered those words the room began to change. Everything is becoming darker and darker and the surface is becoming slightly rocky. Dark smokes envelop the room.

    Clash, Clash!!

    [Araki¡¯s P.O.V]

    I have 3 minutes at best, I want to end this asap but she is stronger than I thought. But that''s no longer a problem, as time passes by her adrenaline effect will wear off. Although she''s fast, her attacks are becoming messy. It won''t be too long before she fall¨C

    Rumble, Rumble,Rumble!!! The ground began to shake.

    ¡®Woah¡¯

    ¡®Hyaaaa!!-¡¯

    ¡®What''s¡­happening!?¡¯

    What the-! The ground is shaking?¡­Earthquake?-

    ¡°Everyone, May I have your attention?¡± clapx2

    The timer has stopped. <<5:15>>

    ¡°Seeing you working hard makes my heart pound. I am very happy that you''re willing to play this death game. That''s why CONSIDER THIS AS A SMALL GIFT¡±

    Gift? Wait a sec, Something feels weird. The surface is¡­changed?! Not just that, it is getting darker and reddish¨C What the hell is happening!?

    ¡°Be careful and watch your step, THE GATES OF HELL ARE GOING TO OPEN NOW¡±

    As soon as he said that, the ground began to crack and the center of the floor began to open in a circular manner, the white room suddenly became a red cave. People started to move away from it.

    (Gates of hell?-)

    Woosh,

    ¡°Where are you looking?¡± Despite the disturbance, Sanehara charged at me.

    Clang, I quickly blocked her attack.

    Sheesh, can¡¯t even drop your guard huh, for now, I should keep my dis¨C Drop.

    Huh? Sweat¡­Now that I think, It is getting kind of¡­hot?¨C No, something is odd. What is this? It''s not too hard to notice,

    IT''S GETTING HOTTER AND HOTTER!!

    I stopped and put my hand on the floor, I quickly removed it due to the heat.

    It''s hot! But what''s with this temperature? No matter how you think it''s abnormal. 35¡ã? No, it must be at least 40¡ã. There''s no doubt,

    SOMETHING IS THERE UNDER THIS FLOOR!

    ¡°For everyone who is still fighting, Rejoice. I''ll make things easy for you. IT''S TIME TO END THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL¡± Nakabachi exclaimed.

    Slowly, the centre of the floor began to crack and open. People started to move away from the centre. The light emitting from inside illuminated the room with orange. A powerful heat wave surged from the centre, sweeping across the field and temporarily blinding me as I slowly opened my eyes¡­

    ¡­huh? I found myself shocked and surprised.

    ¡®Look at the screen!¡¯

    ¡®H-hey! You can''t be serious!¡¯

    ¡®THAT IS!!!¡¯

    ¡°Yeah, ITS MAGMA¡±

    Mag¡­ma?

    Deep within the centre, there lies magma, it was as if we were gazing into a volcano, the heat was intense, suffocating.

    (Hey¡­hey¡­hey, what kind of¡­joke is this? )

    ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT HE CREATED A VOLCANO?!

    But why? What is he planning? I can''t see the reason. Why magm¨C

    (Flashback- ¡° Rejoice, I''ll make things easy for you. IT''S TIME TO END THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL¡±)

    D-Don''t tell me, Can it be?! No, since he summoned a volcano at a time like this, The answer should be obvious!

    That bastard! Nakabachi hideo¡­If that''s what you''re thinking,

    THIS IS BEYOND BRUTAL!!

    ¡°H-hey, why m-magma? ¡± A person asked.

    ¡°Ah, ever since my childhood I always wondered about one thing. But humans are quite afraid to do it so I gave up. But I always wanted to see with my own eyes.

    WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF A HUMAN FALLS INTO A VOLCANO? "

    T-This guy¡­

    ¡°So why don''t we use this chance to see what''ll happen!¡± Nakabachi exclaimed.

    THIS GUY IS NUTS!!!

    ¡°T-then, are you s-saying?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, PUSH YOUR PARTNER INTO IT, And with that, you''ll clear this round!¡±

    HE REALLY WANTS US TO PUSH EACH OTHER!?!!!

    ¡®Wait-¡¯

    ¡°Also, with every minute passes it expands by 50m. So if you don''t make it by time, everyone will drown in magma.¡±

    Crack, the ground began to break slowly and bit by bit the debris began to fall into the magma.

    Shit! It''s really started expanding!! I wondered how he is going to kill us all. What an outrageous way he chose!

    ¡®Wait! Wait!¡¯

    ¡°What? You don''t believe it''s real magma?¡±

    ¡®N-no, that''s not-¡¯

    ¡°Then, LET ME PROVE YOU¡±

    What!?

    ¡°Guard-kun¡±

    ¡°Sir!¡±

    ¡°JUMP. This is an order. ¡± Nakabachi ordered, coldly.

    The guard took a deep breath and replied, ¡°YES! WITH PLEASURE¡±

    What!????!!!

    Running, one of the guards who was standing at the walls of the room began running towards the centre. He''s heading for the volcano!

    ¡°hey, hey, hey he''s seriously going to jump!?¡±

    ¡®No¡­way-¡¯

    Jump, as soon as he reached the centre. He jumped into it.

    What did I¡­just see? He¡­ jumped? What¡­the hell is this? What is wrong with these people?! That is magma you know!! Its average temperature is 700¡ã C, it''s not something humans can withstand. And that guard jumped just like that!? If it came into contact with human flesh¡­

    WE WILL SUFFER A GRUESOME DEATH!!

    Splash, Although the video is being broadcast on the screen, many people tried not to look at him. As much as I want to avert my eyes I can''t help but watch as he sinks. I can hear his screams. His body was melted and burned alive. Just from hearing him, I can tell that IT''S GOING TO BE EXTREMELY PAINFUL.

    And

    ONE OF US ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE IT.

    ¡°Now you get it, this is without a doubt¨C REAL MAGMA. I guess there''s no need to explain what happens if you fall. If you fall into it, just like that guard

    YOU''LL BE COOKED ALIVE!¡±

    ¡®C-cooked alive¡­?¡¯

    ¡®Wa-wait a second! Knife is enough. Some of us already killed our partners! There''s no need-¡¯

    ¡°Don''t tell me, Are you feeling pity for the person you killed?¡±

    ¡®N-no¡¯

    ¡°Then if he is already dead, why do you care? And besides it''s not like you''re the one who''s going to experience it. So why hesitate?¡±

    ¡®B-but doesn''t mean it''s fine to kill them this way-¡¯

    ¡°THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY. You know something? Humans are really stubborn beings. Even if you stab 100 times some of them will still try to survive. So when you kill someone you should make sure to finish them if not you''ll lose. Yes,

    JUST LIKE HOW YOU''RE GOING TO LOSE NOW. ¡±

    ¡®Huh? What do you-¡¯ push, his partner came behind him and gave a gentle push.

    ¡®You¡­YOU WERE STILL ALIVE?!¡¯

    Cough, ¡®SERVES YOU RIGHT! IDIOTTTTT!!!¡¯

    ¡®Aa¡­hyaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!¡¯

    Splash.

    ¡°That''s why you have to listen to adults when they say to be careful at high places. Now then, one down. If you want to survive then keep it coming! THROW THEM!!¡±

    Drag, A woman dragged her partner towards the volcano.

    ¡®Hey, are you serious?!¡¯

    ¡®Yeah¡­we don''t have any choice, do we?¡¯

    Push, splash. She pushed him off the volcano and walked back to maintain distance, then she started to yell.

    ¡®What the hell are you standing around for?! If you are done with your partners, push them! I don''t want to die because of you!¡¯ That woman shouted.

    ¡°Mmhmm, nods, if you want to live, YOU DON''T HAVE A CHOICE,¡± Nakabachi said, finger snap.

    TIMER HAS RESUMED. <<5:14>>

    After that, People started to throw one by one whom they stabbed earlier into the volcano. The dreamers who were still conscious showed some resistance but they were futile. All they could do was scream as they fell into the volcano. I don''t know if hell really exists or not, but if it really exists, then maybe¡­

    IT WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS.

    Ha¡­haha..What the hell¡­What kind of joke is this!? At the nick of the moment- Dammit!!...! One after another he''s increasing unnecessary load¡­When I''m already busy dealing with this bitch,

    Clash, clang! Sanehara continued to press on.

    ¡°Tch..! You''re so annoying! Can''t you read the¡­..room?¡±

    ¡°Ha¡­aha..hahahahahahahahahaha! Amazing! This is amazing! I am really so lucky! Even God wants me to help me!¡±

    ¡°HUH? What kind of nonsense are you spouting?¡±

    ¡°I said right, THAT I''LL SHOW YOU HELL BEFORE YOU DIE¡±

    (This woman¡­ )

    ¡°That''s why this is perfect! I will throw you inside that. As you slowly sink in that magma, each and every part of your body starts melting, your eyes, ears, heart, throat, lungs, everything will burn and melt!

    EVEN YOUR BONES WON''T REMAIN!

    It''s a shame that I can''t see your face as you die but I''m sure your scream will be fulfilling! That''s why be prepared, Araki Ryota.

    YOU ARE GOING TO DIE BRUTALLY!!!¡±

    So you are going to play like that uh? Sheesh¡­This Psycho woman and psycho bastard, what a pain in the ass¡­But well fine. Bring it on, shitheads. You really seem to be so fixated on me dying. In that case, let me wake you up from your fantasy,

    I''LL SHOW YOU HOW REALITY WORKS!

    When experienced with extreme danger, the hunter becomes the hunted, the predator becomes the prey. But in your case, I wonder who you are

    ARE YOU A PREDATOR OR PREY? WHO ARE YOU? ARAKI RYOTA-KUN, Nakabachi thought.

    With only 5 minutes left, the stakes were once again raised. Who will survive and who will die? In these 5 minutes, our fates will be decided. And with this,

    THE FIRST ROUND IS COMING TO A CLOSE.