4th Day
Time limit: [3:19:04:35]
"Ughh~" Austin let out a low groan sound as he slowly opened his heavy eyelids
The first thing that greeted him when he woke up was an unfamiliar ceiling and he couldn't help but blink a few more times when suddenly he remembered something
- You should rest for now bud, I'll talk to you later
He jolted and sat up with his back straight as he thought 'That brat-!'
Ack!
Austin stroked his back as he felt it ache and stiff
That's when he realised that he was lying on the floor...
After looking around, there he saw Samur casually eating an apple while sitting on a pile of large box
Sensing his gaze, Samur turned to look at him as he said with a smile "Good morning! How was your sleep?"
Austin: "What..."
Samur scratched the back of his head as he said with an awkward expression and a non-existing sweat on his forehead
"I told him that you should be the one instead to sleep on the bed but he firmly refused it, so~ yeah"
Austin thought 'Who are you talking about?'
Samur then looked not at Austin, but beside him
Austin was confused and looked over to his right side to see the lower part of the bed
He then slowly moved up his gaze to see-
- a pair of yellow-hazel eyes and sharp cat-eye-like pupil that made it look majestic and cold at the same time
Austin was stunned at first when he suddenly realised that there was another person with them!
'Was he here the whole time?!'
'I swore I just looked around and only saw the kid!'
Despite his petrified expression, Eru isn't surprised about it and just looked at his phone while Samur just chuckled lightly as he took another bite on the apple
Austin thought 'Wait, that's not the case! Why am I here?!'
.....
Last night
Eru: "No."
Samur: "Oh, c'mon just this one night let him sleep in your room"
Eru: "There are other vacant room now that four players are dead"
Samur: "He might get scared out of his wits if he wakes up without anyone by his side"
Eru: "Is he a kid? Even if he is why are you taking care of him?"
Samur rolled his eyes as he said "Well, I don't know, it's just that a 'certain' person said that I should take the bullet and since he is the one that is accused as the imposter then I need him~"
"I wonder who could that person be, it's so hard to remember~"
Eru: "Then go find that certain person, that person is not here, so leave"
Samur pouted his lips and thought for a moment before-
'Alright, since it doesn't work then let's go with this plan!'
Samur lowered his head, seeing this, Eru had a bad feeling in his heart
Samur then raised his head with moist in his eyes, his lips were slightly parted as he rubbed both of his eyes with both hands as he said "Please~ Older brother Eru- hik!- just once, just this once please~ let him stay-"
Eru: "No."
Samur: "*Cough* W-What?"
Eru thought 'I already saw that one coming, he previously did that, the original Samur, made such a great acting just to fool "her" and like that she agreed to his request'
Samur couldn't help but grumble this time as he said "Just this once alright! I swear, it's just hard to let this guy stay in my room since-"
Samur's voice trailed off as he averted Eru's eyes and let out a fake cough
"Well, anyway, I have my own reasons! So I really need him to stay here, please?"
Eru then thought 'Ah... I forgot, he has "that" problem'
'*Sigh* He's right, Austin would die if he sleeps in the same room as Samur'
'....Fuck, I shouldn't have made Austin's characteristic scared of monsters and ghosts...maybe I should've made him more of a naive like person...'
'Well, it's too late to regret now'
Closing his eyes, he heaved a sigh as he said "Fine, but on two conditions"
Samur's eyes lit up as he nodded vigorously and asked "Okay what is it?"
"First, he will sleep on the floor and second, the moment he wakes up he needs to leave my room immediately and never come back"
Samur puffed up his cheeks looking all chubby (>~< so cute) and he muttered "Fine!"
He also mumbled "Stingy". His voice was very faint that almost sounded like a whisper but Eru still heard it
Just then, Eru noticed something and said "Samur..."
Samur: "What?"
Eru: "...Why do you have snow on your body?"
Samur: "Huh?"
Samur was completely taken aback by this as he examined his body and just noticed there were some snows and ice that are sticked on his shoulders and trousers
Samur: "Ahhh...ahahaha..."
Samur let out an awkward laugh as he raised his chin to hide his embarrassment
"Ahh, maybe some fell from the holes of the roof?"
Samur tried to make some excuses not wanting Eru to find out that it was because he barged into the kitchen despite the wide opened window where strong snows kept coming in
But unfortunately for him, Eru was able to see through him and countered attack it
"On the second floor, there is a hole that passes through from the third floor?"
Samur: "..."
Not having any other choices, Samur bit the bullet and said "Yeah, yeah, that's exactly it!"
Eru still didn't believe it but fortunately for Samur he was too tired at this time and let it slide
After the agreement, Samur left and after morning came, Samur came back to Eru's room to pick up Austin.
.....
Back to the present
"Leave. Don't disturb me"
"Hmph!" Samur humphed and went towards the door as he said "Let's go Austin"
Austin: "Eh? O-Okay..."
Not knowing the full story, Austin could only reluctantly follow Samur
Before leaving, Austin looked back one last time at Eru
But just then, Eru's eyes glanced at him and he had shivers run down his spine just by that one glance
"Hey aren't you coming?"
Samur's voice woke him up and he blinked as he stared at Eru that was now focused on his phone like that glance was just an illusion
'Was it just my imagination?'
As both Samur and Austin finally left, Eru put down his phone and he said "Caius"
[System999: Yes host?]
The yellow screen floating above Eru and he asked "Why haven't you changed your name yet?"
[System999: What?]
"I mean, you can replace that name on your screen that says 'System999' into your new name now"
[System999: Huh? Is that possible? Hold on]
After some time later, Caius finally came back
[Caius: Is this how you do it host?]
Eru nodded.
If Caius probably has a body and face he would be seen smiling like a fool
Eru then picked up his phone again as he thought 'Since I don't need to do anything for now, I should try to create the unbinding spell for the ghosts'
***
Tap Tap
Tap Tap
Samur and Austin walked through the hallway of the second floor
Austin wad lost in his own thoughts as he couldn't remember what happened other than that Samur knocked him out unconscious
Samur glanced at Austin secretly as he narrowed his eyes and thought 'I don't think I would get any answers from him...sigh my poor life'
'Oh yeah! I think Cozbi and the other's would be meeting right now in the living room right?'
'Let's see what fun things they would show me!'
Samur then started running leaving Austin stunned
Just when Samur's back is going father from his sight did he finally snapped back to reality and chased after him
He then thought as he run 'Wait why am I even following this brat?!'
That's when he suddenly remembered that everyone else other than Samur, looked at him with disgust
Austin's round brown eyes slightly shook before lowering them
He just noticed that even though Samur did...some...yeah, just a little bit...bad things to him like throwing him, talking about suicide, or knocking him out...he was still the only one that kept up with his temper!
Since he doesn't have anyone that would support him, then he could only follow Samur
That's when he thought 'Wait, I think I forgot something...was...I, I think, there was another person...who?'
'Ahhhh why is my memory so bad?!'
(It's not, it's just that it's hard for anyone to immediately or always notice or remember Eru -_-)
Samur not caring for Austin finally arrived at the stairs, but to his disappointment, no one was present in the living room
'Hah...where are they?'
***
Inside the bedroom on the second floor, Cozbi and the other's were gathered as Cozbi seemed to be deeply contemplating about something
Miya: "So, that person is the imposter?"
Cozbi was about to answer but Irene spoke first as she exclaimed "Ofcourse he is! Why else would he do that to me?!"
Miya nervously shook her head as she said "I know! It's just that...don't you feel something is..."
Nathan: "Odd?"
Miya was stunned but nodded.
Nathan then looked seriously at Cozbi as he asked "Is it possible for the monster to take over one's body and control it?"
Cozbi thought about it and said "There is but it is not possible for it to appear in this game since it's only C-level"
"Those creatures would only appear in S level and above games so having one spotted here is impossible"
Nathan: "Then, is it possible if it was not a monster that did it but another person instead?"
Cozbi's smile frozed and asked "What do you mean?"
Nathan: "I mean, is it possible if it was a player like us?"
Cozbi laughed and said "Ofcourse it's not, we players can only rely on items but there is no such thing that would allow us to be able to do that"
Nathan was reluctant to accept it but could only sigh and nodded solemnly
They then moved on to another topic and started discussing
Unbeknownst to them, Cozbi thought 'That was close, luckily they still don't know about the abilities'
'But even if they do find out, I haven't heard such abilities like that'
'From the Ranking board and their abilities, I haven't seen such a player like that, not even the most strongest has that, neither the previous or new ones'
Miya: "So, what do we do now?"
Jean: "There's only few days till the game is over"
All of them stared at Cozbi and Cozbi then said "I'm not sure of the imposter but, I don't think-"
He then paused as he remember something 'Wait a minute, there's that guy, should I instead switch the blame to him instead of the kid and that brown haired person?'
'Hehe, how about I do it to all three of them?'
Miya: "What's wrong?"
Seeing Cozbi paused, Miya was confused and couldn't help but ask
Cozbi: "Ah, it's just that, I remember someone that haven't showed up into any of our meetings, so I thought, isn't it suspicious?"
Nathan widened his eyes as he asked "There's another person?"
Cozbi nodded solemnly and said "Remember the other day before we grouped up into two pairs?"
"When the kid went down the stairs he had another person along with him"
"Huh...?" Everyone stared at him dumbfounded 'Was there another person?'
The couldn't remember since at that time they were so anxious on what they would do that they didn't noticed the strangeness
Alex then thought of something and said "Maybe that person is dead?"
Jean: "Probably or else he wouldn't just stay in one place not doing something to stay alive"
As Jean spoke these words it echoed in Cozbi's mind - He wouldn't just stay in one place not doing something to stay alive
Cozbi's eyed widened as he thought 'He wouldn't be staying still waiting to die, then, he must've done something while we were not aware of it, or, could he know something that can guarantee his survival?'
'No, that's not it, there's no other way to survive this game'
'That's why it was named "Guess Who"'
'There's still a lot of us alive right now, I need to get rid of some'
Growl~
They then heard a growl sound, it was not faint or average but it was very loud, obviously very hungry
They all looked towards the sound and saw Miya blushing as she lowered her head in embarrassment
"I-...I, I'm,...hungry..."
She muttered and wanted to hide your head in a hole in shame
Growl~
But just then, plenty more of growl sounded throughout the room
This was already the third day since they came here and they haven't eaten any yet neither have they drink any water
Cozbi sighed as he said "Then, we don't have any other choice but to go around the mansion again and search for food supplies-"
"No!"
Irene screamed, her whole body trembling in fear as she muttered "I already searched the kitchen, there was nothing, so, it's no use trying to explore more for food..."
Everyone thought that she must've been traumatized after what happened to Cozbi, to her, and the other's that didn't made it back
Well, anyone would actually
But...
Growl~
Miya clutched her stomach and the other's were also frowning from the pain in their stomach that kept growling and aching from hunger
Meanwhile, Cozbi was very pleased with the situation since this is a perfect opportunity to separate everyone
Cozbi didn't need to be troubled by this since he already brought some foods from the system shop
Although, that did cost him some amount of coins atleast he won't be weakened
Miya then thought of something and said "Maybe Irene should just stay here, I'll look after her"
It was kind of awkward since Irene was a lot more older than Miya but she didn't have the courage to stay alone and so nodded in agreement
The others nodded and was once again paired into two pairs
Nathan and Cozbi and Alex and Jean
Cozbi: "Also, if any of us sees the kid and the brown-haired don't make it too obvious that we are avoiding them"
Alex: "Why?"
Cozbi: "So that they will reveal their selves if they think that we let down our guard"
Everyone frowned but nodded and then left the room to search for food resources
As they walked down the stairs, they then heard a soft voice
"Good morning!"
They froze, ofcourse it was already obvious which fool would say such a thing
Cozbi then put on his facade look, turning around he smiled and said "Good morning to you too..."
Just then, Cozbi's smile froze as he saw Samur sitting onbthe coach eating an apple
'Where did he get that?' Cozbi thought
Nathan and the rest was also surprised, this includes Austin who just realized the situation
At first he didn't thought about Samur eating an apple but then he remembered that there was no food
So where did Samur got it...
"Hm?"
Samur noticed the stares and looked at his apple, he then waved it on the air as he said "Wondering where I got this?"
Samur smirked at their sights, they frowned not wanting to admit it
Cozbi was the first to speak as he said "Yes, can we know where you got it?"
Samur: "I don't know."
Cozbi: "Huh?"
Samur shrugged and closed his eyes as he said "Well someone gave it to me but he never said where he got it"
Cozbi: "Is this person you're talking about someone who has a weak presence?"
Suddenly, the room begun to emit a suffocating air
Samur narrowed his eyes before-
"Who?"
Samur tilted his head while blinking several times looking all confuse and innocent
Cozbi's mouth and eyebrow twitched as he thought 'Damn brat I see you want to play clueless eh? Then be it!'
"Ah, never mind. Then do you have any idea if there are other places we can find food?"
Samur shook his head as he took a bite of the apple and said "No clue"
"Tsk" Alex clicked his tounge and strolled away while Jean followed behind him
Nathan then turned around and said to Cozbi "Let's go, there's no use talking to him"
Cozbi nodded and walked beside Nathan
Cozbi then thought 'Perfect timing'
'Now they will be the first to be suspected and accuse'
.
.
.
.
.
Miya: "Calm down Irene, I think we're safe here"
Irene inhaled and exhaled trying to calm down
Miya still doesn't know how to coax her so she could only stay by her side
Knock Knock
Just then, a knock came from the door and both of them were startled
"Who is it?"
The other person behind the door didn't answer which made Miya and Irene stand on their guard
Irene couldn't help but whisper to Miya in a low voice "I-It might be h-him"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
But before Miya could even say something in response, loud banging sound on the door was heard!
Boom!
"Ahh!"
Miya and Irene screamed and kneeled on the floor in fright
With the last burst the door flew open as a dark silhouettes appeared before it
Looking at the figure, they then recognized who it was-
"Y- It's you!"
Irene screamed, it was Austin
Austin didn't say anything, his face was expressionless and lifeless
Just as Austin was about to take a step into the room, it abruptly stopped on it's track as if it froze
"Huh...?"
Both Irene and Miya were shocked, just then, they saw Austin disappeared into pixels like a hologram but not exactly
After Austin disappeared, behind appeared a small boy holding a small dagger in his hands as he spinned it playfully
"Wew! Now that's interesting"
Samur snickered, behind him Austin was standing while having a dumbfounded look on his face...
Wait-
Austin?
Miya and Irene both looked at each other and blinked a couple of times before looking back at Austin
Irene muttered "Didn't you just-..."
"A clone, that's amazing!"
Samur exclaimed as he squatted down to see if there are any tracks left by the fake Austin
"What?"
Austin asked and doubtfully stared at Samur
Samur then said "It seems that someone can actually create clones and disguise as someone else. This is exciting!"
Actually, he was just saying it to himself not for Austin or the others
Austin: "W-What do you mean? How is it possible..."
Samur scratched his chin as he said "Hmm, not sure either but from the looks of it, it seemed it was trying to frame you for killing-"
He then turned his gaze towards Irene and Miya before squinting his eyes as he continued "- Irene"
Irene flinched because of this, gritting her teeth she screamed "What nonsense! Maybe it's just you guys pretending innocent when you're actually the one that set up all of this!"
Samur laughed childishly at these words as he said "Really? I never knew I was this good at setting up stages"
"Aww~ If only it was me who set this up I would be blushing right now"
Samur pretended to be in tears
Everyone: "..."
What they didn't know was that Samur who was still on the door frame secretly glanced on the right side
There he saw Eru watching them lazily before nodding and closed the door on his room
Samur then clasped his hand as he said "Alright then! May I ask for a favor?"
It was not certain on who Samur was asking for a favor as he has his eyes arc in a smile, not showing the direction on who he was pointing on
Without waiting for the response of other, he said "I want all of you to keep quiet about this and pretend nothing happened, got it?"
Samur's crimson blood red eyes shown dangerously as it looked down on them
Everyone in the room thought 'That's not even asking for a favor but an order!'
Irene thought 'Is this kid insane? Does he really think I would keep quiet after my near death-'
"Okay"
Austin has his mouth opened, surprised about Miya's answer whilst Irene had a look of disbelief as she stared at Miya as if she was crazy
Irene: "Why?"
Miya: "Actually...I also thought about it and...I don't think they are the imposter"
"And! If, they really aren't the imposter then, maybe they want to lure out the real imposter so, acting oblivious to this might be the best..."
"Oh?" Samur muttered in an amused tone and thought 'I don't know if it was her instinct or observation but she is on the right track'
"Then since everyone has agreed, goodbye!"
Samur turned around and left walking towards his room
Austin then whispered "Do you know who could do this?"
Samur didn't answered but had a sly smile on his face
Just as he opened the door to his room he looked at Austin before he said with a smile "You can go to your own room now, see ya!"
Bang!
Samur closed the door infront of Austin's face, leaving him flabbergasted
Meanwhile, Irene gritted her teeth and thought 'Those two are conspiring! I need to tell this to Cozbi and the other's!'
She then looked at Miya who was staring dazely at the door
Irene thought 'It seems like she is now hypnotized by them! She is still young and yet she will die'
Ofcourse Irene still had some conscience and wanted to persuade Miya but seeing that she seemed to be determined in keeping it a secret she had no choice but to tell Cozbi and the other's about it secretly behind her back
'I'm sorry Miya, but I still want to live!'
***
Beep
Sizzzzzzz
Beep
Bip-
Error!
Error!
Inside the bedroom, Eru couldn't help but sigh seeing this red signs on his phone
Until now, he still couldn't create a way to break the binding
He then paused as he sensed something and said "You can come out now"
A black figure then suddenly emerged from the shadows as a woman in white dress appeared before him
The mother ghost that was holding the baby in her arms looked at the phone of Eru and couldn't help but put a questioning expression on her face
Eru noticed this but didn't bother to answer as he said "I need you to do something"
The mother frowned and Eru then added "I know that I said that I would only need you to appear on the last day of the game, but something came up"
The mother was reluctant but nodded and Eru then said "I need you to spy on someone"
She was about to call her hounds when Eru interrupted and said "Don't call them, I need you to be the one to watch them"
She frowned as her eyes darkened, she can't leave her baby but she also can't carry him with her since it takes a lot of time and also a little bit nuisance
"You can leave the baby here, I'll take watch over him until you come back with the information I need"
The mother stared intently at Eru for a long time, after contemplating about it, she reluctantly nodded and gave her baby to Eru
Before leaving, she gave one last look on her baby before vanishing in the dark
Wah~
A small sound came from the baby's mouth
Eru looked at the baby in his arms and was about to place it down on the bed when it suddenly clutched on his coat
The baby had it's eyebrow in a down arc as it nudged it's head on Eru's chest
After some more moving, the baby seemed to find it's comfortable position and snuggled it's head on Eru before it fell asleep
Eru: "..."
He can't remember the last time he held onto a baby but this reminded him of his cat when he was still a child
He tried to break free from the baby's grip but since it was already a ghost and not human anymore, it's grip was much more stronger and so Eru couldn't break free
Sigh
Eru could only heave a sigh as he gently stroke it's soft hair.
'Well, this isn't bad'
[Constellation 'Abyssal God' is speechless]
[Caius: Aww >-< Even host has a soft side!]
Eru: "..." This is annoying