"Hanamori-chan said she went to the mall for the sales, but by the time she saw the game notification, it was too late..." Umi read the message aloud.
While they were having dinner, Chika had posted a notice in the player mutual aid group, reminding everyone about the game.
On one hand, the notice could prevent others from accidentally entering the mall.
On the other, if anyone triggered the game, the group could watch out for each other and offer assistance.
"Poor Hanamori-chan, having to jump into the game again so soon," Umi sighed, glancing at Amamiya. "Should we give her a temporary skill to help out?"
Amamiya asked, "Where is she now?"
"She's just outside the mall. As soon as she entered, she got the notification and sent a message."
"Let's head back."
"…"
The two turned around and retraced their steps. It wasn't long before they spotted their 'unlucky' schoolmate, Hanamori-chan, waiting at the entrance of the mall.
"Umi-chan!"
The spy maid, disguised as an innocent schoolgirl, brightened up and hurried over.
Naturally, there were sighs exchanged on both sides.
"We'll be fighting side by side again," Umi said, pumping her fist confidently. "Let's work together to beat this game."
Amamiya glanced at Hayasaka, noticing that despite her school uniform, she now sported a pair of black-framed glasses, giving her a slightly awkward, nerdy appearance.
"Give me your hand."
"I'm in your debt, Amamiya-kun," Hayasaka responded politely, bowing in gratitude as she extended her right hand.
As expected, the skill Amamiya pasted on her was the usual combo of 'Sweeping Away Evil.'
"Shall we take a picture, Hanamori-chan?" Umi asked, pulling out her phone. "I'll send it to the others so that when we meet in the game, we can help each other out."
Hayasaka had no reason to refuse. She adjusted her glasses and said softly, "Thank you for the trouble, Umi-chan."
Umi positioned herself between Amamiya and Hayasaka, flashing a peace sign with her fingers.
Click.
The photo was taken without issue.
"Oh, by the way," Umi asked curiously while posting the photo, "why are you wearing glasses today, Hanamori-chan?"
Why?
Of course, it was to avoid being recognized by my young lady!
The disguise was rudimentary, and while someone unfamiliar wouldn't notice, Kaguya—who had grown up with her—would see through it immediately.
Since she was determined to hide her identity for the time being, more layers of disguise were needed.
"Well... it's because the dark circles under my eyes haven't gone away," Hayasaka explained casually. "When I work part-time, I don't want customers to see them, so I wear glasses when I don't have time for makeup."
"Ah, I see." Umi accepted the explanation without a second thought. Holding the phone in front of Hayasaka, she introduced the contacts. "This one is Shinomiya-san, and that's Chika-chan. I've sent them your picture, so when we meet in the game, we can coordinate."
"…"
Five minutes passed quickly.
"Alright, all set." Amamiya let go of her hand once the skill transfer was complete.
"Hanamori-chan, we're heading out now." Umi waved goodbye. "See you in the game!"
After watching Amamiya and Umi walk off, Hayasaka calmly turned her attention back to the mall and went inside to continue her mission.
The return journey for Amamiya and Umi was quiet.
Upon arriving home, Umi was the first to announce her presence.
"I'm back!" she said cheerfully, entering the house. Squatting down, she petted the dog's head with a smile. Then, looking up at Amamiya, she added, "Hey Amamiya-kun, will you come home with me tomorrow?"
Amamiya took off his shoes, glancing down as the soft light illuminated the girl's delicate, snow-white collarbone. The faint outline under the light was enticing, as if inviting further exploration.
"What are you planning to do at your place?"
"I'll give you that game I mentioned earlier," Umi replied.
Amamiya thought for a moment and recalled, "...the one with the perverted academy?"
"It's 'not' a perverted academy!" Umi puffed out her cheeks in protest, snorting indignantly. "It's a prestigious school for ladies and nobles!"
But the fact that all kinds of inappropriate things happen there still makes it a perverted school! Amamiya mused silently.
Undeterred, Umi continued, "You'll understand once you try it, Amamiya-kun. It's really stress-relieving."
'Sorry, but I have a feeling that game will only raise stress levels', Amamiya thought skeptically. "We'll talk about it tomorrow," he replied, unimpressed. "For now, you should take a shower."
After sending the spirited girl off for her shower, Amamiya was just about to sit down when the doorbell rang.
Opening the door, he found a girl with long black hair standing outside. It was Miko.
"Amamiya, good evening." Miko pursed her pink lips as she stepped inside. "I saw your lights on and thought I'd stop by…"
"I just talked to Chika-chan, and she told me you guys triggered a game at the mall." Miko bit her lower lip, guilt weighing on her expression. "I'm sorry. If it hadn't been for me…"
"Pah."
Amamiya lightly flicked her forehead with his fingers.
"Ow," Miko winced, taking a small step back as she covered her forehead with both hands, her cheeks puffing out in protest.
"Don't go jinxing us by saying stuff like that," Amamiya scolded. "It's seriously dangerous, you know."
"I wasn't trying to jinx anything!"
"As for apologies, save them for after we clear the game," Amamiya said matter-of-factly. "Right now, you should focus on being as helpful as possible."
Miko tilted her head, curious. "...What should I do?"
Amamiya leaned in and whispered, "Let's discuss it in my room."
"Your room…" Miko's heart suddenly began to race as she glanced toward the bathroom. "But Umi is still in there."
Amamiya gave her a knowing look, his expression turning slightly amused.
"Wait," Miko's eyes widened as the realization hit her. "You want me to recharge your energy?"
"What else?" Amamiya turned to look at Shimizu, who was sitting on the couch, engrossed in her phone. "Sister Shimizu will definitely be useful in the game, so it's essential to recharge her now."
"That's harsh, Amamiya-kun," Shimizu chimed in, glancing over with a mock pout. "You only mention me when it's convenient for you. I haven't even had a proper line of dialogue yet!"
Miko, blushing furiously, hesitated. "Well… I haven't taken a shower yet."
"It's fine," Amamiya raised his right hand nonchalantly. "I'll hold my nose."
Miko's face froze for a moment, then she clenched her fist and delivered a swift punch.
"…That makes me so mad!"
"…"
The rest went without saying—Shimizu's energy recharge was completed swiftly.
Once that was done, Amamiya copied two more skills from Miko. Whether or not they'd be useful, it was better to have more than less.
They chatted for a while longer, but since Miko's mother was still at home, she soon bid farewell and left.
Before they knew it, midnight had crept up on them.
During that time, no one slept. Instead, the group was busy in the chat, analyzing possible game scenarios, developing contingency plans, and doing their best to be prepared.
"The game's about to start," Umi said softly, holding Amamiya's right hand. "I hope we won't get separated later."
"Yeah, but in horror games, saying stuff like that pretty much guarantees it'll happen," Amamiya replied.
"Hey, I take it back!"
"It's too late for that now."
"…"
Midnight struck right on time.
In the blink of an eye, Amamiya and Umi disappeared.
As the initial dizziness faded, Amamiya opened his eyes, finding himself standing alone in a dim corridor. His hand, which had just been holding Umi's, was now empty. There was no sign of her.
'Yep, that's what happens when you jinx it in a horror game.'