12:33 PM
Those idiots delayed us by five minutes, and in the end, I had to rely on Ailiss for the last two. They likely suffered more at her hands than the ones who were shot.
Technically speaking, we didn't gain much either; they had no new information to share. All they could say was what the previous group had told us: they were after us because we're players.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, the delay they caused didn't make much difference, as Manabu, Miyu, and Shou are far more delayed. Ailiss is becoming visibly irritated about this, just as she predicted. Thankfully, I made her retract her earlier threat of beating me up as punishment.
"It's strange that they haven't arrived yet. I'm sure I told them we'd meet at this time. Should I go look for them?" Keiko says, scanning the surroundings.
"Don't worry about it. They don't have a good track record for punctuality, especially because of Shou," I reply.
"You knew that and still insisted on arriving on time?" Ailiss's deep voice conveys her displeasure.
"I forgot to warn Keiko about this possibility back at the gym, so I thought it made sense not to leave her waiting alone. That's why I suggested we come earlier, but you agreed with me in the end, didn't you?"
"Yes… I remember," she responds, her eyes blazing and fists clenched.
It's clear what's between the lines: "If you bring this up in public, I'll break every bone in your body."
"Look! They've just arrived," Keiko announces, pointing at the approaching trio.
The three arrive with distinct reactions. Manabu and Miyu seem to sense the trouble they've gotten themselves into due to their delay. Having had less interaction with Ailiss, Shou appears cheerful, as if nothing is wrong.
"You're thirty minutes late," Ailiss greets them with obvious irritation.
"We're very sorry; we ran into some problems," Miyu apologizes, glancing at Shou to emphasize the cause.
"If you're really sorry, do a push-up for every minute you're late," Ailiss says, resting her head on her hand.
The three step back, visibly frightened by the terrifying aura she emanates. Even Shou, the most reckless person in the world, looks intimidated.
"Come on, it's just thirty minutes. It's not the end of the world, right?" Shou comments nervously, sweating.
"Thirty-five minutes, to be exact," she corrects.
"Let's not be too harsh on them. Surely, there was a valid reason for the delay. Things happen," Keiko says with a smile, trying to calm the atmosphere.
No matter their excuse's reasonable, Ailiss is unlikely to accept it.
"Well, yes… Err… How should I put it…" Miyu stammers, struggling to explain.
Manabu cuts in, speaking without a hint of shame.
"Shoucchi went to drop the kids off at the pool."
Miyu and Keiko blush furiously at his words.
"Dude, you weren't supposed to say that in front of the girls! Manabu, you idiot, you're ruining my reputation!" Shou yells, grabbing him by the collar.
"Sorry, Shoucchi! Please let go of me!" Manabu pleads as his friend shakes him.
"Manabu-kun, don't blurt out things like that so suddenly!" Miyu scolds.
"I wish I hadn't asked…" Keiko says, covering her face with her hand.
I glance at Ailiss, expecting her to be livid. Instead, she's staring at the scene blankly. Her mood swings are genuinely unpredictable.
"I'm used to these two being ridiculous, but I'm surprised you didn't react to this," I say to Ailiss.
She looks at me with a confused expression and replies:
"I don't understand this expression. I didn't grasp what he was saying."
Since she hasn't had much exposure to informal language, she must have taken the phrase literally, making it incomprehensible.
"Trust me, it's better that way."
After the not-so-pleasant reception of the late trio, we finally begin discussing how to deal with the students serving Mikoto.
The chaos caused by Keiko will have a significant effect on a large scale. However, Mikoto's guards won't scatter to fight the rebels. They'll focus solely on her security.
"They're becoming more hostile. Ailiss and I have already been attacked twice by them today," I comment.
"Do you know why they've done this?" Keiko asks.
I don't see any harm in discussing this with her.
"Because Ailiss and I are players. Mikoto has likely spread this information throughout the school."
"I suspected as much. I just wanted to confirm if the rumors were true. I've overheard them in several conversations," Keiko responds.
"About that…" Miyu speaks hesitantly, "I think it's my fault."
"Your fault? What do you mean?" I ask.
"Yesterday, I decided to tell Manabu-kun and Shimizu-kun about you because I didn't think it was fair for them to be unaware of your situation. Apparently, some girls passing by overheard part of our conversation. I'm so sorry, Johann-kun! You were attacked because of such a silly mistake," she says, looking down.
This revelation brings me a sense of relief. It means Mikoto didn't actively set the whole school against us. Could it be a hint of humanity left in her? No, why am I thinking this? My mind must be looking for any excuse to absolve her. Those guys we captured openly stated that Mikoto gave them our location. She's trying to kill us.
"It's fine. We can't change the past. What's done is done," I reply.
"So, what's the plan moving forward, Jocchi? Any ideas?" Manabu asks.
"I've been thinking. While Keiko's rebellion creates a distraction, we could cut the power and catch them by surprise. It's just a suggestion. What matters is the strategy of diverting their attention and attacking while they're disoriented."
"That seems feasible. We could try to separate her from her bodyguards," Keiko suggests.
"Maybe I can rally some allies from the rebellion to help us storm the building if needed," Keiko adds.
"Yes! I'm so tired of this. Let's settle this once and for all with a fight!" Shou shouts, jumping out of his seat.
"Count me in," Manabu says, pulling a toy gun from his pocket.
"Hey, Manabu, that might actually be a good idea. We could use it to intimidate them. I never thought your habit of bringing toys to school would come in handy."
"I've told you a thousand times: They're action figures!"
I glance at the bandages on Manabu and Shou, applied by Miyu and Keiko. They're still battered from the beating they took yesterday. Despite that, it's surprising to see all three so willing to help me.
To be honest, I wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with Mikoto at all costs. Unfortunately, that seems impossible now. At the very least, I must ensure they don't end up in too much danger.
When I look at them, I feel a faint guilt consuming me. Strangely, it doesn't seem to stem from yesterday's events. Instead, it feels tied to something much more distant.
Everyone seems to agree with the plan. However, Ailiss speaks up.
"Nonsense. I've wasted enough time being cautious with you all. I'll take over and end this myself."
It was only a matter of time before this happened. I just hope she doesn't take any reckless actions.
"What do you mean by that?" Manabu asks.
"That we just need to act efficiently. I already have an idea of how we can infiltrate the building."
"And what's your plan?" I ask.
"I don't want to spoil the surprise. Stick to the rebellion idea until it's time for the invasion. I'll handle the rest."
Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Then again, she's a professional assassin. I should trust her more.
Still, it feels strange. It's like a mouse worrying about a lion's safety. Even so, I can't stop myself from caring about her.
"Ailiss, promise me one thing. Don't take unnecessary risks."
"Mistkerl, I don't need you policing my decisions. What you've experienced this week has been my world for years. I know better than anyone how to handle this."
She's right. Who am I to offer any advice? She's faced dangers like this alone in the past while we lived our everyday school lives. We have no grounds to question her.
Still, I can't help but worry.
5:21 PM
The rebellion has already begun, and the school grounds are in chaos. Currently, Mikoto's subordinates are trying to suppress the uprising Keiko sparked. Her defenses must be severely weakened. This is the best time to strike. However, we never expected Ailiss's proposed method to be so extreme.
"Isn't this a bit excessive?" Miyu asks.
"It is. Under normal circumstances, I'd opt for a silent assassination, leaving no trace. An elegant kill leaves no evidence. But in this game, none of that matters," Ailiss replies as she boards the bus.
Ailiss's plan is simple: we will storm the main building as violently as possible. In this case, by using the school bus. We move the bus out of the garage and align it with the main building's lobby.
I open the fuel tank, roll up a piece of paper, and insert it as a makeshift fuse to ignite the fuel.
This will cause significant destruction. We might take out a considerable portion of her forces depending on how many of Mikoto's subordinates are present. Unfortunately, those who choose to follow her will face the consequences. We don't have time to persuade them or devise a plan that avoids casualties.
"Ailiss, we're ready," I inform her.
"Good," she says, starting the engine.
I turn to Keiko and ask:
"Keiko, are you ready to avenge Natsuki? Are you sure you want to go through with this? After all, your life is on the line."
Initially, I didn't plan to involve her like this. Admittedly, using her desire for revenge isn't the noblest choice, but it is our only option.
I temporarily took on this role because of my urgency to keep Ailiss safe. However, the events of yesterday made me abandon it. Now, she must bear this burden.
"More than ever. I told you, I won't rest until I make her pay for what she did to Natsuki-chan. I'll be satisfied if I die this way."
I think I can trust her.
"I'm counting on your determination."
After receiving her confirmation, I hand her Ailiss's weapon. She'll be the one to confront Mikoto.
On one hand, I'm relieved Keiko remains steadfast in her resolve. It's our ticket to escape this dimension, ensuring Ailiss, the three of them, and I will all benefit.
I wish I could undo all this, but there's no time left. Ailiss's life is at stake, and nothing will stop me from saving her, not even my inexplicable affection for Mikoto.
"Everyone, take your positions! We storm the building in three minutes!" Ailiss commands.
"Understood!" Manabu, Shou, and Keiko reply.
I hand the lighter to Miyu, who holds it with trembling hands.
"This is so dangerous. Are you sure about this? Will you be okay?" Miyu asks Ailiss.
"Stop being such a coward. I've done similar things before," Ailiss responds.
"S-Sorry!" Miyu stammers.
I almost feel sorry for Miyu. It's like watching a small, timid animal trying to assist a mythical predator. She's clearly unaccustomed to such harsh treatment, especially when she's trying to be helpful.
Keiko and I run toward the main building, meeting Shou and Manabu near the entrance. Now, we must wait for Ailiss's assault before launching our attack.