As the tension in the room thickened, a student stood up. She was wearing a red blazer over a white shirt, with a loosely hung tie around her collar. Her pleated skirt swayed slightly as she stepped forward, her short black hair framing her intense gaze. Her sclera were white, but her pupils were a mesmerizing mix of red and blue, adding an enigmatic depth to her presence.
The girl spoke with a calm yet firm tone. "Nobuaki, think before you make a decision. You're about to take someone's life to save someone important to you. You might feel justified now, but the weight of destroying a person's life will follow you. The consequences of this action will define you. But in the end, the choice is yours to make."
Nobuaki turned to face her, his expression conflicted and filled with doubt. He recognized her reasoning but couldn't deny the urgency of the situation.
"Yeah, I know," Nobuaki said, his voice laced with frustration and desperation. "But I don't have much time left."
He glanced at the phone again, the timer counting down mercilessly. Every second felt like a hammer striking his chest, forcing him closer to a decision he didn't want to make. His eyes flicked to the list of names, and Billy Kane's name stood out like a beacon of his past.
The weight of Misa's words bore down on him, making him question his morality. Could he justify his choice, even if it was for Yuri's life? The thought of bearing the guilt and consequences churned in his mind.
The room was silent, save for the faint ticking of the clock in his head. Every student watched him, waiting for him to make the impossible decision that could either save Yuri or condemn another.
The weight of the decision bore down on Nobuaki like a collapsing building, crushing his resolve and spirit. His mind was racing, the seconds ticking down to the inevitable.
Nobuaki's mind: If I choose Billy Kane, then Yuri will be saved, but Billy will die. Such an action might drag me into a pit of despair. What should I do?
He looked at Yuri, who stood trembling with fear, her pale face filled with despair. She was staring at him with tear-filled eyes, silently pleading for her life. The room was silent, the tension palpable as everyone awaited his decision.
Nobuaki's hands trembled as he held his phone. His soul screamed at him not to make this choice, but the weight of the situation left him no alternative. Slowly, he began to tap on Billy Kane's name, his heart pounding harder with each passing moment.
"Forgive me, Billy," Nobuaki muttered under his breath, his voice heavy with regret. "I find no way to save Yuri."
The moment his finger tapped Billy Kane's name, the phone screen lit up with a chilling message:
"Well done. Billy Kane will take the place of Yuri. However, if you do not complete your task, Billy Kane will suffer the worst fate."
The words on the screen were like daggers, piercing Nobuaki's heart. He had made his choice, but at what cost? The room was eerily silent as everyone processed what had just happened.
Yuri's trembling began to subside slightly as she realized she was no longer the target. But the relief was short-lived, as the grim realization of the game's cruelty settled in.
Kimi broke the silence, her voice steady but somber. "The game has accepted your decision, Nobuaki. But this is only the beginning. The consequences of this choice will ripple through all of us. Be prepared for what's to come."
Nobuaki could only nod, his heart heavy with guilt and dread. He had saved Yuri, but at what price? The weight of his choice would haunt him, and the game's cruel grip was far from over.
Ken Sudo exhaled deeply, his arms crossed as he leaned back against the desk. His sharp gaze fell squarely on Nobuaki, his expression skeptical and challenging.
"So, it's over?" Ken said, his tone carrying a hint of disdain. "If Billy Kane doesn't die, then this so-called 'game' you've described will just be proven as some false rumor."
He paused, letting his words sink in, before turning his gaze directly on Nobuaki. "And if nothing happens to Billy Kane, then your subjective words and sentences must be illusions... or outright lies."
The air in the room grew heavier, Ken's accusations casting a shadow over Nobuaki's already burdened conscience.
Nobuaki clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Ken... this isn't about proving anything. Do you really think I'd risk someone's life for a lie? I don't want this to be true any more than you do!"
Ken's gaze remained unwavering, but the tension between them was palpable. Kimi stepped forward, placing a hand on Nobuaki's shoulder. Her voice was calm but firm.
"Ken, enough," she said. "This isn't about whether we believe Nobuaki or not. The game is real, and it doesn't wait for anyone's doubts to clear. What matters now is being prepared for what happens next. Because whether you accept it or not, the game has already begun."
Ken clicked his tongue in frustration but said nothing more. The room fell silent again, everyone lost in their thoughts. The seconds ticked by, and Nobuaki couldn't shake the growing sense of dread. What would happen to Billy Kane? And how would this decision come back to haunt them all?
A male student with drizzy black hair, sharp blue pupils in his white sclera, and the standard red blazer of the academy uniform stood up. His tie was neatly knotted, and his black jeans gave him a casual yet composed appearance. Hirata Suzai, known for his calm demeanor, broke the tense silence in the room.
"Now, let's go back to our classroom," Hirata said, his voice steady and composed, offering a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.
The students looked at each other, still shaken by the recent events, but Hirata's words seemed to bring a sense of direction. Slowly, they began to gather their belongings, murmuring quietly among themselves.
Kimi nodded at Hirata, appreciating his effort to keep things moving. "Good idea, Hirata. We've done all we can for now. Returning to the classroom will give us a chance to regroup and think more clearly."
Nobuaki, still clutching his phone, felt the weight of his decision pressing down on him. He followed the others as they began to leave the study room, his thoughts racing.
As they walked back towards Class 1-B, the atmosphere was heavy with uncertainty. Every step felt like a countdown to what would come next.
As Nobuaki, Mio, Yuri, and the rest of the group made their way back to Class 1-B, the weight of the decision still hung heavily in the air. The classroom, once a place of normalcy, now felt like a war room, where the fate of everyone involved was being decided with every passing moment.
The students gathered around, some standing, others sitting, as the discussion about the Orcal Game began. The tension was thick as everyone looked to Nobuaki, the one who had made the fateful decision. His phone sat on the desk in front of him, still glowing faintly, reminding them all of the game's unyielding presence.
"So, what now?" Ken Sudo broke the silence, his tone still skeptical. "The game's rules are clear, but what do we do next? We just saw someone's life potentially taken. How do we stop this thing?"
Kimi, who had remained quiet, finally spoke up, her voice steady but filled with determination. "The game isn't something we can just ignore. We've made the first step, but there's more to it than just choosing someone to die. This is about survival—finding the owner, and figuring out how to end it once and for all."
Yuri, still visibly shaken, clutched the edge of her desk, her voice soft but resolute. "How do we even begin to find the owner? What if they're watching us right now?"
Nobuaki's gaze hardened as he thought back to what had happened earlier. He remembered the message that had appeared on his phone after making the choice. "If you don't complete your task, Billy Kane will die by the worst fate."
"I think the game is watching us," Nobuaki said, his voice a little shaky but firm. "And it's not going to let us rest until we finish whatever it wants. The owner… they must be controlling all of this from behind the scenes. We need to figure out who they are and how to stop them, but we need more information first."
Mio nodded in agreement. "I agree. But time is running out. We can't afford to waste any more."
Hirata Suzai, who had been silent until now, spoke up with a calm demeanor. "We need to work together. We might not have all the answers, but the more we collaborate, the closer we'll get to ending this. The owner might think we're just pawns in their game, but if we act strategically, we can turn the tables."
Nobuaki looked around at the faces of his friends, the classmates who had once been strangers but now shared a bond of survival. Despite the fear and uncertainty, he felt a flicker of hope. The game was cruel, and its rules were unforgiving, but they weren't going to give up without a fight.
"Let's keep our heads cool," Nobuaki said, standing tall despite the internal turmoil. "We need to stick together, gather as much information as we can, and find a way to break the cycle. We're not just playing the game—they're playing with our lives, and we won't let them win."
The room fell silent, but the resolve in Nobuaki's voice seemed to ignite something in everyone. Together, they would face the horrors of the Orcal Game, no matter the cost.
Lie Orek, a student with drizzly long yellow hair and white sclera with blue pupils, stood up, his expression serious as he addressed Nobuaki. His red blazer was slightly unbuttoned, and his T-shirt peeked out from underneath, giving him a laid-back yet focused demeanor.
"Nobuaki," Lie said, his voice calm but piercing. "If the game was created by someone, then the owner's name should be mentioned in the game settings. There has to be a way to identify them directly."
The room fell quiet as the others processed Lie's words. Nobuaki's gaze flicked down to his phone, the screen still displaying the Orcal Game settings. Could it really be that simple? Could the game's creator be revealed through a simple setting?
He quickly scrolled through the options, hoping that Lie's suggestion held some merit. His eyes scanned the screen, looking for anything that could hint at the game's creator or any other vital piece of information.
"You're right," Nobuaki muttered under his breath, his fingers moving rapidly across the screen. "There has to be something here…"
The silence in the room deepened as everyone watched him, their collective hope now pinned on this single possibility. Was there truly a way to uncover the identity of the game's mastermind, or was it another trap set by the mysterious force controlling their lives?
Nobuaki's heart pounded in his chest as he reached the settings page, searching desperately for any mention of an owner or creator.
Nobuaki's frustration grew as he scrolled through the Orcal Game settings, but no matter how many times he checked, there was no mention of the game's owner. His heart sank. It was as if the creator had gone to great lengths to hide their identity, leaving no trace behind.
"I can't find the owner's name," Nobuaki said, his voice tinged with frustration. "Maybe they've hidden it somehow, or it's not something we can find easily. It feels like the game's been designed to keep us in the dark about everything..."
Mio, who had been anxiously watching, looked over at Nobuaki's phone, her brow furrowed in concern. "That's not good," she murmured. "If the owner's name is hidden, then we're left without a direct lead. What are we supposed to do now?"
Kimi, who had been standing near the door, crossed her arms and looked thoughtfully at Nobuaki. "This might not be as easy as finding the creator's name," she said, her voice calm yet filled with a sense of urgency. "The Orcal Game is more than just a simple app. It's something far more dangerous and manipulative. The game may be playing with us—its creator could be watching, waiting for us to make the wrong move."
Lie, who had earlier suggested looking for the creator's name, now sighed, seeming slightly defeated. "Then how do we proceed?"
Nobuaki looked at everyone, feeling the weight of their uncertainty pressing down on him. It was clear that finding the game's mastermind wouldn't be so simple, but they couldn't afford to give up now. The clock was ticking, and they had no time to waste.
"We keep searching," Nobuaki said, his resolve hardening. "We need to find any clue, anything that could lead us to the owner. Whether it's in the game's code, or maybe in how it's affecting us... There's got to be something we've missed. We won't stop until we uncover the truth."
Yuri, still shaken but resolute, spoke softly, "We can't let this game control us any longer. We need to fight back, together."
With renewed determination, the group nodded in agreement. Though the path ahead was unclear and fraught with danger, they were no longer just helpless players in the game. They were ready to take control of their fate, no matter the cost.
Kimi's voice was calm but firm, and it seemed to cut through the tense atmosphere in the room. She looked around at everyone, her eyes steady.
"Alright, everyone," Kimi said, her tone carrying a sense of finality. "Yuri's immediate problem is solved, and there's no reason to stay on edge now. Nobuaki, you and the others should head home. The evening's passed, and the night is coming. We need to rest and regroup, especially with everything that's happened today."
Mio let out a deep sigh, her shoulders relaxing a little. She looked at Nobuaki, her expression a mix of relief and worry. "You're right, Kimi. We need to take a step back. Let's go home for now and think of our next move."
Yuri, though still shaken by the events, nodded slowly. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and it was clear that she needed time to process everything that had happened. "I think... I think we all need a break," she murmured.
Nobuaki glanced at the others—his friends, the ones who had been through so much with him. They had made it through this far together, and there was no turning back.
"We'll rest, but we can't stop looking for answers," Nobuaki said, his voice firm but tinged with exhaustion. "We'll be back tomorrow. The game won't stop just because we're tired. We have to stay vigilant."
Kimi gave him a knowing look, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. Don't let your guard down, but for now, go home and get some rest. We all need it to stay sharp."
With that, everyone began to make their way out of the study room, the weight of the game still heavy in the air, but for now, they had to let it rest. They left Horiko Academy with a sense of unease still lingering, but they knew that tomorrow would bring another day of uncertainty and danger in the fight against the Orcal Game.
As they walked out into the cool evening, the city around them seemed almost too quiet, as though it was holding its breath for what would come next.
As they walked through the quiet streets, Nobuaki noticed Yuri's face turning pale, her steps slowing as she seemed lost in thought. He looked at her with concern, her expression weighed down by the heavy burden of the decision they had made.
"Yuri?" Nobuaki asked softly, his voice gentle yet filled with worry. "What's wrong?"
Yuri's eyes were distant, filled with a quiet turmoil as she looked down at the ground, her hands clenched tightly by her sides. "Did we do the right thing?" she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "A person will die for my sake… I don't know if I can live with that."
Nobuaki stopped walking for a moment, turning to face her fully. He understood the pain in her voice. It wasn't just fear for her life, but guilt that weighed on her heart, knowing that someone else was going to suffer in her place.
He stepped closer to her, trying to find the right words to ease her torment. "I know you're afraid," he said, his tone quiet but firm. "But I had no other option. The game gave us a choice, and I did what I could to save you. Sometimes, we're forced into situations where there are no perfect solutions. I didn't want anyone to die… but I couldn't let you be the one who suffered."
Yuri's gaze softened slightly as she looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "But a person will die because of me," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I can live with that."
Nobuaki took a deep breath, his own heart heavy with the weight of their choices. "It's not your fault," he said gently. "None of this is your fault. The game made this choice, not you. We're all just trying to survive. You didn't ask for this. You're not responsible for the game's rules or its consequences."
Yuri bit her lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. "I just… I feel so powerless," she admitted, her voice breaking. "It's like we're being forced into these choices that no one should have to make."
Nobuaki nodded in understanding, his heart aching for her. "I know. We're all in this together. But we can't dwell on the past now. We have to keep moving forward—keep fighting for our lives. If we give in to the guilt, the game wins."
Mio, who had been walking beside them, spoke up softly, offering her own comforting words. "Nobuaki's right, Yuri. We've made it this far together. We'll make it through this. We'll find a way to end this game. But we have to stay strong—for each other."
Yuri hesitated for a moment before nodding, a small, fragile smile forming on her lips. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice still heavy but grateful. "I don't know what I would have done without you two."
Nobuaki gave her a reassuring smile, his own resolve strengthening. "We'll get through this," he said. "Together, we'll end the game and stop the pain it's causing. I promise."
With those words, the three of them continued their walk through the darkening streets, the weight of their decision still heavy on their shoulders, but their determination unwavering. The night had fallen, but the battle was far from over. They knew that the Orcal Game was still watching, and that they were only at the beginning of a much darker journey ahead.
As they reached the main street, the silence between Nobuaki and Mio felt heavier than before. Yuri, still troubled by her inner turmoil, paused for a moment, her gaze flickering between them. Her face was filled with uncertainty, but there was a quiet resolve in her eyes as she spoke.
"I think I need to be alone for a while," Yuri said softly, her voice strained. "I... I just need some time to think."
Nobuaki looked at her, sensing the deep pain she was carrying. He wanted to reassure her, to tell her that everything would be okay, but the weight of their shared experiences made it hard to find the right words. He simply nodded.
"Take care of yourself, Yuri," he said quietly. "If you need us, we're here."
Yuri gave them a small, fleeting smile before turning down a side street, her footsteps growing quieter as she disappeared into the night. Nobuaki and Mio stood for a moment, watching her go, before they both turned to continue their walk.
The streets were eerily empty now, the cool night air biting at their skin as they walked side by side. It wasn't the first time they had faced danger, but tonight felt different—more uncertain, more dangerous. They both knew the game wasn't over, that there was still more to come. But for now, they needed to focus on the present.
Mio was the first to speak, her voice soft but steady.
"Do you think Yuri will be okay?" she asked, her eyes still locked on the path ahead.
Nobuaki sighed, his mind racing with the uncertainty of everything. "I hope so," he said, his voice carrying a note of doubt. "But she's going through a lot right now. I don't think anyone could blame her for needing some time alone. This game... it changes people."
Mio nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, I can't imagine what it's like to be in her shoes. I mean, we're all in this together, but she was the one who almost lost everything today. I don't know if I could handle that kind of pressure."
Nobuaki's eyes were distant as he thought about their situation. "It's hard," he said. "But we don't have much of a choice. We have to keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible. This game... it's not going to stop until we put an end to it. We can't let ourselves be consumed by fear."
Mio walked a little closer, her voice quiet but comforting. "We'll make it through, Nobuaki. We've come this far. We'll figure it out together."
Nobuaki glanced at her, offering a small but genuine smile. "Yeah. Together."
The two of them walked on, the weight of the world still hanging over them, but their bond growing stronger with each step. They didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but they knew they wouldn't face it alone. The Orcal Game may have forced their hands, but they would find a way to fight back, to survive. Whatever came next, they would face it as a team.
Nobuaki stood there, frozen for a moment, his face flushed with a mix of surprise and confusion. The cool night air seemed to have turned even colder as he watched Mio walk away, her smile lingering in his mind. He didn't know what to make of the kiss, or the words she had said. It was unexpected, and yet... something about it felt right, like a silent promise between them.
As she disappeared into the distance, Nobuaki stood still for a few moments longer, his thoughts swirling. He had always known Mio as a friend, someone who stood by his side through the chaos of the Orcal Game. But now... now things felt different. Her actions had stirred something within him, something he wasn't sure how to process. Was this the beginning of something new, or just a fleeting moment of gratitude in the midst of their nightmare?
Shaking his head, Nobuaki took a deep breath and turned back toward the street, trying to focus on what lay ahead. He couldn't afford to get lost in thoughts of the past, especially when there was still so much at stake. The game wasn't over. They were still trapped in its deadly cycle.
But, for just a moment, he allowed himself to think about Mio. Her warmth, her kindness, and the way she always seemed to be there when he needed her most.
"I'll take care of myself, Mio..."
With that, Nobuaki continued walking, the weight of the world still heavy on his shoulders, but with a quiet sense of hope, as if the bond he shared with his friends was enough to see him through whatever came next.
Nobuaki reached his home and take a breath
As Nobuaki knocked on the door, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. The familiar sound of footsteps approached from inside, and soon the door opened. His mother stood there, a warm smile on her face, the light from the hallway spilling into the night.
"Welcome back, Nobuaki," she said gently, her eyes filled with concern. "How was your day?"
Nobuaki forced a smile, trying to keep the exhaustion and the weight of everything from showing. "It was... an eventful day," he said, stepping inside as his mother closed the door behind him. "But it's over for now."
His mom noticed the tension in his shoulders, the fatigue in his eyes. She reached out, brushing her hand against his cheek in a comforting gesture. "You've been through a lot lately, haven't you?"
Nobuaki nodded, unsure of what to say. How could he explain the chaos, the fear, the decisions that weighed on his conscience? How could he tell her that he felt like everything was spiraling out of control?
But for now, he just needed to feel safe, to feel like he was home. He didn't have to carry the burden of the game alone in this moment.
"Come on," his mom continued, her voice soft but warm. "Let's get you something to eat. You must be starving after everything."
Nobuaki didn't resist. With a small nod, he followed his mother to the kitchen, the comforting sounds of home surrounding him. For just a moment, he allowed himself to forget the game, the fear, and the chaos outside. For just a moment, he allowed himself to rest.