Prologue: The Past is Inevitable
Hope's Peak Academy…
The name is whispered throughout the country. A school populated entirely by the best in their field, where entrants are selected not by wealth or connections, but exclusively by merit. Only the most skilled in any talent can be elevated to the school's prestigious Super High-School Level and allowed to enroll.
I admire their honesty and truth, and taking a class there was my life goal.
…But I didn't quite make the cut.
My name is Takito Narita. I'm the son in a fairly famous family, but I'm neither skilled enough for the main school nor rich enough to be a reserve student. Today, I'm visiting Hope's Peak to deliver a present and say hi to a special friend of mine. I hear he's recently been admitted, and I thought that giving him an enrollment gift would be just the thing he needed.
The doors stood before me, conveying the towering ability of people within. I pushed them open and… and… and…
I don't remember.
Takito: Hngh… Hngh…
Where am I? Some sort of bedroom…
I don't remember ever seeing this place before…
[Examination Begins]
[Examine Bed]
Plush… At least whoever brought me here likes me.
[Examine Shower]
A shower? This place is built for extended stay.
[Examine Desk]
Hmm… Oh, keys!
Why would someone lock me inside a room and then just give me the keys? I feel like I'm in a terrible "escape the room" game. (Keys Acquired)
[Examine Door]
I may have only assumed these keys would work… Here goes!
*click*
Whew… But still, what is this place?
[Move to Dorm Hallway]
Huh? More Rooms…
[Camera focus on Takito's Door Panel]
Why is my face on the door?
[Camera returns to all the doors]
Wait, there are faces on every door!
…Is this some sort of boarding school?
[Move to Employee Hallway]
[Camera focus on "Employees Only" Sign]
Employees Only? So it's not a boarding school…
What is this place?
[Camera returns to normal]
[Move to Foyer]
…People!
Takito: HEY! DID YOU WAKE UP IN A BEDROOM, TOO?
Bespectacled Shy Boy: D-don't shout so loud!
Tired Large-Build Boy: Of course we did, numbnuts. [shrugs] Can't you, you know, infer things?
Well I kind of expected a better –
Device-Sporting Snide Girl: You aren't very bright. [smiles] Regardless of our situation, we would've woken up in a bedroom anyway.
Yellow and Black Energetic Girl: [muffled whispering] Don't listen to her. Bertrand thinks you're smart.
I feel like I had more answers before I –
Blackbeard Impersonator: Now, now, keep your wits about ya, mate! We need all hands on deck right now!
Formal Red Dress Girl: Kasai-san is correct. [smiles] Credibility is an essential part of presentation.
Takito: Could someone explain what's –
Verdant Costumed Girl: [points wand at Takito] Sweet Flower Enlightenment Beam!
Uptight Hispanic Boy: Everybody shuddup!
[mumbles continue from everyone]
Uptight Hispanic Boy: [Flips open glass case from his watch with a red button and number panel attached to it.]
[mumbles immediately die down]
Uptight Hispanic Boy: [Closes glass case and puts arms at his sides] Now that I have your attention, let's explore our surroundings in an organized manner.
This kid has some sort of serious power over the others…
Uptight Hispanic Boy: First, it's only polite that I introduce myself to the newest member of our little group. [valiant pose] Before you stands the great Pablo Vargas III, the excellent ruler of the island nation La Espera, and the Super High-School Level Dictator of Hope's Peak Academy.
[SHSL Dictator Title Card]
Pablo: Under my rule, my proud people repelled the invaders of several nations. I have used the cleverest of diplomatic ploys and acquired the best imports for my country. [crosses arms] Rest assured, this dilemma will be solved shortly, and those responsible [glasses gleam as he looks down] …will pay dearly.
He seems a bit overzealous, but it's easy to see where he got his influence.
Pablo: And so I have introduced myself. Now it is your turn.
Takito: Oh, yeah. I'm Takito Narita.
Pablo: What about your talent?
Takito: Talent?
…That's right! Every student at the main school of Hope's Peak Academy has a particular talent they are the best at.
…But I'm not a student here…
Takito: I, uh, don't have one.
Pablo: [puzzled expression] Narita-kun, this is no time for jokes.
Takito: I'm not joking. I came to Hope's Peak to deliver someone a gift.
Pablo: …
Should I have said that?
Pablo: Well, to be honest, that's not much of a setback for this group. You will be a valuable asset still. (valiant pose) In the meantime, we shall begin our exploration of this museum.
Museum?
[Camera pans over to text above the help desk]
"Kamakura History Museum"…?
Pablo: Takito, you would do well to introduce yourself to others. "Positive relationships are key to a cohesive team," as my father has said.
[Examination Begins]
[Talk to Pablo]
Takito: Pablo, do you know who this Kamakura might be?
Pablo: Of course! Izuru Kamakura is the founder of Hope's Peak Academy. This museum was most likely built in his honor.
Could the school be responsible for whatever's going on?
[Talk to Formal Red Dress Girl]
Formal Red Dress Girl: Of all the people to be stuck with, you're very fortunate its me. (smiles) Are you sure you're not one of the Super High-School Level Good Lucks they keep talking about?
Takito: …Excuse me?
Formal Red Dress Girl: [giggles] Oh, silly me! It looks like I've forgotten the basics. [smiles] I'm Tamaki Ozu, the Super High-School Level Hostess.
[SHSL Hostess Title Card]
Tamaki: [brings out gourmet sample] Here why don't you try my five-star catering? Sautéed Lox is a savory wave to calm your nerves.
Takito: No thank you. Hey, uh, do you know what's the deal with Pablo's watch?
Tamaki: [smiles] Oh… [opens eyes and stares intently] It would not be wise to talk about that while a certain person is in the room…
Takito: I get it. This is starting to seriously scare me…
[Talk to Beige-Vested Worried Girl]
Beige-Vested Worried Girl: [looks frightened]
Takito: Hey, I'm Takito Narita. I'm not here to hurt you.
Beige-Vested Worried Girl: [Grabs rock, chisels it to a point] Back off! I have… I have… I HAVE A VERY SPECIFIC SET OF SKILLS!
Takito: Is she SHSL Hostage Negotiator? What are these skills, per se?
Beige-Vested Worried Girl: I, Itsumi Jukodo, the SHSL Archaeologist, will conquer my f..fff… [drops rock and flinches away from it.]
[SHSL Archaeologist Title Card]
Itsumi: dirtydirtydirty… [bites lip]
Takito: May I help you? Does she have…
Itsumi: Don't you dare think I have OCD!
Gah!
Itsumi: I… I just don't like dirt is all! [bites lip] D-don't make me hurt you!
Takito: No, I think I'm going to leave you alone for now. I'll see you later then.
[Move to Employee Hall]
[Talk to Vigor-Filled Cyborg]
Vigor-Filled Cyborg: Ah, yes, the vocally challenged boy from earlier. [salutes with robot arm] I've been looking for you, as it is my duty as a citizen to relieve you of one of your worries.
Is that what people really think of me?
Vigor-Filled Cyborg: Rest assured, fellow citizen, because the hypersensitive patriot sense of Wataru Gensai, proud Japanese citizen and Super High School Level Pyrotechnist, has come to a most satisfying conclusion.
[SHSL Pyrotechnist title card]
Wataru: We are, without a doubt, still in the greatest country on Earth!
Wait, Patriot sense? I better not think too hard about that, and since we're out of the room…
Takito: Well, would you mind using your patriot sense to discover what's up with Pablo's watch?
Wataru: No need, my friend. [fighting stance, and mechanical arm starts releasing steam] That foreign tyrant has already betrayed its purpose to us! [punches air]
That watch connects to his nation's nuclear arms!
Whaaat!?
Wataru: If we do not bend to his will, he threatens to launch his missiles directly upon Hope's Peak!
He'll nuke us!? No wonder everyone seemed scared when he pulled out the watch…
Wataru: But fear not! I, you, and any other patriots we find will lead a surprise attack on such foreign rule, remove the watch, and with it, his power!
Takito: I'll keep that in mind.
Maybe I should talk about the elephant in the room…
Takito: What happened to your arm..?
Wataru: [looks down on the verge of tears]
Maybe I should have just let it eat its peanuts…
Wataru: It is a badge of shame! A foolish sacrifice in the naïve, early days of my craft! And because of my injury, I am forbidden to serve in the world's greatest army! [sniffles] Look away, now, I beg you!
Normally, I stick around to fix my messes, but…
[Move to Employee Center]
Look at all the office machinery in here. It's so formal, I would've felt guilty if I didn't have a suit.
[Talk to Device-Sporting Snide Girl]
Takito: Hi there! You seem right at home already!
Device-Sporting Snide Girl: [Doesn't notice Takito, keeps messing with her computers]
Takito: It's okay, I'll leave you to um… [peeks at her screen] buy stocks.
Device-Sporting Snide Girl: [continues typing away] Simpleton.
Takito: Excuse me?
Device-Sporting Snide Girl: [stylishly closes laptop lid] Sim-ple-ton. You honestly think whoever's kept us here would give us internet?
Come to think of it, that was kind of "simple".
Device-Sporting Snide Girl: [switches to swiping tablet] I'm simply playing a pre-downloaded stock game. As Nahoko Miyake, the Super High School Level Day Trader, and highly esteemed leader of the Miyake Investment Group…
[SHSL Day Trader Title Card]
Nahoko: …I must sharpen myself at all times.
That's some dedication.
Nahoko: After your mistake of a sentence, it's clear to me that you could use some guidance in the dangerous world of economics. [exaggerated swipe on her tablet]
Our firm is famous for excellency and efficiency, and prides itself on superb results.
[Switches to dual smartphones] Perhaps you have heard of our greatest accomplishment, how we helped the great Byakuya Togami in his famous 40,000,000,000 yen outing into the stock market. Without our advice, we are confident his results would only have 400,000,000 yen.
That's still a lot…
Takito: Err… Did you make that round shelf you wear yourself?
Nahoko: [sulks and looks to the side] No, my mother makes them for everyone at the firm. [spins shelf] Being able to spin them around and easily reach all my devices is essential to my performance.
Maybe I should get my dad one of those…
Nahoko: Don't bother asking for one. They're not for sale.
Takito: …
I'm going to leave before she reads my mind again.
[Move to Help Desk]
It's a help desk for the main foyer. Tamaki is doing a princess wave at me, Pablo is carefully examining pair of doors, and Itsumi appears to be cursing me from a distance.
[Move to Employee Center]
[Move to Employee Hallway]
[Move to Cafeteria]
Hmm… This place is pretty good looking. Not what I expected for something most customers don't see.
[Talk to Bespectacled Shy Boy]
Bespectacled Shy Boy: [takes Takito's photo]
Hey!
Takito: Shouldn't you ask people before you do that?
Bespectacled Shy Boy: [sulks] …Don't talk so loud.
Takito: [whispers] Okay, I won't speak so loud to you, but Pablo asked me to introduce myself to everyone here.
Bespectacled Shy Boy: [scared expression] …
You know, maybe I'll just talk to someone else about him.
Bespectacled Shy Boy: [Hands Takito Newspaper] …Take it.
Wait, what? A newspaper column?
About the Editor: Ryouta Miki
As our proud school's Super High School Level Reporter, Ryouta Miki is head editor of the Hope's Peak Newsletter. His credentials include winning both the National Student Journalist Photography and National Student Journalist Crime Column awards, the only case of one student earning multiple awards. His personal choice for his best accomplishment is his shocking exposé of the Kuzuryuu family's illegal printing and selling of counterfeit pollution permits.
[SHSL Reporter Title Card]
Takito: Is that you?
Ryouta: …
Hmm. Must've been.
[Move to Serving Zone]
Normally, I'd get my food here, but considering the circumstances, I'll probably have to get my own food here. It might make me seem spoiled, but I can't remember many times I've served myself.
Takito: [sighs]
[Move to Kitchen]
All this tasty food! I'm drooling a little, but the fact that our captor prepared all this make it all a bit suspect.
[Talk to Blackbeard Impersonator]
This fellow doesn't look like a high school student…
Takito: Excuse me, how old are you? That beard makes you look in your 30's…
Blackbeard Impersonator: Ho, ho! You think I'm too old for high school? [Bends down and jokingly stares Takito in the eye]
...
Blackbeard Impersonator: [laughs] I'm only 14, mate!
F-fourteen and a beard?!
Blackbeard Impersonator: [laughs harder] Just pulling your chain, matey! I'm 15.
Takito: …I don't have words.
Blackbeard Impersonator: Well I do, matey! My name's Benito Kasai, and the fish selection here is superb! I'm surprised I didn't catch it myself!
Takito: What? S-slow down! Err… Could you please be a little more consistent?
Benito: [smiles creepily] I'll oblige your request, but for future reference, using formal manners is an insult to scurvy dogs like me! [laughs] Yarharhar! I'm the Super High Seas Level Fisherman!
[SHSL Fisherman Title Card]
Benito: Oy! Takara!
Takara, Benito's Shoulder Parrot: Hungry!
Wait, that was alive?
…
I don't know much about pirates, but I thought they'd be more straightforward than this.
Benito: Matey! It's high time you repaid me for such a gem of information!
Takito: Sorry. …I don't feel like swabbing the poop deck anytime soon.
Benito: [smiles creepily] Now matey…
Takito: !
Benito: If we were in a boat and not a museum, you'd be chum for such words.
Takito: ! …okayi'lldoitjustpleasedon'tkillme
Benito: [laughs and hands Takito a minnow] Great! Now, feed Takara.
Takito: I guess I overestimated him… [Tosses Takara the fish]
Takara: [eats fish midair] Thank ye! Thank ye!
I'm going to leave before he finds more chores for me.
[Move to Serving Area]
[Move to Cafeteria]
[Move to Employee Hallway]
[Move to Dorm Hall]
[Talk to Energetic Pigtail Girl]
She isn't facing me. Better get her attention.
Takito: Hey, it's me! Takito!
…Still ignoring me.
Energetic Pigtail Girl: [Opens eye on the back of her head]
Wait, nope nope what no I did not sign up for any of—
Energetic Pigtail Girl: [turns around] Got ya, didn't I!
Takito: D-don't do that to people!
Energetic Pigtail Girl: [twirls hair] Do what?
Takito: Do that!
Energetic Pigtail Girl: Doo rag?
Ugh. Now that I look at her, everything about her is as piercing as that third eye. Especially that eye-shaped belt buckle.
Takito: [shudders]
Energetic Pigtail Girl: Anyhoo, I'm Hitomi Yunokawa, the S-H-S-L Mutant!
[SHSL Mutant Title Card]
Hitomi: Yeah!
Takito: Yeah!
Did I just say that?
Hitomi: I bet that Pablo wants me to introduce myself formally, eh?
At least she gets the picture.
Hitomi: [clears throat and grabs paper, reading it in a stuffy manner] "Subject 125 is human woman that exhibits polydactyl on both hands and a fully functional eye on the back of her head. Yadda, yadda, yadda, skipping to the good stuff… Aha! Such abnormal extra body parts cannot normally be controlled, but the subject has shown uncanny ability to utilize her gifts. This particular ability is what makes her, according to the officials at Hope's Peak Academy, Super High School Level.
Does everyone come with these explanatory letters? I'd really like them.
Hitomi: So remember, Takito, wherever you are, I'll always, always have eyes…
…on you! Boo!
Takito: I'll keep that in mind. Probably. Maybe.
Hitomi: See you later! Get it, see! C!
[Move to Laundry]
A laundry? I don't get what's all this stuff doing here. Employees don't normally live at their workplaces, especially at museums.
[Talk to Pinstriped Pretty Boy]
This fellow seems a little too interested in this batch of laundry.
Pinstriped Pretty Boy: Hongh… Hongh… [reels]
Takito: Are you… messing with women's underwear?
Pinstriped Pretty Boy: Wait, whuh? No no, absolute slander, not true! [turns around] Gah! [removes panties from his head]
Takito: But I saw it happen.
Pinstriped Pretty Boy: No, no, you must have mistaken a more lecherous, dirty man for myself! [grabs and stares at robe]
Takito: But I saw it happen.
Pinstriped Pretty Boy: [valiant pose] But I am a man of pure heart! Ladies have always sung the praises of… [places rose in mouth] …Okita Sugitani, Super High School Level Playboy!
[SHSL Playboy]
Takito: I saw it happen. And that didn't help your case.
Okita: [blood begins to drip out of where he bit the rose, and Okita looks distraught]
Takito: And you know, your name sounds a bit familiar.
Okita: [returns to valiant pose] But of course! I have a relationship advice blog known throughout the country! [picks a petal from his rose] Only a miserly gentleman would refuse the opportunity to help others!
Takito: Oh, yeah, now I remember you! You're the guy whose tips turned my sister's boyfriend into an asshole.
Okita: Err… [distraught]
Takito: He told about all these scuzzy tricks you teach people to use on women.
Okita: [rose's petals blow away] Abort! [jumps into pile of clothes]
…I really hope we get out of here soon.
[Move to Dorm Hall]
[Move to Storage]
Finally, a room that belongs in a museum!
[Talk to Overalls and Scythe Girl]
Overalls and Scythe Girl: Hey, your name was Narita, wasn't it? Would you mind helping me with these boxes over here?
Finally, a person that belongs in err…
Normal land?
Takito: Sure. But call me Takito.
I started moving some boxes, but the girl stopped me.
Overalls and Scythe Girl: I probably should have been clearer; I need you to search through the boxes, not open them. [smiles] Pablo asked me to look for supplies.
Takito: Nah, I understand. Now that I think about it, that was worse than the bed thing. I'm glad she seems trustworthy enough to share this.
Overalls and Scythe Girl: By the way, I'm Kotori Ijiri, the SHSL Farmer. Pleased to meet you.
[SHSL Farmer Title Card]
I rummaged through the boxes with Kotori.
Takito: Y'know, I was wondering why you carry that scythe around. There's no need to kill anyone.
Kotori: It's just my mother's. It's actually not just a scythe; it's an experimental farmer's multitool. I've been working on getting it available for public purchase.
Takito: Your mother's? That's really kind of you.
Kotori: There's no need for flattery. I'm just trying to follow in her footsteps.
I would've liked to stay a bit longer, but I had finished with the boxes. She might be worth keeping as a friend after this whole thing is through.
[Move to Dorm Hall]
[Move to Garbage Disposal]
An incinerator? Is the curator some sort of doomsday prepper?
[Talk to Verdant Costumed Girl]
Verdant Costumed Girl: Filthy garbage choking our planet! Begone, and tell your creators to feel the wrath off nature!
It looks like she's in the middle of something…
Verdant Costumed Girl: Florify Sparkle Strike! [hits pile of garbage with her wand]
[A flower grows in the garbage]
Woah! Is she the real deal?
Verdant Costumed Girl: Aha! You've noticed me, warrior for natural life, [poses] Nature's Angel Gaia-chan!
Takito: Since we're stuck here, would you mind telling me your real name?
Gaia-chan: Never! [points wand at Takito] My identity must be kept secret from all those who wish to endanger the Earth! Chlorophyllic Sunlight Blast!
Well, might as well as see if his influence will affect her again…
Takito: You know, Pablo said you had to.
Gaia-chan: [dejected look] Urk! [curses sky] Gah, curse the indoors! I have no sunlight for my most powerful attacks! [pouty look] Anyway, my civilian name is Chiyo Ando, and I'm the SHSL Magical Girl.
[SHSL Magical Girl Title Card]
Chiyo: [poses] Now, you must promise not to tell anyone! My duties as Nature's Angel include secret attacks upon polluters and the enemies of natural life. [waggle wand in attack pose] Many people wish me out of the picture, if you know what I mean.
Takito: You mean there are hits out on you?
Chiyo: Of course! Gaia-chan is Japan's 2nd most wanted! [smiles] Don't tell that cyborg fellow, though, I here he's the type to turn me in.
Now I'm just curious about who's the first…
[Move to Dorm Hallway]
[Move to Gym]
I guess we won't have to lose our conditioning after all?
[Talk to Beige Dress and Rimless Glasses Girl]
Beige Dress and Rimless Glasses Girl: Pablo eínai éna kataraméno af̱tarchikí̱ alazonikí̱ malákas!
Takito: Excuse me? Hello?
Beige Dress and Rimless Glasses Girl: Mtekaji yetu pengine ni laughing punda zao mbali katika uzembe wake. [notices Takito] Oh, it seems I have a visitor.
Takito: Yeah, it's me, Takito Narita. I'm from the foyer, remember?
Beige Dress and Rimless Glasses Girl: Ah yes, Vzpomínám si říkal něco o drobné lůžek. For future reference, I'll refer to you as Kansai Dialect Male #345.
How did she…? I've barely said anything.
Takito: Is there anything I can refer to you as?
Beige Dress and Rimless Glasses Girl: Satoko Royama. Super High School Level Polyglot.
[SHSL Polyglot Title Card]
Satoko: I know almost every language. [shifts glasses and smirks] I've memorized all the dead, nearly dead, and widely spoken ways of saying "Þú ert hálfviti."
I'm just going to pretend that "halfwity" is not a cognate.
Satoko: You seemed to get along with Pablo. Could sent him a message? Tell him, "Puede comer mierda por ser tan mandona." It's a sign of friendship.
Takito: [nods] …I have no intention of incurring the wrath of a private army today, so I'm just going to play it safe and be silent.
Satoko: Oh, and here's a German proverb from me to you. [smirks] Holen Sie sich Eis, wenn er trifft dich.
[Move to Pool]
Hey, someone's here without a swimsuit. I hope they don't fall in.
[Talk to Distraught Pious Fellow]
Distraught Pious Fellow: [stressed in appearance] Oh please, give me a shoulder to lean on, good sir! [leans on Takito]
It's not thaaaat bad.
Takito: Eh…. Something on your mind?
Distraught Pious Fellow: What? Isn't it obvious? We're trapped!
Come to think of it, maybe this is the normal reaction…
Takito: …But why do you feel so sad more than anyone else?
Distraught Pious Fellow: Oh, that's right! I guess that question would be there if you didn't know me… [stands upright and sternly] I am Akinori Kurokawa, the SHSL Preacher!
[SHSL Preacher Title Card]
Akinori: [distraught pose] And woe is me! My people need me for guidance! We'll probably be trapped in here forever, and soon my parish will stop waiting for me, and then they'll start drinking and smoking and killing and sinning and—
Takito: [puts hand on Akinori] That's a bit of an overreaction. First off, we probably won't be in here forever.
Akinori: O… K… then, how do I stop feeling so… so…
I may have bitten off more than I can chew here.
Takito: Err.. Let's try some breathing exercises. In… Out… In… Out…
We practiced deep breathing for a few minutes.
Akinori: [smiling and overcome with joy] Narita-san! W-where did you learn this miraculous technique!
Most everybody knows it, honestly, but I don't know if should say that.
Akinori: [fills incense pot] Here, let me bless this pool water… [splashes Takito]
Takito: Gah!
Akinori: Feel better? Holy water is a cure-all for the murkiness of the mind.
Yeah. It helped me remember why I don't like going to church.
[Move to Changing Room]
Why is this here? Does the museum have its own swimteam?
[Move to Dorm Hall]
[Talk to Yellow and Black Energetic Girl]
Takito: Hello there! I'm—
?: buzzzz…
Oh no. ohnoohnoohnoohno. Is that…
Bee: buzzzz….
Okay, remember what to do. Just stand still, and I won't sting you.
Takito: [attempts not to move face] …helpme
Yellow and Black Energetic Girl: Bertrand! Bad boy!
Bee: buzz? [flies away]
Yellow and Black Energetic Girl: Oh you know Bertrand. Always gets up close and personal with new friends.
Takito: Actually, I don't know Bertrand. Or you.
Yellow and Black Energetic Girl: Whaaaaaaat? You haven't seen me on TV before? [points to self with thumb] I'm Yasue Temko, the SHSL Beekeeper and star of my own show, [jazz hands] Yasue Temko: Bee Whisperer!
[SHSL Bee Keeper Title Card]
Takito: Sounds interesting. Can you actually talk to bees?
Yasue: Nope! That's ridiculous!
I didn't think ridiculous was in this girl's vocabulary.
Yasue: [grasps Bertrand and looks at him lovingly] I share such an intimate and immediate connection with bees that speech is obsolete!
…Well, I guess they don't call her SHSL for nothing.
Yasue: Like right now, I can tell that Bertrand really really likes you. [cute face] He wants to cuddle up to you. Right. Now.
…And I'm getting out of here. Right. Now.
[Move to Tired Large-Build Boy's Room]
Huh?
[Camera zooms out to give a more holistic view of the room]
He's completely ransacked his own room!
[Camera zooms back to normal position]
It's so ruined and messy yet so comprehensive and thorough – this'll take hours to clean up. Our captor probably won't be happy about this…
Takito: [quietly] crapppp…
Tired Large-Build Boy: Hm? [turns around and stops rummaging through dresser] Hey! Get over here!
Judging from his size, I'm not in any position to disobey.
I carefully tiptoed across the room, trying to only step on the small islands of exposed floor.
Tired Large-Build Boy: Is that Pablo kid around here?
Takito: …N-no?
Tired Large-Build Boy: Good. Now listen up. [whispers] I don't like to hurt people. I don't want people to think I'm that kind of person.
*gulp*
Tired Large-Build Boy: But I'm sure as hell not letting some pompous autocrat screw up my life. [slams fist into palm] So get the word out – if anyone decides to report any of my "indiscretions" to Castro Jr. there, [looks to the side] they can expect to feel whatever punishment Pablo gives me; times two.
Takito: Wait, you're not upset about being trapped?
Tired Large-Build Boy: Nah. If this place is what I think it is, I've been meaning to get myself locked up in one of these places for a long time.
I wasn't aware being locked down in a museum was something you could just "get".
Tired Large-Build Boy: Now, if you'll excuse me, you should be going now… ahem.
[Automoved to Dorm Hallway]
Takito: Wait, I er, have to know your name!
Tired Large-Build Boy: Is this for Pablo?
Should I lie…? It might come back to bite me.
Takito: Yeah…
Tired Large-Build Boy: [begins closing door]
Takito: If you don't, he'll probably punish you! Big time!
Tired Large-Build Boy: Fine. [sighs] Ikkaku Kirigiri. Remember that.
[SHSL ? Title Card]
Ikkaku: I'm not saying it again. [slams door]
That seems like everybody…
Announcements: Ding dong, ding dong! Students, this is your headmaster speaking! All students of Hope's Peak Academy, please report to the museum foyer for a very special announcement!
…Oh, and the loser non-student should probably come too. Trust me, it'll be in all your best interest! Upupupu! Upupupu!
…! Our captor was the headmaster? And he wants to see us in person?
[Move to Employee Hall]
[Move to Foyer]
When I opened the door, I found the other students, sans Kirigiri. They were all arguing and bickering about the identity of the captor.
Itsumi: [holding sharpened rock] Did you honestly think that headmaster act and voice filter would fool anyone? J-jig's up, P-pablo! [drops rock and flinches away from it]
Akinori: [scowling face] You monster! Is this some sort of intricate hostage situation?
Pablo: [dismissive pose] Absolutely not! [crosses arms] I posses no device capable of modulating my voice, and I was here, with witnesses, the whole time!
Benito: Cpt. Pablo makes some sense with that one… [unsheathes sword] And besides, if anyone here be capable of such a thing, it be the lass with the server round her waist.
Nahoko: [about to throw smartphone] You insolent bilge water! I'm innocent without a doubt, and when we getting out of here, I'm shorting your two-bit fishing—
Okita: [sniffs rose] There's no need to explain. I can tell when a lady's lying, you most certainly are no—
Nahoko: [smacks Okita with a tablet] CAN IT!
Satoko: C'mon. Does anyone here really believe the words of a diktators? I'd bet money that watch can change your voice and do a whole lot more.
?: I do. He didn't make that announcement, I did.
Hitomi: Finally, confirmation! [reaches out for hug] …Wait, who said that?
[Camera shifts to the reception desk as a black and white teddy bear jumps onto the counter.]
Bear: It was me, ya bastards! I'm the headmaster, me, Monobear! [points at crowd] And don't you ever think it's anyone else.
Tamaki: I don't recall the headmaster looking like that…
Ryouta: Eep! [cowers]
Monobear: I'm glad you've all gotten situated in our extended stay at the school museum. Nothing makes a bear like me happier than getting to skip tutorials! [happy pose] …But it's time for the real reason you're here! The mega hope-destroying purpose we've treated you all to a field trip!
Chiyo: [overjoyed expression] Oh boy, the exhibits!
Monobear: Hey! [angry expression] Didn't I say hope-destroying! Quit that happy shit right now!
…Erm, as I was saying, it's time for…
[camera pans out] THE TRIPLE-TASTIC MUSEUM VISIT OF MUTUAL KILLING!
Wataru: M-mutual killing? [rage] That's anarchy, chaos, and totally against the values of our great nation! [salutes an imaginary flag] I will never agree!
Monobear: Too bad, G. I. Shithead, this school program is compulsory! Luckily for you though, it's something simple enough for nitwits to understand; whoever kills another student first gets out, and everyone else dies!
Yasue: [shields Bertrand] Gah! Nobody harm Bertrand! [stern expression] How could you do that! The tough ones will leave us all to die!
Kotori: Yes, this isn't exactly fair…
Monobear: Upupupu! That's why there's a rule two! After a murder occurs, we will have a school trial. Everyone, including the murderer, will work together to suss out who offed your pal. If you get it right… [joy] than the killer will be executed in a glorious fashion! Oh, how much despair will come! Seeing one's plans for murder, their only hope, unravel before their very eyes!
Ryouta: W-what happens if..f..? [cowers]
Monobear: But if you bastards choose incorrectly, only the murderer goes free, and the rest get an express ticket to hell! Upupupupu!
Pablo: [stern expression] You villain! I will stand for none of this! Do not expect forgiveness, or even a minor punishment! [raging pose] I will have your head and the head of all your underlings! [reaches for holster] Huh? You took my gun…
Nahoko: You didn't think they would take your weapons? That's almost as bad as Takito's blunder…
I smiled a bit.
Nahoko: [quick glance] Almost.
Monobear: You're lucky I did take your gun, Prince Albert. Violence against the headmaster is punishable by death.
Pablo: [shocked expression]
Monobear: In fact, there are a few more rules I've set up for our museum visit. If you like living, I wouldn't break them. You'll find these new rules on your ID cards, which I've graciously placed in a box in the cafeteria. [anger] Also, it seems like someone decided he was too good for public announcements. I'll let him off with a warning this time, but be sure to fill him in on this highly relevant information. [brandishes claws and makes a mark on the desk] The next time anyone thinks they're "2 kewl 4 schewl" around here…
[happy pose] …well, you know. [Escapes through a set of double doors while saying:] Upupupupupu!
[Camera zooms out to look at the fifteen students]
Akinori: Not good! Not good!
Itsumi: Back off! Nobody's killing me!
Hitomi: No, no, no, no, no!
Everyone began whipping up into a panic, and began distancing themselves from each other.
Even I began to worry about who might be willing to take that bear up on their offer, and who might they choose as their first victim. Maybe they'd choose the weak, talentless kid who doesn't even know why he's here…
But I couldn't think about that, and I wasn't that much more vulnerable than the others anyway. It was much more likely that no one would kill for such a stupid reason anyway. For the time being, I just had to trust that my new acquaintances would still think of that bear as the enemy rather than each other…
PROLOGUE END
-16 Students Remain-