Prologue Pt. 7:

Now that I introduced myself to everyone here, a startling realization hit me: Where was everyone else? For how long I had been in the stadium, loads of other incoming students should have either stumbled upon us or been found by whoever was here now. Not only is this place seeming more and more like a complete scam, but it looks like I'm gonna have much less help to work with to find any answers or potentially any way out of here if I was ever in danger. Maybe I wasn't the only one with all of these events parading my brain around.

I addressed this to Todd, "Hey, isn't this whole thing getting stranger to you by any chance?"

He answered, "Yeah, you can definitely say that. I've been trying to put off worries by getting along with the other guys, but I guess it's about time we start trying to answer our questions directly."

"Yeah, that sounds good."

Matsuno entered our conversation, "But where should we start?"

Sunada replied, "Maybe we should try to find any of the other students that were supposed to be here, right?"

Suchi responded, "Todd, Wakao, and I already looked around the whole gosh darn area and we couldn't find nuttin' else! If they came from the upper areas, they got some serious explanin' to do!"

Wakuri chimed in, "That observation sounds accurate, but all that really does is let us know how small the student body is right now."

Ueno said, "That's unfortunately true, so that leaves us with two other problems: the event at the lobby when we seemingly all came into the university, and where the rest of the staff is."

Yajima declared, "Ah! That room creeps me the hell out! Falling through the floor was one of the worst feelings ever!"

Wakao looked concerned, "It's easy to see how many strange things are explained, but this I just can't fathom. How bothering."

Suchi rejoined, "I feel ya, tough stuff!"

Morihei said, "I agree that we must get to the bottom of this, but not the endless bottom that we, you know, fell through."

Mizu claimed, "Perhaps the best course of action is to initiate an invocation with Him, and allow Him to guide us through thy bewildering hours."

Kure, predictably, was displeased with where the conversation was headed, "Both of you literal clowns need to keep your fucking dumbass mouths shut and let someone who knows anything help provide answers."

Ueno replied, "Okay, so since it seems we need more time to get useful answers for that question, does anyone have information on the university staff and where they might be."

Ide answered, "Just like the other students, it seems that they've vanished into thin air. Not only that, but I saw not a soul outside the premises."

I finally spoke up, "I saw the same thing, but that now asks who's been setting up the traps like the one at the lobby or the gate that locks from the inside."

Sunada said, "The university staff must have some high-tech gizmos to set up the booby trap one like in the lobby. That had to have taken weeks to build."

Yajima suddenly yelped, "Booby trap?! Weeks to build?! Why can't I get breast implants?!"

Sunada sighed, "Ugh. That's not what I meant at all."

Matsuno said, "Hey, it might just be me being silly, but do the placements of the cameras, the monitors, and the speakers all look excessive to anyone?"

Morihei answered, "Yeah! It feels like I'm constantly being watched! This staff's giving me the creeps!"

Hatsu chimed in, "That is indeed strange. I don't think any of us Ultimate students would commit any wrongdoing, especially with so much at stake!"

Todd said, "Maybe this sounds crazy, but what if this is all part of a test, or an initiation to the university of sort. To be honest, however, I don't really appreciate being treated like a lab rat."

Mizu attempted to answer, "That could be the prophecy of the lobby incident. Our collective gluttony could have allowed us to consume forbidden substances for blasphemous, false idols."

Wakuri stepped in, "I believe even the fastest acting hallucinogens wouldn't nearly be fast enough to cause such a drastic scene we apparently all saw. As an alternative, perhaps unbelievable, solution, it might have to do with our-"

All of the sudden a towering voice interrupted, "Hahahahahaha, ok, ok. I'm gonna stop you riiiiiiight there."

Perplexed, everyone instinctively turned toward the stage where a podium stood with the university's emblem engraved on its front side. That voice then returned, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is where I come in!"

Suddenly an anthropomorphic figure had leapt onto the top of the podium. The figure had features similar to a bear, but it was not nearly as tall as a full grown ursine, only appearing about two feet tall. The figure also looked nothing like an existing species of bear. It was mostly half-white, half-black with bizarrely perfect symmetry and had an ominous, dead grin on one side of its face. The most outlandish correlation with its looks were with various accessories I had seen around the university between the doorknobs and the doormat from my memory. Was this figure a high-ranking member of the university somehow? Not to mention… what the hell even was this thing?

It spoke again after appearing, "I'm Monokuma, the university president! I'm so glad to be working with you all this semester!"

I immediately heard several screams afterward. My own heart skipped several beats as I took a couple of steps back. This thing… talks? And can move this fluidly? Is this something the university was simply capable of achieving? It was almost incredible, if not for its rather demented appearance.

Kure instantly snapped back, "What the fuck is this bullshit?! I didn't come here to get pranked by some lowly fucktards."

Monokuma responded, "But… the only bullshit here is in the pasture outside. I have a job for you to clean it up if you would like!"

Kure roared at it, "Like hell I would, you little shit!"

Hatsu was seemingly more worried about Kure's current fit of rage than what was occurring on stage, "Kure, please settle down! I don't think he's meaning any harm."

Monokuma considered Hatsu's words, "That lovey-dovey attitude ain't really my thing, but the pink-haired chick is totally correct! In fact, I'm here to help you!"

Wakao spoke up, "Help us? Does that mean answering the questions we've asked for what's seemed like forever?"

Monokuma replied, "Ding, ding, ding! Now I can be like those actors who get interviewed forever at Comic Con."

Morihei groaned, "Ma'am, I don't think that joke necessarily landed with everyone he-."

Monokuma interrupted him, "Silence, cotton candy head! Firstly, I am a mister! Second, that joke was absolutely genius which I thank myself for coming up with."

Ueno swayed the conversation back on track, "Monokuma, you said you could give us details on the events that occurred over the last several hours?"

Monokuma answered, "I did, indeed! Soooooo, you maybe wondering why I butted in on your little conversation when I did, right?" He paused for a split second. During that split second I thought I heard a troubled gasp coming out from one of the men in the group. Immediately afterwards, Monokuma claimed, "Well, it looks like someone here has already solved the mystery. Why don't you yourself tell them, Wakuri?"

We all turned towards Wakuri, who looked visibly distressed at Monokuma's notion. That peculiar sight was nothing compared to the revelation he was about to give us.

With a clear, uninterrupted voice, Wakuri said, "He altered our memories."

Before anyone could comprehend the gravity of what he just said, Monokuma quickly spoke, "That's right! I altered your memories to where you couldn't tell when you got here or how long you've been here. Isn't that suspenseful?!"

Understandably, most of the students were totally shocked. Even the calmest of us like Ide and Ueno looked disturbed. After most of the gasping was over, however, a ringing giggle could be heard. I turned to the only culprit possible, the man who had hardly said anything at all since being here.

Kabuto said while continuing his laugh, "Ah, you're a funny guy, Monokuma."

Monokuma replied, "Oh…oh, boy! Well, I'm flattered! Consider that an accomplishme-."

Kure interrupted, "Why don't you two go jack each other off somewhere else?! I want to know why Wakuri knows about this or why he brought this u-."

Monokuma interrupted back, "No, no, NO! You're getting on the wrong track! That's not what's important here. What's important is what I'm about to tell you right now."

Suchi chimed in, "How could anything else be more important? It's about what we've dragged on fer years now!"

Monokuma responded, "Basically what's important is that YOU WILL BE ALL HERE UNTIL YOU DIE!"

In between some of the audible gasps and whispers, Wakao said, "Ok, Mr. President. I think this whole set-up's gone a little far, don't ya think?"

Sunada agreed, "Yeah, I think the shenanigans have gone well out of hand, now."

Yajima cried, "Where's the real president?! I'm tired of looking at this creepy, voyeuristic teddy bear!"

Monokuma rebutted, "Hey! You can't just accuse me of a stalking fetish, though I don't judge you're into that, hehe. And I am NOT a teddy bear! My students give me that crap every damn year!"

Matsuno teared up, "Until we… die?"

Hatsu came to Matsuno and comforted her, "Don't worry, girl! This is likely all a big joke! Please don't be scared."

Mizu fretted, "And we have no ways to communicate with anyone else in the living world? How unfortunate."

Todd said, "Wait, you said you had students from previous years? Why aren't any of them still here?"

Monokuma answered, "That's a wonderful question, ya fabulous looking pear bear! Huhuhu, see what I did there? Anyways, the answer to that is reeeeal simple… bellyroll please," Monokuma then started to pat his stomach with his hands in a fast rhythm. When he stopped he said, "There is no one else here, just me and you sixteen! How romantic!"

Todd became angry, "Ugh! Of course this was a fucking scam!"

Ueno related, "I should have seen this coming."

While the other students were focused on the severe lack of other students, I found something strange about something Monokuma said. He said, "you sixteen," yet I only counted fifteen students here, including myself. I thought that perhaps Monokuma included himself as a student, but he said himself that he was the university president.

I came forward with the matter, "Hey, Monokuma! You said 'you sixteen', right? There's only fifteen of us here. Who's the sixteen student and where are they?"

Monokuma went silent for what felt like the longest ten seconds ever. He then came back to life, "They might be there; they might not be, who knows, puhuhuhuhu! Alright, now, my wonderful students! This may seem like a big nothing-burger, an unBEARlievable prank! Buuuut I'll let you know right now that you're absolutely wrong! Actually, I myself was stretching that 'until you die' part BEARcauuuuuse there is a way to leave!"

Ide responded, "How should we leave this establishment, Mr. Monokuma?"

Monokuma answered, "Thank you for asking so politely! Let me introduce you all to the splendid, magnificent Graduation Clause."

Hatsu swiftly declared, "Ooh, an early graduation?! That sounds wonderful!"

Monokuma replied, "Umm… yeah you could call it that! In fact, getting it is reeeeal easy. All you have to do…" Monokuma raised his hands for a couple of seconds and then put them together, saying:

"IS MURDER ANOTHER STUDENT!"

We all stood still, looking at the stage for what seemed like a lifetime. Murdering another student? The first thought that came to mind was, 'What a distasteful spoof.' Apparently, most of everyone else had similar ideas.

Yajima came forward, "Boooooooooo! Boooring! Lame! Get the hell off the stage!"

Suchi spoke next, "Couldn't they've found a better prez 'round here! This one ain't cuttin' it, I'm afraid."

Morihei said, "Yeah, you're missing the mark quite a bit here. Sorry."

Monokuma assured, "Wha-What?! What's with all the hate towards me?! I'm just helping you guys out, I pinky-promise-bear-swear!"

Then a familiar, dreadful laugh returned.

Kabuto spoke, "Hahaha. He's likely right. He is the only authority that could possibly be here. Kill, be killed, or stay here forever. Do I have that right, Monokuma?"

It was then I realized: Monokuma wasn't kidding. This wasn't a prank. The surveillance equipment, the altered memory, the university location. It was all slowly coming together. My face was expressionless, but inside, all I could recognize was despair.

Monokuma declared, "The bee-autiful man is on a roll today! Yep, I mean it! Oh, and by the way, there is nothing wrong with wanting to stay here forever. My helpers and I will provide all of your needs!"

Todd exclaimed, "Helpers?! You mean other staff members?!"

Monokumed explained, "Mmm, not exactly, but you're close. You'll meet them so-."

There was an abrupt, earringing shout afterwards, "ENOUGH!" Kure's statement echoed through the stadium over several seconds.

She continued her rant, "I've had enough. I WILL leave this fucking shithole, whether this disgusting creature likes it or not. Take fucking care!"

She stomped her way across the stadium towards its entrance. Monokuma shouted towards her, "Hey, you! Just some useful advice: I wouldn't be doing what you're doing right now! Who knows what might happen to you if you broke the rules?! Puhuhuhu."

As soon as Monokuma finished, Kabuto suddenly turned around and sprinted after Kure in an unbelievable sight.

Startled, I followed him and shouted, "Hey, wait!"

When Kabuto finally reached Kure, she stopped for a brief moment before sucker-punching Kabuto in the face, knocking him to the ground. It was then I halted in my tracks. This woman wasn't going to allow anyone to stop her. What if Monokuma was right? What if something where to happen to her when she walked out? There was no more time to waste.

But before I could act further, Kabuto sprang back up and ran in front of Kure. She then yelled, "Ugh! What do you want, you persistent little shit?!"

With a slight pant, Kabuto said, "What if I told you that something on the other side was going to kill you when you walked through that door?"

"W-What?"

"Allow me to demonstrate. Osada, tell everyone else back there to stay away from the door's line of sight."

Though my distrust for Kabuto was still strong, my gut instinct gave me no other choice: I had to follow his orders. Once everyone was in a safe position, he positioned himself in front of the other door as he slowly opened the door Kure was heading towards.

It only took a millisecond to find out Kabuto was right.

A shotgun fired from the outside. The bullet's loud sound left everyone in a daze for about fifteen seconds before everyone realized what was going on.

Todd was the first to cry out, "Wha…WHAAAAATT THE FUUCK?!"

Matsuno was in tears, "Di-di-did we almost just die?!"

Morihei exclaimed, "K-Kabuto?! How did you-."

Hatsu panicked, "Is everyone alright? Is anyone hurt? Please tell me if you're hurt, please!"

Ueno ended the chaos, "Hey, hey! I think everyone is okay. You don't see any visible injuries, do you Wakuri?"

Wakuri answered, "Other than some expected tinnitus cases and the bruise left by Kure's strike, there are no other injuries here."

Ueno affirmed, "Good. Then let's-."

She was interrupted by everyone's attention suddenly shifting direction towards the stage. Kabuto was walking toward it in the line of sight of the entrance door. When he climbed up on the stage, Monokuma declared, "Hey, bucko! That'll really happen to you if you go near-Huh?" Monokuma stopped his threat when Kabuto steadily walked past him towards the back-right corner of the stage. He analyzed a certain tear in the backstage curtain, and then knelt down, focusing his gaze at the entrance door on the other size. Afterwards, Kabuto simply panted, "Hmph," as he stood up and hopped off the stage.

When Kabuto came to our huddle he said, "The gun was aimed at head level. Since I poorly relayed my message earlier, I will repeat it now: 'Prepare to enjoy yourself here. If you don't, however, don't fret. You won't be here much longer.'" He then hummed to himself as he went back to his singular spot.

Chills ran down my spine. Everyone was utterly speechless. I couldn't even begin to process what had just happened.

I dwelled in murky reflections when Monokuma started to loudly applaud and exclaim, "Oh, my, my! What a bee-autiful show that was! This is the kind of suspense and drama I've been waiting for."

As we all stayed silent, Monokuma ground his clapping to a halt, he then cleared his throat and announced, "Ahem. Well with that fresh and deep in your young minds, I'm going to hop off the stage and hand you your state-of-the-art e-Handbooks! They contain all of the useful junk you need about school rules, school pools, and school cools! Just know that you MUST take this handbook. It should be pretty easy for you all to comply to that now, hehehe!"

We all passively took up his handbooks with no rebuttal, or, well, anything to say for that matter. Monokuma then hopped back onto the stage with the continued return of dead silence. He said, "Just so you know, the E-Handbooks are super handy for you guys with hands! I'm jealous; I wish I had proper hands. Oh, well. There are some things in life I'll just have to bear, hehe."

He continued, "The handbooks access all students' physical information, university laws, maps, and much more! Please call my name for any questions about it! I will happily help! And with that out of the way, this closes the opening ceremony of this wonderful year for you all! Prepare to enjoy yourselves here, indeed! Chou chou!"

He vanished without a trace. Kabuto was still the last student who made a sound at that point. As I had feared, it all seemed true. We had become part of Monokuma's game. The only question would be if any of us would truly participate in it. As of now, I didn't think so. Even if it's possible that we all lived here forever, I could honestly see a worse fate.

Ueno broke the deafening silence, "I am very sorry to you all. This is obviously unfortunate. Keep in mind that, no matter what limited options Monokuma gives us, there is still a chance that we can all escape this place unharmed. Since we are all Ultimate talents, we'll eventually figure out a way by putting our heads together. Now, we should all get out here and give ourselves some room to breathe."

A few more seconds of silence passed by before Matsuno spoke up, "Yeah, I think so, too. You're right."

Wakao said, "Yeah, I agree." Many other students made the same affirmation.

Maybe Ueno was right. It wouldn't make sense for a demented, vile character such as Monokuma to create so many truths about our fates. That part I could say I fully trusted. Something still bothered me, however. There was still a sick feeling in my stomach despite those words of encouragement. Then I found the source of that uneasiness: Kabuto's message, 'Prepare to enjoy yourself here. If you don't, however, don't fret. You won't be here much longer.' What if someone no longer "enjoyed themselves" being here for the rest of their lives? What if someone here was really hiding a past that they would do anything to get back to or fix? I can say I don't think anyone here would murder each other on the surface. But I could never truly know what was happening to them deep down…

I now have to be constantly watchful, in paranoia. This "University of Hope" became its antithesis. It's now a place of despair.

End of Prologue