CHAPTER 5: THE LIGHT BEYOND THE DARKNESS

DAILY LIFE


It's been a couple days now since the class trial.

Izumi...

She was getting closer and closer to ending this game once and for all.

She told me she was about... 89% done with her hacking. Give or take, since it isn't inherently obvious.

So, I was in relatively high spirits.

I mean... come on...

Hirokazu... he might really be the last to die.

And the nine of us can get out of here!

!

But...

There's still a traitor...

There's still a traitor among us...

I suppose... I still need to figure out who it is...

But...

I probably shouldn't think about it right now...

Eunji gets up. The morning announcement had already rang, so she shouldn't keep the others waiting.

The idol arrives at the dining hall. Everyone was still there. Kaori, who used to isolate herself from the others, was sitting next to Youngjae.

"Hey, it's the star of the show!" Naomori remarked.

"Eh, what are you talking about?" Eunji asked.

Everyone has been in relatively high spirits lately.

Probably due to Hirokazu's resolve.

It takes a lot bravery to sacrifice yourself like that...

Ayaka...

Hirokazu...

You two really are the best of us all...

We'll make sure your deaths aren't in vain.

"So..." Takashi fell silent. "Every other lab has been opened... all except for mine."

"Yeah, that's true." Miyumi replied. "Which gets me wondering... the fifth floor has yet to open."

Then, as if on cue, Monokuma appeared.

"You read my mind!" Monokuma remarked. "The fifth floor is now open!"

Then, Monokuma disappears.

"Huh." Seungyeon said. "He just... showed up so quickly... then left as quickly."

"That's rather odd." Miyumi said. "He didn't even stick around to bicker with us."

"Anyone else get a really bad feeling?" Izumi asked.

"We haven't ate yet." Youngjae replied. "Let us eat and then we can go check out the fifth floor."

"Yeah, you're right." Eunji sighed.

Takashi was just pondering something.

"Hey, Takashi, what's up?" Eunji asked.

"I guess this is it, right?" Takashi asked. "We're gonna find out what my talent is."

"That's right." Yeeun said. "Hey, any last predictions on what it might be?"

"I'd be pretty disappointed if it was something lame like Ultimate Fisher or some shit." Seungyeon remarked.

"Hah, you and me both." The white haired boy replied. "There's a reason Monokuma has been hiding it, though. It has to be something really threatening towards him, personally."

That's true...

But it also makes me wonder...

If Takashi's talent is so threatening towards Monokuma...

Why hasn't he tried to have him killed?

He's made it obvious that he wants Izumi dead...

After we enjoyed our well-made breakfast, courtesy of yours truly, Seo Youngjae...

We headed out, and made our way towards the fifth floor.

"Looks like this is it." Eunji said, looking at the stairs forward. The last surviving 9 all stared up at it.

"Why am I actually a little nervous." Izumi replied.

"Well, it was quite obvious that Monokuma didn't want us up here." Yeeun said. "I mean, think about it, he wanted us to kill Izumi and skip a class trial entirely."

"That is correct." Takashi said. "His intentions are crystal clear."

"We must brace ourselves." Miyumi said.

"I'm sure we're gonna see some fucked up shit..." Kaori stated.

Anyways... with that, we braced ourselves for whatever was to come next... and made our way inside...

The fifth floor...

It was...

So barren... but so mechanical...

"What the hell...?" Miyumi said. "It's almost hard to believe that this is part of the same school that we've been living in..."

"No wonder..." Eunji said.

There were a lot of machines everywhere, probably keeping things to code. I could see the tubes that the air purifier connects to...

"I'm not even sure my lab is up here..." Takashi asked.

Monokuma appears.

"It certainly is!" Monokuma said. "You've somehow survived this far, so go ahead and see what's there to see!"

"Hold it, Monokuma, what the fuck is this floor?" Yeeun asked.

"It's exactly what it is! This is where I do most of my operations!" Monokuma said. "I wasn't actually expecting for you kids to see this..."

Then, he disappears.

Izumi was probably keeping a lot of things in mind. I could see her observing every little thing.

"So... where would my lab be?" Takashi said.

"Guess we should keep walking around... maybe we'll find it." Miyumi said.

The students kept walking around, until they eventually stumbled upon a door.

"A door...?" Yeeun asked.

"It doesn't seem to be anything special..." Kaori said.

"I guess we should just ignore it." Naomori said.

"No..." Takashi said. "I have a feeling..."

"Huh?" The herbalist replied.

The white-haired boy approached the door, and turned the knob.

"It's unlocked." He said.

Was this it...?

Were we about to find out Takashi's talent?

We entered the room, and to our surprise...

It was mostly empty, save for a single laptop in the middle of the room sitting on top of a desk.

"Huh...?" Eunji said.

The white-haired boy approached it, and slowly opened it. "T-This is..."

"Takashi?" Yeeun asked.

The homescreen was a symbol... or more like a logo?

"I recognize this..." Takashi said. "It's all coming back to me..."

"Is it...?" Eunji asked.

"Um..." The white-haired continued staring at the screen. "I think something is supposed to... oh..." He clears his throat. "The Godfather, signing in."

Suddenly, the screen comes to life, and loads of applications start opening. Even more, lights in the room turn on, and a big projector shines upon the wall.

"What the fuck?" Izumi said. "What is this?"

"Hah." Takashi said. "Eunji... do you recall something?"

"Eh?" The idol asked.

"I'm a huge fan of movies. Hell... it might sound basic, but I love The Godfather. Looks like that was a reason. It was the real me... my inner memories, calling to me." Takashi said. "I am Takashi Okazaki, the Ultimate Spy."

!

T-The Ultimate Spy!?

"I remember." Takashi said. "I remember everything now... My organization... we were investigating the Ultimate Despair, Monokuma's organization. I was supposed to infiltrate it, playing undercover... It's quite obvious that my cover must have been blown. Looks like Monokuma and his cronies must have kidnapped me... perhaps by force. That's why I must have forgotten my talent."

"And that's why Monokuma was trying to cover it up!" Eunji said. "You must have a lot on his organization, don't you?"

"I do..." Takashi said. "Crap..."

"What?" Miyumi asked, watching as the white haired boy fidgeted around the laptop.

"I haven't reported in for over a month." Takashi said. "They must have locked me out of their systems. I can't get inside."

"Well... wouldn't they know it's you, now?" Kaori asked.

"No." Takashi said. "I have to report in person, so that way they know I haven't been compromised."

"But Monokuma said this game is being recorded and shared publicly, hasn't he?" Naomori said. "Isn't he likely that they could see you're alive?"

"Okay, and then allow my captors to log onto their database and see everything we have on them?" Takashi said. "Not possible."

Monokuma appeared

"O-Of course! It all went according to plan!" Monokuma said. "We knew you couldn't have possibly been able to talk to them after a while! Which is exactly why we prevented you from remembering your talent until now!"

"Sounds more like Monokuma is just covering up for his incompetence." Seungyeon remarked.

"Silence, don't disrespect your headmaster!" Then, the bear disappeared.

"Huh..." Takashi said. "I-I'm not gonna lie... I feel a little disappointed."

"What do you mean?" Eunji asked.

The white-haired boy looks up.

"I'm one of the best spies in the organization." Takashi said. "I'm surprised nobody has come to help us."

"Also, you don't recall much about what you know on Monokuma, do you?" Seungyeon asked.

"Just some details." Takashi replied. "My coworkers have gotten the most. Like I said, I was supposed to go undercover to learn more... but that fell through..."

"Regardless, it's just good to know what your talent is." Eunji said.

The spy nods. "Just wish we could do more with it..."

"Who knows? Maybe more of your memories will come back to you." Youngjae said.

"I hope so." Takashi said.

"This floor is absolutely dreadful." Miyumi remarks.

"Yeah, it's really giving me the heebie jeebies." Seungyeon replied. "Let's get out of here."

With that... our ascent to the fifth floor came to an end...

It was certainly interesting seeing how things worked... and finding out Takashi's talent is definitely gamechanging...

Some time had passed, and the rest of us were now back on the first floor.

So, Takashi is the Ultimate Spy... and he's gotten a lot of info about Monokuma...

Whatever he remembers, I'm sure he'll be quick to tell us.

I was back at the dining hall, sitting on the table with Miyumi.

"Eunji." Miyumi said.

"Hmm?" Eunji said, looking at her girlfriend.

"I'm a little worried."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean... you know how much Monokuma likes interefering in this game..."

Right...

"Now that Takashi remembers his talent..." The detective looks up at the T.V monitor in the dining hall. "I'm afraid that Monokuma will try to have him killed."

That's right...

But...

"Miyumi..." Eunji said.

"What's up?" Miyumi asked.

"There's... something I need to tell you."

"Oh?"

"Um..."

Was I really gonna tell her this...?

But Izumi told me not to tell anyone!

Ultimately though... the heart wants it wants...

"Miyumi... there's a traitor." Eunji said. "The mastermind of this game... they've been playing with us all along..."

"..." The detective just looks at the idol.

"M-Miyumi...?" The idol asked.

"I already knew that."

Huh?

She did?

"H-How...?" Eunji asked.

"Monokuma has made it obvious that this game is for his entertainment. More importantly, the mastermind's. What else would be more entertaining than actually participating in the killing game yourself?" The detective asked. "I have some suspects..."

"D-Do you... who?" The idol replied.

"Hmm... I'm afraid I can't tell you. Not now."

Miyumi...

"Not until I know for sure." Miyumi said. "I don't want to jeopardize our safety."

I suppose she's right...

It'd be better off not to unnecessarily start drama... especially with someone as scary as an organization as Monokuma and the mastermind...

Then, Seungyeon walks in.

"Oh, hey there." Seungyeon said.

"Hello." Eunji replied.

The actress yawned. "That fifth floor was kinda bore."

"What?" Miyumi said.

"I mean, Monokuma made such a big deal over it... but it was just there." Seungyeon replied.

"It's what's making this school function, you know?" The detective stated.

"Right, right... but when has that ever been fun?" The actress replied.

"Did anyone notice those cargo doors?" Eunji asked. "There has to be something hidden behind them. There's way more to that place than what meets the eye."

"Mmm, a very astute observation, miss Park." Seungyeon remarked.

"Ugh..." Miyumi just groaned. "I do agree with that, but I don't think we can do anything about those. The doors were shut pretty tightly."

"It doesn't take much to smash locks!" The actress said.

"Are you kidding?" The detective replied. "I'm sure that'll classify as breaking a regulation."

Then, Takashi walks in.

"Hey, Miyumi." Takashi said. "I want to talk to you."

"Hmm?" The detective replied. "Be right back."

With that, Miyumi and Takashi left the dining hall, leaving Eunji and Seungyeon by themselves.

"So..." Seungyeon said. "I'm actually kinda hoping that Takashi will know something useful..."

Seems like Seungyeon gets rid of her act whenever it's just me and her...

"So do I." Eunji replied. "I wonder what's gonna happen next..."

"You don't think that Monokuma will drop a motive, will you?" Seungyeon replied. "He's been increasingly speeding up these class trials..."

"I suppose that's true." The idol replied. "Even if he does, none of us will fall for it."

"Technically, nobody did last time." The actress sadly stated.

Yeah...

"I'm gonna go." Seungyeon said. "I have something to attend to."

"Okay, bye." Eunji replied.

Seungyeon...

I'm getting more and more worried for you by the day...

I sure hope nothing happens to you...

Despite how much you've been deteriorating lately, you are still first and forthmost my friend!

Eunji made her way to the lab building, and entered the hacker's lab.

"Hey." Eunji said. "How are you?"

"Still 89%" Izumi said.

"That's... not what I came to ask for." The idol replied.

"Oh." The hacker stated.

"Yes, don't worry too much." Yeeun said. "I've been feeding her and hydrating her."

"You talk about me as if I'm a pet." Izumi remarked.

"Well, you'd make for a very cute one!" The songwriter stated.

"What are you even saying!?" The hacker replied.

There they go again, bickering away as always...

It's almost like I'm not even here...

"Ahem..." Eunji said.

"Sorry..." Izumi replied. "It's good to see that you're out here and doing okay."

"Yeah... hey... Izumi...?" The idol asked.

"What is it?"

"Are you sure you're okay...?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"I mean... Monokuma did put a big target on your back with last motive..."

The hacker falls silent, just blankly staring at her laptop screen as she types away.

"E-Eunji..." Yeeun said.

"Sorry..." Eunji replied.

"No." Izumi said. "Why do you think I've been going into a rush, now? I'm scared that the traitor will come to kill me before I get to finish what I'm doing here."

"T-That won't happen!" Yeeun said. "I won't let it!"

"You can say that... but this traitor most certainly has a master key." The hacker replied. "All it'll take is them slipping into my room during the middle of the night when everyone else is asleep... and I'm dead.

"Then I won't sleep!" The songwriter replied. "I'll stay awake just to make sure that you're safe! You're special to me, and I won't let you die!"

The hacker falls silent, taking a moment to actually close her eyes and take some deep breaths.

These two...

They certainly have a special bond...

"I appreciate that... Yeeun." Izumi replied, then she just as quickly goes back to working on her laptop.

A little smile forms on the songwriter's lips.

"Of course." Yeeun replied.

Um... are these two just gonna forget I'm here?

There was just silence, as Izumi continued to type away as Yeeun watched her.

Okay...

Guess I'll just dip...

Eunji exits the hacker's lab, and is greeted with Youngjae.

"Oh, hey." Eunji said. "Feels like I haven't seen much of you lately."

"Well, I could say that same about you." The babysitter replied. "How's it been?"

"It's been going." The idol replied. "Takashi's talent... that's crazy, isn't it?"

"I had a feeling he was something important. It is pretty crazy that he actually infiltrated Monokuma's organization."

"Yeah... I wonder what he knows."

"I'm sure he'll tell us whenever he remembers." Youngjae said.

"So..." Eunji started to think. "You ever get a feeling like this thing is about to blow right open?"

"Sometimes." The babysitter replied. "It's sure taking a while..."

"I'm sure before we know it, this killing game will be over." The idol stated.

"I hope so. I miss my siblings dearly, and as much as I do like cooking for you all, I really so desperately want to cook for them again."

Oh, Youngjae...

A part of me is actually really greatful that you're still alive.

A sweet, innocent guy like you...

Really helps me keep a clear mind in herre.

The babysitter goes a bit quiet.

"There is something I noticed." Youngjae said.

"What is it?" Eunji replied.

"I went into Naomori's lab a while ago, and his poison bag was missing." The babysitter stated.

"Oh? I'm pretty sure Miyumi still has it." The idol said.

"Is that so?" The babysitter replied. "Well, I suppose it's better off that it's in her hands than Naomori's."

"Yeah, I agree."

"Naomori is definitely a fickle one..."

Haha...

Naomori really is, though.

He doesn't bode well under pressure.

He folds rather quickly

"I'm gonna go." Youngjae said. "See ya."

"Yeah, see you." The idol replied, and made her way outside.

There, she could see Naomori and Kaori near the fountain.

"Oh, hey." Eunji said.

"Hello." Kaori waves.

"How ya doing?" Naomori asked.

"Huh..." Eunji said.

Kaori... and the man who made the poison that ended up killing her boyfriend...

Definitely an unexpected pairing...

"What's wrong?" Naomori asked.

"It's just..." The idol fell silent.

"Oh." Kaori replied, realizing why she was acting like that. "Don't worry. I'm not mad at Naomori. He was just doing Hirokazu a favor... and if it wasn't thanks to him... I think we'd all be fucked, really."

Kaori...

She's so strong...

"Yeah..." Naomori said. "Still doesn't help the guilt I feel, though..."

"Well, Monokuma technically ruled that you were innocent." Eunji said.

"Not that I want to die... but if I was ruled guilty... I wouldn't have been mad." The herbalist replied.

"Oh, Naomori, don't be like that." The dancer nudged him on the shoulder. "We're all doing okay now, you know?"

"Yeah, I know, Kaori... It just still feels bad..."

All in all, it seems like everyone is doing well...

I just hope Monokuma won't come to try to ruin that perfect harmony...

The idol was in the laundry room, taking her clean laundry out of the dryer. Seungyeon walks in.

"Oh, hey." Eunji said.

"Hello." Seungyeon replied, a bit monotonous.

Huh...?

She's acting rather off.

"Eunji." Seungyeon said. "I don't mean to alarm you... but..."

"But what?" Eunji asked.

"The mastermind of this game... they're here." Seungyeon said. "They've been living with us."

Huh?

How does she know that!?

Miyumi, I can understand...

but...

Seungyeon...?

How could she have possibly figured this all out?

"What do you mean?"

"I know it sounds crazy..." Seungyeon replied. "But every night, I hear someone leaving their dorm room, and I hear as their footsteps disappear into another room..."

Seungyeon...

"The fifth floor confirmed my suspicions." The actress said. "I don't know if you noticed... but there were obvious secret doors in there. That's how the mastermind gets around... they use secret doors... hell... who knows how many cases and murders they've instigated?"

"I believe you." Eunji said.

"Do you now? Thank you." The actress replied. "Don't worry, Eunji. I'll put an end to this killing game."

Then just as quickly as she appeared, Seungyeon left.

What does she mean by that?

Eunji went to the dorm hall, and saw Miyumi.

"Oh! Miyumi." Eunji called out. "I missed you!"

"Hello, love." The detective replied. "Yeah, sorry. My talk with Takashi went on longer than expected."

"So... what did you two talk about?" The idol asked.

"We've compared notes on what we know about this building, and the weaknesses of Monokuma and his organization."

"Oh?"

"Don't gets your hopes up... but I'm sure we're close to figuring out how to end this killing game."

That's great!

"It's late, though." Miyumi said. "But Monokuma hasn't rang his announcement yet..."

"Eh, maybe he's just lazy." Eunji said. "I'll be in my room."

I was now in my room, looking at my monopad.

I still have free time left before Monokuma rings his night time announcement.

What shall I do?

-Free Time!-