Eventually, after passing the bathrooms, I ran into a familiar face I was glad to see. His green hair and eyes were still as calm and reassuring as they were before, though he now had multiple piercings on his ears. He also now wore a large blue shirt over a black T-shirt. The blue shirt was striped and had what looked like either a large black sun or a large ship helm in the lower left corner. He had a necklace around his neck and quite a few rings and bracelets on his arms and hands. Rantaro doesn't look too different from what I saw him in before, though I guess he looks more like a playboy. I wonder what his talent is.
Ultimate Adventurer. Ultimate Survivor.
I clasped my hands to my head once again as another headache appeared. What was that? This is just like with the names, Kokichi's group, and Maki. What does this mean? Does Rantaro have two talents? How would I know that? I shake my head. No, I couldn't possibly know. After all, my brain was telling me that Maki was an assassin, when she was just a child caregiver. But it's been right about their names so far. Even Kokichi's group's name though Kokichi could have been lying about it, but I doubt it in that situation. I wonder, maybe I'll use this opportunity as a test. With that thought I began to walk up to Rantaro. When he saw me approach him, he raised one of his hands with a smile.
"Oh, hey there. Did you get kidnapped too? You look alright, so that's good. The situation could be better though." He asked.
"I suppose so. I can't imagine why we're in this situation though."
"If that's the case, can I assume you don't remember how you got here?"
"Not at all. You?"
"Nope. Guess we're all the same in that regard."
"I assumed as much. So no one remembers anything about how we arrived at this academy. Definitely too strange to be a coincidence, right?"
"Yeah. It's like we all have amnesia or something."
"Hmm… They must have a memory wiping device or some trick to make us all forget."
"I have to agree with you. This is a pretty abnormal situation after all. It's possible it could have been a device, or perhaps group hypnosis, or maybe brainwashing…" He said with a dark expression. The dark expression he had only lasted for a few seconds before he shrugged. "In any case… I hope we remember soon. Otherwise… I'll end up the outcast." He chuckles as he rubs the back of his head.
"The outcast? Pretty sure I've already claimed that spot in the group. How exactly are you the outcast?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, how I got here isn't the only thing I don't remember. I also forgot… my own talent."
"Your talent?"
"Phew, I'm in trouble. I know I must have been some kind of Ultimate… I just don't remember."
"You really can't remember?" I asked.
"'Course it is. But then again, I don't blame you for not believing me."
"Oh no, I do believe you. It's just I didn't think there was someone who was in a similar situation as me." I said. If he can't remember, so much for that test I wanted to do.
"You're in a similar situation?"
"Yeah… I also forgot about stuff other than how we got here. I can't seem to remember anything about myself. I managed to get a name and a few details, but I'm not sure they're right. I've actually been going around asking everyone if they've heard of me, though I haven't had any luck. After all, who would remember something about an amnesiac who isn't even an Ultimate."
"You're not an Ultimate?" The boy asked.
"Nope. At least I don't think so. The Monokubs are convinced that I just forgot it along with everything else though."
"I see. Maybe I know something. What name did you remember?"
"Rin Wakuri."
"Hmm… it does sound familiar, but I can't place why that is. I feel like I heard that name recently." He ponders to himself for a while. Yeah, that's probably deja vu from the time in the gym. "Well, sorry I couldn't help you with that. Oh… I never told you my name, did I? It's not like we've already introduced ourselves, but then we forgot about it, right?"
"R-Right…" I nervously respond. Does he remember? He's making it seem as if he knows, which is pretty damn weird.
"My name is Rantaro Amami. I can't remember my Ultimate talent at the moment, but I promise, I'm not a bad guy. Nice to meet ya." Well if anyone wasn't suspicious before, he definitely made them suspicious after an introduction like that. He then crosses his arms and looks at me. "...Is it weird? That I'm not really bothered by the fact that I don't remember my talent?"
"Absolutely. Yes." I mentally face-palmed. Why am I so blunt when it comes to stuff like this?
"Hehe. I don't blame you for thinking it's weird. To be honest, I'm actually looking forward to finding out. I wonder what Ultimate I am." I think about it for a second. Maybe I still could do that test. If I'm right, then he gets to learn what his talent is, which probably would help him a lot. I sighed before looking at Rantaro.
"Well, I might not have any memories, but my intuition so far seems to be on point when it comes to stuff like this. Mind if I give your talent a guess or two and see if anything clicks for you?"
"Intuition, huh? Sure. I don't see why not."
"Ok, so judging from your outfit, maybe you're… the Ultimate Adventurer? Or maybe the Ultimate Survivor? Perhaps even both?" I look at Rantaro's expression. It's a mixture of shock, suspicion, and consideration for what I said. Did I get it right?
"Hmm… I'm not really sure about the Ultimate Survivor title, but the Ultimate Adventurer title, however, seems to click perfectly." I stiffened as he said that. I was right? What is this!? How did I know his talent!? Wait… does that mean when my brain told me Maki was an assassin, that she really was… oh god… that's why she gave me that death glare! I guessed her actual talent! God I hope she doesn't want to kill me now!
Rantaro doesn't seem to notice my increasing worry as he thinks about his rediscovered talent for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. Ultimate Adventurer. That definitely matches. That's reassuring, knowing what I am now, though I might have to keep it hidden in case the people who put us here didn't want me to know my talent. I got to thank you for that Rin. Now I'm even more bummed out that I can't return the favor."
"O-Oh! Don't worry about it. It doesn't really bother me much at the moment. Besides, I'm sure I'll figure it out sometime." I said as I snapped out of my trance.
"If you say so. If you need anything, just let me know." Rantaro said with a smile. I smile back as I head over to a pair of doors nearby. Alright, this is very concerning. Knowing names is one knowing things like talents and Kokichi's group is completely different! Why do I know these things? Are there other things I know like this? I sighed. Nothing I can do about it, I guess. Just got to keep moving on. Opening up the pair of doors, I'm greeted by a dining hall. There was a large table in the middle of the room which was surrounded by 17 chairs. At least they gave me a chair here, considering they seemed to not expect me. Just as I was about to take a look around-.
"HAAAAAIYAAAAAAHHH!"
"AHHH!" I screamed and jumped back a bit. I look over and see a girl doing fighting stances as she shouts. She had dark green hair that's tied in two braids that had white ribbons tying them together, as well as a green ribbon that's tied like a pinwheel behind her head. On top of her head is a pink headband, which matched a pink necklace she had around her neck. Her outfit was a blue and white dress and a white ribbon on her chest. She then turns her green eyes to me and sneers in disgust. Tenko Chabashira.
"Don't take another step closer, you degenerate male! If you do, I'll be forced to use my Neo-Aikido on you!"
"Neo-Aikido? Then that must mean that you're-."
"Oh, yes! I'm Tenko Chabashira! HAIYAH! The Ultimate Aikido Master!"
"I was right. An Aikido Master. That's incredible! I imagine that this 'Neo-Aikido' is something you created as a unique form of Aikido?"
"How perceptive of you, you male! Yes, that is correct. My master and I made it together! It's a completely original form of aikido that we developed after many years of training."
"I see, that's amazing. Your master must be really proud of you." I say, causing Tenko to blush a bit.
"O-Of course he is! I learned everything I know from him! And don't try to praise me! I don't like being praised by degenerate males!"
"Yeah about that… What's that about? Do men just make you uncomfortable?"
"It's worse than that! Everytime a male tries to touch me, my reflex is to grab them and throw them across the room."
"Yeah, that's definitely worse than just being uncomfortable around men. But I have to ask: didn't you just say your master is a man?" Tenko opens her mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. Her eyes become blank for a bit as she tries to process this new revelation.
"Wait… but! He's not-! I-! But he's a-!" Oh god I think I broke her.
"Hey, hey! Tenko! Relax! Forget what I just said. Instead, could you answer why you hate men?"
"O-Oh, that?" Tenko asks, seemingly back from the brink of deadly confusion I had thrown her in. "T-That's simple! My master told me that men would ruin my Aikido and focus!" He definitely just wanted her to stay away from boys like a protective father figure. That or he was just teasing her and she believed it. That's actually really adorable. Unfortunately, her master unknowingly caused her to become the self proclaimed enemy of "degenerate males" as she calls them. As one such "degenerate male", that might make being around Tenko dangerous for my health.
"If that's what your master said, then it makes sense that you hate men. I do hope I can at least convince you that I'm not as bad as you think. Anyway, I should introduce myself. I think my name is Rin Wakuri. I don't really have any memories about myself, so could I ask if you've ever heard of me? Probably not, since I don't think I'm an Ultimate or anything special like that." Tenko took a moment to think about it for a moment, which surprised me. I thought she would completely disregard me since I was a male.
"No, I can't say that I've heard of you. I'm sorry." She states, a little sad that she couldn't help.
"Don't worry about it. I can assure you it's not a big deal. I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually."
"Maybe Himiko knows?"
"Himiko?" Tenko then pointed behind me. There was actually another girl here that I didn't notice. She was a smaller girl, though not nearly as small as Ryoma. She had faded pink eyes and short red hair that was under a black witch hat. In her hair was a blue hairpin that looked like a gem. She wore a black uniform and black stockings, as well as brown pointed shoes. Himiko Yumeno. I walked up to the downtrodden girl, hoping she didn't have the same male hatred that Tenko had. "Hey there. I didn't see you earlier. You ok? You seem a bit worried or sad."
"Nyeeeeeh… I'm not worried. It's just a pain. Something like this won't make me panic. Cuz… I'm a mage."
"A… mage?"
"That's right. I haven't told you yet." The girl said before pointing upward with a little more enthusiasm than before. "Prepare to be amazed. Fall to your knees. I am Himiko Yumeno, the Ultimate Mage." She stated with a slight monotone voice.
"..."
"..." We stood there in silence for a bit before she added: "But I'm officially called the Ultimate Magician."
"O-Oh. I see. A mage disguised as an ordinary magician to hide their true power. Makes sense to me." I nervously chuckled.
"Nyeh?" Himiko perked up as I said that. If she wanted to be called the Ultimate Mage, who am I to stop her? Besides, I don't see anything wrong with letting her be a kid for a bit. Lord knows she's probably going to lose that innocence and child-like behavior during this killing game. "You believe me? You don't think magic is fake?"
"What? Of course it's real! Magic is as real as you and me! You wouldn't be the Ultimate Mage if it weren't real, right?" Himiko gave me a big smile.
"Finally, someone who gets it."
"So, do you mind telling me how you became the all powerful Ultimate Mage?"
"Nyeeeh… you probably don't know them, but there's a group called the Magic Castle. Also known as the Hall of Magicians, it's where the world's magic lovers gather. I was the youngest person to win the Magician of the Year award, but that's just a ruse. They're keeping my magic a secret by disguising it as tricks. Because of this ruse, I became famous all over the world for performing tricks. But… sniffle… I'm not a magician… I'm a mage… No one believes me…"
"Then maybe you could help me! I know magic isn't all powerful, but maybe you can use your magic to tell me more about myself?" Himiko stares at me for a bit before sighing.
"Unfortunately, my magic can't seem to penetrate the magic barrier that's surrounding your memories. Whoever placed that barrier must be incredibly powerful. And I also don't recall the name 'Rin Wakuri' either. Perhaps there is a barrier blocking us from remembering things about you." That… obviously isn't the case, but she might have the right idea. Perhaps they all did know about me before, but then those memories were erased. It's certainly a possibility I should consider.
"I see. That's a shame. Guess I should go and see if anyone can break this magical barrier."
"Nyeeeh… I doubt there's anyone who could possibly overpower this kind of magic."
"Well, you never know. There might be another mage hiding among us." Himiko seemed to perk up after I said that. She really is dedicated to the whole mage thing. It's pretty cute, though it might get annoying after a bit. I say goodbye to both Himiko and Tenko and exit the dining hall. Rantaro isn't waiting outside anymore. He probably went to explore some more, as any proper adventurer would. I should do the same.
I walked for a bit before coming across a door that led to a giant warehouse. The place was full of shelves filled with a bunch of random junk. It practically had everything just from the looks of things. There was also another person here. She wore a pink outfit, as well as goggles over her strawberry blonde hair. Her uniform also had black straps over it. She also had black fingerless gloves, a blue ribbon, and a couple of chokers on her neck. She turned and laid her blue eyes on me. Miu Iruma. Oh no. Isn't she the vulgar girl from before? I'm not sure I want to talk to her. Before I could make my getaway, she yelled out to me.
"Hey! Don't think you can just walk away from me! Get over here you white hair fucker!" Yep… definitely don't like her.
"Umm… ok? Is there anything you need?" The girl snarled at me, as if explaining was beneath her.
"What? You think you're too good to help or some shit!?"
"N-Not at all. Just, before I help, can I get the name of the person that wants my help?"
"Y-You don't know me?" The girl asks, completely taken aback. I shake my head, which causes her to huff. "Well, since you're so clueless about it, I'll explain. I'm the gorgeous girl genius whose good looks and golden brain will go down in history! The one, the only, the legendary Ultimate Inventor herself- Miu Iruma! Well? Now do you understand how great I am?"
"No, not really." Miu shrieked when I gave her my blunt answer. Not that I can help that, since I'm an amnesiac. "Sorry, sorry. I'll be honest. I only said that since I'm an amnesiac and can't remember anything other than the name 'Rin Wakuri' and a few other details, which I'm not even sure about. Maybe you can tell me more about what you make."
"I make all kinds of gadgets- ones that let you type while you sleep, read while you sleep, even ones that let you eat while you sleep."
"Uhh… why do they all involve sleeping?"
"I was inspired after I realized how much time people waste on sleep. Though this one time I invented these really stupid eyedrop contact lenses as a gag."
"You mean eye drops that function as contacts!? Holy crap that's amazing!"
"Pfft! That invention was nothing! It doesn't make you more productive while you sleep, so it was a failure! How the hell does that shit sell but my 'while you sleep' brand of tools don't!? I signed the patent rights over to some company and never looked back."
"That's… wow… ok…" Is this person really the Ultimate Inventor? Seems like she's not the sharpest tool in the shed. "I suppose I would make 'while you sleep' devices too if I was ever in a coma as well."
"Heeee!? H-How do you know about that!?" Miu asked while taking a few steps back. "Are you a stalker or something?" Wait… did I…? Again!? Ugh… Is that why she is so focused on these "while you sleep" devices?
She was in an accident and got into a coma, which is why she is so obsessed with making things that work while she sleeps.
I blink a few times. Woah… if that's true, then… It actually makes a lot of sense. Geez, that's horrible. And again, why do I know that!? "Um… yeah, it's a… real shame that none of those inventions were hits. I guess people don't know what's truly… useful." I managed to say. "By the way, what are you looking for? You said you needed my help finding something?"
"Eh? Are you a dumbass? In a situation like this, I gotta find some meds!"
"You're injured or sick?"
"No, idiot! I need strong meds cuz I wanna trip my fuckin' balls off! I just wanna set my mind free and forget all about this shitty situation!" Miu said as she blushed at the thought.
"..." Not sure what kind of face I was making, but it was probably an extreme mix of disgust and anger. As soon as Miu saw my face, she immediately jumped.
"W-Why the hell are you looking at me like that?" I sighed as she stammered. I seriously want to tell her off, but it's not my place to do that. Miu took a few steps back, strangely passive and timid compared to how she just was. "W-Whatever… I bet this place doesn't even have the shit I need to get loosey-goosey. S-So… are we cool…? Are you… done being mad at me?" Miu innocently(?) asked as sweat covered her face. Oh boy…
"Yeah. Sure… just… don't do drugs. Especially just for the purpose of getting high." I groaned. This conversation alone was giving me a migraine. "Look, I just want to ask you if you know me. Like I said, I'm an amnesiac. I can't remember anything. So does the name 'Rin Wakuri' remind you of anything?"
"Umm… no. Never heard of you." Miu said timidly.
"Thank you. I'll be leaving now." And without waiting for a response from her, I left the warehouse area. That was… an experience. Walking down the hallway, I managed to make it back to the gym entrance, which, unfortunately, was locked. Being forced to turn back, I couldn't help but think which areas were left to explore. Well, I didn't have to think for long, since I soon found myself back at the entrance hall, which was now no longer blocked by a gate. Guess I can head outside now. I walked towards the large doors that seemed to be the entrance. "This seems… too easy. This can't possibly be the exit."
"Quite perceptive, aren't you. You are correct. I have already checked what lies outside these halls, and the sight is something to behold." Another person said as they walked up to me. He was a tall person in a brown uniform that looked like some military uniforms I had seen before. He wore a hat, a black leather mask, and had bandages wrapped around his hands, along with long blacki hair and dark yellow eyes. Korekiyo Shinguji.
"Is that so? It must be something horrible then." I sighed. "But before that, I don't believe I've had the honor of meeting you yet. It's nice to meet you. I think my name is Rin Wakuri. Have you heard of me?"
"Hmm… I do not believe I have. Rin Wakuri, was it? You do not remember if that is really your name? It seems you're in an even more perilous situation than most of us." He said while placing his hand on his cheek. "I am quite sorry I could not help you clear anything up. I can, however, tell you about myself if you so wish. My name is Korekiyo Shinguji… I am called the Ultimate Anthropologist. You may call me Kiyo if you so wish."
"The Ultimate Anthropologist? As in the study of human cultures and customs?"
"Ah! I see you already know a bit about the subject."
"I'm not sure myself. It feels like I may have dabbled in it a bit. I think I enjoy learning about things like this. It seems to interest me. Especially when it comes to a culture's legends and myths."
"I must agree. Learning about customs that still appear in daily life and how they've changed, among other things, is precisely what makes Anthropology so intriguing."
"Not to mention that Anthropology is incredibly important when it comes to various jobs, even if it isn't so obvious. Like for businesses trying to branch out to other countries. If they have a good understanding of the culture, they might have more success in implementing their products in the foriegn countries."
"Oh my, you certainly are quite knowledgeable. It's a shame I don't recall you. I'm sure I would find someone like you quite interesting." Kiyo then began to chuckle to himself. "Yes… you see, I believe humans are creatures who possess infinite beauty. I find even the ugly aspects of humanity to be beautiful. So I can't help but wonder, what kind of beauty will I be able to witness here. With this large group of highly interesting and beautiful humans, I can't imagine how wonderful it will be." He says with a smile. Too bad all this beauty is going to be tainted by blood soon.
"So, you said you already checked outside, correct? Anything I should worry about?"
"Hmm… perhaps." Kiyo then muttered something to himself as he walked away, though I managed to catch some of it. "...When your hope shatters, I wonder, will that be beautiful as well?" Shattered, huh? Is it that bad? No time like the present, I guess. I push open the doors and…
"What the hell?" I can't help but stare at what I see. And what I see… is a giant cage. A wall that led upwards into a metal cage that surrounded the entire premises. Kiyo wasn't exaggerating. If I wasn't expecting it, I would totally be panicking right now. But since I'm managing to stay calm, I can think about it logically. Like, how the hell did anyone build something on this scale without drawing attention to themselves. Either we're in the middle of nowhere, or… maybe these blue clear skies that we can see are just red herrings made to make us think we're outside. This whole place could be underground in a dome for all we know. A dome. That sounds accurate. Not sure why, but it fits.
"Rise and shine, Ursine!" The Monokubs cried out as they magically appeared from nowhere again.
"Surprised about the cage, huh? I totally understand how you feel. The first time I saw it, my teeth and fingernails fell out." Monotaro said.
"That's not a healthy way to react to a surprise!" Monophanie cried out.
"Byeow! But it's so awesomely huge! I can see why it's called the End Wall!" Monokid added.
"The End Wall, is it?" I asked. "Why's it called that?"
"Well, normally, walls are erected to separate two places, right? But this wall is different. It represents… the end of the world." Monosuke explained.
"The end of the world? Figuratively or literally?" I asked.
"That's for us to know and for you to find out!" Monosuke yelled.
"Exactly. There's nothing to explain. This is simply how it is, so please don't bother. You can't get out of here." Monophanie explained. "That wall has no entrances or exits, and it cannot be climbed or demolished."
"An Ultimate could probably climb it partway, but most of the time it's impossible!" Monokid claimed.
"...But they can still sort of climb it, huh." Monosuke remarked.
"So an Ultimate could climb that? If that's the case, then I doubt you would trap an Ultimate with a climbing talent in here. You would have to be stupid to put someone like...I don't know, the Ultimate Rock Climber in here with something like that. So much for that possibility." I look around the area for a bit. Not only was the school overrun with weeds and overgrown grass and plants, but there were many sections of the academy itself that were still under construction. Why did they bring us here if they weren't even finished making the place? "Hey, so, why are you guys still constructing stuff? Or are you just refurbishing some things before you get started with whatever you have planned?"
"Well, we couldn't finish everything in time, so we're having the Exisals finish the job while they're on autopilot."
"Is that so? I didn't know those things could do yard work like this."
"Wait a minute. Do you know what the Exisals are?" Monosuke questioned me.
"Uh… no?" I said meekly.
"Oh, ok then." Monotaro said.
"So long! Bear well!" And with that, the Monokubs had vanished once more. Well, if they were telling me the truth, then there's probably no way we can get over the wall. Not to mention that if a strange structure like this hasn't been discovered yet, help from the outside probably isn't likely either. Welp, if we somehow got in, then there has to be an exit somewhere right?
