Ding dong, bing bong.
"This is an official announcement from the Ultimate Academy. Wake up, bastards. It's 8 a.m." Monosuke said.
"Oooh, today's the day the time limit expires. My heart is pounding with excitement." Monotaro said.
"Don't worry! Even if you end up in hell, at least you can be proud that you didn't do the killing game!" Monophanie encouraged us.
"You're just assumin' they're gonna go to hell?" Monosuke asked. Monokid tried to give his input, but he started speaking in tongues or something unintelligible. Who programmed these robots?
"Hey, Monokid...why don't we go over there and drink some more honey, okay?" Monotaro said, trying to get Monokid to calm down. The monitors then shut off. They always have some kind of stupid antics going on, huh? Annoying. That's all those kubs are. Monokuma and the mastermind are the real threats. And today, I end those threats.
It's 8 a.m. right now, meaning I have 15 hours until the time limit ends. That's plenty of time to set everything up. I just need to talk to a few people to make sure everything is perfect. I know one of the people I'll ask, but I'm not sure who else I can trust with this. There are 17 of us, after all, one being the mastermind. It can't just be anyone. Hmm… I should get some food first and check on what everyone's doing before I start setting everything up. I didn't get much sleep last night, if any, since I was too busy thinking up the plan for today, so I should really get some food to make sure I can at least function today. I say that I didn't get much sleep, but the plan I came up with is actually relatively simple. I was mainly making sure there weren't any better ways of handling this considering...what it is. I get dressed and grab a notebook and pen that I found in my desk, stuffing them into my jacket pocket, before heading out. I exit the dorms and see Kaede and Angie rushing to the dining hall. They're in a hurry for some reason.
"Hey, good morning!" I called out, getting their attention. "I would have thought you'd be with Shuichi, Kaede. You and Angie appear to be troubled by something. What's up?"
"Ah! Rin! Perfect! Maybe you could help us." Kaede said.
"Help? If I'm able to, then sure. But with what exactly?"
"Nyahaha! There are people in the dining hall who are fighting! We're going to try and stop them!" Angie said happily.
"Fighting?" I asked. "At a time like this? That can't be good. Let's go. We need to stop it before it escalates into something really bad."
"Agreed! Let's go!" Kaede said. With that, we ran to the dining hall and saw the commotion. In the dining hall were Rantaro and Ryoma, the two who were fighting. Kiyo seemed to be watching the fight while eating, while Kirumi was cleaning the kitchen. "What's going on here!?" Kaede shouted, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room.
"Oh, Kaede, Rin. Perfect timing." Rantaro said. "I...really don't know what to do, you two. Ryoma started talking crazy…"
"All I was doing was making a suggestion. So that more people can survive." Ryoma clarified. "...Even if it's just one more."
"'So that more people can survive'?" I repeated his words before the horrible realization came to me. "Wait! You don't mean that-!?"
"Yeah. That's exactly what I mean. Don't you get it? If time runs out like this, we'll all get annihilated, y'know. The only way to avoid that is to play along with this killing game."
"What!? Now, hold on a minute!" Kaede tried to argue, but Ryoma immediately said words that one can't just take in easily.
"Kill me." The air in the dining hall went cold with those words. Ryoma was willing to let one of us kill him to protect everyone. It was incredibly noble, however, it was also foolish. There's no way I'm going to let him die.
"Ryoma! What are you saying!?" Kaede asked with a horrified expression.
"You don't get that either? I'm saying that I'll give you guys my life." He said without hesitation. "I...don't have a reason to live anymore. So if the rest of you want to live, I'll hand my life over to you." He said with a dark expression.
"N-No way! We promised we'd all get out of here together!" Kaede said. Ryoma just huffed at those words.
"Hmph, I hoped it'd end that way. That's why I waited so long to bring this up. But We've just been waiting for the deadline without doing anything to change it. There's no more time left for idealism, don't you think?"
"N-No… It's not idealism-."
"This is the best choice for the situation. Whoever murders me gets to leave without a trial. Everyone else survives the time limit. After that, the person who gets to escape can go for help and rescue everyone else." After explaining, Ryome gave us a smile and thumbs up. "How about it? If you've got a better idea, I'd love to hear it."
"U-Um… well…" Kaede tried to think of something to say, but was at a loss of words. She probably doesn't want to relieve Shuichi or her plans for the mastermind. Guess that just means I'll have to step up. But before I could, Rantaro spoke up with a dark expression.
"Ryoma. There's no need for that." Rantaro said with a dark smile.
"Hm?" Ryome turned to face Rantaro, confusion etched onto his face.
"There's no need for that, because I'm going to end this game. I've already decided."
"You're… going to end this game?" Kaede asked, shocked at his claim.
"It's not about outfoxing everyone in this killing game, it's about ending the game itself." He elaborates. "That's the real goal."
"Can you… even accomplish such a feat?" Kiyo spoke up, curiosity lacing his voice.
"I wouldn't be saying this if I didn't think I could." Rantaro answered with a smile.
"And how will you end it? You understand that the time limit expires tonight, yes?" Kirumi asked.
"Haha, sorry, can't tell you. Actually, if I could, I wouldn't be having so much trouble."
"What do you mean?" Ryoma asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just what I said. I'm going to end this game…" Rantaro's face then morphs into a threatening and desperate glare. "So don't any of you go and do anything unnecessary, alright?"
"Pfft…!" Everyone's head turned to me. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or perhaps it was how I knew that Rantaro was walking a path straight to his death. Either way, I couldn't stop myself from giggling at Rantaro's words. It took most of my willpower to not burst out laughing. "Y-Y-You're going to end this game? Get real." I said sternly after I composed myself. I felt the dark smile from last night start forming onto my face again as I spoke, but I didn't really care at this point. "None of you seem to understand what's really going on here."
"Wh-What do you mean?" Kaede asked, completely thrown off by my sudden change in demeanor. I just laughed at her question.
"Don't get me wrong. I'm not calling any of you stupid. I'm just surprised I'm the only one who's come to this conclusion." I shrugged as I continued. "Even Shuichi doesn't seem to have picked up on this, but that might be just because he doesn't want to make baseless claims without physical evidence to back it up. To me, however, it's just simple logic. Rantaro does have the right idea, but he seems to not realize one important detail. It's not about outfoxing everyone. The way to end this game is outfoxing one person. That's the only way to end it."
"One person?" Kirumi asked.
"I would explain it to you all, but secrecy is key here. After all, the walls have ears. You never know when that one person is listening to us. Watching us. From somewhere, somehow." I sighed as I rubbed my hand through my hair. "Anyway, you guys don't need to worry. All the pieces are finally in place for me. I finally found out how to stop the game and save everyone. I spent all of last night coming up with a plan for that goal. So don't get the wrong idea. The one who's going to end this game… is me." I then narrowed my glare to Rantaro and Kaede specifically. "You two… I know you aren't going to listen, but I'll say it anyway. Don't do something stupid." Both of them seemed a bit shocked at that. They must be wondering if I know what they're planning, which I do, but they don't need to know that right now.
"Hmph, when you both put it like that, it seems like I still have a ways to go." Ryoma said. "Alright, I got it. I take back my suggestion. Do what you want. Whether you guys live or die is up to you." After saying that, Ryoma left the dining hall.
"Well, I'm glad. I hope Ryoma has calmed down a bit." I said with a sigh.
"Anyway, Rin, Rantaro… were you both serious when you said you both said you knew how to end this game?" Kaede asked us.
"...I'm not completely sure, but Rin seems to be." Rantaro said as he crossed his arms and looked at me. "Well, even if I did have an idea, I couldn't tell you. Rin's right. Secrecy is key. Can't risk anyone interfering."
"Agreed. Whether we succeed or not depends on that secrecy. Though as I said, I'm confident in my plan." I added.
"Okie-dokie… Then Angie will pray for both your plan's success." Angie said happily. Her expression then turns dark as she leans towards us. "But if you're lying, Atua says He will punish you for three generations to come, okay?"
"Haha, now that's a threat. Well, I'll do my best to live up to your expectations, hm?" Rantaro then turned his back towards us as he left. "I guess… I have to do my best." Rantaro then left. He hasn't given up his plan either. Looks like I am going to have to stop him from interfering.
"Ending this game… Is that even possible?" Kirumi asked while thinking about what Me and Rantaro said.
"I suspected he only said that to defuse the situation and stop Ryoma, however, with Rin also claiming he can end the game, it makes me wonder." Kiyo said.
"Nyahahaha! Maybe Rantaro and Rin's hidden talent is actually a huge explosion! In the end, only Atua knows!" My hidden talent, huh? I haven't given it much thought. There was always something more pressing to concern myself with. I wonder if Angie's right, though. Could my talent be helping me right now? Could it have something to do with the Foresight I get? What, like the Ultimate Clairvoyant? Who knows? It doesn't change anything. I still have my plan.
"You can think what you want. It doesn't matter to me. I'm going to get some food before I get started." I then went into the kitchen, grabbed a few things to eat, and headed off. "You all don't have to worry about anything. I'll handle everything." I said before exiting the dining hall. I quickly ate as I moved. I don't have a moment to spare. I'm also glad none of them realized what I took. I placed my hand in my jacket pocket and felt the handle of the kitchen knife I took. I had wrapped it in a cloth before taking it, so there's no need to worry about accidentally cutting myself. I might need this later...for self defense. I'll be the one doing something stupid and dangerous later after all. I may have sounded confident about all of it, but to be honest, I'm terrified. There is a very real chance that I'll fail. Then the others will suffer for it. It's risky, but the reward we'll get if I pull it off will be worth it. So I can't fail. I won't fail. No matter how weak or scared I am, I have to make sure everything works.
Now I just need to tie up loose ends. How do I make sure everyone is in a place where they can't interfere and still give them an alibi? Just as I was thinking about that, I ran into the guy I was hoping to see. "Ah! Kaito!" I waved as he saw me and walked up to him.
"Ah Rin! Just the person I wanted to see." Kaito said with a smile.
"You were looking for me? I needed to ask you some things as well, so this works out."
"You needed me for something too?"
"Yeah, but I can ask you about it after you tell me what you need."
"If that's what you want." Kaito said as he stroked his goatee. "Anyway, I wanted to ask if you would be interested in helping me fight Monokuma."
"Fighting Monokuma? You're actually going to fight him?"
"Once the time limit ends, he's gonna come at us with everything he has, right? If that's the case, then we gotta fight back and win! I'm planning on gathering people who I think can fight so we can discuss a strategy of sorts."
"Hmm… aside from the fact that Monokuma has the Exisals, that's actually a pretty good contingency plan." I said, mentally taking note of it. "Wait, gathering people? Who did you have in mind?"
"Well, for starters, I was planning on talking to Gonta, Tenko, you, Maki, Himiko, Rantaro, and Angie about this."
"Gonta and Tenko I understand since they can definitely handle themselves, but what about me and the others? Seems a bit random."
"Well, Himiko has her magic and Angie has her god, right? Those could prove to be useful in a weird situation like that."
"Ooookay? Maybe…" I answered with a raised eyebrow. "But what about Maki? She's just a caregiver."
"Maki looks like she knows how to fight. It's as simple as that." I stare at Kaito with a bewildered expression. "Huh? Is somethin' wrong?" I then proceeded to laugh. Out of everyone who could have guessed Maki's true talent and abilities other than me, it was Kaito!? He doesn't even seem to notice it! It's just too funny!
"Okay, that's fair." I said after I stopped laughing. "You make a good point. I think Maki would definitely be useful in a fight against Monokuma. What about me and Rantaro then."
"You both seem smart. You're probably two of the smartest people here. Not to mention you both seem to be able to handle the pressure of this kind of scenario fairly well compared to others. That probably means you're used to getting into dangerous situations and getting out of them just fine."
"Huh… I didn't even think about that, since I have amnesia. That could explain why I can relatively stay so calm despite all this." Y'know...minus a few panic attacks...
"Right? That's why I think you and everyone else could help take down that black and white bear bastard!" Kaito said definitely.
"Hmm… This is perfect." I said as I thought about Kaito's offer. "Yes… This is exactly what I needed."
"Exactly what you needed?"
"To tell you the truth Kaito, I was going to ask you to do something similar to this. I'm preparing my own way to end this game, and this plan of yours could help me out immensely."
"Really? That's great! So you're going to come to the meeting."
"Yeah. Totally. Though I have a few questions I want to ask you about before we talk about it some more. About the people you plan to gather, I can understand not involving people like Kiyo, Shuichi, Tsumugi, and Kaede, since they don't seem the most physically capable, but what about Kokichi, Keebo, Ryoma, and Kirumi. Even Miu could make us some weapons. Couldn't they be a big help?"
"Ah, about that…" Kaito said as he scratched the back of his head. "I already asked Keebo, but he declined, stating how he doesn't have any crazy functions that I thought he would have. He told me that aside from being a robot, he's essentially the same as any other person."
"So he doesn't have any weapons or special functions that would be useful in a fight? That's...disappointing. What about the others."
"Well… Miu is… a handful. It also seemed like she was busy with something. I saw her stumble back to her dorm room a little while ago. It looked like she didn't get any sleep last night." Really? It must have been because she was working on those cameras and sensors for Shuichi and Kaede. "And Kokichi… I don't know about him."
"What do you mean? He's the Ultimate Supreme Leader, so he could be really helpful in coming up with strategies, right?"
"Yeah, but there's somethin' about him that rubs me the wrong way. He's probably not a bad guy, but I don't think I can trust him."
"Cause he's a liar?"
"More than that. He seems to enjoy the concept of the killing game. Even if he is lying about enjoying it, I don't think having him around to say things like that would be good for group morale if we're planning to fight Monokuma."
"Good point. He is the kind of guy to do that." Now that I think about it, he also doesn't seem like the type to agree to a plan that he thinks is stupid or has a high chance of failing, which this would most definitely fall under. "What about Ryoma and Kirumi?"
"For Ryoma, it's because I don't think he would be able to fight anymore. Not after what he's already done. It might make him feel even worse, so I don't plan to involve him, even if he would be a great fighter." That's very considerate of Kaito. "As for Kirumi, I have heard stories that she is capable of fighting, but I didn't actually think to ask her. I think she might be busy with something though. She always seems to have her hands full with tasks and such."
"I see… I understand. When will this meeting take place?"
"It should probably be near when the time limit expires. I'd say an hour or two before that. I'll discuss things with the others and see if they want to come to the meeting. You should just meet up with us around… I'd say 8:30 p.m. We'll wait for you here at the entrance hall."
"Ok. 8:30 p.m. at the entrance hall. Got it. Just make sure those other 6 people come to the meeting no matter what."
"Of course! I'll drag them to the meeting if I have to." I laughed at Kaito's words and gave him a smile.
"I have to hand it to you, though. You're a lot better in these kinds of situations then I thought you'd be."
"Of course! An astronaut has to be prepared for anything after all!" Kaito said with a wide smile.
"Do they teach you that in astronaut training? Is it hard?"
"No problem! My training's a piece of cake!" Kaito's grin then turned into a serious expression. "Well, to be honest, it's about as intense as intense can get. But the universe is harsh. You gotta be able handle any situation."
"Any situation… Could you tell me about it real quick? You told me a bit about it in the tunnel, but I'm really curious about it."
"No problem! I'm glad to talk to you about it." Kaito said happily. "The first two years is basic training… It's pretty straightforward. You learn the skills needed to be an astronaut! Medicine, aeronautical engineering, scuba diving, linguistics, survival training… You pretty much just gotta master everything."
"Even survival training? That's smart. There are a number of risks involved with space travel. It's good they're teaching you to be so prepared."
"Haha! Tell me about it! Alright! Pop quiz! What's the most important thing an astronaut needs?" Kaito suddenly said.
"Most important thing?" I thought about it a bit before coming up with an answer. "Probably teamwork, right? It's like any ship. If you can't work with your team, your crew, you won't go anywhere."
"That's exactly right! Communication and teamwork are the most important things! The universe is a frontier that the people of the world challenge together. And since we need to work together, communication is vital! That's why you need language training! It makes up a fourth of basic training. Of course, I can speak Japanese, English, and Russian all fluently! I didn't just learn the languages, I had to learn each culture, too."
"You're multilingual? That's incredible! And you're knowledgeable in those different cultures too? That's amazing!"
"It's nothing! I'll master everything I need so I can get up to space! That's why I need to escape with everyone! I need to get back to training! The universe is getting away from me! The world needs this Luminary of the Stars to shine even brighter!" I smiled at Kaito's dedication and determination. He is definitely someone I can rely on, even if he can jump the gun at times and sometimes comes off as an idiot. I can trust him.
"You're so much more incredible than I am. If it's you helping me, then maybe I really can do this…" I trailed off a bit as I began to think.
"...You're always doing that, aren't 'cha?" Kaito asked with a serious expression.
"What?"
"You're always comparing yourself to us. Not only that, you always keep the burden of the situation solely on yourself. Do you see yourself as weaker than everyone else? Just because you have no memories? That's foolish. I think you're plenty capable and reliable, and I know the others think so too. You should be more confident with yourself." Kaito said with a smile.
"Confidence?" I thought about his words a bit. Ryoma saud something similar the other day. Kirumi too. In fact, a few people have told me that. Am I really that capable? It feels like I'm flying by the seat of my pants for the most part. My entire plan revolves around assumptions. And for that plan, I'm risking my life. Everyone's lives. What right do I have to do that? I'm just a normal guy. Even with the possibility that I could be an Ultimate, it still doesn't feel right. I'm also not the person I once was, since I don't have those past experiences. Despite all of that, Kaito and the others believe in me? They want me to have more confidence? "I… I don't know. I don't...think the problem is having more confidence. It's…"
"You're scared of failing us right? Of being useless?" Is it that obvious? I feel more pathetic as Kaito points it out. Of course he knows. Everyone seems to know. I've made it desperately clear to them.
"...Yeah. I'm terrified. Terrified that I'll fail and that everyone will suffer because of it. I have to save everyone, I have too! I'm terrified about all of this for some stupid reason, even though I should be the one who comforts all of you. Instead, I seemingly fall apart at the drop of a hat and I don't even know why. I haven't been able to do anything, so I have to succeed now. If I don't, then what good am I? I...I… I can't fail again! I can't lose anyone else!" I trembled as those final words left my mouth. I didn't even understand what I was talking about, but I could feel it. A never ending guilt was bubbling to the surface, making me relive the regret I have seemingly forgotten. I felt like it was eating away at me, constantly reminding me of my failures.
"...I see. That's your enemy, right?" Kaito said.
"My...enemy?"
"Well, you gotta deal with those worries and regrets yourself. I can't give you an answer for those, but you know what you have to do. You have a goal you're pushing towards, and you're doing everything you can to accomplish it, even when acknowledging your own weaknesses. If you can see your own weaknesses, then all you gotta do is work harder and get stronger so you don't have to worry about failure."
"Get stronger, so I don't have to worry about failure…" I repeated his words, absorbing it all. He's so confident about this, it's almost comical. It's so comically simple. "...Okay. I'll try my best. I'm not sure if I can, but I'll work harder, so I can overcome my fears. I...I won't fail! I just have to believe in this. It won't fail, no matter what, because I'll make sure it works!"
"Alright! I know you can do it! And remember, if you ever need help accomplishing something, you have me and the others to lean on, so don't forget about your friends."
"...Okay. Then I'll need your help. I'll need this strategy meeting to pull this off. Let's make sure everyone gets out!"
"Hell yeah! We'll destroy that Monokuma bastard and get outta here!" Kaito cheered. We talked more about the strategy meeting for a few hours, discussing what we could do and where the meeting should be held, before we went our separate ways to prepare. That's 7 people taken care of. And with Shuichi and Kaede working together, that bumps the number up to 9. That leaves 7 other people that will not be accounted for during the plan.
I pull out my Monopad to look at the time. It's 1:30. 6 and a half more hours left. I then pulled up the map to see where everyone else was. I need to talk to some of the people who won't be part of the meeting. Let's see. Out of Miu, Kiyo, Kirumi, Tsumugi, Kokichi, Ryoma, and Keebo, who should I trust with this? I then noticed that 4 people were in the dorms. Miu, Kokichi, Ryoma, and Keebo. If that's the case… I made my way to the dorms and walked up to the second floor to knock on Keebo's door.
"Rin? How are you? Did you need something?" Keebo asked after he opened the door and saw me.
"Yeah, I do, but before that, would you like to talk for a bit? We haven't talked much and there's so much I want to know about you."
"Oh! So you've taken an interest in me! That's only natural, seeing as I'm the Ultimate Robot. I do not mind answering any questions you may have." Keebo said proudly.
"I have plenty of questions for you. I mean, even among us Ultimates, your very existence is part of what makes you special. I'm curious what you're capable of. Could you tell me about some of your functions?"
"Of course! Now first, is my visual acuity. I have 20/13 vision... Impressive, no?"
"Uhh… yeah…?" I said, unsure of myself for giving that answer. That's pretty average. But I guess if he's always going to have that vision unless he upgrades himself, then perhaps consistency is key? "What else?"
"For my next function, I will need you to raise your hand and put it in front of my mouth."
"Ooookaaaay?" I said, doing as he wished. As soon as I did…
"Haaaaaaaaaaa…" What the hell? Lukewarm air is coming out. Keebo's a robot, so he doesn't need to breathe, so what is this? "How about that? In addition, my warm breath also functions as a dryer."
"A dryer? That's...convenient, I suppose."
"Now, now, you can't be surprised just yet, okay? Case in point, my hand can turn into a multi-tool! With both hands, I have 20 tools at my disposal! My finger can detect wafting aromas, and even distinguish between different scents! I also have a music player for when I'm bored. I can even play tapes and records. Neat, huh?"
"I see… all your functions seem to have a theme of convenience and helping you enjoy life more like a human. It's certainly interesting." However, it's not what I expected or really wanted to see. Kaito was right, I guess…
"Right? I am Professor Idabashi's masterpiece, after all. The professor's technology has given me the functions to support a life of comfort." Keebo said with a big smile.
"A life of comfort… That makes a lot of sense. A comfort robot, huh?"
"However… My greatest attribute is actually not a function at all."
"Greatest attribute?"
"You can't tell what it is? It's my compact, lightweight design that makes my various functions possible! This is what truly drives Professor Idabashi's technological revolution! Well? Now do you understand just how amazing I am?" He asked as he puffed out his chest.
"Now that you mention it, that is very impressive. You probably could add many more functions and tools and still retain your normal appearance and size. In that sense, you could choose to be anything you want without any consequences or risks. Thinking about it that way, that is incredible. Revolutionary, actually. A being capable of endless evolution, just like a human. You really are the Ultimate Robot." I pointed out. Keebo seemed to blush (somehow?) and poked his fingers together shyly.
"Th-Thank you, Rin. I appreciate you saying that." Keebo's expression then turned a bit more serious. "However, I don't really wish to change myself. I would rather stay like this, as I'm more human."
"Really? I can understand wanting to be more human, but you're already plenty human enough. Any reason you don't wish to change anymore than this?"
"Well, it has to do with the trial production."
"You mean the trial that resulted in your decrease in physical strength?"
"Yes. My father, Professor Idabashi, told me that I am the sum total of his research. The entirety of his knowledge, technology, and expertise in the field of robotic engineering… All applied to create a robot more human than any that has come before. That is what I am. He said...I am the culmination of his life's work. But...I was not truly "born" until an incident occurred that the professor did not predict…"
"Incident? You mean the trial."
"Yes. My strong AI was programmed such that my mental age would reflect my appearance. But, unlike now… My AI was only capable of displaying a very narrow spectrum of human emotion. In response, the professor treated me the way a father would treat his son… But things did not improve." Keebo's face filled with sadness and guilt as he continued. One day, a few years later, an accident occurred during a routine experiment… My programming went rogue...and I ended up seriously injuring the professor."
"Injured!? Is he okay?"
"Yes. the professor survived his injury… But I died that day."
"Died?"
"When I hurt the professor, I was overcome by the emotional response known as 'sadness.' The First Law of Robotics states, 'A robot must not harm a human being.' Though I wasn't punished for violating that rule, I nevertheless felt 'sadness'... I blamed myself for hurting my father. In doing so, I was overcome with 'guilt'..." He then looked at his hands with remenision. "'This is what it feels like to have human emotions!' That is the thought that entered me. At that moment, my AI suddenly reset...and I became not unlike a newborn infant."
"You were...reborn."
"To tell you the truth, my memories were deleted when my AI reset… So I learned all this second-hand from the professor himself."
"That's… wow. That's… quite the story. I think… I understand you a lot better now Keebo." I said sincerely.
"If that's true, then I believe that makes me happy. I want to be friends with everyone, so I'm glad I moved a step closer to that goal." Keebo said happily. He really is just like us. He's just as human as anyone else. "But enough about me. You said you had a favor to ask me. What do you need?"
"O-Oh… that…" Right, I came here to ask him a few favors. I initially wanted to try to convince him to upgrade himself in case of an emergency and we really had to fight Monokuma, but I think asking him that, or even forcing him to do that, would just make me feel terrible. Keebo really shouldn't have to change himself drastically or step out of his comfort zone just because we said so. He's completely justified in wanting to stay relatively the same. I can't ask him that, not anymore, but the other favor I need of him, he should still be able to do that.
"Well…" How do I ask this? I don't suspect Keebo, but I can't risk anyone else figuring out what I'm doing. The mastermind probably already knows about parts of my plan, since they have the hidden cameras, but still, the more I'm able to hide from them, the better. An idea then came to mind. A spark of something I wasn't expecting, actually. Remembrance. I looked around. No one else is here other than me and Keebo. I quickly took out my notepad, wrote down my request, tore the note off, and handed it to Keebo. Keebo looked confused at my actions, but took the note anyway. His eyes widened a bit as he saw it. He read the note and put it away. "You understood that, right?"
"Yes… but may I ask what purpose this serves?"
"Sorry. Can't go into details about it at the moment. I will tell you after I finish what I need to do, but for now trust me. Please." Keebo thought for a moment before nodding.
"Understood. You have my trust. You've helped me alot already, so it's only right that I help you too. I'll do what you've asked of me. Is there anything else?"
"Well, I suppose I wouldn't mind talking for a bit more. Talking with you is nice, and it'll give me time to think things over some more and see if I need to change anything."
"Alright. What should we talk about?"
"Hmm… why don't we talk some more about your father? He sounds really smart."
"He is. The professor is incredible, even with being the leading head in his field. I have many stories about him that I think you'll enjoy." Keebo then told me about his father. From how he told me the stories, he deeply reveers and loves his father. The stories were also interesting too, ranging from funny events that happened to both of them to the professor making incredible breakthroughs. As we talked, I saw that Miu had left her room and was heading out of the dorms. Keebo started moving towards her, but I stopped him.
"Don't worry. I'll go check out what she's doing. You stay here. I'll see you later."
"If that is what you want. Please be careful, Rin. I do not know what it is exactly that you are planning, but I can tell it's dangerous. Do not do anything that would not be beneficial to you."
"Haha… yeah. I promise Keebo." I lied through my teeth with a smile. Keebo seemed to believe me and nodded. I waved goodbye and ran off to catch up with Miu. As I did, I pulled out my Monopad to look at the time. 5 p.m. We're getting closer, and I still need to figure out how to deal with the remaining 4 students. I pulled up my Monopad and checked the map, gasping in delight. 3 of the remaining students were in the dining hall. If Miu goes there, then everything will be set. Soon, everything will set.
