And, we are back! I guess my regular updates will be every week or a little longer. Ugh, I feel pretty tired right now but by the time this is up, I'll resting up to tackle another chapter for you guys and for myself. Thank you guys for all your support and reviews, I really appreciate it, it's one of the things that I look forward to nearly everyday. But enough with this talk, here's chapter 16. Oh, adtauthor22, I believe that I said in the beginning that Daichi's social link was the Hermit.

Chapter 16

The First Failure / Iselin's Decision

April 20, 2021; Thursday

7:50 AM

(Morning)

Kyuto High; Front Gates

Iselin Bjorn's POV

"And this here's the gymnasium" The class representative said.

"You'll be doing the majority of your P.E. classes here."

Iselin snorted and muttered under her breath.

"Yeah. No shit, Sherlock."

The representative turned in the direction of the voice he heard. The girl next to her elbowed her in the ribs; An action she was used to receive from her friend, but still annoyed from it.

"Back there! Would you like to say your previous comment again?"

Iselin smiled to herself. This was a usual tactic; The representative would do this to everyone look at her for a response; the way to counter it was to do exactly what he said making everyone look at him for a response.

"Sure! I said, no freaking shit, Sherlock!"

Her friend face-palmed herself while everyone looked back at the representative who didn't expect to be answered. Fidgeting, he continued on with the tour while keeping his back to the students. Iselin's friend slapped the back of her head annoyingly.

"Ow! What the hell was that for, Rika?"

The girl, Rika, huffed and looked back at Iselin.

"You know very well what that was for. If you're going to get held back again, what am I supposed to tell your parents?"

Iselin sighed as she looked into one of the classrooms, avoiding Rika's gaze. She had been held back a grade last year and her parents weren't really happy about it. Then again, it's not like she liked her parents, anyways.

"You can tell them to disown me; They'll save some money for their favorite kids and send them to college. I, on the other hand, will be just a major disappointment."

Rika shook her head.

"You gotta learn how to grow up, Izzy. I'm not saying your current interests are impractical, I'm just saying that along with art, you need to know some other things to. That all starts with graduating High school."

Iselin rolled her eyes while she endured her friend's lecture. They stayed at the back of the group to gain some privacy.

"Hey, it's not like I'm the only one who doesn't like my parents. Yours want you to work 24-7."

Rika scowled at Iselin.

"They're concerned about my future! Anyways, I choose to work hard, unlike you!"

The two continued to walk until the representative stopped in front of a classroom.

"This'll be the last stop for second-years last names A to G. Please go inside and stand quietly until the teacher asks you to introduce yourself."

Iselin walked to the door with a few other students. She waved goodbye to Rika.

"Good luck with Third-year." She said as Rika waved back.

The door closed and she found herself in front of the classroom along with two other students she didn't really know. The teacher beckoned Iselin to walk up to the front and introduce herself.

Alright, She thought, first impressions are everything in a school, show 'em what you're made of!

"Good morning, my name's Iselin Bjo…"

Her eyes moved to a spot on the left side of the classroom. There, sat a boy with straight black hair that she thought she recognized from somewhere. He looked right back at her as if he had the same thought she was having.

The teacher cleared his throat which brought Iselin back to reality.

"Uh… My name's Iselin Bjorn. N-nice to meet you all."

Smooth, she thought to herself, Real smooth.

After all the students introduced themselves, Mr. Ozuma assigned their seats; Iselin's was right behind the boy that she now remembered from the mall.

As she took her seat, she also recognized the other two boys that he was with. It was as if the coincidences never ended.

Kazuhiko Sukima's POV

11:50 AM

(Lunch time)

Kyuto High; Rooftop

"So, looks like we'd end up seeing her again after all." Johei said as he leaned back on the chair he was sitting on.

Kazuhiko would admit that he did see Iselin's being at their school coming, but he wouldn't admit that he forgot seeing her in Mr. Ozuma's transfer students papers.

"Yeah, I guess so." Kazuhiko said back.

"I also got some new students in my class as well. This girl named Rika Colburne sat next to me."

The four of them exchanged their stories about new arrivals that they saw around the halls while the Personas had their own discussions.

"Don't even think about it, Loki." Skadi said.

Loki looked confused.

"Think about what?"

Skadi sighed.

"I'm not in the mood to argue with you right now. Just don't do anything to the transfer students. The last thing they need to know is that Kyuto is haunted by a ghost or something."

"Well, I wasn't thinking of doing anything… Until now."

Loki disappeared through the roof, rubbing his hands together mischievously while Skadi followed him to prevent anything from happening. Tyr was talking to Hugin and Munin.

"Sir! We have more unidentified persons infiltrating our grounds!" Munin said.

"Requesting permission to set up defenses!" Hugin cawed.

"Sigh, they're transfer students. You're not supposed to know them."

"Then how does Master Kazuhiko know that one girl from his class?"

"He met her yesterday at the mall. Didn't you see her?"

"What about that child with the blond hair?"

"He doesn't seem to be from around here!"

"That boy was always here. He just recently dyed his hair."

Tyr heard somebody yell downstairs.

"What about that boy splattered with paint?"

"Nobody here normally has paint covering them!"

"Maybe he's trying to camouflage himself from us!"

"He must be an intruder!"

"… I think Loki did that."

"LOKI!"

"I swear it wasn't me!"

"SOARING UPPERCUT!"

Loki soon appeared and flew through the roof. A few seconds later, he landed on the roof while Skadi stood by.

"cough… He… he tripped… the paint can fell on him… have mercy you cruel hag…"

After several minutes of restraining Skadi from Loki, the bell rang signaling the end of lunch. The group wrapped up whatever they were talking about and agreed to meet up after school.

April 22, 2021; Saturday

Kyuto High; Library

12: 07 PM

(Lunchtime)

Iselin Bjorn's POV

Iselin sat at a table reading a book while waiting for Rika to arrive. The first three days to her haven't been all that bad; She understood the lectures completely, finished all her work on time, and didn't attract any unwanted attention (That is, except for one part when a guy asked what her cup size was. What was his name? Joey? John?). She wasn't used to the schedule of there being a one day weekend and, as a result, woke up later than usual.

"I am never getting used to this…"

Speaking of Rika, she told her to meet her in the library today, but she didn't even show up. Feeling discouraged, Iselin checked her phone for the time.

"12:10, what's taking her so long?"

Iselin hadn't seen her friend at all the entire day, and she was roommates with her at the dorms. Iselin sighed as she couldn't wait any longer and picked up her bag. She was about to open the door until she collided with her friend.

"Ah! Oh, sorry. Are you ok-"

In front of her, Rika had tears streaming down her face and her eyes red from crying. Iselin suddenly turned serious and pulled Rika closer to herself in a hug and guided her away from the areas that were filled with people. Pretty soon, they settled near the shed where Iselin wiped her tears away in an almost motherly way.

"There, can you tell me what's going on?" Iselin said softly.

Rika took deep breaths until she could speak in small jumbles.

"I-i-it's… m-my parents…"

Iselin swore to herself. She had met Rika's parents before and they seemed like nice enough people until they found out that Iselin was held back. Now, they wanted Rika to have nothing to do with her, but that didn't stop anything.

"What did they say?"

Rika looked up at Iselin and continued to cry while she recounted the events.

(Flashback)

Rika was walking down the hallways until her phone vibrated notifying her of an incoming call. She pulled it out and saw the caller ID.

"Mom and Dad's calling? Wonder what it is this time."

She answered the call and put her ear against the top.

"Hello?"

On the other side, she could hear her father.

"Alright, you better explain to me why your grades have fallen!"

She sighed as if she had this conversation numerous times before.

"Don't worry, it's the first grade of the year. It'll mull ove-"

"I don't give a shit!" Her father yelled at her.

She recoiled from the volume with a shocked look on her face. Her father had gotten angry at her numerous times, but never did he cuss her. He continued.

"This is your last year! You can't f*** around this year!"

She listened on in disbelief.

"You listen to me right now! I put so much of my work into you, making sure you were fed properly, had a good place to live, even got you clothes! I expect that you repay me in full! You go to college, get a job and pay for your mother and my expenses!"

Rika started to walk into a more private location where she wouldn't be seen.

"Dad, I know that you're angry, but I can still-"

"SHUT UP! IF YOU CAN'T FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE, WHY THE HELL DID I EVEN RAISE YOU?!"

Rika stopped.

"… W-what?"

"You were born because we needed money! We had other children who failed us! You could have been our success, but now you throw it all away?! We should have sold you!"

Rika brought the phone away from her ear, her father's angry yelling could still be heard from the distance.

"Are you listening to me?! Answer me, goddamnit! You better no-"

*beep*

"Call ended"

(Present)

Iselin tightened her fist just hearing the story.

That bastard, how dare he say something like that to Rika!

Rika continued to cry while Iselin tried to comfort her.

"Hey, don't cry. Just crying right now means your losing the fight with him. Don't let him get to you."

After several minutes, Rika sobs reduced to sniffles and hiccups. She seemed okay for now but looked like a balloon that was about to burst.

Deciding that it would be a good idea, Iselin brought her to the psychiatrist and walked back to the classroom where she got chewed out by Mr. Ozuma until she explained the situation and was let off the hook.

(Same time)

Kazuhiko's POV

Kazuhiko sat back in his seat and waited for the bell to ring. He looked behind himself and saw Iselin's seat empty. Shrugging, he looked to the front of the class as the lunch bell sounded.

"Alright class. Let's get back to those pages in the textbook."

It wasn't until ten minutes later that Iselin arrived back to the classroom.

"Well, it looks like being a new transfer student means you can come in late!"

Iselin glared at Mr. Ozuma but changed her look when she spoke.

"Sorry for coming latee sir, but my friend, Rika, had an incident with her parents on the phone. I had to bring her to the psychiatrist.."

Mr. Ozuma nodded in undertanding.

"I see. Very well, then. Head back to your seat and continue the work."

Iselin went back to the desk behind Kazuhiko and started to work. Suddenly, he felt a slight vibration from his pocket. Similarly, Johei felt one in his pocket too.

"Holy shit! Johei, don't tell me you have a vibrator!" Loki said.

Johei glared at Loki and pulled out his phone to check what was the matter. He immediately looked at Kazuhiko and pointed to his phone.

"Dude." He whispered.

"The Mirror Dimension app just sent me a notification!"

Kazuhiko was about to take out his phone until he saw Mr. Ozuma turning around.

Best not to get in trouble now he thought to himself.

"Meet up at the mall later." Kazuhiko whispered back before he felt a menacing glare on him.

Kazuhiko looked to the front of the class and noticed Mr. Ozuma's eyes staying on him while his hand clutched a piece of chalk.

"Uh oh."

Going into super cool anime battle perspective here.

Their eyes met with precision. Kazuhiko began to sweat nervously as he processed the information that he saw.

The slack jaw of Mr. Ozuma tightened as he brought his right hand up. Muscles started to build up in his arm as he readied to fire the white cylinder missile.

But Kazuhiko saw this coming. It hasn't been very long, but Kazuhiko learned much in the time they last faced off. He trained endlessly in the Mirror Dimension for this moment.

At home, he replayed the encounter endless times in his head analyzing every movement. Now, he was ready.

"Special Move! Chalk Flurry!"

It was as if the battle played in slow motion. The murderous intent on the teacher's face shown Kazuhiko how serious this was. As the chalk left his hand Kazuhiko tightened his fingers.

He must keep a subtle face, lest his appearance gave his plan away. The deadly projectile was now less than a meter away from his face. Now was the time to act.

With not a second to lose, he pulled up his textbook to deflect the attack. The enemy stared in disbelief.

"W-what is that?"

Kazuhiko smiled back at him.

"I have been training just for this moment, Ozuma-sensei!"

His defense was locking into place, now it was time to see if his training had been worthwhile.

"Ultimate Textbook Defense!"

The chalk had come in contact…

Kazuhiko sweat profusely…

And it bounced off!

Kazuhiko felt the tears streaming down his face. All his time and effort, and he finally caught up! He finally proved himself to those around him that he would not stand for the tyranny of the classroom! His lifelong goal was complete! He looked at the piece of chalk that had tormented him for weeks with triumph…

Until it hit Johei in the face…

"Ow!"

The classroom erupted with laughter, even Mr. Ozuma laughed a little bit but gave Kazuhiko a warning glare. Johei rubbed his forehead complaining. Loki however, was mesmerized by the performance.

"Johei! We have to start training more often! First, become a world renowned hacker!"

Johei looked confused.

"Why do I need to be a hacker?"

"To discover the Matrix of course! How else are you gonna dodge like Keanu Reeves?"

3:32 PM

(After school)

Nuzoko Mall Center

"So, it looks like a person named Rika Colburne is in danger of committing suicide huh?" Kazuhiko said as he looked at his phone.

Mikan looked worried when she saw her classmate's name on the app, but was determined to stop it at all costs. Johei held his bag of bombs and his yari, ready for action while Daichi held a bag that contained a newly purchased jian (his rapier couldn't be recovered after his house collapsed).

"You guys all set?"

Four heads nodded.

"Alright, then. Let's find her."

Mirror Dimension

4:04 PM

"Masamune! Giant Slice!" Kazuhiko yelled as he shattered the chains that formed on his wrists.

"They shall face a blade none have ever seen!"

An old yet nimble swordsman dressed in white robes started to unsheathed his blade and appeared on the other side of the shadows they were facing while sheathing it. The shadows look confused before they felt slash marks on their chests and fell down in pieces.

Kazuhiko sat back and rested while drinking a can of soda. The others downed a drink as well, feeling the strength returning to their bodies. Daichi opened the app on his phone.

"Her reflection should be right above us. Let's rest a little longer so we're prepared."

Hugin and Munin cawed along.

"Listen to Master Daichi, you must."

"True are the wisdom of his words."

Everyone glared at Loki for training the Crow brothers in movie references.

"Hey, be glad I didn't teach them any other things!"

Kazuhiko got up and held his zweihander over his shoulder.

"Alright, guys. Let's keep moving."

The entire group got back onto their feet and readied for an incoming attack while Kazuhiko led them up the stairs. Pretty soon, they were in front of a large door. At Kazuhiko's mark, they opened it and ran into a defensive position. They saw the reflection on the ground while a hooded person had their foot on top of the reflection's head.

"You see that? That's what they think of you!"

The person kicked the reflection in the stomach. Johei tried to run to the reflection's aid but was stopped by yet another invisible forcefield. The figure continued.

"Why let them win, Rika Colburne? Why let them use you as a tool for their own benefit?"

The figure now kneeled down to look right in the reflection's eyes.

"Why live when it helps those rotten people?Why live, when you can do so much better by dying?"

Kazuhiko couldn't stand it anymore. He shattered his chains.

"TYR!"

"Zionga!"

The lightning bolt deflected off the surface of the forcefield and broke a pillar beside them. Frustrated, Kazuhiko shattered his chains again.

"Masamune!"

"Giant slice!"

"Slime!"

"Bufula!"

"Pyro-Jack!"

"Hee-hoo! Agilao!"

All the attacks were redirected until Kazuhiko was worn out. He fell on his knees watching the reflection lose all hope.

"Kill yourself, and win the battle. Kill yourself, and stop their plans. Kill yourself, and you will be a hero."

The figure said as it pulled out a gun and pointed the barrel to the reflection's head. Kazuhiko flung himself on the barrier and pounded his fists on the surface, but watched in vain as the reflection of Rika Colburne died.

*BANG*

April 23, 2021; Sunday

City District

1:24 PM

Iselin's POV

Iselin checked her phone yet again for any updates or change of times from Rika, but didn't see anything. Finding it strange, she put her phone away and looked around. She was in the plaza and was near the large building, but Rika was nowhere in sight.

Despite being here for only four days, Iselin had heard about this particular building, how it gained popularity in a short time for something that happened, but she couldn't remember what. She decided to call Rika.

The phone rang until she heard her friend's voice.

"Hey, Rika where are you?"

"Hi Izzy, you're probably hearing this because I'm too busy doing something or I'm too lazy to pick up my phone. Leave me a message."

It turned out to be her voicemail Iselin thought, I never thought I'd hear that…

Only then did she realize that a few classmates from Kyuto were near her; Kazuhiko Sukima, Johei Shiroka, and her senpai Mikan Eichihiro.

"Hey, guys! Over here!"

Strangely, they were all looking up at the building, as if they expected something. Iselin turned and looked up.

Oh well, nothing there… Wait, someone's up there…

Then, in a moments realization, she recognized the person.

"Rika! Rika don't jump!"

She ran to the building and up the flight of stairs to the roof only to realize that she was several minutes too late. There her friend was, dangling by the rope on her neck, dead.

The billboards around here showed a simple yet clear message: Her parents did this.

Angrily, she screamed at the top of the roof until she realized her phone was buzzing. She took it out and realized she was sent a link to a website, TheBringersofDeath. In it were simple instructions to kill anybody on the face of the planet. It was very simple, all you had to do was type the name of somebody and send it.

Iselin wondered why she was given this, but realized that this was how she brought her rage. This was how she would avenge Rika. She hastily entered the names of Rika's parents.

And pressed send.

Yes! I finished on time! Just soo you guys know, Rika's experience was based off of some experiences of my own. Sometimes, I felt like my parents were using me just so they could profit off of me, and that is true to some extent. Now, they are getting better, but they still tend to feel like I should help them. Anybody who feels this way, just remember that you are not alone. If it weren't for my friends, I probably wouldn't be here writing this fanficton for you guys. Just take a moment to put yourselves in someone's shoes like that and take a moment of silence for them. Also, I checked up some authors that are updating twice a week. I highly recommend that you show your appreciation to those hard-working people who do this for nonprofit; whether it's for fun or for their readers, shower them with thanks; It'll really make someone's day.

Interview with Daichi Amasawa, Hugin and Munin

Dangstaboy: Hello everybody! Please welcome to the stage, Daichi Amasawa!

Daichi: Geez, Johei was right, this place is kind of low budget.

Dangstaboy: I'll just ignore that. Welcome to the after show! Where I ask all my characters questions from the audience!

Daichi: After show? How the heck did I get here?

Dangstaboy: Do not be alarmed, you are fast asleep in the real world.

Daichi: Didn't Kaz say that a guy named Igor tell him that? Your nose doesn't seem very sharp.

Dangstaboy: You know what? Let's just get into the questions right now.

Daichi: Okay, sounds good.

Dangstaboy: Question one from our ever faithful viewer, RosyMiranto18: "What happened to the other Amasawa Daichi that got mixed up with you?"

Daichi: I don't really know.

Dangstaboy: Well, that guy was thrown out. Apparently, he was charged with identity fraud, but that guy was only here for humor. Let's just say that in actuality, Igor pulled some strings.

Dangstaboy: Question two for Hugin and Munin: Is there someone or something that you didn't feel suspicious at all, without counting Odin and Daichi of course.

Hugin: Well, there was Master Kazuhiko.

Munin: Ah, yes. He resembles a power similar to our late Master Odin.

Hugin: Of course, we only serve Master Daichi now.

Munin: But what if Master Kazuhiko has ties with Master O-

Dangstaboy:Whoa! Hold it! Sorry guys, you're going into spoiler territory there.

Dangstaboy: Question 3 for Daichi: How could you use Photoshop? Is it because of the remnants of your lost memories or have you relearned to use it in your short while in the real world?

Daichi: Well, I picked it up from Johei who was taking classes for it. Speaking of photoshop, you should really check out his profile picture. It's his face on a flexing body of Brad Pitt. Hilarious.

Dangstaboy: I… don't need to see that. Next one: When you finally have a chance to move into your own house, what kind of place that you have been dreaming of?

Daichi: Well, I guess a simple house. One with enough room for a dinner table, living room and a bedroom.

Dangstaboy: No need to be modest, go ahead and say whatever you want!

Daichi: Well, okay then. I'd make a small gym on the first floor with a treadmill and complete weight set along with a lounge filled with a 75 in flat screen and cooler couch. The kitchen would have a grill station along with an oven and two door refrigerator. The bedroom would have a balcony outside and a swimming pool in the back.

Dangstaboy: Keep in mind that I am not giving you that house.

Dangstaboy: Alright. Ooh a newcomer to reviews. These are from otakuteru: What does your full appearance look like?

Daichi: Well, I have reddish hair with long bangs in the front that cover some of my eyes. My skin is slightly pale from my days in the Mirror Dimension but it's getting a little darker now that I'm in the real world. Imagine a Karma Akabane from Assassination Classroom with a little longer bangs, a more hardened and neutral look on his face and the eyes are brownish blue. I'm somewhat 5' 7" and my legs and arms are a bit slender. I look a little scrawny but I have a decent build that I hide underneath clothes that are a little bigger than my size.

Dangstaboy: Alright. Next ones are for Hugin and Munin: Have any ally to defeat The Evil Tyrant? (Johei)

Hugin: Sadly, we have not rounded any new troops in the time that we have covered.

Munin: Indeed. We tried persuading the knives and forks that would work well with our offense.

Hugin: But they never responded to us.

Munin: Think of the lives you would save from slavery!

Hugin: But no, they wouldn't fly into the air to agree with us.

Dangstaboy: Okay… Next question: Who gave you those references?

Hugin: Well, the prankster has enlightened us of many chants that can be used in this world.

Munin: Most that we have learned are of movies that Johei has, like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.

Dangstaboy: Johei is such a nerd. Then again, I do like those movies too. Next one from adtauthor22: Are you doing alright? I mean a lot happened recently, so I want to see if you're holding up well.

Daichi: I will admit… Having found out that I'm human was a real shocker to me… but thank you for asking. I am fine, in fact, I feel that I can finally repent for my sins. With everyone at my side, I feel like I kind move the difference of the world to the positive side.

Dangstaboy: Wow, that really moved me, man. That was… *sniff* so beautiful…

Daichi: Are you crying?

Dangstaboy: uh… no. Here's another question: Has Johei introduced you to any franchises yet? Y'know, like Neo-Featherman?

Daichi: Actually, Johei never introduced me to that. It was actually Mika-senpai.

Dangstaboy: D'huh? She did?

Daichi: Yeah, she did. She said that she loved the show as a child. She even memorizes all the opening theme songs for all the seasons. She even has an autograph of Yukari Takeba.

Dangstaboy: I … did not know that…

Daichi: Yeah, well she said that whatever she said in that room, stayed in that room.

Dangstaboy: …I am really concerned for your future right now.

Dangstaboy: Alright, last question from RosyMiranto18: Would you like to retake your wallet from 'The Phantom Thieves of Wallets' and/or tellls Hugin and Munin to do the job? If so, then how could you do it?

Daichi: Oh, them. Yeah, I've been scheming my revenge for them for quite some time now… I will strike in the near future. Phantom Thieves, watch your backs!

Dangstaboy: Wow, such enthusiasm! Well, that's the end of our show. Until next time Daichi!

Daichi: Okay, bye!

Daichi disappears

Dangstaboy: Well, that went better than expected. Plus, I have something of his now.

In the fanfiction world

Daichi: Where is it?!

Johei: Where's what?

Daichi: I just got a new wallet! I couldn't have possibly lost it again!