One hundred years. One hundred years of loops watching her friends die again and again, then one day, it was over. The worlds of Masturibiyashi and Saikoroshi had at long last granted Rika the peace she'd been pining for. Miyoko Tanashi had been brought to justice, and the syndrome was no more. There was no question as to what came next. The game club continued as usual, whiling away the hours while Rika and Satoko focused on studying for their St. Lucia exams. In the meantime, Japanese officials continued work on a vaccine, making great strides over the next four years and unlocking the key to variant 170. By 1987, Rika and Satoko were ready for their tenure as high school students. While Satoko struggled to adjust at first, things worked themselves over time. She developed a rather uncanny ability to switch between prestigious aristocrat and tomboyish prankster at will. It was almost admirable how effortlessly she switched personalities. Many came to respect her for going against the typical prim and proper grain. Rika felt proud to the level she was able, but memories don't die off so easily...

As compensation for slandering Rika as the queen carrier, the residents of Hinamizawa awarded the young Furude tuition and living expenses to sustain her through the rest of her education. At her request, she was paid in American currency, for around this time, a cultural shift was beginning to take shape in the west, with new styles of clothing and music gaining traction as the '80s crept to a close. Upon graduating from St. Lucia, she was determined to see them for herself. In the meantime, she would help Satoko and Satoshi adjust to the latter's recovery. It would take some time before Satoshi regained full use of his body, what with atrophy deteriorating his muscles from lack of use.

In 1989, a year before graduation, Satoko ordered a vinyl under Rika's request. It was an album recently released by American death metal band Morbid Angel titled "Altars of Madness". Satoko had no idea idea why her friend desired something so evil looking, but she was intrigued nonetheless. From the first few seconds of Immortal Rites to the final note of Evil Spells, so many questions filled her mind. It was a far cry from the classical and poppy tunes of their youth, but despite its ominous, foreboding nature, Satoko found herself enthralled by the esoteric themes ingrained within David Vincent's lyrics. It was magical in its own twisted way, and neither of them could seem to get enough.

"How did you even find this!?"

"America's at the forefront of global trends. It was only a matter of time before word spread here."

"Even still, you knew the exact name, date, and cover design!"

"I have my secrets."

"You can't even tell your best friend you've known practically your whole life?"

"Let's just say I know a thing or two about the dark side."

"I guess that makes sense, what with everything that happened after the dam war."

"Exactly. It follows me around even now. You can distance yourself from the past, but you can never escape it, no matter how hard you try."

"I get it now. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

"Next year, we're heading off to America. I want to experience that power for myself. Japan isn't exactly conducive to counterculture narratives. Sure, they exist, but in many ways, they're discouraged in favor of tradition. That's why the underground metal scene is so much smaller here than places like America and Europe."

"So you wanna celebrate Halloween and dress in leather like some kinda kinky D&D villain? Doesn't sound so special to me."

"I do things differently. The only way to find out is to watch carefully. To do that, you'll have to follow me, right?"

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Guess there's no point staying in one place forever. The village'll still be there when we get back."

"I think you'll like what I have in store. That little imp you've kept in check can finally come out to play soon."

"You still worried about Oyashiro's curse?"

"The syndrome's gone. Hanyuu's vowed to watch over the village in our absence. What's left to fear?"

"Good point. Come on. Let's get some shut-eye. Big day tomorrow."

"I'm going to study a little longer. You go ahead."

"Suit yourself."

Satoko tucked herself in, covering everything up to her nose in blankets.

"I still can't believe I'm cured..."

"We've already made three miracles happen. Maybe one day we'll discover a fourth, though admittedly I have no idea what it would be."

"Pantied Llamas."

"I think your brain's had enough for one day. Go to sleep."

"Yes, mother."

"Still the same brat who wrecked Keiichi during class."

"You better believe it."

"Goodnight, Satoko."

"Night."

The following year, the pair graduated with flying colors. Phase two had officially begun.