Before we begin it's time to see who won the next free time events from the strawpoll! Only seven participants voted, so if anyone doesn't like the results then too bad. Now then, the winners are Ray and Teruhashi with three votes each! Saki, Tsuyu, Konata, and Tails all take 2nd place with 2 votes, while Reyn, Kazuma, and Bede take 3rd with one vote each. The rest of them got no votes, how sad. I hope you look forward to seeing both Ray and Teruhashi's free time events!

Chapter 2: A Disastrous Storm Part 2 (Daily Life)

Remaining Students: 16

Yūgo Hachiken (Silver Spoon): Ultimate Tutor

Reyn (Xenoblade Chronicles): Ultimate Tank

Pietro Maximoff "Quicksilver" (Marvel Cinematic Universe): Ultimate Speedster

Miles "Tails" Prower (Sonic The Hedgehog): Ultimate Pilot

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd (Fire Emblem: Three Houses): Ultimate Prince

Satou Kazuma (Konosuba) Ultimate Thief

Bede (Pokémon): Ultimate Gym Leader

Ray (The Promised Neverland): Ultimate Strategist

Finn (Star Wars): Ultimate Rebel

Sayori (Doki Doki Literature Club): Ultimate Poet

Konata Izumi (Lucky Star): Ultimate Otaku

Saki Nikaido (Zombie Land Saga): Ultimate Biker Gang Leader

Tsuyu Asui (My Hero Academia) Ultimate Amphibian

Kokomi Teruhashi (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K): Ultimate Beauty

Minori Ichinose (Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure): Ultimate Bookworm

Kale (Dragon Ball Super): Ultimate ?

Hachiken's POV

Insert Song: Cool Morning (Danganronpa V3)

"Yu-ki? Um… hello there, I'm Hachiken."

I type down my introduction into the chat carefully, since the two of them finally managed to stop arguing.

Yu: Oh, it's nice to meet you, Hachiken.

ki: What's up?

Okay, so far so good. I'm not really one to try striking up conversations with complete strangers, much less via the internet and I'm unable to see their faces. This could take some getting used to…

"So… we know you're not on campus, but where do you think you are right now?"

ki: No clue. All I'm seeing are some ones and zeroes, freaky.

Yu: Quite unsettling indeed. And the only sound I can hear is strange beeping all around me.

I think about what that could possibly mean before typing my last response.

"Hm… okay? Thanks for the answer, I'll let you guys know if we have any more questions. See you later."

Yu: Feel free to contact us another time! My apologies for that embarrassing scene of us arguing, we'll try not to make that mistake again.

ki: No prob. Later, dude. I need to see if I can get any manga scans here…

The chat room then closed and the computer automatically shut down… Was that using a lot of power? I guess all that back and forth from earlier really cost us precious minutes.

Tsuyu's eyes widened, "Huh, ribbit, it sounds like they're trapped in some kind of digital domain. Or at least that's what it sounds like."

"That's what I'm thinking too!" Tails exclaims.

"Digital… domain?" Dimitri asked with an eyebrow raised.

Right, a prince from a medieval-like world would not be able to figure out any of this advanced technology. Heck, I'm from the modern day and I still struggle to get a hold of how certain gadgets work, so I can somewhat understand his confusion.

"Oh, like they're trapped inside the internet?" Sayori guesses.

Tails nods, "Exactly, although it could just be this one computer. Need to see if we can find some way to talk to them from another one, or even our e-Handbooks."

"Okay, and how does that help us out exactly? I doubt these two could disable any technology keeping us in." Ray makes an argument against this.

Tails puts his hand on his chin as he thinks of a way to answer that.

"Hm… If we somehow were to trace their exact signal, we could not only find out where they are… but why they were trapped and any other secrets this campus is holding! There has to be a reason they're being kept here, and I think it's one of the things that Sird and Monokuma don't want us to know. For now, let's call this meeting adjourned."

Ray shrugged as he began to leave, "I guess what you say is possible, but don't try to put all your eggs in one basket. There's likely a lot more factors to consider beforehand, so while you're focusing on this, I'll be checking out the places we haven't fully explored yet. Later."

"Ribbit, good luck with this, Tails. If you're really sure about this, I'll trust you with figuring out these answers. You're way smarter than all of us anyways, so it's better we leave you to it for now." Tsuyu walks out of the computer room right behind Ray.

"Agreed, I may not be knowledgeable about this subject, but you most certainly are. Let us know if any future developments occur, our communication devices will be active whenever we are needed. Farewell then, Tails!" Dimitri waved.

"Yeah you've got this, Tails!" Sayori cheers him on as me and her follow Dimitri out the door.

"Right, I won't let you guys down!" Tails told us as he sat back down.

Man, now I've built up an appetite! Feel bad for turning down Reyn earlier, so I might as well grab a meal now before heading back to the dorms.

"You two want to head to the diner? Feeling pretty hungry…" I ask Sayori and Dimitri.

Sayori immediately answers, "Oooo! Yes, I saw that there was a special menu today and I want to try everything!"

Dimitri nods, "A special menu? That does sound promising, now I've got my hopes up. Lead the way then, Hachiken."

Great, glad I'm not eating alone. It would have been awful being stuck by myself with only my thoughts like some kind of lonely loser. This could be a good opportunity to deepen my bond with both these two, instead of just one. And having Dimitri here will help me get away from believing I'm being unfaithful to Mikage by sharing a meal alone with Sayori.

Gonna have to apologize a thousand times to her when I get back, especially about the Teruhashi stuff.

Group Free Time Start

Insert Song: Daijoubu! (Doki Doki Literature Club!)

Black & White Bear Diner, I still find myself questioning who does the cooking in this place. Mostly because it's legitimately good. Seriously, and I have eaten farm fresh meals at Yezo High daily, somehow it tastes just as fresh.

"Mmmm… this spaghetti is perfect! I just wanna keep slurping it without stopping!" Sayori smiles blissfully with marinara sauce covering her lips.

I thrust my fork onto the biggest meatball on my plate and shove it into my mouth.

"So gooooooooooood…." I let out as I chewed on it more.

The pasta was cooked perfectly, the sauce had just the right consistency, and those meatballs were juicy with a great mix of beef and pork. I was so tempted to go for seconds, but I need to restrain myself here. Can't go home having gained over twice my current body weight after all.

Sayori then noticed something off, "Yum… Huh? Dimitri, you've barely touched your food. Is something wrong?"

"Oh! My apologies, it is a delicious dish. A unique taste that I've never had before!" The prince then inserted pasta into his mouth quickly after she said that.

"Are you sure? You looked like you didn't like it very much…" Sayori points out as he gulps.

I observed his plate of spaghetti to see if his was any different than ours, and there was one BIG difference that I opted to point out.

"Dimitri, I think it's because you just piled on the parmesan cheese like it was snow on a mountaintop."

Dimitri continued to eat like normal, "In my personal opinion that just improves its already impactful flavor and texture. It's nothing to worry about, so let us carry on with our meal."

Sayori and I continued to stare worryingly at the prince as he finished his plate of spaghetti. The two of us briefly looked at each other before eating what was left on ours. We placed our dishes on a dish rack leading to the kitchen and prepared to leave.

"Oh, you two stay right here, I'm gonna grab something to go!" Sayori told us as she rushed over to the bakery area.

"O-Okay!" I said to her as Dimitri and I stood there awkwardly.

"…"

"…"

… I feel like I should say something, but I don't know if bringing up how he's been behaving will make him uncomfortable. In addition to that, I still don't know how to talk to royalty, even if he is fine with being casual!

"Hachiken? Is something the matter?" He asked, tapping me on the back.

I end up stuttering out a response, "No, nothing! Wait, I mean… Actually it is something… It's just… are you feeling well? You've looked worn out since I first saw you this morning."

Dimitri ponders for a bit before answering, "Hm… Honestly, I would be lying if I were to say I was. What I'm currently feeling at the moment however, it's not something I would want you to bear in any way."

"It's about last night, isn't it?" Sayori interrupted the conversation with her return.

"Sorry, I managed to hear a bit of your conversation. Here, I got you guys some too!"

She approached us with some freshly-baked cinnamon buns. They smelled wonderful, and I was suddenly drooling despite me finishing lunch minutes earlier.

I take mine and resist the urge to take a bite, "Thanks, Sayori. Maybe we should move somewhere else if we want to continue, right Dimitri?"

"Right. I know just the place, follow me."

Insert Song: Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

Dimitri led us to the lobby, right in front of the fireplace with three lounge chairs. After sitting down, he spoke up first.

"Last night, that was your first time witnessing the deaths of several people, correct?"

Sayori and I both nodded slowly.

"I won't go into much detail, but it wasn't the same for me. In fact I've seen multiple people, both innocent and not, be slaughtered in front of my eyes. So much so that I've gotten used to it… and even killed countless foes myself."

We gasped at his reveal, since I assume both of us expected someone so chivalrous to be merciful as well. Now that I think about it though, he had to have been using that strength of his for something.

"Of course, I refuse to even lay a finger on anyone here, don't worry. Playing this game that woman had placed us in will only result in the loss of more innocent lives taken. All for the promise of escape, which I'm unsure she'll even grant."

Sayori looked downward at the floor, "Yeah, I don't think she'd let anyone go either even if they win a trial. It would probably disappoint her if this game got cut short."

Dimitri continues, "It likely would, which is unfortunate that it has to continue on eventually. With two students already laid to rest, things are bound to get more uneasy. I've been staying on guard most of today, losing sleep as well, which is why I looked fatigued earlier."

"Makes sense. You're right about things getting uneasy, we haven't seen much of everyone walking around lately. That's not a good sign…" I say in a somber tone.

"Agreed, but we cannot force them into pretending things are alright. All we can do is try our best to move forward, make sure we'll be ready in case someone does get killed." Dimitri looks us both in the eyes as he states this.

Sayori's lips trembled in response, "But… ugh, sorry, I just don't think I can move on."

"Sayori…" I softly let out.

Those "rain clouds" in her head must be getting worse, and the longer this killing game goes on then… Before I could say anything else, Dimitri had one last thing to say.

"It's not easy continuing to live when others have to fall, makes you feel like you should have been the one to die instead. However, giving in to death so readily will only lead to further despair."

"So… what should I do?" Sayori asks him with tears beginning to well up in her eyes.

He crossed his arms before answering, "If you find yourself feeling immense sadness such as right now, don't try to hide that. There is no need to force yourself to smile while you're suffering on the inside. Feel whatever you have to, but continue to carry on and live your precious life."

"..." Sayori had paused as she took the time to think about what he said.

That was one hell of a motivational statement, I certainly wouldn't have done any better.

Dimitri then sat up from his seat, "Thank you for taking the time to dine with me, Hachiken, Sayori. It's time I take my leave, and I'll be sure to eat this pastry you've given me as well. Good day!"

"R-Right, see you." I told him as he walked out the automatic sliding doors.

The way he admitted he has killed before, it made me worried for a minute there. Thankfully it all went away after hearing that, well almost. I swear a caught a glimpse of a serious look on his face as he was exiting. Hope that was just my imagination…

"I, uh, gotta go too! See ya later! Hope ya like the cinnamon bun, Hachiken!" She then began to run outside too.

"W-Wait, Sayori!" I called out to her, but I was too late.

Damn it, should I have followed her? Maybe make sure she's alright? Hm… I don't want to leave her alone, since she could get hurt. But… maybe I should trust her for a bit. I can't go off and try to be her knight in shining armor, if I do that then she'd probably feel worse.

Yeah, I need to give her some space for now. Time to head back to the dorms and rest.

… About half an hour left until that meeting with Monokuma.

I already took a nap, and there's nothing else to do here. I guess I can go out and see what everyone's been doing since I was out.

Free Time Start

Insert Song: Become Friends (Danganronpa V3)

Now then, where should I go? Wait a second, huh?

Right when I step outside I feel a couple of rain drops fall atop my head. That… shouldn't be possible since we're inside a big metal dome. Where is that coming from? Is there a hole in the ceiling and it's raining outside? Or is there a busted pipe above us?

Whatever, maybe it'll be fine later.

I think I'll head on over to that theater in the R.A. Zone, didn't get that good a look at it earlier so I'll make up for it now. I tossed away the cinnamon bun wrapper into a nearby trash can, which was unsurprisingly very delicious, before heading straight there. I enter the theater and—

"Oh wow…"

Teruhashi's on stage in front of a microphone, and she's singing. Her voice rings out all over the empty theater as I'm drawn closer towards the front row. The lyrics are nothing to write home about, it's basically about her being so pretty and perfect, but her voice… UGH! I was admittedly in tears during the whole thing.

"BRAVO! BRAVO!" I clapped for Teruhashi as she smiled brightly in response.

"Oh, thank you, Hachiken-kun! That was just my warm-up, but you can stay and listen to me practice more!"

She's so nice… I wish I could spend time admiring her all day, but I'll settle for hearing her sing until we have to go to the meeting. After five more minutes she's finished with her song once more and I'm applauding again.

"That really was amazing! Your voice is so heavenly…"

She giggles at my compliment, "Hee hee hee, thanks! I know it is."

Eh? Was she acting a bit smug there? Hm… maybe that was just my imagination. You know, a lot of us here have been admiring Teruhashi for her looks, so maybe I should try to see if there's more to her than that.

Insert Song: Beautiful Girl Smile (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.)

"So… Teruhashi—"

"So Hachiken-kun, where do you come from?"

"W-Wha?!"

I did not expect her to ask me anything first.

"We all come from different worlds right? What's yours like?" She asked.

I guess I better not be rude and answer her.

"W-Well, I go to an agricultural high school where I learned how to take care of livestock and other farmwork…"

"Wow! That sounds like a lot of hard work…" She says with a sympathetic tone.

"It was, yeah, I had to get up pretty early for a lot of my schoolwork. It wasn't all bad though, I ended up joining the equestrian club and met my super cute girlfriend Mikage and—"

"I'm sorry, repeat that please?" She stopped me before I could continue.

"Um… I have a super cute girlfriend?"

"Oh, good for you! Ha ha…"

What's that reaction she's giving me? Did I say something wrong?

"Just to be sure, she's just cute right? Not beautiful, or stunning, perfect or absolutely drop-dead gorgeous?"

"W-Well, personally I think that she's…"

"She's what?"

I noticed that Teruhashi wasn't glowing as brightly as she usually is, so I think I should change the subject.

"S-S-Speaking of, Teruhashi, do you have someone you're crushing on back home?"

"... HUH?!" Her cheeks suddenly turned red.

That certainly changed her mood! I think I managed to find a weak spot.

"O-O-Oh, a crush? You see, um… ah…"

I shouldn't tease her any further about this, but it is amusing to see her usual demeanor change.

"Ha ha ha, sorry for asking. It seems we've both got people back home that we really want to see when we get back, huh?"

Teruhashi turned away from me with her face still red, "Mm… I-I guess."

"Then let's do our best to survive so we can see them again, alright?"

"O-Okay." She turned back to me and lightly nodded in agreement.

Glad I learned a few things about Teruhashi: she gets a little serious if one compares another girl's looks to hers, and she has someone she's in love with in her world. Seems there's indeed a lot more to her than her beautiful… well, everything.

*Ding dong, bing bong*

Damn it, looks like our free time is up.

"Alllllllrighty then students! Make your way over to the plaza for the reveal of your next motive! Be there, or be square! And by be square, I mean your body will be folded into a square if you don't come. Buh-bye!"

Is he referring to those metal cubes that trash compactors crush cars into? Knowing him he might have one of those there. Teruhashi goes on ahead.

"We better hurry then! Oh, and Hachiken, my apologies for asking all those questions about your girlfriend. I'm sure she's just as cute as you say she is."

"No worries, and yes, she is. Ha…" I tell her as we walk out of the theater and…

"Eh?" The two of us let out at what we were seeing.

It was drizzling. Small drops of rain fell all around us, not much of it, but still surprising to see. This should be impossible… welp, we have to get to the plaza in this weird artificial weather.

I take off my sweater and hold it above my head, "Teruhashi, get under!"

"R-Right."

The two of us move as quickly as possible, but not too fast so we'd avoid slipping. Thankfully we made it to the plaza safely, however I'm just now noticing that we're gonna have to stay out here during the entire meeting.

"Tch, I need to keep on wiping my glasses to even see a thing…" I say as I unsuccessfully attempt to dry my lenses with my shirt.

Minori sighed as she was doing the same, "You too, huh? The life of a four eyes…"

"Agh, my fur is all wet!" Tails complained.

"I'm the Rainy Season Hero, so this doesn't bother me too much. How about you, ribbit?" Tsuyu asked Saki.

Saki put her hands behind her head and leaned back, "I've got a friend back home who hates this kind of weather, 'specially thunder, but I'm all good here."

Kazuma shivered as he held his cape, or mantle over his head, "I'm not! Why can't we just have this meeting in that conference room like last time?"

"Oh, it's just to give you all a sneak preview of what's to come! Puhuhuhuhu!"

Insert Song: Monokuma Arrives (Danganronpa - All Games)

Monokuma's high pitched chortling made us all groan as he popped up from the fountain once more.

"Let's cut right to the chase, the next motive is already in effect right now! The longer someone goes without killing someone, the worse this storm gets!"

"Dare I ask, how worse?" Bede shook out the water drenching his curly hair.

"Let's say you'll BEAR witness to heavy rain, intense thunderbolts and lightning (very very frightening!), powerful gusts of wind, all leading to an all encompassing hurricane that includes all of the above!"

…

…

… Yeah, screw that. I'm staying indoors.

Well good luck with that, Hachiken. This is not going to end well, but I hope y'all are ready for when it starts to intensify! First fire, then rain and lightning… What could be next after that? Let's just say both this chapter and the eventual Chapter 3 will be quite the thrill ride. Hope you look forward to it! Next time Ray will be getting his free time event (thankfully not taking place outdoors) and more character stuff with the cast members we haven't seen in a while. Once again don't be afraid to leave your thoughts in the form of a comment if you feel like it, for now I bid you all farewell!