Chapter 1: Frist Blood

Episode 3: Neighborhood Search

"That's the worst plan I've ever heard." Noriko responds to Sho's plan.

"Come on!" Sho replies. "If we get Monomi Ball back and use her as leverage against Monokuma now, we can all get out! NULL did seem needing to make Monomi Ball immobile. It would be easier if she were dead. So that means Monomi Ball is of importance! And thus thta is how I got this golden idea!"

"Then, how do you intentd on getting Monomi Ball?" Noriko asks. "Have you thought of the risk just as much as the potential success? You underestimate the risk value in this particular Risk vs Reward benefit."

"Risk vs Reward?" Sho asks.

"The payment with working on a scheme." Noriko responds. "If there is a reward in working with a scheme, participation is possible. But, is the risk outweighs the value of the reward, the possibility of participation is plummets. This is pretty basic stuff."

"I-I see." Sho responds in a cutely embarrassed and awkward tone.

"Well, do you have an actual plan than an idea? Did you consider the all factors of this escape plan?" Noriko asks. "Any setbacks, any potential threats?"

"Sorry, I didn't." Sho responds. "Back to the drawing board I guess."

"Don't worry." Noriko responds. "Though it was a terrible plan, and would've been horrible execution. It is a good founding idea. Keep that in mind just in case. We may call for a situation that needs that exact moment. Besides, I can agree on with the fact NULL chose to make her immobile and not dead. It appears tht Monomi Ball's death would be a massive disadvantage to NULL in some way. Anyways, I'm going to head out to investigate. See you soon."

"Can we still have that private meeting tomorrow?" Sho asks. "I still have a lot to talk about."

"Sure. But if you decide to attack me..." Noriko responds before she gives off a devilish glare at Sho. "I'll tear out your eyes."

"GAH!" Sho responds, "O-of course!"

"Great." Noriko smiles and leaves the cafeteria. "See you at lunch."

She takes deep breaths as she goes through the halls of the school and heads for the exit of the school. She then begans to investigate for clues of any sort. She makes her way to the center of the neighborhood. The morning air was crisp as Noriko approached the massive circular lake at the center of the neighborhood. The area seemed untouched, a surreal contrast to the unsettling reality of their situation. The lake was vast, its radius comparable to a Ferris wheel. It was cordoned off with low fencing and metal bars that clearly signaled it was off-limits. Despite the restrictions, the water's allure was undeniable, its surface shimmering like liquid glass under the morning sun.

Noriko leaned against the bars, her eyes narrowing as she focused on a dark, indistinct shadow in the water's depths. She couldn't shake the feeling it was watching her, though logic told her it was her imagination. The shadow moved slightly with the ripples, but its form remained ambiguous. She adjusted her grip on the bar and tilted her head, trying to get a better look.

"Strange..." she muttered under her breath.

Footsteps crunched behind her, and Noriko turned to see Shigeru approaching. He had a wry grin on his face, his Monopad tucked under his arm.

"Morning, Noriko," he greeted, his tone casual. "Enjoying the view? Or are you about to break Monokuma's rules and go for a swim?"

"Funny," Noriko replied, folding her arms. "I'm trying to figure out what that is." She nodded toward the shadow.

Shigeru followed her gaze, his expression shifting from amusement to curiosity. He leaned on the bar, peering into the water with a critical eye. "Hmm. At first glance, it looks like a creature, doesn't it? Some kind of lake monster waiting to devour unsuspecting rule-breakers."

"Not helpful," Noriko said flatly.

"But," Shigeru continued, ignoring her tone, "it doesn't move like a creature. Look closely. The ripples are moving, but the shadow... doesn't. Almost as if it's—"

"Part of the lake," Noriko finished his sentence.

"Exactly!" Shigeru snapped his fingers. "Which begs the question: Is it something natural, or are we looking at one of Monokuma's 'decorations' to keep us on edge?"

Noriko turned to him, her brow furrowed. "What kind of decoration would stay hidden underwater?"

Shigeru smirked. "The kind that messes with your head. Think about it. He doesn't need to scare us overtly. All he has to do is plant the idea of fear."

Noriko didn't reply immediately. Her gaze lingered on the shadow, her thoughts tangled. "If it's nothing," she said eventually, "then why fence it off?"

"Maybe it's both something and nothing," Shigeru mused cryptically. "Monokuma thrives on ambiguity. Keeps us second-guessing everything, even our own observations."

Noriko sighed and stepped back from the bars. "We can't just dismiss it, though. If there's even the slightest chance it's important—"

"Then we keep it in mind," Shigeru interrupted, his tone unusually serious. "But don't obsess over it. That's how the game gets to you."

He pulled out his Monopad and began jotting down notes, his movements quick and precise. Noriko watched him for a moment, curious despite herself.

"You're taking this seriously," she noted.

"Of course I am," Shigeru said with a grin. "It's a mystery, Noriko. Mysteries are the spice of life. Well, that and spicy ramen, but you get the point."

Noriko rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You're impossible."

"And yet here I am, charming as ever." Shigeru winked, then turned back to the lake. "We'll figure this out eventually. For now, though, let's move on. There's more of this neighborhood to investigate, and I'm dying to see what other horrors—or delights—Monokuma has cooked up for us."

As she walked away, the shadow in the lake seemed to shift slightly. Neither noticed, but its faint, dark outline lingered in the corner of their minds like an unspoken question. She then goes to the supermarket. The supermarket was eerily quiet, its fluorescent lights buzzing faintly overhead. The shelves were stocked with an eclectic mix of items: non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and a few inexplicable objects like rubber ducks and mismatched playing cards. A line of empty shopping carts sat near the entrance, their metal frames slightly rusted, while the cashier's counter stood vacant, its register sealed shut by a plastic casing stamped with Monokuma's emblem.

Haruhiko leaned against a shelf filled with canned goods, his katana sheathed and slung over his back as usual. His sharp eyes scanned the aisles, taking mental inventory of the supplies.

"Figures," he muttered. "Stocked with all the essentials except answers."

As he debated whether to grab a few cans, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. Turning slightly, he saw Izumi entering the store, clutching a basket already half-filled with snacks.

"Haruhiko!" Izumi called out with a bright smile. Her presence seemed out of place in the somber atmosphere, her cheerful demeanor clashing with the grim undertones of the killing game.

Haruhiko sighed. "What do you want, Izumi?"

Izumi stopped in front of him, unbothered by his curt tone. She adjusted the basket on her arm. "I'm picking up a few things for Joutarou. He's been pretty shaken up after seeing his motive. Thought some comfort snacks might help."

Haruhiko raised an eyebrow. "You're too soft. It's a killing game, not a sleepover. Snacks won't fix anything."

"Maybe not," Izumi admitted, her tone gentle but firm, "but a little kindness can go a long way. Everyone's struggling in their own way, even if they don't show it. You included."

"I don't need a therapy session," Haruhiko said, turning back to the shelf. "If that's all you wanted, you can leave me out of it."

Izumi frowned but didn't back down. Instead, she placed her basket on the ground and crossed her arms. "Actually, I could use your help. There are a few things on higher shelves I can't reach. You're tall, and I thought—"

"Not interested," Haruhiko cut her off.

Izumi's expression shifted, a sly smile replacing her usual sweetness. "Oh, really? That's a shame. Guess I'll just have to tell everyone about how I caught you kissing your katana."

Haruhiko froze. His hand, which had been reaching for a can, hovered mid-air. Slowly, he turned to face her, his eyes narrowing. "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me," Izumi replied, her grin widening. "I'll make it sound so romantic. Everyone will think you're secretly writing love poems to your sword."

"You're insufferable," Haruhiko muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Fine, I'll help. But this doesn't mean we're friends or anything."

"Of course not," Izumi said sweetly, picking up her basket again. "You're just being your usual helpful self, as always."

Grumbling under his breath, Haruhiko followed Izumi through the aisles, grabbing the items she pointed out and dropping them into her basket. As they worked, Noriko entered the supermarket, her presence unnoticed at first. She observed the pair from a distance, hiding a small smirk at Haruhiko's obvious annoyance.

When Izumi noticed Noriko, she waved. "Oh, Noriko! Perfect timing. Do you think this will be enough snacks for Joutarou?"

Noriko approached, glancing at the contents of Izumi's basket. Chips, cookies, and a pack of instant noodles were among the assortment. "I think that's plenty," Noriko said. "But... are you sure this will help him? He seemed pretty shaken up."

Izumi nodded, her expression softening. "It's not about the snacks themselves. It's about letting him know he's not alone. If it helps even a little, it's worth it."

Haruhiko rolled his eyes but said nothing, focusing instead on rearranging some items on a nearby shelf.

"Haruhiko, you're helping her?" Noriko teased lightly. "That's uncharacteristic of you."

"Not by choice," Haruhiko muttered, shooting a glare at Izumi. "She has... leverage."

Izumi giggled but didn't elaborate, much to Noriko's curiosity.

As the trio left the supermarket, Izumi carrying her basket of snacks, Noriko couldn't help but feel a strange sense of comfort in their brief camaraderie. But she brushed off this fact after remembering that day and then broke off from the group and headed to the baseball feild. The baseball field across from the supermarket was expansive, the green grass contrasting against the worn dirt patches on the pitcher's mound and the diamond. The bleachers stood unused, and the only sound in the air was the distant hum of the wind stirring through the empty field.

Katsu, his posture tall and commanding, stood at the edge of the diamond, hands on his hips as he took in the space. His eyes gleamed with energy, a stark contrast to the otherwise quiet surroundings. The excitement was evident in his movements as he paced around the field, occasionally pretending to swing an invisible bat with exaggerated flair.

"Ah, now this is more like it!" Katsu exclaimed, his voice filled with the brash confidence of his Ultimate General persona. "The battlefield of champions, the stage of strategy and precision. If only I had an army to lead... this place would be put to good use!"

He imagined himself as a general overseeing an army of soldiers, the diamond a tactical map. He could see himself directing troops with fervor, giving orders that would lead to inevitable victory. His voice boomed as he mimicked commands, rallying imaginary forces with every step he took.

"Form up, soldiers! Position yourselves! We're taking this game to the enemy!" Katsu shouted as he crouched near the base paths, pretending to command a team. He swung his arm around in a broad motion as if leading an attack, eyes sparkling with the fire of someone who had lived for the rush of competition. It was clear that, even here, in this strange, life-or-death situation, he found some semblance of purpose in channeling his love for strategy and battle.

Noriko, having finished her trip to the supermarket, passed by the field on her way to her next destination. As she walked along the gravel path, she noticed Katsu's antics. She stopped for a moment, arms crossed, watching him with an amused expression as he continued to act out a general's orders, totally caught up in his excitement.

"You know," Noriko called out, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips, "you're kind of making a fool of yourself."

Katsu snapped his attention to her, his face lighting up in recognition. Despite being caught in the middle of his self-imposed 'battle,' his pride didn't falter. He straightened up, his chest puffing out as he threw his hands out in mock indignation.

"A fool, you say?!" Katsu's voice boomed, causing the quiet atmosphere to echo with his bravado. "No, no, my dear Noriko! What you're witnessing is the fiery spirit of a true leader, a general whose vision cannot be contained by these humble fields! You see, this isn't just a game—it's a war. A war where victory demands leadership, strategy, and sheer willpower!"

Noriko rolled her eyes, amused but also slightly impressed by his relentless enthusiasm. "Right. And I'm sure that's exactly how you'll win this 'game' we're all stuck in."

Katsu paused for a moment, clearly not used to being questioned in such a casual tone. His gaze softened for a second, and his lips curled into a smirk. "Well, of course. I don't need to remind you that no one leads like I do." His voice, though cocky, carried an undertone of sincerity—a belief in his abilities and his leadership skills, even in the midst of a deadly game.

For a moment, Noriko considered walking away, but something about Katsu's intensity kept her standing there. She gave a half-hearted shrug, as if humoring him.

"I guess I'll leave you to it, General," she said, her tone teasing as she turned to walk off.

Katsu's eyes sparkled with energy as he saluted her dramatically, a broad grin on his face. "As you should, soldier. Leave this battlefield to me!"

As Noriko walked away, Katsu continued to pace the field, his thoughts consumed by the idea of leading, of commanding.

The restaurant, Poseidon's Oysters, was a peculiar sight. Its decor leaned heavily into the aquatic theme, with trident-shaped chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and ocean-blue tablecloths covering each table. The walls were adorned with murals of waves crashing against cliffs and statues of sea creatures standing guard at various corners of the room. A faint scent of saltwater and seafood lingered in the air.

Gina was seated at a central table, her enthusiasm radiating like the morning sun. Before her sat a massive platter of oysters, their pearlescent shells glistening under the warm lights. She grabbed another oyster, tilted it toward her lips, and slurped it down with an exaggerated sound of delight. Her eyes sparkled as though each bite was an entirely new experience.

"Ah! The taste of the ocean!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing across the empty restaurant. "It's like Poseidon himself blessed this meal!"

Noriko, who had entered quietly moments before, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sight. She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway as she watched Gina continue her enthusiastic feast.

"You look like you're having... fun," Noriko remarked dryly.

Gina perked up, her eyes lighting up when she saw Noriko. "Noriko! Come join me! These oysters are divine! I swear, it's like I've been transported straight to the depths of the sea!"

"I'll pass," Noriko said, walking toward Gina's table. "Oysters aren't really my thing."

Gina pouted dramatically. "Oh, you're missing out! These are the kind of experiences that make life worth living! Don't tell me you're afraid to try something new."

"It's not fear. It's preference," Noriko replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from Gina. "Besides, this isn't exactly the time to indulge."

Gina waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, come on! We're stuck in this awful place, surrounded by despair and gloom. Can't we take a moment to enjoy the little things? Like oysters!"

"You mean like indulging in oysters while everyone else is investigating?" Noriko asked, her tone pointed.

Gina froze mid-slurp, a guilty look flashing across her face. She set the oyster shell down carefully. "I was investigating! I came here to check out the restaurant. I just... got a little distracted, that's all."

"Right," Noriko said, unimpressed. "Find anything useful between slurps?"

"Actually, yes!" Gina said, her tone defensive. She gestured toward the counter, where an old cash register sat. "That register over there? It's locked. I tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge. There might be something important inside."

Noriko's gaze shifted toward the counter, her interest piqued. "Did you look for a key?"

Gina shook her head. "Nope! I was too busy with these beauties." She pointed to the oysters with a grin. "But maybe you can figure it out!"

Noriko sighed, standing and walking over to the register. She inspected it carefully, noting the faded keypad and the lack of any obvious clues. Her fingers traced the edges, searching for hidden compartments or mechanisms.

"It's probably controlled by a passcode," Noriko muttered. "Typical Monokuma."

"Do you think we can crack it?" Gina asked, joining her at the counter, her previous distraction momentarily forgotten.

"We might be able to, but not without more information," Noriko replied. She turned to Gina. "Where else did you look in here?"

"Mostly just the tables and the kitchen. There's a freezer in the back that I didn't check because... well, it's a freezer. Too cold for me." Gina shivered dramatically.

Noriko gave her a look but decided against commenting. "Let's check it out. Maybe there's a clue there."

As the two walked toward the kitchen, Gina chattered excitedly. "Do you think there's treasure hidden in the freezer? Or maybe a secret stash of gourmet ingredients! Oh, imagine if there's lobster in there!"

"Let's not get our hopes up," Noriko said, pushing open the freezer door.

The cold hit them immediately, a stark contrast to the warmth of the restaurant. The freezer was filled with boxes of frozen seafood, most of it unremarkable. But in the corner, something caught Noriko's eye—a small lockbox perched atop a crate.

"Bingo," Noriko said, stepping forward. She picked up the lockbox, examining it closely. It had a simple combination lock with three dials.

Gina leaned over her shoulder, practically vibrating with excitement. "Ooooh, what do you think is inside? Gold? Pearls? Monokuma's diary?"

"Or just another piece of his twisted game," Noriko said. "Either way, we'll need to figure out the code to open it."

Gina clapped her hands together. "This is so exciting! It's like a real-life treasure hunt!"

Noriko couldn't help but smile faintly at Gina's enthusiasm. "Let's take this back to the group after the investigation. Maybe someone else has found something that can help us figure this out."

"Good idea!" Gina said, grabbing one last oyster from the platter as they left the freezer. "But first, one for the road!"

Noriko rolled her eyes but said nothing as they exited Poseidon's Oysters together, the lockbox stuffed in her satchel and the mystery deepening. They then parted ways and Noriko heads into the rest of the neighborhood.

As Noriko walked through the labyrinthine paths of the neighborhood, she couldn't shake the tension that still lingered from the meeting with the others. There was an unease in the air—something about this place that didn't sit right with her. Despite the group's efforts to plan their survival, Noriko knew that nothing was certain. Monokuma's influence loomed over every step they took.

The streets were eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustling of wind through the trees. The buildings were well-maintained, but there was an unnatural stillness to them, as if the entire neighborhood was frozen in time, waiting for something to break the silence.

As Noriko wandered through the area, her thoughts racing, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure ahead of her—Aiko. The soft-spoken girl with the delicate, nervous air seemed to be lost in thought as well. Noriko wasn't sure if Aiko had been avoiding her or if she had just kept to herself, but seeing her now felt like a reminder that, despite their shared predicament, they were all just as trapped in this world.

"Aiko," Noriko called out, her voice breaking the stillness.

Aiko turned, startled, before her face softened. "Oh, Noriko… it's you."

There was a brief, awkward silence as the two of them took a moment to size each other up. Despite everything, there was something oddly comforting about seeing a familiar face. They were in this together, whether they liked it or not.

"I was just…" Aiko hesitated, glancing around the empty street. "I was just looking around. There's not much to do, but… I thought maybe I'd find something useful or something to occupy my mind."

Noriko nodded. "Same. I've been trying to figure this place out. There's something strange about it, don't you think? It feels like we're being watched, like we're part of some twisted experiment."

Aiko shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself. "I feel it too. But… maybe if we just keep our heads down and do what we're supposed to, we'll get out of here."

Noriko eyed her carefully. Aiko's voice wavered, but it was clear she was trying to hold onto a sliver of hope. Noriko wasn't so sure, but she didn't have the heart to crush her optimism just yet.

Before they could say anything else, the low hum of a distant engine broke the silence. Noriko's gaze flicked toward a nearby café, where the source of the sound seemed to be coming from. The building itself was cozy and inviting, with large windows revealing rows of chairs and tables inside. A small sign in the window read "Café Monochrome." Something about the name struck Noriko as odd, but she couldn't place why.

As they approached the café, Noriko noticed the door was slightly ajar. A small bell chimed softly as they pushed it open, and they were greeted by the scent of fresh coffee. But as they stepped inside, a strange sense of foreboding washed over her.

The café was quaint, decorated with warm-toned furniture and a figure behind her that drew Noriko's attention: a strange, humanoid robot—Its movements were stiff, mechanical, yet fluid, as if it were made to mimic human behavior. Its body was sleek, with polished silver metal plates that reflected the dim bookstore light. It had a head, but its face was featureless—nothing more than a smooth, emotionless surface, save for two red, glowing eyes that seemed to peer into Noriko's soul.

The Monoservant, as Noriko would later come to call it, was almost eerily silent as it waited. It didn't move, didn't speak, but Noriko could feel its gaze on her, scanning her every movement. The fact that it didn't acknowledge them felt even more alien. She could almost hear its internal gears whirring, its eyes following her every step.

Aiko visibly tensed beside her. "What... is... that thing? It… it looks... like... some... kind of... robot, but... it's so... lifeless."

"I don't know," Noriko said, her voice low. "But it's giving me a bad feeling."

They both hesitated in the doorway, unsure of what to do next. But before they could leave, the robot behind the counter spoke in a soft, mechanical voice.

"Would you like something to drink?"

The question felt out of place, too polite for the atmosphere in the room, too impersonal. Noriko glanced at Aiko, who nodded slightly, still wary of the strange robot.

"No, thank you," Noriko replied, and after a brief, uncomfortable silence, they turned to leave. But as they did, Noriko couldn't help but glance back at the Monoservant. Its eyes were still locked on her, but it didn't move. It was as if it was waiting for something—a signal, a command, or perhaps even their next mistake.

Once outside, the uneasy feeling lingered, but there was no time to dwell on it. They had places to go and things to explore.

Their next stop was the bookstore, a small, unassuming shop just a few streets down from the café. The windows were dimly lit, and the doorbell rang softly as they entered. The scent of old paper and leather greeted them as they stepped inside.

The shop was lined with shelves that reached all the way to the ceiling, stacked high with books of every kind—mystery novels, self-help guides, and old classics. But there was something strange about the way the books were arranged. As Noriko's eyes scanned the shelves, she noticed a small desk near the back with a curious stack of books piled high on it. The titles on the spines caught her attention: Pinocchio and Marionette. The two titles were stacked on top of each other, as if someone had left them there in a hurry.

Noriko approached cautiously, her eyes narrowing. She picked up the first book, Pinocchio, flipping through the pages. The words were distorted, as though written in an indecipherable code, and the illustrations inside were grotesque—twisted versions of the familiar, beloved characters.

"What the hell is this?" she muttered under her breath.

Aiko stepped beside her, her expression equally confused. "I don't... understand… These aren't... the books... I remember. They... look so… strange."

Noriko set the book down carefully and picked up Marionette, the second title. It was the same: the words were all jumbled, and the images inside were disturbing. A mechanical version of Pinocchio, with gears and wires sticking out of its wooden body, danced on the pages.

The air in the bookstore felt suddenly oppressive. It was as though the atmosphere itself had thickened. Noriko couldn't explain why, but a sense of dread washed over her, almost as if the books were alive, watching her. The bookstore seemed to hum with an almost electric energy, as though it too had a life of its own.

"We... should go," Aiko said, her voice trembling.

Noriko hesitated for a moment longer, staring at the stack of books. Something told her to leave them alone, but another part of her—curious, driven by the need for answers—wanted to understand. Before she could make up her mind, a small sound broke through her thoughts.

She froze, sensing something—someone—approaching.

From behind one of the shelves emerged a figure. At first, it was hard to distinguish, but then it became clear: the same robot. Staring with an unknown and eerie at the two like a predator look at prey.

The robot stopped in front of them, and the atmosphere shifted. The presence of the Monoservant was chilling, though it didn't seem to pose an immediate threat. It simply stood there, unmoving, waiting for the next action.

Noriko's instincts told her to step back, but before she could react, the sound of an obnoxious laugh echoed through the bookstore.

"Hehehe… so, you've met one of my little helpers!"

Noriko's heart skipped a beat. She recognized that voice immediately. It was unmistakably Monokuma, the twisted bear and host of their predicament. From behind a stack of books, Monokuma's tiny black-and-white face emerged, grinning widely as ever.

"Surprised?" Monokuma said gleefully, stepping into full view. "This here is a Monoservant! Just a little robot servant to keep you entertained, and maybe help with all your little errands while you're trapped in this lovely, cozy neighborhood!"

Noriko and Aiko exchanged a brief glance, neither one sure how to process the sight of the Monoservant or Monokuma's sudden appearance.

The Monoservant didn't respond verbally, but it tilted its head as if awaiting further instruction.

Monokuma, however, continued with his smug tone, "These little bots are all over the place—keeping things in check, making sure you're all behaving. They're not just for show, either. They're designed to make sure you don't get any funny ideas, like trying to escape or, heaven forbid, cooperate too much with each other." His grin grew wider. "After all, what fun would it be if you all became one big happy family?"

Aiko frowned, crossing her arms. "So... they're... watching us...? Keeping track... of everything... we do?"

Monokuma chuckled darkly. "Exactly, Aiko! You two are such quick learners! These Monoservants are equipped with all kinds of functions— surveillance, communication, even a little housekeeping. Don't worry, I'm not saying they're spying on you... well, not all the time. Hehehe. But in this game, you can't afford to have loose ends!"

Noriko's mind raced. Was this the 'game' Monokuma had been referring to all along? It wasn't just about surviving; it was about controlling everything, even the little things like their privacy. Every step was monitored, every word and action potentially recorded.

Monokuma stretched dramatically. "Well, now that you've met my little friend here, you can rest assured that you'll have company wherever you go. Just don't try anything funny, or else... let's just say, these Monoservants know how to handle little troublemakers!"

The Monoservant remained silent, its glowing eyes still fixed on the two girls, its presence oddly comforting and disturbing all at once. It felt like an extension of Monokuma, as though it were just another instrument of his control.

Aiko took a step back, clearly unnerved. "This is... too much... We're being... watched... everywhere... we go."

Monokuma grinned again. "You're getting it! Now, don't worry too much. My little robots just make sure you're all safe and sound. You can't have any fun if you're not alive, right? Hehehe!"

Before Noriko could retort, Monokuma suddenly seemed to grow bored. "Well, well, well. I've said my piece, and my little Monoservant will take it from here. If you two are done, feel free to leave. I'm sure you've got plenty of 'investigating' to do!"

Without another word, Monokuma turned, practically skipping out of the bookstore with his usual playful menace. The Monoservant stood motionless for a moment longer, its red eyes scanning the room before it turned to leave as well, seemingly following Monokuma's command without a second thought.

Noriko and Aiko stood in silence, their minds whirling with the new information they'd just received. The sense of control Monokuma exerted over the entire neighborhood was staggering—nothing was left to chance.

Aiko broke the silence. "I… I don't... like this... They're... watching... everything... Every moment... We're... never going... to be... alone again..."

Noriko nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the situation settle into her chest. "We're not just stuck in this game… We're part of it, every step, every breath we take. And Monokuma's got his eyes on all of us."

Without another word, the two girls turned toward the exit, leaving the bookstore behind. The weight of the Monoservant's watchful gaze and Monokuma's chilling words lingered in the air, an invisible burden that would follow them wherever they went. There was no escape, not from the eyes of the Monoservants or from Monokuma's ever-watchful presence. The game had only just begun, and they were trapped in it.

She turned to Aiko, who looked just as uncomfortable as she felt, and nodded toward the door. They didn't need to say anything more. It was time to leave.

As they walked out, Noriko couldn't shake the feeling that the strange books—and the unsettling man behind the counter—were only part of a much larger mystery. Something told her that these odd occurrences weren't just random. They were pieces of a puzzle they hadn't yet started to solve.

As Noriko and Aiko ventured further into the neighborhood, they found themselves drawn to a strange sense of curiosity that led them toward an unexpected place. The streets became quieter, the buildings thinner and more sparse, until they reached the edge of the neighborhood—where the path seemed to end abruptly, as if it simply stopped. But it wasn't an ordinary dead end.

Ahead of them, stretching far into the distance, was an enormous wall. It loomed like a massive barrier, one that seemed to encapsulate the entire neighborhood. But what struck Noriko as odd was how the wall seamlessly blended with the sky. It didn't have the usual sharp edges or harsh lines of a concrete wall. Instead, it was designed to appear as though it was the horizon itself, the line between land and sky so perfectly crafted that, at first glance, it appeared to be an illusion.

The wall wasn't made of bricks or stone, but of smooth, metallic panels that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. It seemed to pulse with a strange, almost hypnotic energy. Noriko squinted, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. Was it a mirage? Or some kind of projection? The more she looked, the less she understood.

Aiko, walking a few steps behind, seemed to have the same reaction. "What... is this…? It... doesn't look... real," she whispered, her voice tinged with awe and fear.

As they moved closer, Noriko noticed that the sky above the wall—though painted with wispy clouds—wasn't quite the blue of a natural sky. It had a strange, digital quality to it, like a filter overlaid on the world around them. Upon closer inspection, the entire horizon was a massive screen, the blue sky and clouds not real at all, but part of a projected image. The illusion was perfect.

A flicker of light caught Noriko's eye. It was subtle, like a glitch in the system, but it was there. She could see the faint outline of a rectangular panel embedded into the metallic surface of the wall, the edges almost invisible to the naked eye. It was like a hidden access point or control panel, waiting to be discovered.

Aiko, ever the cautious one, took a step back. "It feels… wrong. This... whole place... is just... a game. None... of this... is real."

Noriko didn't respond immediately. Instead, her gaze was fixed on the wall, her mind racing with possibilities. Monokuma had clearly designed this place as an elaborate trap. If this was the edge of the neighborhood, then everything beyond it had to be fake, or worse—under Monokuma's control. The feeling of being watched, of being kept inside an illusion, was palpable.

She took a few tentative steps forward, her hand reaching out instinctively toward the wall. It was cool to the touch, and as her fingers brushed against it, a soft hum emanated from the surface. The wall wasn't just a visual illusion—it was something more. It was alive, reactive, responding to her presence.

Aiko stepped closer too, her face a mask of concern. "Noriko... I... don't think... we should... mess with... this."

But Noriko's mind was already elsewhere. The panel she had seen earlier was no longer hidden—it had shifted, revealing a digital interface with glowing symbols. There were no buttons or switches, but a series of lines and symbols flickered on the surface, almost like a screen that responded to touch.

Her fingers hovered above it. She didn't know what it was, but she had to find out. Something in her gut told her this was a key—perhaps to understanding what the wall really was, and how to escape it.

Without warning, the display flickered again, and a soft voice—too robotic to be human, too familiar to be comforting—spoke.

"Monokuma's Neighborhood Limit Reached. No Entry Beyond This Point. Please Enjoy the Environment within Safe Boundaries."

The voice was flat, devoid of any warmth, and the words it spoke chilled Noriko to the core. There was no way out. The walls had been set, the boundary was drawn, and there was no escaping it.

Noriko's heart raced. She quickly withdrew her hand from the panel, her eyes wide with realization. The neighborhood wasn't just an isolated space—it was completely contained. They weren't even in a real city or town. They were trapped in a simulation, a construct.

Aiko, shaking, took a step back. "So... we're not... allowed... to leave... I... guess... we're in... quite... a prison..."

Noriko turned, her eyes darkened with determination. She could feel the weight of the truth settling on her shoulders, but she refused to let it break her. Not yet. If this was all just a game, then they could find a way out. She wasn't going to give up that easily.

"I don't know," Noriko said, her voice tense. "But I think we're getting closer to the truth. Whatever this place is, we need to figure it out. Fast."

The two girls stood there for a moment longer, staring at the impossible horizon and the wall that divided them from whatever lay beyond. It was a boundary—an artificial barrier that defined their existence within this twisted game. It was the boundary they would have to face again and again.

As Noriko turned away, her mind already turning over the possibilities, she knew one thing for certain: The rules had changed. This wasn't just a fight for survival. This was a fight for the truth—and for the chance to break free from Monokuma's control.

There was no turning back.

As the day wore on, the oppressive silence of the edge of the neighborhood began to feel heavy on Noriko's shoulders. She glanced one last time at the wall—its strange illusion still perfectly intact, as if mocking her attempts to understand it. She couldn't shake the unease that clung to her, but the thought of returning to the others for lunch brought her back to reality. She turned to Aiko, who seemed just as unsettled by their discovery.

"We should... head back," Noriko said, her voice quiet but firm, her gaze still lingering on the wall for a moment longer before she looked at Aiko. "Lunch is... probably... coming up soon... We can... figure... this out... later."

Aiko nodded, though her expression was still tense. "Yeah... I agree. We've seen enough for now."

The two girls walked in silence for a while, retracing their steps back toward the heart of the neighborhood. The strange, digital sky above them seemed just as unreal as the wall they had encountered, and the weight of their conversation hung heavily between them. But as they approached the main square again, Noriko's mind shifted to something lighter, trying to push aside the mounting tension.

"So, Gina… She might be full from oysters by now, huh?" Noriko remarked, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Aiko shot her a puzzled look. "Oysters...?"

Noriko's smile widened slightly as she remembered Gina's peculiar eating habits. "You know—she's always talking about how much she loves oysters. It's kind of a running joke. But given how much she eats, I'm starting to think she might actually be full for once."

Aiko chuckled softly, the humor in Noriko's words a welcome distraction from the unease that had settled over them. "If she's not... I'd be... surprised. She could... eat enough... to feed... an army... and still... complain... about being hungry..."

The two girls shared a brief laugh, the tension between them easing just a little as they walked back toward the cafeteria. The murmur of conversation grew louder with every step, signaling the return of the others. The familiar sound was oddly comforting, a reminder of normalcy amidst the chaos, even if the underlying dread still clung to their thoughts.

Lunch awaited—a small moment of peace, a fragile reprieve.

As they turned the corner, a sudden crash shattered the moment. An ornament, bright red, lay in pieces at their feet, shards glinting like jagged stars against the cold floor.

"W-where... where... did... this... come from...?" Aiko stammered, her voice tinged with shock.

Noriko froze, her eyes locked on the fragments. Her breath hitched, and the world seemed to tilt. The crimson hue, the sharp edges—it all blurred, pulling her into a memory she had buried deep.

She didn't hear Aiko's worried murmurs. Instead, she was back there, in the memory she wanted to erase. Her chest tightened, her pulse roaring in her ears. Her trembling hand twitched, instinctively moving to shield herself.

The air seemed colder, the room dimmer, as if the world around her had receded. She didn't want to remember, didn't want to feel this.

"Noriko!" Aiko exclaimed, her voice tinged with shock.

"I'll be fine…" Noriko assured, steadying herself as she began to recover. "I just need a moment. Go on without me."

"Are you sure?" Aiko asked hesitantly, concern evident in her tone.

"Yeah," Noriko replied with a faint smile. "I just got a little dizzy from all this investigating. I'll catch up in a couple of minutes."

"O-okay…" Aiko reluctantly agreed, glancing back one last time. "I'll see you there..."

With a heavy heart, Aiko left Noriko behind.

As Aiko disappeared around the corner, Noriko took a deep breath and slowly pushed herself to her feet. Her head was still a bit foggy, but the dizziness had subsided, and her legs felt steady again. She looked around for a moment, making sure no one was watching, before brushing off the lingering exhaustion.

With a quiet sigh, she adjusted her jacket and straightened her posture, determination returning to her eyes. I'll be fine, she thought. I can handle this.

She started walking, each step more assured than the last. The path back to the school was just ahead, and the thought of lunch—and a much-needed break—motivated her to pick up the pace.

By the time she reached the school gates, the afternoon sun shone down on her, warming her face. She smiled faintly, looking forward to meeting up with Aiko again and putting the morning's events behind her.

"Just a little longer," she whispered to herself, as she made her way toward the cafeteria.