Chapter 1: First Blood

Episode 4: The New Age of Tension

Noriko's footsteps echoed faintly in the hallway as she made her way back to the school. The morning's events churned in her mind: the cryptic bookstore, the unsettling Monoservant, and Monokuma's smug grin. Each detail felt like a piece of a puzzle she couldn't solve, the weight of uncertainty pressing on her chest. She quickened her pace, masking her unease behind her usual calm exterior.

As she neared the cafeteria, a heavy silence seeped through the doorway. Gone was the usual clamor of conversation and laughter. Instead, a suffocating stillness hung in the air, the kind that made her stomach tighten.

Stepping inside, she took in the scene. Students huddled in small groups, their voices low and cautious. The boisterous energy from earlier had vanished, replaced by an oppressive quiet. Eyes flitted across the room, scanning for threats or alliances. Even the loudest personalities had muted themselves as if their survival depended on it.

Noriko frowned. What the hell happened here?

"Surprised?"

The voice came from a table near the doorway. Sachika, the Ultimate Forensic Scientist, sat with a steaming cup of tea in hand. Her composed gaze stood in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere.

"Talk about mood swings," Noriko muttered, sliding into the seat across from her. "A few hours ago, they were ready to riot. Now it's like someone hit mute."

Sachika took a slow sip of her tea. "Tension doesn't disappear. It simmers under the surface, waiting for the right moment to boil over."

Noriko leaned back, arms folded. "So this isn't peace, just a ceasefire?"

"Exactly." Sachika's lips curved into a faint smile. "They've realized open hostility will only get them killed. But the fear, the mistrust—it's all still there. One spark and it'll all ignite."

Noriko's sharp eyes scanned the room again: a hand gripping a utensil too tightly, an anxious glance exchanged between two students, the whispered conversations barely audible over the hum of the lights.

"The first death is inevitable," she said quietly. "Monokuma's designed it this way. He wants us paranoid, desperate. All it takes is one person to snap."

"And you think that'll happen soon?" Sachika's tone was neutral, but her piercing gaze suggested she already knew the answer.

"I know it will," Noriko replied, her voice firm. "I just don't know who—or how."

Sachika nodded thoughtfully. "Megumi's planning a group activity later. Something to 'ease the tension.'"

Noriko snorted. "Ultimate Camp Counselor or not, that's a band-aid on a bullet wound. These people aren't looking to bond. They're looking to survive."

Sachika tilted her head, her expression sharp. "You really don't have much faith in others, do you?"

Noriko's jaw tightened. "Trust is a luxury I can't afford. Not after…" She trailed off, shaking her head. "It doesn't matter. I won't let myself get hurt again."

Sachika studied her for a moment but didn't press. Instead, she changed the subject. "You seem to get along with Sho. He seems trustworthy. Boyfriend material even."

"Sho's harmless," Noriko said with a shrug. "But he's got a girlfriend, and I am not going to add alimony to my list of my concerns. It'll just lead to more complications."

Sachika raised an eyebrow. "Complications?"

Noriko smirked. "You know, like you blushing at Ryuu's jokes will start rumors."

Sachika's calm demeanor faltered, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "It's not—he's just—"

Noriko chuckled. "Relax. I'm not judging. Just don't let it cloud your judgment. This place doesn't leave room for mistakes."

Sachika exhaled, her blush deepening. "Noted."

Before either could say more, a chipper voice rang out behind Noriko. "Hey, Nori!"

"Nori?" Noriko turned, startled. "Oh, Gina. What is it?"

"Can I show them? Can I? Can I? Can I?" Gina asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Uh… not yet," Noriko said hesitantly.

"Aw, come on!" Gina pouted. "I wanna show them!"

"Patience," Noriko said firmly. "Everyone's already on edge. It's better to wait until we're in a calm, civilized discussion."

"Fine…" Gina huffed, trudging away with an exaggerated pout.

Noriko turned back to Sachika, who raised an eyebrow. "What does she want to show?"

Noriko's expression darkened slightly. "Something we found. But we need to discuss it together, and I doubt everyone's ready for that yet."

Sachika nodded, her eyes thoughtful. "Then I guess we'd better hope this 'ceasefire' holds a little longer for another meeting to be set up."

Just then, Megumi's voice rang out, breaking the silence. "Hey, everyone! Can I have your attention?!"

"Speaking of the devil," Noriko muttered, and all eyes turned toward Megumi.

"We've had enough time in our private places," Megumi continued, her voice steady but laced with urgency. "Regardless of our anxiety and hostilities, we need to talk about our findings in the Maul and cooperate for more than just thirty minutes."

"ATTENTION!" Katsu's voice boomed, and everyone instinctively snapped to attention, forming ranks.

"What the?!" Haruto exclaimed, both awed and frightened. "You can control people's movements with military experience?! Show off!"

"Well, that's the Ultimate General for ya," Hiroyuki smirked.

As he began to giggle, Katsu shot him a glare, and the laughter died instantly.

"Sorry, Sir!" The DJ saluted in apology.

"DID I SAY FOR YOU TO TALK LIKE THAT?! DROP AND GIVE ME TWENTY!" Katsu barked.

The student immediately dropped to the floor and began doing push-ups.

"Uh… Permission to speak, General?" Noriko asked cautiously.

"Permission granted," Katsu responded, his voice still carrying authority.

"Not that I mind, but when did this turn from a killing game to a military training camp?" Noriko couldn't help but ask.

"Sometimes, this group needs discipline," Katsu answered. "I'm sure you've seen that common trait in some of us."

"Yeah, I guess," Noriko replied dryly. "Especially for people who make fools of themselves by running into a shelf of paint cans and knocking themselves out in the process."

"Hey…! That…! Was not…! A…! Foolish…! Accident…!" Hiroyuki groaned from the floor, offended but still pushing up. "It…! Was…! A…! Common…! Mistake…!"

"HIROYUKI, DID I TELL YOU TO STOP AT FIFTEEN?! GIVE ME ANOTHER TWENTY! OR I'LL PUT YOUR BACKSIDE TO WORK IN THE CAFETERIA FOR SIX HOURS A DAY!" Katsu's voice rang out again, and Hiroyuki immediately started his push-ups once more. Then Katsu turned to Megumi, "Continue."

"Ooooookay…" Megumi responded before refocusing on her original topic. "So, we need to discuss our findings in our investigations. Who wants to go first?"

Shinobu spoke first. "I would like to start with our group investigation of the school."

"Wait…" Aiko responded in confusion. "Why… didn't… most… of… us… investigate… the school… while… the remaining… few… investigated… the rest… of the… Maul?"

"That is irrelevant," Shinobu responded. "Anyway, Venitsu, Sho, and I explored the first floor. There were the usual classrooms, the cafeteria, the lockers, the courtyard, the library, and the gym, but there was nothing relevant or important in those rooms besides what you would usually find in a regular school."

"Same with my group," Haruto explained. "Megumi, Hiroyuki, and I didn't find anything useful on the 2nd floor. Just a bunch of music rooms and art studios—though there were way too many piano and violin rooms. It was... excessive."

At this, Aiko gasped, her eyes widening in alarm, almost as though she had realized something dreadful.

"Aiko, did you notice something?" Noriko asked, her gaze sharp and probing.

"N-Nothing…" Aiko stammered, regaining her composure in an instant.

But Noriko's instincts flared. Aiko was hiding something—something tied to the abundance of piano and violin rooms. Whatever it was, it made Aiko an even more intriguing ally to keep an eye on.

"Anyway," Sachika began, breaking the silence, "Riku, Iwao, and I explored the 3rd floor. It's mostly science labs up there. I stayed behind to catalog any useful medicines or, unfortunately, poisons that could become a threat to us. There were also offices for counselors, named after past protagonists—Makoto Naegi, Hajime Hinata, Komaru Naegi, Rantaro Amami, Shuichi Saihara, and the infamous fake-out protagonist, Kaede Akamatsu."

"During that time, I sent Riku and Iwao to investigate another section of the floor. In hindsight, that was a mistake." Sachika sighed. "A few minutes later, I heard them arguing—loudly. It was like a stingy accountant and a mischievous special agent reenacting a bad comedy skit. Thank goodness Kuroki came to help me organize the medicine."

"D-Don't make it sound like I was there just to help you," Kuroki grumbled. "I was heading to the roof to investigate."

"Sure you were," Sachika replied, smirking.

"As for the roof," Iwao interjected with a twitch of irritation, "all I found was a small key with a series of numbers. Honestly, though, that was better than spending one more second investigating with him." He jerked a thumb toward Riku.

"Ah, if you despise me that much, I have just the thing to make it all better," Riku quipped, his grin sly. "I could read you every gem from my comedic collection. Think of it as therapy—a fortification of your tolerance, if you will."

"BURN IT," Iwao bellowed, his voice almost a prayer. "Jesus, God, Holy Spirit, Mary, Joseph—burn that devilish tome of Asmodeus and send it back to Hell!"

"Chill, dude!" Hiroyuki yelped, recoiling. "It's just a joke book!"

"Can we… backtrack for a second?" Aiko's voice was calm, but there was a tightness to her words. "…I know… common decency… isn't your strong suit, Iwao… but please… don't speak ill of the dead… especially Kaede… of all people."

"That's what bothers you?" Shinobu's tone was cold, her arms crossed. "You're upset over a failed, dead loser who couldn't even pull off a murder properly?"

The room fell silent.

"Shut. It. You. Vain. Brat."

Aiko's words cut through the air, uncharacteristically sharp. Her tone was fierce, her amethyst-like eyes shimmering with a barely restrained intensity. For a moment, her darkened expression radiated resentment.

The others were stunned.

"Calling. Someone. A. Loser. When. They. Suffered. So. Much. Is. A. Crime. In. Itself," Aiko continued, her voice low and simmering. "How. Dare. You. Call. A. Victim. A. Loser. For. Trying. To. Save. Her. Friends."

Shinobu shrank back slightly, her confidence shaken. "Fine, I'll retract my statement," she muttered. "Just don't… be like this."

"I'll… try…" Aiko replied, her voice softening, though a shadow of her earlier fury remained. "…Just… don't speak ill of someone… so unselfish."

"A-anyways..." Izumi says, steering the conversation, "Should we continue with the discussion? Iwao? You said you found a key. Do you know where it goes to?"

"If I did, I wouldn't be standing around like a fool and refuse to disclose that information," Iwao snaps back.

"Whoa, hold up!" Hiroyuki chimes in, grinning like he's on the mic. "I thought we were on the no info share train, you know? Like, rule number one: secrets stay locked up tight!"

"That's personal information, you airhead!" Iwao groans, rubbing his temples.

"Oh!" Gina bursts out with excitement, practically bouncing on the spot. "Noriko! Can I show them now!?"

Noriko sighs, adjusting her satchel calmly. "Well, yes. Since we're talking about a key, it could potentially unlock it."

"What are you two going on about?" Sho narrows his eyes, his curiosity piqued.

"Well," Noriko begins, glancing at Gina, "Gina and I were at that restaurant—Poseidon's Oysters—when we stumbled across something that might be related to this key."

"W-well, w-what is it?!" Kuroki stammers, leaning forward slightly, his curiosity overcoming his shyness.

"I'll show—" Gina starts, but freezes mid-sentence. Her eyes widen as she pats her pockets and checks her bag. "Huh? Where is it!? I thought I had it!"

Noriko raises an eyebrow, suppressing a chuckle as she pulls a small lockbox from her satchel. "Relax. I had it. Did you seriously forget I was the one carrying the lockbox?"

"I-I-I-I-I-I-I..." Gina stammers, throwing her hands in the air in mock defeat. "I got... I got nothing."

Noriko carefully sets the lockbox on the table, its metal surface glinting ominously in the dim light. Everyone instinctively leans in, their curiosity palpable. Iwao reaches into his pocket and pulls out a silver key. Its sinister design, complete with a skull at the bow adorned with gleaming ruby eyes, sends a collective shiver through the group and carved onto the key is the number: 70311.

"That... looks creepy!" Megumi exclaims, recoiling slightly.

"Zero stars!" Joutarou yelps, holding up his hands as if warding off an evil spirit.

Venitsu adjusts his monocle, his expression calm but intrigued. "I suspect that was precisely the intention. The key's design, while unsettling, is a masterful example of theming. Its intricate details evoke fear beautifully, aligning with the psychological games at play."

Joutarou hesitates, frowning. "Oh. Well then... four stars!" He gestures at the key dismissively. "Though, the rust? Yeah, not doing it any favors."

Katsu rolls his eyes. "Are you seriously rating a key at a time like this?"

"Is that because you're such a refined gentleman businessman?!" Gina exclaims, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Joutarou throws his hands in the air, exasperated. "I just said I was the Ultimate Critic! How could you forget that in seconds?"

"Sorry! I just forgot!" Gina replies, shrinking back awkwardly, her hands fidgeting.

"Morons..." Iwao mutters under his breath, his voice laced with palpable annoyance.

Ignoring the banter, Iwao steps forward, gripping the ominous key. He glances at the number, then aligns it with the combination on the lock.

For a brief moment, all is still—only the faint click of the lock breaking the silence. Then, a series of clicks echoes through the room, shattering the tension.

"It works," Iwao announces simply, stepping back as the lid creaks open.

The group leans in, their eyes fixed on the lockbox as Iwao lifts the lid. What could possibly be inside? A hidden message? A new motive? A hint toward the exit? Or perhaps a clue to a long-forgotten incident? These thoughts swirl in Noriko's mind, her breath caught in her throat as she anticipates something monumental.

But as the contents are revealed, her heart sinks, and a wave of disbelief washes over her. The mood shifts as curiosity and hope fade into confusion and frustration.

"A... watch?" Izumi blurts out, her tone as puzzled as Noriko feels.

"Seriously?!" Joutarou groans, throwing his hands up in dismay. "That was so anti-climactic! One star!"

Noriko narrows her eyes, staring at the object. A digital watch? It looks so ordinary—plain, black, and compact, with large green numbers glowing faintly on the screen. The display reads the current time, but that's it. There are no hidden compartments, no cryptic symbols, no apparent secrets. Her mind races to find meaning in something so mundane. Why was this locked away? Why would someone make this seem so important?

"What a fascinating development," Venitsu remarks, his calm voice cutting through the awkward silence. "While it may not seem significant, it does offer us clarity—now we know the exact time and day."

"Day?" Shigeru interjects, his voice rising with theatrical gravitas and his hand holding his skull in dramatic flair. "What dost thou mean by day? By what proof dost thou claim such certainty?"

Venitsu adjusts his monocle, unfazed by the dramatic outburst. "The evidence is clear—small, yet unmistakable, displayed in the bottom-right corner of the screen: April 20th, 2034."

"Ah!" Shigeru exclaims, placing his other hand over his heart as if the revelation were a divine epiphany. "Verily, the truth shines as bright as the noonday sun! I stand enlightened!"

"Wait..." Gina pauses, her eyes widening with sudden realization. "Do you guys know what this means?!"

Kuroki looks at her, his expression flat and deadpan. "That we've been missing for a month already?"

"No!" Gina exclaims, shaking her head vigorously, her energy returning. "It's close to my birthday!"

The room falls into stunned silence. Everyone exchanges baffled glances, unsure how to react.

"W-well, congratulations, Gina," Izumi says, her voice a mixture of confusion and concern. "But why are you so focused on your birthday when we're stuck in a killing game?"

"Seriously," Shinobu interjects, her tone sharp and unyielding. "That is a ridiculous—"

BAM! The ceiling suddenly bursts open with a loud pop, and Monomi Ball comes tumbling down, her cheerful voice cutting through the tension. "Congratulations!"

"GYAHH!" Joutarou yelps, jumping back in fright, his heart racing.

"Eek!" Kuroki follows suit, stumbling away in panic and nearly knocking over a chair.

"Monomi Ball?" Haruto asks, his voice thick with bewilderment. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?"

Monomi Ball bounces happily. "Well, I overheard your conversation and wanted to congratulate you all on your upcoming birthday! And also, I'm not alone!" she adds, her cheerful tone giving way to a sense of dread as Monokuma enters from behind her.

"Ahahahahah! Missed me?" Monokuma announces with his signature laugh.

"Monokuma!" Sho snaps angrily, his hands balling into fists.

"Of course," Noriko replies dryly, "The mother hen wouldn't leave her chicks unattended."

"Can we get at least two meetings without getting interrupted?" Sachika grumbles, her frustration evident.

"Nope!" Monokuma cackles. "Anyways, I'm here to set a new set of rules!"

"Rules?" Iwao asks, raising an eyebrow as he pulls out his Monopad and starts scanning the updates. His voice is steady but tinged with suspicion. "Hmm… 1.14: If murder occurs, the culprit cannot confess unless they're backed into a corner. 1.15: A murder must be complex enough to pass. 1.16: Lending other students their personal weapons is unauthorized. 1.17: Every motive will have a countdown until it's nullified, displayed on the watch. The death of a rule breaker will automatically nullify their individual motive. And 1.18: Refreshment gas will be dispersed every night in every location except the houses."

Venitsu scoffs softly, pushing up his monocle with a sharp, disdainful motion. "If you dare call those ludicrous designs 'houses,'" he mutters under his breath.

"Well, this is certainly... intriguing," Noriko remarks, her tone dry as she studies the new rules on her own Monopad. Her expression remains calm, but her sharp eyes dart across the screen, analyzing every word.

"What does it mean by 'nullification of the motive' in this rule?" Joutarou asks, his brow furrowed, confusion clouding his face.

Monokuma's laughter fills the room, low and menacing, like a shadow creeping into the corners. "Who knows…? Puhuhu! You'll figure it out... by murder!" he taunts, his words laced with malice and wicked glee.

"You little...!" Sho snaps, stepping forward with clear intent, his body coiled like a spring about to launch.

But before he can act, Noriko's hand darts out, grabbing his wrist with firm precision. "No," she says sharply, her voice commanding enough to halt him in his tracks. "You'll only get yourself killed."

Sho freezes, staring at her with a mix of frustration and disbelief. Noriko's grip tightens slightly as she leans closer, her voice dropping to a grim whisper. "Think carefully. All you'll do is give Mizuki more pain... and become an example for the rest of us."

Sho's jaw tightens, his rage visibly simmering beneath the surface, but he doesn't move. He exhales through gritted teeth, nodding reluctantly. "Fine," he mutters, stepping back, though his glare at Monokuma remains unwavering.

Monokuma's grin widens, his glee practically radiating off him. "Smart choice, my dear! I would've hated to clean up another mess so soon!" He cackles, his high-pitched laugh echoing ominously. "Puhuhuhu! Keep thinking, keep fearing, and most importantly... keep playing! That's what makes this fun for me! PTW, that key you got is far mroe important than you can imagine! Goodluck! Ahahahahaha!"

Monokuma keeps laughing while dragging Monomi Ball behind him, leaving everyone with a bitter taste in their mouths.

"I suppose there's no need to dissect all the rules except for the last one," Sachika begins, her voice calm but contemplative. Her eyes narrow slightly as she taps her fingers against the table. "What exactly is Refreshment Gas? It sounds like some kind of smell-inducing chemical... maybe like a cleaning product? But I can't be 100% sure."

"I can't imagine it could be anything else," Katsu replies, his tone casual but edged with skepticism. He crosses his arms, leaning back slightly as though trying to distance himself from the unsettling thought.

"Are we still discussing this?" Joutarou groans, throwing his hands in the air in exaggerated despair. "This is pointless."

Without waiting for a response, Joutarou turns on his heel and strides toward the door. His footsteps echo through the cafeteria as he exits, his frustration palpable.

The group watches him go in silence for a moment. Venitsu adjusts his monocle, his expression unreadable, while Noriko observes quietly, her gaze thoughtful and piercing.

"Well," Sachika mutters, breaking the silence. "That's one way to dodge the topic."

"We still need to go over the other discoveries we've made," Izumi says, her voice firm with a sense of urgency. "Haruhiko and I will—"

Her words trail off as a realization hits her. She blinks, looking around the room in confusion. "Did—did he sneak off?!"

Venitsu raises an eyebrow, unfazed by the sudden shift in the conversation. He adjusts his monocle, his voice calm yet tinged with mild amusement. "He is the Ultimate Ninja, after all."

Izumi's expression falters, a mix of frustration and surprise crossing her face. "I... I should've known."

"He's just not interested in helping—" Kuroki begins, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"Relax, you nervous wreck, I'm right here," Haruhiko interrupts, his voice suddenly appearing from nowhere. He steps through the door, casually munching on a handful of snacks.

Izumi glares at him, her arms crossed. "And here I thought you were being selfish."

Haruhiko shoots her a sharp, almost bitter look. "You blackmailed me."

"Details, details," Izumi waves off dismissively, a smirk tugging at her lips, "Now let's get these snacks to Joutarou before we lose him. Discuss what you discovered, and send a summary to our Monopads, okay?"

Noriko nods in agreement, her expression calm but focused. "Of course."

"Bye!" Izumi exclaims cheerfully as she grabs an even portion of snacks from Haruhiko's hands. The two of them head for the door, leaving the cafeteria with quick, purposeful steps.

"And then there were fifteen..." Shigeru mutters, almost to himself.

"Did you just make a reference to And Then There Were None?" Sho asks, raising an eyebrow in mild disbelief.

"It's a good mystery novel by Agatha Christie," Noriko chimes in, her tone calm and explanatory. "I recommend you read it. The adaptations, though, were not as magnificent."

Sho stares at her for a moment, then shrugs. "Guess I'll have to take your word for it."

"As a director, I can say," Shinobu responds with a smirk, "She is not wrong."

Noriko pauses for a moment, blinking as she realizes she's gone off track. "Sorry, I got a little sidetracked."

"Well... from... my... observations..." Aiko begins, her words deliberate and slow. "Noriko... probably... investigated... everything... outside... the... school... I think... anyone... who... investigated... outside... would... attest... to that... So... Noriko... can... you... explain... your... discoveries?"

"Very well," Noriko replies, her voice steady, though her lips curve into a faint sigh. "This is going to be a long lunch," she mutters under her breath.

She walks over to the food counter, her movements deliberate, and fills her tray with a generous serving of rice, miso soup, salad, and chicken. Returning to her seat, she takes a few bites, the soft clink of utensils punctuating the quiet before she finally starts in earnest.

"Well, I started by investigating that large lake. Shigeru noticed a shadow down there," Noriko says. "It looked like something big is resting at the bottom."

"I can confirm," Shigeru interjects. "I espied a shadow in the lake. It lieth as still as a steadfast mountain."

"What was it?" Megumi asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"We don't know," Noriko replies. "But whatever it is, it's huge."

"Could it be the elevator to the Trial Grounds?" Shinobu ventures.

"What?!" Megumi exclaims, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"WHAAAAAAT?!" Gina screeches, her high-pitched voice shattering the tension like glass.

"D-don't be absurd!" Sho snaps, folding his arms. "Who in their right mind would build an elevator underwater?"

"And yet," Shinobu replies calmly, her tone cutting through the chaos, "there are documented instances of rapid self-assembling structures—like the Burning of the Versailles Witch or Der Flohwalzer. If those mechanisms are possible, why not a submerged elevator?"

"But even so," Gina protests, leaning forward, "how would anyone access it if swimming's prohibited?"

Shinobu sighs, visibly annoyed. "Did you even listen to me? The elevator would stay hidden underwater and surface only when activated. Advanced technology can accomplish that."

"No way!" Hiroyuki interjects, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I'd sooner believe pigs could fly."

"Care to test that theory?" Shinobu counters, smirking. "How about a bet? 20 Mono-coins says I'm right when the trial comes."

"You're on!" Hiroyuki replies, his tone as playful as ever.

"Absolutely not!" Iwao barks, crossing his arms in defiance. "There's no way I'm allowing gambling during a situation like this!"

"Oh, come on!" Hiroyuki groans. "I just need 15 more Mono-coins for the cappuccino!"

"Seriously…?" Aiko mutters, her voice faint. "I... only... needed... three... Mono-coins… for... hot... cocoa..."

"How cheap!" Hiroyuki exclaims, throwing his arms up dramatically.

"Wait," Noriko interjects, raising a brow, "how do you even know about the café?"

"I went there last night!" Hiroyuki answers casually.

"And you didn't think to tell us?!" Gina snaps, glaring at him.

"Like you'd remember," Iwao scoffs, rolling his eyes.

"Rude!" Gina pouts, crossing her arms with an exaggerated huff.

"We're just at one location, and we're already getting sidetracked," Haruto says with a sigh. "Can we get back to the original topic?"

"Good thinking, Cadet!" Katsu chimes in enthusiastically, giving him a thumbs-up.

"Cadet?" Haruto repeats, raising an eyebrow at the nickname.

"Ah, yes," Noriko says, redirecting the conversation smoothly. "Well, there wasn't much else noteworthy in that area. So, I went to the supermarket and met Haruhiko and Izumi there. Nothing particularly interesting stood out, though."

"W-wait…" Kuroki stammers, his voice trembling. "D-didn't they m-mention something about a s-slanted floor in the storage room?"

"A slanted floor in the storage room?" Noriko asks, her brow furrowing.

"Y-yeah," Kuroki replies, glancing downward nervously. "Th-the floor back there… it was tilted. Izumi and K-Katsu told me about it."

"They never mentioned this to me," Noriko snaps, her tone sharp with annoyance. "I suppose they were too busy with snacks or that blackmailing attempt to bother letting me know."

And I can't even confirm this with them right now. Fine. I'll take his word for now and check it out later. Noriko exhales a frustrated sigh as she contemplates the situation.

"Alright, then. Is there any other piece of information I've been left in the dark about?" she asks, her voice tight.

"I thought you were the Ultimate Mystery Expert," Hiroyuki quips. "Isn't detective work part of your job description?"

"How many times do I have to explain this?" Noriko's irritation spikes, her words clipped. "I'm not the Ultimate Detective—I'm the Ultimate Mystery Expert. My talent comes from studying and understanding grand, enigmatic phenomena, not solving day-to-day crimes. Sure, I contributed to solving the Roanoke mystery, but that was with the help of other Ultimates. My expertise is in things like the Bermuda Triangle or the Loch Ness Monster, not murder investigations. So please, for the love of logic, stop conflating the two."

"Chillax, girl..." Hiroyuki mumbles, his tone a mix of intimidation and regret. "It was just a question."

"Then stop asking questions that have already been answered," Noriko retorts sharply.

"But... Noriko... he... didn't... know... about... your... peeve..." Aiko interjects reasonably. "...In fact... this is... the first time... any of us... are hearing... about it."

Noriko pauses, her expression softening slightly as realization dawns. "You're right. I apologize. It's been ages since someone made that irritating connection, and I forgot no one here had heard about this… particular peeve of mine."

"Apology accepted!" Hiroyuki beams, instantly cheerful again.

"That was a quick recovery," Katsu remarks dryly.

"I never hold a grudge," Hiroyuki replies with an easy grin. "Forgive and forget—that's my motto. I want to be friends with everyone here!"

"You're the last person I'd expect to survive this situation," Shinobu says bluntly, her tone laced with doubt and utter lack of confidence in him.

Hiroyuki's jaw drops, speechless at Shinobu's cold assessment.

"Wow, Shinobu," Katsu finally says, breaking the silence with a nervous chuckle. "You didn't hold back, did you?"

"I'm just being realistic," Shinobu replies nonchalantly, crossing her arms. "If you can't handle honesty, that's not my problem."

Hiroyuki snaps out of his stupor, shaking his head dramatically. "Ouch, Shinobu! That's, like, super harsh. I thought we were supposed to support each other here!"

"I'm supporting you by pointing out your weaknesses," she says flatly. "You can only improve if you acknowledge them."

"Geez, remind me not to ask you for encouragement," Hiroyuki mutters, rubbing the back of his neck.

"We have been led astray from our original topic and into the void of unnecessary questions," Venitsu interjects, his composed tone taking command of the conversation. "Let us return to our original line of thinking and adjust our questions at the end of our discussion."

"Venitsu's right," Megumi agrees, nodding. "It's better if we get back on track. The more time we waste on unrelated things, the less progress we'll make."

Sho lets out a long yawn, drawing attention to himself.

"Sorry," Sho says, rubbing his eyes. "I'm getting pretty sleepy from all this investigating. I think I need to rest."

Shigeru exclaims, "By the heavens, 'tis but the height of day! How dost thou, a man of mirth and boundless cheer, so swiftly lose thy vigor?"

"I just said," Sho explains, his voice slightly strained, "I've been investigating all day. But I'm going to need someone to help me back—I just started getting this headache too."

"That's one unfortunate series of events," Sachika replies sympathetically.

"Can someone help me back to my room?" Sho asks, his tone tinged with exhaustion.

The group hesitates, glancing at one another, unsure of how to respond. Seeing their reluctance, Noriko steps forward without hesitation.

"I'll take him back," Noriko volunteers, stepping forward.

"Thank you." Sho replies with a gratified smile while rubbing his forehead.

"Bu-but… w-we still need you to… explain what you saw," Kuroki stammers, his voice shaky.

"Aiko, Katsu, you were with me at the other places. You can explain the details," Noriko replies matter-of-factly. "There's just one thing I need to mention before I go, and it's important. I don't trust Gina to handle it—she has a memory as bad as a skunk's stench."

"Hey!" Gina protests, her voice indignant.

Ignoring her, Noriko continues, "There's a locked register. It might just hold yen or other currency, but it's worth inspecting. Right, Ultimate Investigator?"

Haruto, seated near the back, perks up and nods. "Got it. I'll take care of it tomorrow and make sure it's done properly."

"Thanks. Now, I'm off," Noriko says briskly, guiding Sho toward the door.

As they leave the cafeteria, Haruto calls after them, "I'll round up everyone here tomorrow morning, so be ready!"

"And can we still have my birthday celebration?" Gina asks, her voice hopeful.

"Yes!" the more empathetic and fun-loving students answer in unison.

The others remain silent, either indifferent or preoccupied with their own thoughts.

"And you two!" Gina calls out after Noriko and Sho. "You're invited too!"

"Thank you, but—" Noriko starts.

"Sure! We'll be there!" Sho cuts in cheerfully.

"Sho!" Noriko hisses in annoyance as they exit. She clenches her fists, clearly frustrated. "I had other things I wanted to investigate. Now we'll have to sit through some party nonsense instead!"

"Come on, Noriko," Sho says with a grin. "It won't hurt to have a little fun. Besides, we can still investigate after the party, right? It might even be a good cover to observe everyone."

Noriko sighs heavily, clearly unconvinced. "Fine. But you're explaining to Gina why I'm not singing Happy Birthday."

Sho laughs, unaffected by her irritation. "Deal!"

Noriko couldn't help but smile at Sho's cheerfulness, a warmth brushing against her guarded demeanor. Yet deep within, a feeling stirred—one she hadn't fully recognized until now. Envy. His optimism, his hope, his unyielding joy even in the face of adversity—qualities she lacked, qualities she longed for. Traits that felt as distant as the stars. She knew better than anyone… it was a dream she could never realize. An impossible wish.

Still, she couldn't let envy consume her, not when the room carried a weight far heavier than her personal longing. Though the conversation flowed smoothly on the surface, an undeniable tension simmered beneath. Doubt lingered in the classmates' hearts, suspicion taking root like seeds in fertile soil. It was only natural—caution was a trait born of survival. But like envy, it could twist into something dangerous.

And that tension, growing ever more palpable, would become the first red stain in this unfolding nightmare.

Joy... Why must it exist? Why must that absurd holiday even be a thing? Why did that day ever have to exist at all?! Even as the Ultimate Mystery Student, I still can't make sense of it. If they had accepted me instead of him... Maybe I could have understood it all... Maybe. No... It's beyond my experience. There's no need to dwell on the past.

But still... why? Why can't I... Why can't I look at a tree without seeing blood?