Chapter Text
PROLOGUE
Static songs as sung by a Mob
[START]
When I was young, they talked about a school that guarantees success for all of their graduates.
The school is an emblem of hope, a symbol of the apex of humanity. All talents drift towards this one destination.
This is not the story of someone who goes there.
⚜
As I became older, calloused feet and hoarse throats are the norms. Such is the fate of those who take up tourism as their job—
Oh, wait. I didn't even have the courtesy to introduce myself first. My apologies.
My name is Tsukiyama Airi. I do not have a talent. In some ways, that is a blessing in disguise, I suppose. Talent is a shackle. Those who wear it with pride do not know the path they must undertake ahead.
I take a cursory glance at my surroundings. It is 2 p.m. and my next tour doesn’t start until around 3. Good. I can take all the time I need to familiarize myself with this amusement park again.
Honestly speaking, amusement parks are not in my area of expertise. I mean, it’s an amusement park. There are maps readily available. The legends are easy to read. What’s the point of having a tour guide to show you the facilities of an amusement park?
Nevertheless, this is the tour I have already taken, so I can’t complain about it, right?
The amusement park has a name that I have no interest to utter since it is simply named after the city. It looks like another run-of-the-mill amusement park you see everywhere, with food and roller coasters and drop towers and animals put in cages. Heh. What is the point of going to somewhere so dull again?
Oh, right. It’s that extension they got over the summer. A decently large area of the park is being taken out to build something most people have never seen in their lives. Not roller coasters, not pirate ships, but something considered completely extraordinary. Not that I would have any interest in it.
Anyway, once this job is done—
⚜
???: Where the heck is this?
A headache. Damnit, I don’t have any medicine on me for that.
While I’m thinking that, however, the headache quickly disperses into nothingness. I raise my head.
Darkness. But at least I can be certain that I previously had my head laid on a table, and I’m sitting on something.
Wait. What was that voice just now?
Tsukiyama: Who is it?
???: What is this place? Where’s my, eh, um...
I slowly slide my way out of the table and the seat, then try not to knock into anything as I head towards the source of the voice. The whining never stops, which is convenient in one way but definitely irritating in another.
Instead, my quest leads me towards a wall.
Tsukiyama: Ouch! What the…?
Ceasing my whines, I reach for the spot on the wall again. Something resembling plastic is embedded in it. I reach towards it and press something.
Light fills the room in an instant. Thank fuck I found the light switch.
Apparently, the room I have been stuck in is a lecture theatre of sorts. There's seats for perhaps over a hundred people, and each row of seats has a long table for them. Each row has around twenty seats and there are at least six rows.
Tsukiyama: You still there?
???: Y—yeah, thank you…
Slowly, a short figure appears from beneath one of the long tables. They have bright red hair in a ridiculous style—it almost resembles a pair of rabbit ears above a pair of wings, with pale pink ribbons and a violet headband on. They wear something like a… translucent shawl in a pale pink and blue shade if my eyes aren’t failing me. Underneath the shawl is a bright violet shirt and pink pants, along with pink ballerina flats. A big riot of red and pink shades, if you will.
???: Thank you so much! I’m completely hopeless with dark spaces, so what you did just now is wonderful!
Is that really impressive at all?… I walk towards the kid’s spot and give them a hand to get up.
Tsukiyama: Are you really alright? I can, like, rub your temples if that helps.
???: It’s alright! I just don’t like being in places like that… It’s bright now, so I’ll be okay.
Oh, right, where are my manners! I should introduce myself, shouldn’t I!
Hello! I’m Kamisaka Mahiro, and I’m the Super High School Level Stunt Tester!
KAMISAKA MAHIRO - SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL STUNT TESTER
Tsukiyama: Stunt tester? I’ve heard plenty about stuntmen, are you—
Kamisaka: Oh! I can see where the confusion stems from, but I’m not a stuntman. Stuntmen perform stunts or double for actors during action scenes. Stunt testers, on the other hand, test out whether certain stunts can be safely performed by regular people.
Tsukiyama: Such as?
Kamisaka: Usually, it’s for obstacle courses in reality TV shows. We try them out before the participants do, so we can make sure that the obstacles won’t incur severe injuries or deaths in extreme cases. Another famous example, I suppose, is to test whether certain gross-looking bugs are edible.
Tsukiyama: … Bugs?
Kamisaka: Yeah, bugs! [Claps hands together and grins] Honestly, seeing you people all shocked and gaping with your mouth open is literally a highlight of my career every time I explain this stuff!
… That’s a very interesting highlight of your career, considering what you do.
Kamisaka: So like what I was saying, we test stuff out for participants before they actually try them during the show, to ensure absolute safety.
Tsukiyama: Doesn’t that mean your life's on the line constantly then? You are trying out stuff that is potentially deadly, after all.
Kamisaka: You aren’t wrong! However, trying out strange stuff has always been part of my passion, so taking it up as my talent is nice!
Tsukiyama: Speaking of which, though… Isn’t that more like a job and less like a talent? How do they name you Super High School Level? Are there any criteria for you to pass in order to qualify as a Super High School Level Stunt Tester?
Kamisaka: Hmm… I get that question a lot, but frankly speaking…
Tsukiyama: … Yes?
Kamisaka: [Smiles mischievously] … I can’t tell you! It’s a secret for the Electoral Council that picked all of us!
… I don’t know what I expected.
Tsukiyama: If you say so…
In any case. My name is Tsukiyama Airi. I’m the Super High School Level Tour Guide. Nice to make your acquaintance.
TSUKIYAMA AIRI - SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL TOUR GUIDE
Kamisaka: Tour guide! Do you get to go to a lot of cool places, don’t you? I’m jealous!
Tsukiyama: Not really. The only reason why I even qualify is that I understand every tourist spot and cultural site in this country very well, and can handle explaining stuff and emergencies adequately enough. I don’t think that really makes me and my talent outstanding.
Kamisaka: Well, I think everyone else would be foolish not to take you seriously just because your talent doesn’t sound particularly impressive! If it helps, I don’t really think my talent sounds particularly cool… I just eat bugs after all!
Tsukiyama: [Smiles] Thanks. I don’t think you need to do that just to cheer me up though. I mean, you do cool stuff like running through obstacle courses too!
Kamisaka: Nah, Nah, it’s nothing! Speaking of which, should we move out of here?
She has a point. It doesn’t look like staying here will cause anything else to happen. But before that…
Tsukiyama: Hey, Kamisaka-san… Now that you mention that, do you have any memories of what happened prior to waking up here?
Kamisaka: [Puts chin on hand] Hmm, I don’t think so. The moment I woke up I was here. And since the room was that dark, well… You saw my embarrassing display.
Tsukiyama: I see. I don’t remember anything else either, just that I woke up in this lecture theatre alongside you, perhaps later than you, though, seeing that I woke up to you yelling for a certain something… ?
Kamisaka: Oh! Don’t worry about that! It was nothing! [Shakes hands erratically] Seriously! I’m just a big coward and very very scared of the dark! Don’t mind me at all!
Even if you say so… You sound really anxious for no reason right now.
Tsukiyama: What do you say, we go out together and see if anyone’s around? There could be more of us, and sticking together is usually better.
Kamisaka: Sure! Onward we go!
⚜
We walk out of the lecture theatre and into the outside. There is shrubbery everywhere we look, and there’s a slope that leads us back up to the first level of the library.
It’s a rather cloudy day with no sunlight shining through, only endless streams of mist around. Speaking of which… There’s no visible exit here. Just mist and mist and more mist.
What is this place? Why are Kamisaka and I gathered here? And why us in particular? We may be talented kids… But there’s nothing that truly connects the two of us beyond that. Not to mention, could there be others… ?
Tsukiyama: [Points towards the mist] Perhaps there are some things outside?
Kamisaka: Even if you say so… What if we walk into the mist and can’t find our way back?
Tsukiyama: As much as that sounds like a definite conclusion, I can’t… I can’t just let this rest. [Walks towards the mist]
Kamisaka: [Grabs onto Tsukiyama’s left arm] Ai—Airi-san? Are you suggesting that you wanna go out there alone? What if you get completely lost and can’t find your way back?
Tsukiyama: Well, there are always certain risks you must take—
???: Percy! For the last time, please stop trying to fly when you’re barely full-fledged!
An almost shrill, apparently masculine voice rings out from a corner. Kamisaka and I listen to it.
???: Please Percy! We know nothing of this place, it’s dangerous to go around! I mean, of course, I will hold hope that this place is not too horrible or anything, but…
Kamisaka: Who is that kid and who’s “Percy”?
Tsukiyama: Hmm, I suppose there’s only one way to find out.
I take the lead and station myself behind the shrubbery, where the voice rings out. Kamisaka follows me from close behind.
Nodding towards each other as a cue, we both jump out from behind the shrubs from opposite directions to trap the kid—
???: Aaaaaaaaaa—
—only for both Kamisaka and I to crash into each other.
Tsukiyama and Kamisaka: Ouch!
???: Huh? Who are you?
I get up and held out a hand for Kamisaka. We right ourselves and take a closer look at the boy in front of us. He has brownish red hair with a bit of curl towards the end and has a dark blue scarf on. He wears an orange shirt with a yellow star on it, and… Obnoxiously green pants? The true feature of interest with this boy isn’t the pants though, but the fact that he has bird wings sprouting from his back. Those, logically, should be a type of shawl, the kind of which would are in a dull brown colour.
???: [Flails arms wildly in an arc] I have no idea who you guys are, but please don’t raise your voice! [Puts finger next to the lips in a shushing gesture] I just got Percy back.
Tsukiyama: Percy? [Changes tone to happier, lighter] Can you tell me who that is?
The boy shyly scoops something out of his “wings” — a falcon the size of a fist appears. It starts yelling and the boy puts it back into his wing shawls at a moment’s notice.
???: This is Percy! I have had him for some time but I have never trained him. I know my job is all about training birds, but I really want Percy to have a normal life, so I didn’t do so.
Oh right, speaking of which, I still haven’t introduced myself! How rude of me!
I’m Midokuniya Rei, the Super High School Level Bird Trainer! Nice to meet you both!
MIDOKUNIYA REI - SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL BIRD TRAINER
Midokuniya: Again, I’m sorry if I have caused any sort of disturbance… Percy here really needs more help. [Takes Percy out and pets it along its back] Alas, it’s rather late to train him as he is now…
Tsukiyama: Too late already? Isn’t Percy just a baby though?
Midokuniya: Yeah, it’s because that even if Percy is still a baby, technically speaking, he has grown up his life so far only in a pampered state and never once did any real training.
Kamisaka: But even if it is so… Anyway, I suppose what you think suits your fancy is not something we can judge, so do what you will!
Midokuniya: Your respect is much appreciated!
While the boy is smiling, he does “flap” his wing shawls in an ungraceful manner, fingers fidgeting and head turning left and right. Is he alright?
Tsukiyama: Midokuniya-san, speaking of which, have you explored the mist surrounding the library yet?
Midokuniya: Huh? The mist?
Tsukiyama: Yeah. [Tone changes back to more serious] I mean, we all just wake up from some strange place like this, there’s no way you haven’t been exploring around, right? Not to mention, can there be more of us? There are just the three of us here right now unless you have met more, and it definitely doesn’t seem like a coincidence that those of us who are gathered all happened to be SHSLs.
Midokuniya: Hmm… Personally, I have not met anyone else other than you two, but that’s only because I have been chasing Percy the whole time. He seems really irked by an environment like this, I think. And as for the mist, I would absolutely not recommend you going in there.
Tsukiyama: And? It would be because of… ?
Midokuniya: Well, that’s because like I’ve said, I have been chasing after Percy for some time, and that includes [Makes wild gestures] running into the mist.
Kamisaka: [Putting hands up to hide smile] You. You chased after a falcon right into the mist?
It was at that moment that Midokuniya seems almost… displeased. He frowns slightly and lowers his face until his mouth is covered by his bright blue muffler, his eyes continuing to survey Kamisaka in a somewhat unfriendly manner.
Midokuniya: I… I don’t know why you would be asking that question almost as if it is trivial… How dare I be concerned for my own pet, right?
Kamisaka swallows. It’s almost funny to watch her be nervous too. Almost.
Kamisaka: I… I mean… You know what, that does sound rather rude of me. Sorry for saying that.
Midokuniya: [Visibly happy with a smile] That’s alright! I forgive you.
Oh, where was I? Right! The part about me chasing Percy into the mist.
So basically, I did chase Percy into the mist, and I kept running around and around and around right after Percy… And then before I know it, I came back right at this point.
Tsukiyama: Right at the same point? Even though you were running straight ahead the whole time?
Midokuniya: [Puts chin on hand] Well, I can’t really be sure as to whether or not there is truly nothing in the mist or that running in would just make you jump right back out here, but… I think that is the most likely conclusion we can draw right now.
Tsukiyama: I see. Kamisaka-san and I will be on the lookout for more people around. In the meantime, do you… need help with Percy?
Midokuniya: Nah, I’ll be alright. Just gotta tether Percy up to my—
Percy chooses that moment to fly up into the air before plunging right back down onto the ground, scampering around.
Midokuniya: Percy! I, uh, will see you guys around!
Midokuniya then rushes away from us, his wing shawls flapping around, almost like a bird himself. Heh.
Kamisaka: Hmm, so I guess that means no going into the mist. Midokuniya-kun looks a bit unreliable, but it’s still better to play safe… ?
You said that, but we don’t even know if Midokuniya is just pretending. I don’t even know if you are just acting too.
Back on the topic of those of us trapped… There’s no telling if there would be more of us, whatever “us” is supposed to be in this enigma of a situation. “Us” is quite likely just teenagers deemed “talented” by the Electoral Council, but how could I be sure?
I sigh. This kind of thing shouldn’t be for someone like me, a mere tour guide, to figure out. Even if I’m a talented one, it’s not like I come with a puzzle-solving feature…
Kamisaka: Airi-san? What do you think we do now, then?
Tsukiyama: Oh. Oh right, forgive me for zoning out. Bad habit. Anyway, where do you say we go next?
Kamisaka: Hmm… What about that cafe up there?
I look towards where Kamisaka is pointing, and sure enough, there’s a cafe up the slope leading to the library. The cafe looks normal enough, except it seems like there is very little lighting in it.
Tsukiyama: Yeah, let’s head there. We have no idea how many places we have to explore in this library, however, so it’s better we take stock of them.
Kamisaka: Right… But we don’t know if more people will appear and move around.
Tsukiyama: [Pouts slightly] Anyway, let’s get into the cafe.
⚜
We walk up to the cafe. The door isn’t locked, so it doesn’t take much to get in.
The cafeteria doesn’t really look special much. It has pretty plain decor, with walls furnished with striped wallpapers. Onto the side of the windows, the wall next to it has several motivational quote posters on it to make the patrons feel clever for coming here and sitting right at that spot.
Inside, two people are arguing rather hotly. One has a shock of purple hair over grey hair, wearing a dark purple Harrington jacket along with a box-shaped thing hanging around their neck. They also wear grey glasses and have a surprisingly pale complexion. The other one wears a river green hoodie, with bright orange hair, a pink flower-shaped hairpin and hot pink pants and shoes.
Glasses kid: People like you are full of lies and nothing but bullshit. Did you really think you can just bullshit your way through the Electoral Council? Who exactly are you—
Hoodie kid: You are right. Of course, the Electoral Council, made up of more than fifty adults who have much experience in choosing talented teenagers wouldn’t know what they are doing. Their decision to elect me is up to them, not some dingbag like you.
The latter’s words seem to land an accurate hit on the former, who now flushes from genuine anger.
Glasses kid: Girls like you don’t know what you’re saying—
Hoodie kid: Oh, and then you’re going to sink as low as disrespecting somebody’s gender identity? That’s not a valid argument and somebody like you who regularly writes so-called intellectual literature should know that.
Kamisaka steps in at this moment.
Kamisaka: [Smiles in a forced manner] Hi there! I know something intense is happening right now but if y’all don’t mind—
Glasses kid: [Tone changes from angry to snobby] I do mind. Who are you and what gives you the right to interrupt us?
Kamisaka: [Visibly sweating] Well, that is true, but I was just kinda, like, trying to, you know, uh…
Kamisaka looks to me for help. Goddamnit Kamisaka.
Tsukiyama: [Smiles sweetly but visibly strained] It’s true we probably shouldn’t have interrupted you, but we promise you we do that for a reason. You see, it seems like a group of teenagers like us have been gathered here in this library for inexplicable purposes.
Hoodie kid speaks up.
Hoodie kid: That is true. May I add though, it seems like those of us who are gathered here are all teenagers deemed Super High School Levels by the Electoral Council as well.
Glasses kid: Tch, I wouldn’t say that if I were you, because you obviously aren’t one!
Hoodie kid ignores Glasses kid and continues.
Hoodie kid: Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mamine Seika, and I am the Super High School Level Con Artist. I identify as nonbinary by the way, and I trust you lot not to be as disrespectful as this uncivilized swine behind me.
MAMINE SEIKA - SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL CON ARTIST
C—Con Artist? How does somebody like that make it into the ranks of SHSLs?
That said, I’m not letting my surprise show on my face. Years of being on the tour guide job give me a good poker face.
Mamine: [Sighs] I know, this talent baffles you too. But at least right now you didn’t make the decision to be rude about it right away, unlike—
Glasses kid: Oh, did you think you can overtake me in my own introduction? Really? Is there a con you were planning on that one already?
Mamine: I didn’t—
Glasses kid: Anyway, name’s Okuno Shouma, and my life’s purpose is to put out the “Blackheart Archives” into the world to wake everyone up. If that name somehow didn’t ring a bell, that just means I’m the Super High School Level Podcast Maker.
OKUNO SHOUMA - SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL PODCAST MAKER
Podcast Maker… Oh, isn’t he that guy who generates over millions of views in the span of three days with his podcast novel, about humans travelling into space in order to look for a new habitat?
I have never really looked into it, but I did heard that many people praise it for its complexity and exploration of how extreme humans can get. That said, the podcast is pretty polarizing as well, since a lot of critics also point out that it is way too cynical… Either way, he is still recognized as talented by the Electoral Council, so we are not ones to talk or doubt, I suppose.
Okuno: I trust that you see what we have been arguing about and see more sense from my side. This deluded gi— individual claims that their so-called talent as a con artist is valid. What sort of nonsense is that?
Mamine: It isn't any nonsense. You are the one who is so insistent on arguing with me for absolutely no discernible reason. And before you want to say more, I’ll suggest you just drop it here. I have never really wanted this talent anyway, so I see no reason to argue with you further on the topic.
Okuno: Oh right! Let’s move onto the topic of your ridiculous dream! [Flails left arm around]
Kamisaka: [Glares at Okuno, then casts a friendly look towards Seika] Ignore that meanie, continue!
Shocked and almost quite grateful, Seika continues.
Mamine: Well, you see, I really am not driven to use my talent anymore. What I ultimately want is for my talent to completely fade away, and for me to become a respectable human being.
Tsukiyama: [Whispers] You want your talent to be erased, but you will still argue for yourself that your talent is real and valid? Hmm…
Mamine: I can hear you, actually.
Oh crap. Stupid Airi at it again.
Mamine: Not that I’m bothered, really, I understand the confusion. Why insist that your talent is real when you actually want to abandon it? Well…
Because… It would be erasing the fact that many people have been influenced by my cons. It is because I have used this talent in the past for bad that I now want to redeem myself. And the very first thing I should do, I suppose, is to remember all the wrong I have done. To be honest, by admitting all that I have done, that would be much better in paving my road to a better future.
Huh… This kid really means what they said… A little part of me wants to object, but who am I to doubt such a guilt-adorned countenance?
Okuno: Tch, say whatever your delusional brain cooks up. It doesn’t even look like we can get anywhere out of this hellhole yet. I’m getting the fuck out of this cafe, in any case. It’s rotting my brain and I’m not getting any further in this episode. Plus, I don’t want any liar to disturb me while I'm working…
Bad meeting the lot of you, hope I won’t see you later. [Walks away quickly]
Having said that, Okuno leaves the cafe with hushed footsteps. Asshole.
Seika looks ready to cry on the other hand. No. Not this. I have dealt with enough tourists breaking down because they found out a specific historical site doesn’t actually exist. Or that there’s no washroom.
That said, Kamisaka and I try to tend to them anyway.
Kamisaka: Don’t worry about it, Seika-san! It’s just that dumbass Shouma-san’s own fault for looking down on you. His assertions are completely fake!
Mamine: [Tries to stop sobbing] But… What he said is true to some degrees. I’m a fucking con artist. My talent is literally cheating money out of other people. Who am I to think about this kind of things like redemption?…
Kamisaka: Hmm, Shouma-san doesn’t look like the type to get along with anyone at all. Is it that, or does he hate Seika-san in particular?
Tsukiyama: What this means is that he’s a big damn child. I mean, you all know that edgy shit he wrote? I’m not surprised at all.
At that, Seika almost smiles.
Mamine: Thank you for believing in me, Kamisaka-san, Tsukiyama-san.
Kamisaka: It’s no problem at all!
Tsukiyama: Indeed. Oh, speaking of which, Mamine-san, have you encountered anything else around here yet?
Mamine: No, I don’t think so. Other than teenagers also deemed as Super High School Levels, and the mist blocking all forms of entries and exits, I don’t think I have seen anything of interest.
Tsukiyama: Hmm, this really doesn’t add up at all. Why are we stuck in a place like this? What’s all that mist?
Mamine: I truly have no idea. I had been exploring this place for quite a bit too before encountering Okuno and you guys here. Everyone I have met so far doesn’t know what is going on either, and nobody has successfully found a way out through the mist yet. I don’t think anyone can leave at all.
Tsukiyama: Right… Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Mamine-san. I suppose we will take our departure now. Let’s hope we can all leave unscathed soon.
Mamine: [Smiles] You don’t have to be all formal like this, Tsukiyama-san. We are all equals here. Well, technically speaking I am not, since I have done horrendous things that don’t warrant respect of any sort… If anyone should rot here, that should be me…
Tsukiyama: … I disagree with that statement entirely, but again, you are entitled to your opinion, and I suppose I don’t know enough to judge, so sorry…
I mean… Let’s all do our best.
⚜
Hmm… The way Seika almost looks like they have seen through me is definitely not the most pleasant experience. Am I being all intentionally happy-go-lucky and preppy again? Jeez. I thought I had thrown all those bad habits away already. Well.
Ignoring that, for now, should be best. What we need to do now is to explore this place further to look for answers.
Tsukiyama: Alright. What I have been thinking about this situation is that somebody has intentionally gathered us here and has no intentions of letting us go until something happens.
Kamisaka: [Whispers] We kinda do know that already…
Tsukiyama: What I’m getting here though, so far, is that everyone believes there is no leaving the library because the only visible escape route is through the mist.
Kamisaka: [Visibly a little distressed] Airi-san?… What exactly are you getting at?
Tsukiyama: Kamisaka, let’s get back down to the ground floor.
Kamisaka: Uh, alright?…
It almost feels like Kamisaka actually does doubt some of my actions. I wonder how much she doubts? Or is she just the kind of sheep that follows whichever goat has the bell on its neck…
We walked back down to the ground floor, and I’m almost certain that Kamisaka actually does doubt what I do—she looks like she wants to stay on the first floor.
Kamisaka: Um, Airi-san, if you don’t mind me asking, where are you going? What are you going to do?
Tsukiyama: …
Kamisaka: ... Huh?
Tsukiyama: I have to look for the truth by myself.
Kamisaka: Airi-san, I’m not sure if I understand what you mean—
The element of surprise is important in this. I run into the mist by myself without a second word.
The mist indeed is thick and even suffocating in some ways, but I keep urging myself to run and run and run, ignoring the crying sound from behind.
How long have I been running here? It has to be like five minutes for now, but as much as I’m sure I have been running in a straight line, nothing happens. It’s… really more and more mist and nothing else to see out there. The cries fade into the background the further I run, but now I’m quite sure they are becoming louder again?…
Kamisaka: —Don’t do this I’m begging you why do you have to—
I run right into Kamisaka and crash into her, toppling both of us onto the ground.
Kamisaka: —Airi-san! You are still here!
Tsukiyama: I am.
Kamisaka: Why did you do that, what ya did back in there?
Tsukiyama: Like I’ve told you, Kamisaka, we have no way of knowing whether or not the mist is really impenetrable! I just had to see for myself.
Kamisaka: But why didn’t you believe Rei-san and Seika-san about that? They all told you there’s no going out of the mist, right? Why are you risking yourself to do such a stupid thing?
Tsukiyama: I know, but—
Kamisaka: No buts Airi-san! You’re a big damn dumbass stupider than Okuno!
Tsukiyama: [Gets up quickly, then grimaces from the pain] Hey I don’t―I’m nowhere as stupid as Okuno of all people, alright? I just wanted to see for myself if what they said is true. I’m just verifying something. Nothing wrong with that.
Kamisaka: Then answer me, Airi-san. If I’m the one telling you about the mist, would you have trusted me?
Tsukiyama: That’s… That’s not the point—
… But it is, isn’t that so? That I can’t really trust anyone yet, and I don’t even know if I do trust Kamisaka or not. Either way, Kamisaka now doesn’t believe in me the way she did, isn’t that so?
Good job polarizing your only friend here so far, Airi.
Tsukiyama: …
I’m sorry, Kamisaka. You are right. I have no right to doing what I just did right now. I… Have issues I need to work through with how I perceive and trust in others’ words. I promise you I will do my best not to do such a thing again.
Kamisaka: And promise me you won’t go and risk yourself for stupid things again! Who else can I cling to when we go into a dark environment! I need you for that too!! [Grabs onto Airi’s left arm, then gets herself up as well]
Tsukiyama: [Smiles briefly] Right right, and no more risking myself in doing stupid things.
Kamisaka: That’s good!
Kamisaka… Why do you have to care for me like this?… We barely know anything about each other, we could be enemies for all we know…
…
Tsukiyama: Kamisaka-san?
Kamisaka: Yeah?
Tsukiyama: … Why did you come back for me back then? We… barely know anything about each other, there’s no need for you to care for me like that.
Kamisaka looks at me, quiet for a few more seconds, before bursting into laughter.
Kamisaka: You idiot! You really are dumber than Shouma-san! Hahahahahahaha…
Tsukiyama: [Pouts a little] …
Kamisaka: Okay, but for real… I do care about you, Airi-san, even if it’s true that we are stuck in an ambiguously dangerous situation. You did help me back then, I think that much is clear enough.
Tsukiyama: [Laughs bitterly] I still think that, perhaps, you place your trust on me far too fast.
Kamisaka: …
I really don’t think I have and no matter what you think, I’m here with you now.
The way she just phrases her words… It almost feels a little bit hostile—
Who are you to doubt her, Airi? It’s a miracle that she sticks with you at all. You should be grateful. Go away with your stupid trust issues already.
Right. Right, I should.
Tsukiyama: You… I’m glad that is the case.
Kamisaka: [Resumes smiling] That’s good! And remember, [Gestures to her wing-like bangs] I’ve got you under my wings now!
I can’t help it. I laugh.
⚜
Kamisaka told me next that there is another location on the ground floor that we didn’t see; the exhibition gallery. It’s located a few corners away from the lecture theatre, so we may have missed it.
Tsukiyama: Wait, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you find it while waiting for me to come back out from the mist?
Kamisaka: Oh, actually… [Looks to the side] I was. Trying to fetch help. But even Midokuniya-san completely disappeared, so I thought I should just, like walk further to see if there’s anyone. That’s how I found the exhibition gallery. I think I heard some noise from it, but then I heard you yelling, so I ran back instead, right to that spot you crashed into me.
Huh… That could mean those people have disappeared already though…
Nevertheless, that place is worth exploring. After all, even if the people have left, the place could have some clues to the truth of our situation right now.
We walk up to the exhibition gallery. Without the banner stuck to the fence outside of it, it really would have been easy to completely miss it. The banner indicates that for this month (the number of the month is completely scrubbed out into white) the topic of the gallery is to display extraordinary sculptures.
That said, the exhibition gallery looks painfully mediocre. Just like the cafeteria, there is no particularly eye-catching feature with it. There are plain, shoddily-made cardboards with posters on them informing the visitors about whatever is interesting with those sculptures and other exhibition topics in other months. I hope when this month passes the curator will remember to switch something else into here. If this library is even normal, to begin with.
Sculptures, on the other hand, sound normal enough. There shouldn’t be anything out of the blue to discover inside.
???: Hey there Imura-chan! You ever tried to grow up to this tall? Worry no more! I found a solution for you! Just get up here!
Imura: If you don’t get down right this second, I don’t promise that my sculpting knives won’t jump down your throat.
???: Guys… Peace, we haven’t even known each other for more than an hour yet. No need to be at each other’s throats already.
Looks like… not, because the moment we step in we are greeted by the view of a rather ridiculous scenario. A boy with dark yellow hair swaying in different directions in a predominantly red coat and blue pants is, somehow, standing at the top of a sculpture. The sculpture is that of a man, so it takes him some efforts to hang in there properly, yet he is swinging himself around, only bothering to keep a rather loose grip around the sculpture’s shoulders to keep balance.
The one below the sculpture, who’s hurling abuse at the sculpture-climbing boy, looks even plainer, almost as if he isn’t an SHSL. He wears a plain cyan t-shirt with an apron dotted with grime over it, along with light green pants and dark blue shoes. His golden hair has curls on the sides and a short length of hair stands up like an antenna. Kinda like mine, even.
Lastly, the gentle yet firm voice trying to convince the other two to cease their argument belongs to a girl with a sepia skin tone. She wears a green blouse with light green zigzag patterns on it, and on top of a pair of dark green pants is a pink wrap with a similarly zigzag pattern. She also has a pair of butterfly-like hairclips on, in apparently faded golden paint.
Redcoat kid: Ahhh jeez, you guys have no sense of humour whatsoever! Why so tense over a piece of trash like this? [Slams his hand on the forehead of the statue] Ouch!
Imura: I don’t care what you think of this sculpture. All these sculptures are lovingly made, and they should be afforded the same amount of respect.
Redcoat kid: Huh? Seriously? That’s how you perceive this whole business? Hey, Imura-chan, tell me, if that’s the case, what if the sculptures are made to offend people? Should I still pay the same amount of respect?
Imura: You are missing the point here. First off, this sculpture isn’t offensive one bit. It’s simply a depiction of an ordinary English nobleman in the 19th century. Secondly, what I mean is that you should be able to respect others—
Green blouse kid: Okay, Hayami-kun, Imura-kun. This is going nowhere. Hayami-kun, it would do all of us a lot of good if you could stop fooling around on the statue. What you are doing right now has no value for any of us. Imura-kun, don’t argue with him any further. He is not listening at all and—
Hayami: Absolutely not! You have no right to make me do whatever it is you are thinking!
Kamisaka: [Whispers] Oh jeez, what kind of weird stuff am I seeing now?
Instead of replying, I walk up to the trio. Actually introducing ourselves would feel better than lurking around like creeps, I figure.
Tsukiyama: Hello there, it seems like you guys are in a rather sticky situation.
Hayami: That depends on what you perceive as a sticky situation! I personally am having a lot of fun.
Alright. That wasn’t a very good strategy.
Kamisaka: Hello there! Name’s Kamisaka Mahiro, Super High School Level Stunt Tester! This is Tsukiyama Airi, Super High School Level Tour Guide! How are you all doing?
Green blouse kid: [Smiles, unimpressed] Nice to meet you two. Well, as you can see, my two companions here, [Gestures to Hayami and Imura] have been stuck in an argument, and Hayami-kun has literally been stuck there. He is too scared to get down here by himself.
Hayami: [Smile disappears] Hey! I’m no coward!
Green blouse kid: [Smirks] Oh yeah? Why don’t you show that to us then? Jump down here yourself?
Hayami is flushed now, inching to jump down. But then he takes one good look at how tall the statue really is, and then he clings back to the statue instead.
Green blouse kid: What? So you are a coward?
Hayami: [Stops panicking and smirks] Oh, I see what you’re doing! You just want to bait me back down here! I’m not doing that!
I changed my mind on Okuno. He’s preferable to Hayami the way crows are preferable to hyenas.
Kamisaka: Oh! So you won’t get down? I have a way then!
Before Hayami can voice his confusion over that, Kamisaka walks up to the base of the statue and places her hands on it.
Then she gives it a shove and Hayami lets out a scream. The statue actually shakes.
Hayami: God! What the hell!
Now he actually looks scared. Good job Kamisaka.
Kamisaka: Oh, didn’t you just say you won’t get down, period?
Hayami: I, I’m just kidding! [Smiles nervously] Getting down in progress!
Hayami finally gets back down in that case, and Imura gives him a few more glares before releasing a huge sigh.
Imura: Good that you aren’t up there… Anyway, it seems like we have all lost our manners here. Apologies. I will do my best to ensure no such embarrassing matter occur again.
And as for introductions, if you haven’t gathered yet from our previous conversations, I’m Imura Ryuunosuke, and I am the Super High School Level Sculptor. Nice to meet you. [Bows]
IMURA RYUUNOSUKE - SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL SCULPTOR
Green blouse kid: I do hope the previous situation did not impede both of you in any way, shape or form. As for names, I’m Ariga Yomuri, the Super High School Level Biographer.
ARIGA YOMURI - SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL BIOGRAPHER
Hayami: Jeez, boring introductions. How much more do I have to make?
Hayami Yumihiko, the Super High School Level Blackmailer. Just in case you haven’t figured out from the talent yet, I am not here to make friends.
HAYAMI YUMIHIKO - SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL BLACKMAILER
Well, that’s a lot of info to dige— What did he just say his talent is?
Kamisaka: Um, sorry, Yumihiko-san, I don’t think I’ve caught on what your talent is—
Hayami: You could just admit that you don’t believe it, like that lil’ con artist! I totally understand. But, much like how the con artist will retort you back, I can confirm to you that I am a blackmailer and the best of the best.
Judging from his tone and behaviour so far, it doesn’t seem like he has any ounce of shame, unlike Seika. Difficult to imagine these two getting along.
Imura: Before we let Hayami-kun corrupt the story, just lemme give you a gist of what just happened—
Hayami: I told Imura-chan that the statue is a fake and he got angry and tried to kill me so I took refuge up there!
Imura: —Hayami-kun here disrespects a statue as a fake, and climbs onto it as a gesture of mockery towards me.
Ariga: They are both telling a skewered version of the story, so allow me to recount it to you instead.
Hayami-kun told Imura-kun that the statue is an obvious fake. Imura-kun refuses to believe him, so Hayami-kun climbed onto it and pointed out flaws on the statue to convince Imura-kun in a rather derogatory manner. Imura-kun, in turn, believes that Hayami-kun’s only purpose in this action is to disrespect his talent as a sculptor and to disrespect the original creator of the statue, whom he believes has paid a lot of efforts in the statue’s creation. This is the true sequence of events that lead to the prior scenario.
So… Ariga-san, how the hell do you manage to deal with this situation for even more than one minute… If I’m put into a situation like that I’ll probably give up before a whole minute passes, even though supposedly as the SHSL Tour Guide I’m supposed to be good at dealing with things like that.
Gotta takes notes of Imura and Hayami. They don’t look like valuable allies here.
Hayami: Tch, whatever, say what you will.
Imura: [Grimace tones down to neutral expression] That being said, there are a lot of overreactions from my side, perhaps. My threats of violence are unwarranted. For that, I shall apologize to you, Hayami-kun.
Hayami: Ha! Not that I would care, but I accept ittttttttttttt.
Imura: [Turns to Kamisaka and Tsukiyama] I apologize to you two as well. It is truly an embarrassing display on my behalf.
Hmm, let’s hope Imura is somewhat trustworthy in this measure then. Not that politeness really means anything. Anyone can be polite when they try hard enough.
Ariga: Now that we have ended introductions, I would prefer it if we can exchange crucial information together. We are in a rather peculiar circumstance, considering we are all locked in this library with no visible exit beyond the mist, and those of us who are locked all seem to be talented teenagers as recognized by the Electoral Council.
Hayami: [Sits down at the base of a statue with legs crossed] What is there to say, honestly? The way I see it, we are all just sitting around being forced to make friends. I hate that! [Slaps on thighs] Let me go back to my blackmailing business, or just let me scam everyone here! I’m cool with that too!
Imura: With all due respect, Hayami-kun, I don’t think antagonizing everyone here is a very good idea…
Hayami: You can’t tell me how to live my life! Not even the Electoral Council can!
Imura: …
I have never wanted to leave behind an encounter this eagerly after this.
Tsukiyama: [Smiles forcefully] Well, if you guys don’t mind, I suppose we should leave for now and explore this area some more.
Kamisaka: [Points at Hayami] Not until I understand what the heck is wrong with Yumihiko-san!
… Not now, Kamisaka.
Kamisaka: I mean it! You are the single weirdest guy I’ve met here so far, right behind that bird trainer guy! I mean, how do you make your talent something like that? How did they know you’re the SHSL Blackmailer? On what scale?
Hayami: Hey, why do I need to tell you?
Kamisaka: Because you also have a criminal talent and the talent isn’t even connected with any form of skill at all? With Seika-san, at least it’s because of their intelligence. With you? What makes you better at collecting like, bad things on people’s background? It makes no sense.
Hayami: Oh! You don’t have to worry about what the Electoral Council is doing honestly! And as to whether or not I am threatening to you, don’t worry! [Grins] I only blackmail bad guys!
Kamisaka: Do you really expect us to believe that—
Hayami: [Glares] Think about it with your winged brain for once! If you haven’t done anything shady in your life, how would I know and collect the evidence for that to blackmail you? [Face turns back to innocuous look] Or, are you trying to tell me you have done shady stuff in your life that I could blackmail you with?…
Kamisaka is finally quiet.
Hayami: Right! That’s what I thought. Now shut your mouth and go be your friendly kiddo with little miss tour guide over there and leave me the fuck alone.
… He is more hostile than I thought. Okuno probably would get along with him.
Tsukiyama: As you wish. It really has not been a pleasure to know you, Hayami-san.
Hayami: Same with me.
Ariga: [Gulps nervously] Well, I’m sorry again that Hayami-kun completely soiled your mood. If it makes things any better, I’m rather certain Imura-kun and I have met much more agreeable people of sweeter dispositions.
Imura: In all honesty, Ariga-san and I will also be leaving him alone by himself. [Glares at Hayami] It really has not been pleasant for any of us.
Hayami sticks out his tongue, completely unapologetic.
Hayami: Say what you will, fellow birdies. I too will fuck off and go find better birdies to sing my song to.
With that said, he sprints out of the exhibition gallery.
Tsukiyama: Ariga-san, if what you just said is true, that you have also met others, do you have any idea by any chance as to just how many of us are around?
Ariga: [Shakes her head] I’m not really sure. I have only explored this library’s first floor, and Imura-kun the same with me.
Imura: What Ariga-san said is true. We haven’t really done any exploring ever since half an hour ago, getting stuck with Hayami-kun. We have met like, more than five people at least though.
Tsukiyama: And the ones Ariga-san just suggested us to meet?
Ariga: I met some people who have gone into the library’s first floor proper, and some other outside of the entrance. There’s a kid who’s dancing near the fountain in front of the entrance, for example, and some other kids messing with the elevators.
Imura: Yeah, that’s about it.
Imura… Do you have any input of your own that doesn’t coincide with Ariga…
Tsukiyama: It has not been pleasant to meet Hayami-san, but meeting you two are definitely much better an experience. We will get going again now. Thank you again, Ariga-san, Imura-san.
Ariga: No problem. You can call me Yomuri instead if you like. I don’t mind stuff like that at all!
Tsukiyama: [Taken aback] Oh? That’s truly nice of you. I will take note of that.
Jeez, don’t talk like we will be staying here for a long time and have time to know each other. As soon as this weird situation is over, I’m not going to even act like I know any of you.
Kamisaka and I leave the exhibition gallery and take to the entrance of the library, where a glistening fountain is located, along with the dancing guy Ariga mentioned earlier.