Part 52: The XIth Man

BGM: A Dot on a Piece of Paper


Well, you sure don't look scared. Or maybe you're just tryin' to impress me with a stoic act?

I'll leave it to your imagination. As far as I'm aware, you shouldn't be able to find me by using my name.

Hebinata Miharu doesn't exist, technically. You may be able to link the name to Mishima Miharu when looking through Amecha's records, but that is no simple task. In that case, he may have been waiting for Rinka. It's possible he received her name card during the initial distribution. Miharu quickly realizes that isn't the case, though. It was Numeral VIII who received that card, and she has already been eliminated. She was eliminated by Alan, so Numeral IX being in possession of the card would make little sense. This leads Miharu to another conclusion.

You wouldn't happen to have my regret card, would you?

Hahaha. Sharp, aren't ya? Though that probably works against you more than you'd like. Gotta admit, your regret sure took me by surprise. But thanks to that, I managed to find this place.



Although it seems like you've parted ways with that Rinka girl. I could tell you two were acquainted back when Divine Selection first kicked off. That's why I made sure to look up all the students here. I didn't find anyone named Hebinata Miharu, but I did find a Miharu. Making the link while knowing what you look like was pretty easy.

I certainly hope you're not here expecting me to give you information pertaining to Rinka. We may no longer be friends, but I have every intention of keeping such things to myself.

Don't worry. I know. You'd be at risk if I eliminated her.

Miharu's involuntary reflex is to shoot him a glare. How could she not, after someone dares to bring up the idea of eliminating Rinka? He doesn't quite interpret it that way, though.



Hey, now. Don't get the wrong idea. I got no intention of eliminating you for the time being. I'm here to negotiate. You managed to get the upper hand against Numeral XI before, yeah? That's what led me here. Haha, I trust you know what I'm getting at?

Are you genuinely suggesting that we cooperate? Why now, of all times?

I've been keeping a watchful eye on the situation so far, but it's mainly 'cuz I figured the numbers would dwindle even if I kept out of it.

His approach sounds similar to Miharu's. He may actually be cunning, despite his attitude.

I made it a point to wait until we made it through a week without anyone being elected. Once that happened, I figured, it'd be time to act. I expected it to happen around three elections in, but nope. Hahaha... Divine Selection's been way more intense than anticipated.

Well, you talk some sense, at least. Unfortunately, I can't agree to work with you just yet.



You hoping for some of my info or something?

You do know far more about me than I do about you. Which is to say, absolutely nothing. Expecting me to cooperate with you under such circumstances is pushing it, no?

Miharu decides to lie through her teeth. In reality, she already knows his cause of death. Telling him she knows nothing seems like the best way to make things proceed smoothly.

Ain't it enough that I admitted to having info on you?

It almost feels like you're threatening that you could eliminate me with ease if you looked into my cause of death.

Oops. Not what I was going for, trust me. Though... Hmm... I can't just give away my own info, either.

BGM: Silence


Think I could convince you by telling you what I think of this whole charade instead?

I won't make any promises, but feel free.

Noticing her taking a step closer toward him, Numeral IX continues.

BGM: He Reveals me the Answer


My honest opinion is that everything about Divine Selection is wrong. You know how many participants there are who have no qualms with sacrificing others for their own means, don't you? They take advantage of the fact that everything will be undone once they eliminate someone by harming non-participants or using them as hostages.



Such actions are, without a doubt, evil. What happened on Saturday proves it.

So you're aware of what happened...

Isn't it weird not to question why people like that get to take part in the first place? There's even talk about Numeral IV being linked to the terrorist group NULL. I'm not sure why they'd target this place, but they're the kind of folks who aim for crowded places like concert venues. They're satisfied just knowing there'll be plenty of victims.



As far as I'm concerned, it's entirely possible they wanted to make a statement to you two by going after your school. It could be their way of saying they'll keep this up as long as you two don't surrender. Numeral IV's creepy silence in the dream world doesn't help things.

Miharu's eyes widen when she hears that. She never expected to walk away from this with clues leading to Numeral IV's identity. NULL is a terrorist group that operates on a global scale. So little is known about them that it's common for smaller, unrelated groups to use their name for recognition.

The bright side is that there was only one casualty, but the number of victims isn't important here. Oops, I got a bit off track. You know where I'm going with this, don't you?

He continues to speak; his tone, serious.

The only people who deserve to make it through this are those on the side of justice. I can't say whether that's myself, you, or your old buddy Rinka. But based on everyone's actions so far, I can't think of anyone else.



I have every intention of letting you win should I come to the conclusion that you deserve to live.

Not only is he making sense, but he doesn't seem tricky to deal with. Of course, she isn't foolish enough to believe that everything he says is the truth. The fact remains that Numerals III, IV, XI, and XII are all formidable foes. He may serve as a means toward their elimination. It bears mentioning that his beliefs on this whole matter mean nothing to her. Especially when Rinka was among the three names he just brought up. What's most important to her right now is the possibility of obtaining more information on Numeral IV through him.

So how about it? Fancy joining up with me?

I'd be lying if I said I trust you completely, but doing so doesn't seem like a bad deal for me.

With a quick huff, she continues her act. Ideally, she will get as much information on Numeral IV as she can right away, but that's unlikely.

Fine, I'll cooperate. Just keep in mind I have every intention of breaking ties with you when I deem it appropriate.



Got it. I'll do what I can to prove I'm trustworthy, but I'm fine with that compromise.

BGM: Silence
Let's get straight to business, then. I've actually got another accomplice, so... follow me.

His statement leaves Miharu curious. Is it someone unrelated to Divine Selection? While it's dangerous for her to follow him when knowing so little about him, she risks losing his trust should she refuse. He may be one to keep an eye on, but he's also not likely to betray her so fast. With that in mind, she makes sure her phone has plenty of battery remaining before following him.

…...

BGM: Chilling With Sidekicks


06/12 (TUE), Night
Eventually, they reach a bar in Shinjuku's Kabuki-cho district named MILK CROWN. It's not the sort of place one should enter in a school uniform, but Miharu seems unfazed. Likely thanks to her job working at a maid cafe. Miharu figures he will not betray her right away. But she quickly realizes how wrong that assumption is.



Didn't you say you were gonna bring another accomplice? The hell's with her, then?

-----

Cardbook has updated.





I – Name – Shishimai Rinka
II – Name – Hebinata Miharu
IX – Regret – Gold Medal