~Y/n pov~

"Heehee... What do you think of the results? Five will proceed to the final vote."

"Kanna Kizuchi."

Kanna said nothing.

"Kai Satou."

Kai was silent too

"Jou Tazuna."

"Why...?! Why me...?!" Joe panicked.

"Sou Hiyori."

"I see..."

"Sara Chidouin."

Sara was also silent.

"A-Am I... safe...?" Q-taro sighed.

Alice grinned, "Y-You're kidding?! Me too?! Woohoo!!"

"Dumbasses!! It's the next part that's seriously bad!!" Reko scolded them.

"Our votes... will decide our fates." Keiji noted.

"D-Do we... have to choose...?"

"Isn't that what the main game is about?" I asked.

"Huh?" Sara asked.

"Lying and tricking each other until someone gets voted, the job of the sacrifice is to deceive us all so they can live. Trust has no place here." I sighed.

It was silent.

Sara was falling into a state of despair. (Puhuhu)

"Get a grip, Sara!!" Keiji yelled.

Sara was shocked.

"Listen, everybody. We need to narrow it down to just one person. Forget your sympathy and your grudges. Just remember the roles. If we choose the Keymaster or Sacrifice, we all die..." Keiji seemed to be the only one thinking logically.

"Y-Yes, indeed!! We're far from safe at all, absolutely!!" Alice quickly agreed.

"Oh! Hey, is one of us a Sage?!" Reko asked.

Nao smiled, "If we've got a Sage on our side, they'll know who's the Keymaster...!"

"Don't tell me... There isn't, meow...?!" Gin asked nervously.

Q-taro's eyes widened in shock, "This's the worst...!! So it's one of the five??"

"Nothing to be done... There's only one course of action. Have the five prove it with words. ...Isn't that right, Sara?" Keiji turned to Sara.

Why is he putting so much trust into her? It's not logical.

Nevertheless, it seemed to motivate Sara, "Exactly. I'll prove to you who the real Keymaster is!!"

~*~

"Heeheehee... The final 20 minutes... Please use this endlessly short time effectively. I'll be praying... you don't all perish. Aheehee." Miley quietly sat in the chair again.

"Alright, let's not be hasty. Anyone wants to confess their role, go ahead.." Keiji started the discussion.

"I have... nothing to say..."

"K-Kanna..." Nao frowned.

"I have little to say myself. You are free to imagine as you wish."

"Sheesh, okay. I'm the Keymaster. I'm the one who's been saying it from the start." Sou butted in.

"Honestly? This beanie sack of shit can't be trusted! Makes my blood run cold!" Reko growled.

"Hmph... I'll believe in Sou. And whoever tries to protect him is the Sage... That's where we ought to aim." Alice exclaimed.

"Yeah." I agreed.

"Why aim for the Sage, woof?" Gin tilted his head.

"The Sage can divine, but if they're outed, it's over. Like, "oh, if that's the Sage, I can vote for 'em!"."
Q-taro explained.

When did he get smart?

"So the Sage can't confess? Meaww..."

"Hey, yeah! If Kanna really wants to die, wouldn't she say "I'm the Sage"...?!"

Nope he's still dumb.

"Also... the Sacrifice gets to vote twice, right...? Is the Sacrifice someone who received two votes...?" Nao added.

"This is hard, meow... Don't want a massacre, woof..."

"Joe, you're not talking... What's your role?" Keiji turned his attention to Joe.

Joe's eyes looked dead, "H-Huh...? Who cares..."

"Okay then... And Sara, you're the Keymaster?" Keiji quickly moved on.

"Yes...!"

~*~

"Whatever I say now, it'll be the same... Don't give me that look, Sara..." Joe had a blank facial expression.

"Why don't you want to say?" Sara asked.

"Me saying something now is just suspicious, right?...That's why I ain't gonna say."

~*~

"The Sacrifice gets to vote twice, right...? Is the Sacrifice someone who received two votes...? I thought we could exclude anyone with 1 vote or less from being the Sacrifice, but... Everyone had 2 or more votes... oogh..." Nao explained.

Well that was a dead end...

~*~

"I have zero trust after the incident with Sou, so anything I say..." Kai commented.

"Do you admit you're with the kidnappers?" Sara asked.

Kai looked at her blankly, "If I denied it, would you believe me?"

"I'll check anyway. Do you deny it?"

"Well now... I wonder."

"Am I on the side of the kidnappers...? The answer... is yet hidden in darkness."

~*~

"Big bro Joe said it before the preliminary vote, meow. "If you pick Sara, it'll be a massacre for sure!"..." Gin nodded.

Is he implying something? He probably already knows Sara is the Keymaster.

~*~

"Joe, what did you say about your role?"

"Huh? Well, I said I wouldn't say it."

"You corrected "who cares" into "I won't say." ."

Joe didn't respond to that.

"A role you won't say... It's like that, is it?"

"H-Hold on a second, Sara. There's... no time! We shouldn't be arguing, right?!" Joe was panicked.

"Joe is..."

"Sara.."

"Joe is... the Sage...!!" Sara announced.

"How can you be so sure? Maybe he's deceiving you and he wants to be voted." I smiled at Sara and Joe.

"Huh?"

"Now why would someone want to be voted I wonder....perhaps because he is the sacrifice!" I laughed at Joe's facial expression.

Joe quickly masked his shock. It seems I hit the nail on the head.

That is a possibility, however if Joe is the Sage then....What's the meaning of this?! Following that logic, Sara, don't you have to be the Keymaster?! If... that's the case, Sara... You sold him out!! So you could survive!!" Alice yelled.

"That's wrong!! Sara... is trying to save everyone! She isn't someone who just thinks for herself!!" Joe defended her like always.

"H-Hey, all that... Tha's just a strong possibility, right...?! Joe! You won't admit it, will ya...?!"

"Guess it's come to this. / But! I don't plan on dyin'!!" Joe held a determined look in his eyes.

"Joe was the Sage, everybody." Keiji responded in Sara's place, "Joe saw Sara was the Keymaster. That's why he was convinced of a massacre. 'Course, it's just a strong possibility... But can you refute it?"

" ...I... Guess I can't keep a secret after all." Joe smiled, he had a distant look in his eye.

"Joe!! Wait...!!" Sara cried.

"But you aren't giving up yet, are you?" Keiji smiled.

"'Course not!! Everyone!! You gotta promise me!!"

"W-What do you mean?!" Nao voiced everyone's confusion.

"I'm the Sage! I did a divination! But I haven't clearly said what the result was! / Because... the Sage can't lie about the results. / I'm going to say... who the Keymaster is!!" Joe proclaimed, "In exchange, I want you to not vote for me!!"

"I'm on board!! Now tell us their name!!" Q-taro was quick to agree.

"Their name... is...!"

Everyone was silent.

"Sara, of course!!"

"Alriiight!! Now we look for the Sacrifice between Sou, Kanna, and Kai..." Q-taro instantly believed him.

"Have you not been listening to a single thing I've been saying this whole time? How can you believe him so easily?" I knew Joe being the sage was clearly a lie.

When someone lies...I can just tell.

"Um... I'm... the Sage." Kanna interjected.

"Meow?!"

"My reading was... that Sou was the Keymaster."

I chuckled, this was getting amusing.

"No, no, I am the Sage. Miss Sara was the Keymaster." Kai suddenly jumped in.

So Kai is the sage? I already knew Sara was the Keymaster, that much was obvious.

"My head's spinning, wooooof!!"

Miley laughed, "Eheehee. 8 minutes to go, everyone. Ahaha."

"Okay, quit giving statements, you five. We're going to discuss this amongst ourselves first." Keiji commanded.

Reko was panicked, "Hurry! We've got no time!!"

~*~

"Sou and Kanna are working together. ...I've got no doubt." Keiji concluded.

"K-Keiji!! There ain't no way Kanna is up to no good! Kanna's... being used by the beanie guy! He's gonna cast her aside! Don't you dare pick her!" Reko defended Kanna.

"This is so stupid..."

Everyone turned to look at me.

I laughed, "Did I say that out loud?" My tone sounded sarcastic.

"I got it, woof! Long-haired apron guy said his role last, so he's suspicious, meow! Definitely lying, woof!" Gin smiled proud of himself.

"I was about to believe Joe earlier... But is he really the Sage?!"

"We... We can't possibly find the answer in this little time!"

"Ghh...! It pains me, but as Sou or Sara could potentially be the Keymaster, we shouldn't vote for them...!" Alice sighed.

"You got a way to determine the roles...?" Keiji asked.

No one answered.

This is most amusing.

"Kanna's... being used by the beanie guy! He's gonna cast her aside! Don't you dare pick her!" Reko yelled, "Wonder if the beanie's planning to sacrifice Kanna to save his own ass..."

"If only we could just look at what's on the cards... Then we'd know the roles... We... We can't possibly find the answer in this little time!" Nao was panicked.

"What's on the cards...? .......... Just maybe..." Keiji was mumbling to himself.

"Eheehee... Three minutes leeeft!" Miley announced.

"Let's take a gamble on it..." Keiji then raised his voice,  "Listen up, everyone. This is the last discussion."

~*~

"Joe, I'll ask you." Keiji started.

"R... Right! Ask me anything!"

"What's on the Keymaster card... In other words, what's the design?"

Joe was shocked.

LHuh? You can answer, can't you? As the Sage..." Sou smiled.

Joe remained silent.

"Well done, Keiji! You've revealed the truth with just one question!"

Joe finally spoke up, "Don't take me lightly, will ya? Obviously, it's a picture of a key!!"

Sou laughed, "The Keymaster, so it's actually a key...? Too bad. Actually...Kanna... What did it look like to you?"

"It was a picture of... a lock." Kanna answered immediately.

"Correct. The design for the Keymaster is a lock... / Slipped up right at the very end, Joe." Sou smiled a fake smile.

"W-What're you talking about?! I saw it for sure!! A picture of a key!!" Joe was panicking.

"There's no time. This is your last chance, Sara." Keiji informed us...well mostly Sara.

"Kai..." Sara called.

"Yes...?"

"Please tell me... the results of your divination..."

So she figured it out huh?

Kai didn't respond.

"Quit it, Sara!! Talking to Kai now is just a waste of time! Believe in me!!" Joe yelled.

Sara ignored him, "You won't say... will you, Kai? / Because... you can't say...?"

"What're you...?!" Joe panicked.

"It says this in Rulebook 2... The Sage knows who the Keymaster is via divination, but cannot lie about the results of divination. All it says is that they know who it is..." Sara smiled, "Kai, who won't mention a design... is the Sage...

"Hahahahaha... My fate... has been set, then." Kai grinned.

"Huh... So Kai was the Sage." Sou commented casually.

"Y-You!! Sure 'nuff, you had Kanna lie for you!!"
Q-taro yelled.

Sou simply ignored him, "More importantly, we should listen to Kai. Kai's last words, that is."

"When we came to the subject of designs... I realized I was in danger. I thought I might play dumb... But it was clear I would be the most-voted due to my lack of trust... Yet... yet... I... I do not wish... to die...The Sacrifice... is surely Joe."

"Joe...?" A look of shock morphed onto Sara's face.

I laughed lightly, "Is this a bad time to say I told you so?"

"I am convinced... He purposefully took actions that could be read as those of the Sage.And thus, please... Please vote for Sou!!" Kai concluded.

"Ahaha, why me?"

"He is a dangerous man!! He will certainly disturb our teamwork, and lead everyone into danger...!! I did indeed have contact with the kidnappers! But if you let me live, I will tell everything! I have vital information for our escape...!!"

"See ya, Kai." Sou smiled.

"Bye, Kai. There's no getting out of this one." I smiled.

"G... Guys... Don't be fooled... I... I'm the Sage..." Joe stuttered.

"It's time to vote. Please refrain from whisperings."

"Please... don't kill me...!!" Kai yelled desperately.

~*~

Sara - 0 votes
Joe - 2 votes
Kanna - 0 votes
Sou - 3 votes
Kai - 8 votes

~*~

"Eheehee. Now, everyone, enjoy yourselves as I check your answers! First, the Sage! " You were right on, everyone! It was Kai Satou!" Miley announced.

Everyone was silent.

Miley continued, "Next, the Keymaster! Eheehee, the fierce battle between you two was a true sight to see! Amazing! It was Sara Chidouin!"

"No... Stop it..."

"Aaand! The Sacrifice! The one who dies with objective incomplete isss.." Miley ignored Sara.

"Please...!!"

"Tadaaah! It was Jou Tazuna!"

"Haha... ha... Well... what to say...Guys... Sorry... for tricking you..." Joe said sincerely.

Q-taro's voice boomed out, "D... Dumbass!! What're you sorry about?! You... 'cause of us, you... you...!! Don't you feel bitter?!"

"I dunno... I just dunno... I mean... I just can't see you as bad guys... Even Sou, Y/n and Alice... must be good people, really..."

"Joe... Stop it...! I don't believe it... I..."

"Sara, you didn't vote for me. ...That's what made it clear."

"I..."

"All of you guys... are my friends. So... work together and do your best."

"Aaaah... sniff..."

"Last... There's something I wanna say. Sure enough... It's hard for a guy and a girl to say this sorta stuff to each other, huh...? I love ya, Sara! You're my best friend!!"

"Waaaaahhh..."

"Yes, yes, it's over already. Eheehee. Kai Satou, chosen by vote, will be the main event. Whereas you're the opening act. Hurry up and die." Miley laughed.

"Wait...! Wait, Miley..."

"Come, Wrigglers!"

"Aa... ah..."

"Suck all the blood from Jou Tazuna!"

"Gah...!! Ghah...!!"

"AAAAAAAaaaaa... aa...!!! Please!! Miley!! Stop this!! I'll do anything!! I'll die in his place!! So... so... Save Joe...!! Please, help him...!!"

"How cuuute, Sara! Ahaha. Why not? I'll give you a chance."

"Eh...?"

"Eheehee. This button will slow the device connected to Jou Tazuna. Just keep pressing it! The device will be slowed the more you press, and maybe even stop!"

"G... Give me that!!"

"Now, keep mashing that button. Maybe you'll save him? Heeheehee..."

Sara pushed the button as if her life depended on it...hers didn't but Joe's did.

clickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclick
clickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclick
clickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclick

I looked away, unable to watch as the life left Joe's eyes.

I may put up his facade that I don't care, but I'm scared, I don't want to die and if this is what I have to act like in order to stay alive...I'll do it.

Joe was definitely one of the few people here who had no hidden intentions....

~*~

" Kai Satou, you are the main event."

"Unfortunately, I will not let you do as you wish. I will issue... my own death."

"Y... You!! What selfishness...!! The knife from the kitchen?! As if I'll allow you suicide..."

Q-taro pinned Miley down so she couldn't do anything.

"This is... resistance. Our lives toyed with to our enemy's whims, we are unable to save even a single person... As we die off, this is... my feeble... resistance. But it is one large step... toward counterattack...! It is a step I was able to take... because you bought me time. It is surely... not futile. I entrust them to you...! Our regrets...!! Our hopes...!! I... am satisfied."

"Kai...!! KAI...!!!!!!"

~*~

"How's Sara?"

"She's tossing and turning."

"I... I'm right next to you, big sis Sara... Meow..."

"I'll go too...! I don't know what I can do... But I'll at least stay by her side...!"

"Yeah... right. This time, we'll give her strength...!!"

"Eheehee... Please, everyone, rest up a while before proceeding to the next floor. Eh? Can you go home...? A funny joke! We've only just begun! Let us enjoy this, everyone... Eheehee... Ahaha..."

"Kai. Were you really a bad guy...? Bein' bad... that makes ya a good-for-nothing. And you didn't seem to me like a good-for-nothing guy... I dunno... I jus' dunno..."

~*~

"I want to know everything....You're the one who said it."

"I... don't like this... Please don't make Sara sad... Didn't you feel anything from what Joe said...?"

"..I..."

~*~

"Hey. You said you were a policeman, yes?"

"...What about it?"

"A policeman knows about murder cases, yes?"

"Yeah... if I'm in charge of 'em."

" ...Do you know the crime I committed?"

"Why?"

"I imagine it's just a coincidence, but....I killed a person once."

"What was the victim's name...?"

"It was... ...Sou Hiyori."

~*~

"Y/n we need to talk."

"I agree."

~*~
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2742 words

A/n I added all the parts at the end because I thought..why not?