Thud-thud-thud—
The figure's pleas continued unabated:
[Please, he's really trapped—]
[We can't get him out alone—]
[You're our only hope—]
Yet the four inside remained motionless, refusing to even glance toward the window.
The oppressive silence stretched on. Susan curled into herself, while Chika pressed closer to Takakai until their shoulders touched—seeking what little comfort she could.
Takakai didn't mind the contact. If anything, he found her growing dependence...interesting.
Her demeanor's changed subtly. Reminds me of how Maki first—wait, why am I thinking about Maki now?
As his thoughts wandered, the knocking gradually ceased.
The figure faded like a mist, the window reverting to show only the flooded cave beyond.
"Gone for now," Rick observed from his post by the door.
"So, what's next?" Takakai addressed them both.
"Play it by ear," Rick shrugged. "No exits here. I'll test other uniforms later, see what sticks."
His nonchalance was almost insulting.
"You don't seem worried."
"Not much choice, is there?" Rick whistled, the picture of Americana.
But Takakai saw deeper—this wasn't just confidence. Rick moved like someone who'd already found an escape hatch.
He's been to the [Security Guard]'s world. Does he know a way out? Is he planning to use us?
Yet his blessing detected no malice. Only...apathy? As if survival itself bored him.
"You recover fast," Takakai remarked neutrally.
Rick just smiled.
Maki would still be asleep now, so Takakai maintained radio silence. Though loath to stop, even his enhanced stamina had limits.
Chika was in worse shape—she could barely stand.
They needed rest.
But with Rick and Susan present, true relaxation was impossible.
"You two look dead on your feet," Rick noted casually. "We'll clear out. Back in five hours."
He stood abruptly, Susan trailing in confused tow.
Just like that?
"Other safe zones exist," Rick explained. "Finding them is Player 101. And let's be real—in this [Sacrifice Game], trust is a luxury. See you on the flip side."
His departure left Takakai more unsettled than reassured. After confirming no traps remained, exhaustion finally won out.
The rescue badge's flaw became apparent—while it enhanced physicality and healing, it couldn't restore spent stamina.
Chewing his last energy bar, Takakai finalized plans:
Locate the nameless players from Week 1—expendable pawns for his normal-end gambit.
Stockpile security uniforms—four sets minimum, plus spares.
Chika likely couldn't join the next leg. She'd have to stay behind.
A faint weight settled against his chest.
Chika had succumbed to sleep, her head lolling onto his shoulder.
To trust a near-stranger like this...is this bravery or naivety in her setting?
After a pause, Takakai gently stroked her hair.
Rest while you can.
The real ordeal would begin soon enough.
Outside the window, the floodwaters churned endlessly.