"Ah, Takakai-san! You're safe!"
Rixuel blinked, relief flooding his features.
"Why pull this?" Takakai didn't release his grip.
"This is our escape! We must help the trapped players—"
"There are other players who'll die if you do."
Takakai peeled Rixuel's fingers off the switch.
"Then how do we save them? We can't abandon anyone!"
Rixuel's sincerity was palpable—no deceit, only altruism.
Like a saint.
"I do have a plan."
Takakai's smile didn't reach his eyes.
Shinomiya Kaguya was imprisoned in the research base's hidden area. That same night, an entity resembling Professor Fernen launched an attack on Maki and Chika. Meanwhile, Takakai had spent over ten hours alone in the shelter—only for Rixuel to appear the moment he stepped out to assist the girls, his hand already on the master switch. Had Takakai been even a second slower, Rixuel would have pulled it.
What an incredible coincidence.
"I know what 'that terrible thing' mentioned in the message refers to," Takakai said calmly to Rixuel. "And I have a way to divert its attention. If you genuinely want to help, you can assist me in leading the trapped players out of here."
Even as he spoke, Takakai maintained his mental connection with Maki:
[Takakai: How's your situation?]
[Maki: We're about to enter the Research Zone. Well, we've already entered. It's much larger than the Analysis Zone, and the equipment here... Hmm, I'm not sure what these machines are for, but Fujiwara-san says she might know—she thinks this is where they research bullets?]
[Takakai: Bullets?]
[Maki: Fujiwara-san says they might be the kind you're familiar with. Wait, why does that sound like some secret between you two?]
[Takakai: Now's not the time for this. Ask her if she's really sure. Also, how's Shinomiya?]
[Maki: I-I was just asking! Kaguya-obasan is fine, but the person in the cell next to hers keeps talking to himself. She's worried about whether it's human or an apparition and whether it might do something to her, so she hasn't slept well all night.]
[Takakai: Got it. Stay careful.]
The exchange was brief.
Back at the research base's first floor, Maki and Chika had already stepped into the Research Zone.
The heavy security door slowly closed behind them.
Maki's eyes quickly scanned the Research Zone rules handed to each of them—the simplest set she'd seen so far.
Research Zone Regulations
This area is under Professor Fernen's jurisdiction. All researchers must obey his instructions.
All research assignments are determined by Professor Fernen. Researchers must comply.
If a researcher struggles with their assigned task, they may request guidance from Professor Fernen.
Researchers must complete their assigned work. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action from Professor Fernen.
During work hours, researchers must remain focused. Disruptions will warrant severe warnings and punishment.
Without Professor Fernen's authorization, researchers are prohibited from entering the Freezer Zone. Only personnel with Security Level 4+ clearance may apply for access.
The rules gave off an unsettling vibe—as if they were hastily scribbled to emphasize "Fernen is absolute, just obey everything he says."
Maki suppressed the urge to scoff.
The Research Zone was filled with complex machinery whose purposes eluded her.
But what she could see were the fractured stones sealed in transparent glass containers—each oozing a black-red liquid that reeked of blood, even through the airtight barriers.
Some stones were discarded. Others were transported elsewhere. But most were processed on-site—ground into powder, mixed with other substances, and packed into bullet-shaped casings.
[Black Blood Bullets].
Chika recognized them instantly—the same ammunition Susan had used during the second loop, a rare anti-apparition weapon circulated primarily among American players.
But these were cruder. Prototypes.
"Welcome to the ladder of human progress," Professor Fernen announced coldly, his gaze sweeping across the silent researchers. "Here, we shall lead our civilization toward greatness and glory."
With that, he directed Maki and Chika to a workstation before turning toward the Freezer Zone, disappearing behind its doors.
Unlike the Analysis Zone's simple button-pressing tasks, the Research Zone's equipment demanded specialized knowledge. Data recording, chemical adjustments, precision timing—none of this was something even highly educated outsiders like Maki and Chika could handle on the fly.
Soon, their inactivity made them stand out among the eerily efficient researchers.
They're watching us...
Maki hesitated before an intimidating control panel, not daring to press anything. The researcher beside her turned, staring blankly at her stillness.
Chika, ever bold, experimentally tapped a switch—triggering a piercing alarm as her console flashed red.
Just great.
Maki glanced toward the Freezer Zone.
Professor Fernen stood at its entrance, staring directly at them.
Dozens of expressionless faces turned in unison.
In the next instant, Maki and Chika vanished.
Escape
Darkness. The cave system.
The girls tore off their lab coats, revealing pre-equipped explorer uniforms underneath. They sprinted through winding tunnels until reaching the Fire Station's glass door—the gateway to the remnant space.
The door slid open before they touched it.
Beyond it wasn't the expected hallway, but a dim room cluttered with wires.
Takakai stood inside, grinning.
"Yo." He waved.
"Yo?!" Maki stormed in, exhaling sharply. "We were almost killed back there!"
"Yo~da~!" Chika beamed, mimicking his greeting with exaggerated cheer.
Takakai closed the door, severing the spatial link.
The timing had been flawless.
The moment he forced Rixuel out and locked the door, Maki and Chika had been cornered—prompting their emergency escape. Had Rixuel lingered even seconds longer, he would have witnessed their arrival.
Like everything had been perfectly synchronized.