At dusk, two figures walked side by side along the lively streets.
Takakai held Maki's hand, calmly strolling forward while Maki followed closely with reddened cheeks. They walked in silence until Takakai suddenly stopped - causing Maki to unconsciously take another step before belatedly realizing and stopping as well.
"What's got you so flustered?" Takakai asked with amusement at her jumpy reaction.
"...N-nothing. I was just thinking about that [Alice's Game] you mentioned before," Maki denied instinctively before hesitantly offering the truth in a small voice.
"Oh that? I only mentioned it in passing - you actually looked into it?"
Takakai was surprised. After suspecting the watch might drag him into the Red Moon-class dungeon [School Horror Stories], he had researched it extensively on player forums. The Fujika Middle School section had particularly abundant information about its rules, making it a key focus.
Naturally, this behavior caught the girls' attention. Rather than hide it, Takakai openly shared his suspicions. Afterwards, Kaguya, Maki and Chika all began investigating [School Horror Stories] to help gather intelligence - even extending their research to other Red Moon-class dungeons as contingency preparation.
Come to think of it... even after learning I might get pulled into a Red Moon dungeon, none of them showed any intention of backing away. They seem to truly believe I could clear even that impossible difficulty...
This thought made Takakai simultaneously touched and pressured.
"So, any insights? We can discuss while walking."
Still holding Maki's hand, Takakai continued forward as they talked.
"I do have some thoughts. How much of the Fujika Middle School information have you reviewed?"
With this topic as an entry point, Maki's nervousness visibly eased as her speech grew more fluent.
"I've seen both rule sets - [Alice's Grand Adventure Game] for the classroom building and [Alice's Puzzle Mini-Game] for the dorms. Plus all 12 opening prompts recorded by players who started at Fujika Middle School."
Takakai nodded, recalling the intelligence he'd studied.
The Fujika Middle School dungeon contained four [Alice's Games] located in:
Classroom Building
Dormitory
Sports Grounds
Swimming Pool
Currently, only the first two areas' rules were accessible. The latter two were semi-locked - even when players entered these zones, no rule tables could be found. Moreover, any records of their rules previously documented in the real world had mysteriously vanished.
While no definitive explanation existed, many players theorized the areas sealed because their Obsession Artifacts had been claimed. However, this was controversial since normally only losing a core artifact would trigger zone closures - ordinary artifacts disappearing shouldn't have that effect.
An alternate theory suggested the sports grounds and pool games had already produced "winners," making further games unnecessary. Some speculated that once all four games concluded, Fujika Middle School might undergo further changes. This was considered even less credible though, since...
The "winners" of Alice's Games all end up dead.
Players who truly followed the rules to victory never survived. While forum posts avoided stating this outright, Takakai had easily deduced it after carefully studying the rules.
"Fundamentally, these rules are completely different from what we encountered at Shirakawa Apartments or Nutty Putty Cave."
"The Shirakawa rules were written by Mr. Lin Xusheng. While outdated, they were clearly designed to help survivors endure."
"Red Nut's rules were divided between the research base and caves - the former created by staff to maintain order, the latter left by Mr. Welber when he ventured deep to prevent tragedy."
"The common thread is that all those rules were written from a human perspective aiming to preserve life, whether through maintenance or escape. That's why players could trust and utilize them."
"But these two games... from the start, they feel wrong. I can only sense profound malice from these rules. Following them faithfully would be suicidal."
As Takakai ruminated, Maki voiced an analysis that aligned perfectly with his thoughts.
The crucial difference of Fujika Middle School's dungeon lay in the rule-makers' standpoint - a lethally dangerous distinction for players.
"In that case, Maki, where do you think the survival path lies? Some players have escaped alive, proving it's not inescapable."
After some thought, Takakai posed the question.
"The survival path... likely lies with the [Bad Children] mentioned in the rules."
Maki lowered her head in serious contemplation before answering.
"Given that completing the games to become Alice's 'friends' seems fatal, the opposite path - becoming [Bad Children] who don't befriend Alice - may be the escape route. In other words, if players can attain [Bad Child] status, survival becomes possible."
"Of course, considering threats like the [Big Bad Wolf] mentioned in the rules, even as [Bad Children] players would still face many dangers. The status would merely create survival possibilities."
"As for how to become [Bad Children]... judging by the classroom building rules, maybe by blowing out other players' candles? The dormitory rules are simpler - probably just needing to stay up past curfew?"
The girl earnestly elaborated her analysis.
Takakai listened attentively while recalling the second set of [Alice's Game] rules he'd reviewed earlier, pondering their hidden meanings.
[Alice's Puzzle Mini-Game!]
Welcome to Alice's Dormitory! This is where Alice rests and plays games to become best friends with everyone!
Alice loves making friends! Alice wants to be best friends with everyone! So let's play games - after playing together, we'll all become Alice's friends!
The game is simple! Alice will give you a riddle. Just find the corresponding item in the dormitory and place it in the right spot! Easy-peasy, right? So let's all play with Alice!
But games need rules! Good children follow rules! So remember everything Alice says next!
Rule 1: Each person's riddle is unique! Never share your riddle or answer! If you do, the very bad Big Bad Wolf will come gobble you up!
Rule 2: Cleanliness is super important! Beds must be neatly made! No trash on floors! Or the Broom Teacher will get mad and make you clean!
Rule 3: After dark, good children must stay quietly in bed! No noise or running around! Owl Auntie checks everyone!
Rule 4: The dormitory has no basement! If you see a basement entrance, pretend you didn't! It's just naughty children's prank!
Rule 5: Grandpa Bull patrols the stairwell! Always greet him with "You must be tired!"
Rule 6: Never go to the rooftop! It's forbidden! Uncle Cat hates rule-breakers! (But maybe try bribing him with fish?)
Rule 7: No one stays in the dormitory during daytime! Giraffe Inspector checks!
Rule 8: Save water! Faucet Brother taught us this virtue! He might turn himself on to check!
Rule 9: Pencil Brother loves studying but gets sleepy! He often naps in hallways! Be considerate - no running or shouting!
Rule 10: The bathroom lights are broken! Can't tell boys' or girls' rooms! Always shout "Anyone there? Boys or girls?" before entering!
Rule 11: Turn lights on only after Morning Bell! Turn off after Evening Bell! No lights at night! Good children care about others!
Rule 12: Must solve Alice's riddle and place the item correctly to leave! Games must be properly finished! No quitting early!
Rule 13: NO CHEATING! Each person solves their own riddle! No helping or being helped! Alice HATES cheaters! Alice won't be friends with bad children who cheat!
Those are all the rules! Do your best and play with Alice!
After playing, we'll all be best friends!
...
Honestly, Takakai felt the biggest difference between these rule-makers and those from previous dungeons was their tone. Neither Lin Xusheng, Welber, nor the research base staff would write rules in this sickeningly saccharine, faux-childish style laced with malice.
"Regardless, Fujika Middle School remains extremely dangerous for us now. If we're considering being forced into it, we should enhance our capabilities further - perhaps trade for more suitable Obsession Artifacts?"
After careful consideration, Maki offered this suggestion.
Takakai nodded seriously... then suddenly snapped back to reality.
Wait. Aren't we supposed to be on a date right now? How did we end up discussing dungeon strategies again? That carefully cultivated romantic atmosphere just vanished!
"What's wrong? You look upset," Maki asked, noticing his expression change.
"...Nothing. Just realizing how serious you are," Takakai sighed.
Serious as an overtime-addicted corporate drone... though given our monthly life-or-death struggles, I can't really compare it to that.
"What's that supposed to mean?! Are you mocking me? I'm trying to help analyze the rules here!"
Unaware of his thoughts, Maki frowned indignantly.
"Wouldn't dream of it. Just感慨ing (mean Just feeling nostalgic."). Come on, let's stop thinking about headaches for now. I want to cherish this time alone with you."
Takakai gently grasped Maki's hand again, speaking earnestly as he led her forward.
"Eh? Wha... ugh... you... fine, whatever..."
Flustered into incoherence, Maki could only lower her head and let Takakai guide her onward.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the ground. As their steps gradually brought them closer, the two elongated shadows slowly merged into one.