Chapter Text
Chapter 1: ᏢᎡϴᏞϴᏀႮᎬ: Ꭺ ՏᏟᎻϴϴᏞ ҒႮᏞᏞ ϴҒ ҒႮΝ ᎪΝᎠ ҒᎡᎬᎪᏦՏ
....
???: “Uhh…”
...Cube raised his head of what appeared to be a desk. His headache didn't let him realize where
he was at first. When the pain got a little better, he tried to look around the place he woke up in.
Cube: (“...Where am i? Where's the others?”)
The room didn't have it's lights on, so the only thing lighting up the place for him was a gap in a half-opened door. Through this dim light, in the darkness, desks, chairs and a blackboard could be seen...He appeared to be in some kind of classroom.
Cube: ("What the...Why am I... Where..")
As he tried to stand up, he rubbed his eyes to see if he was just tired and making things up, but no. He really was in there, for some reason…
Cube: (“What am I doing here? What happened yesterday... I can't remember..”)
(“The others are gone... What happened? What the-”)
His panic was soon interrupted by him hitting one of the desks while he was backing away in fear. The legs buckle, making the whole thing fall with a loud crash. While that was happening, Cube just stared, not knowing what to do next. Is this some kind of dream? What could have possibly happened-
Suddenly...
???: “Wh-What!? Where am i!?”
A loud shout of a woman's voice was heard from one of the lockers. The locker itself started shaking, like the person inside was trying to escape. The weak door of the locker bursted open, and the woman inside fell to the ground. Cube made a couple of steps away from the girl, inspecting her. She looked so odd...unlike any shape he saw at home. Wore some kind of uniform and had pink hair. As she was getting up, Cube also noticed her big blue eyes with missing pupils. She looked confused, but at the same time, angry. The stranger stood up, If you could even call it that, and started quickly looking around the classroom.
Cube: “H-Hello?..”
???: “Who are you?...Where am i!?”
She quickly started approaching him, with a rather annoyed look.
Cube: “What?… I-I d-don't know! I just woke up too!”
She went quiet for a moment, it seemed like she attempted to think...or remember something. Looks like she failed to do so because she started to look a bit anxious, looking around and inspecting the place. She noticed the broken desk near Cube, and then turned to him once again.
???: “Y-You think I'll just... Believe you like that?”
Before Cube could answer anything, they got caught by surprise by a loud sound of an airhorn burst through the room. They both jumped, starting to look around paranoidly for the source of the sound.
Suddenly, five figures appeared in front of them. Each one of them looked like some kind of animal, but their appearance was more...Cartoony-like? The woman let out a short squeal, backing away from the five.
??? : “Woah easy there fella!”
??? : “Don't you scream at us like that, that's rude!”
??? : “We're not that scary, aren't we?”
??? : “Of course we're not! We're adorable!”
A wave of voices swept through the room. Cube stood there without making a sound. Who are these people? Animals?? What was the point of this scene with the horn? So many questions… He looked away from the five and switched to the stranger, who didn't take her eyes off the critters. She no longer looked scared, but rather irritated.
???: “What the hell was that about!? Who are you all suppose to be!?”
???: “Ohh we didn't even do anything yet and she's already mad!”
???: “Answer the stupid question!”
Cube wanted to say or ask something as well, but was too afraid. Though, It seemed like the stranger from the locker was doing a pretty good job of it herself, asking questions and yelling at those critters nonstop. At least not at him I guess…
???: “Okay-okay you crazy girl, we'll answer!”
???: “And we'll make it cool!”
Four of them struck a cool group pose while the fifth stood nearby, not moving.
???: “Dammit Elma, we practiced it!”
???: “Don't yell at her like that! She's just really tired!”
???: “Forget about her you all. Now, time for our introduction!”
“WE ARE THE MONO-MALINOS!”
The four of them stated proudly, while the lost duo just stared at them, in pure confusion. How's that suppose to help them or explain anything? The two even exchanged glances before looking at the critters again.
Cube: “Mono...Malinos?...”
Copper: “Yep! That's us! Just call us "Malinos" if you're feeling lazy.”
Cube: “Did you wake up here as well?”
Luny: “Huh? Oh gosh, no! We live here you dumbass!”
???: “Then where are we!? Answer, now!”
Cube: “Yeah, what is this place?”
Bloon: “This is a school. Obviously.”
???: “We noticed that! Can you be more specific?”
Carl: “Of course we can! Welcome fellas, to the Ultimate Fusion Academy!”
.....
Cube: “Huh?.. Fusion Academy? Sorry, but I've never heard about a school like this.”
Bloon: “Because it's specifically made for you sixteen Ultimate losers.”
???: “Sixteen Ultimate.. Wait what!? Go to hell!”
Cube: “But… aren't we too old to go to school?”
Carl: “Bloon, Luny, what's with you being so rude? But yeah! There's sixteen Ultimates at this school! Cool right?”
Cube: “I still don't quite understand... What do you mean by "Ultimates"?
Copper: “Don't you remember? Your Ultimate talent of course! The thing you're extremely good at! You did get yours right?”
Cube: (“Now that I think about it... I know what my Ultimate talent is. But how... I surely didn't know anything like that at home, did i?”) “Yes.. I do remember.”
???: “Me too. But it still doesn't explain anything. How did we get here? What do you want from us?”
Elma: “You'll have to wait to see.”
Carl: “Yippee! Elma spoke! Good job!”
Elma: “...”
Cube: (“Those.. Malino things sure are weird..”)
Bloon: “Anyhow, we need to get going now.”
???: “Huh!? And just leave us like that?”
Luny: “Uuggh! There's nothing keeping you in this classroom! Go and meet other Ultimates or something.”
Cube: “Meet the others?”
Bloon: “You better. Because you all will be assigned with a special activity later on.”
Carl: “Yep! So go make new friends, and good luck!”
“BUH-BYE!!”
The five quickly disappeared into the small vent on the floor before they could ask any more questions. Did they come here by the vent too? I guess they didn't notice. The woman then groaned something to herself, leaning on one of the desks.
???: “What... The hell was that?”
Cube: “No idea..”
???: “The Academy... The Ultimates.. They can't just throw this all at us and expect us to understand. Ughh.. They are so annoying too...”
Cube: “Yeah, I get that...”
....
The two just stayed quiet for a moment, apparently digesting all the information received. She let out a sigh, and walked closer to the blue guy.
???: “I guess silence won't get us anywhere. So... Hello there. My name is Susie. And I'm the Ultimate Mechanic. And also, sorry for yelling at you that time. I was a bit..Confused.”
Cube: “Ultimate..mechanic?”
Susie: “Uh-huh. Sounds dumb when I say it like that...”
Cube: “Oh no! Not at all! At least mine sounds dumber...”
Susie: “It does?”
Cube: “Sort of... Well... I'm Cube, and I'm the Ultimate Caretaker.”
Susie let out a small chuckle, examining the guy.
Susie: “Really? Your name is "Cube"? Pffft- Sorry, but I think your name is way funnier than your talent!”
Cube: “Huh, really? Why?..”
Susie: “No-no, nothing! Don't worry about it. So, Ultimate caretaker huh? Doesn't sound too bad.”
Cube: “Thanks, I guess...” (“What did she find funny about my name?..”) “So what do we do now, Susie?”
The mechanic looked around the room for the last time, before walking to the half opened classroom door. She signed Cube to follow her.
Susie: “Go find the other ones I'm guessing. C'mon. Who knows how much time we have left before the "activity" the little pricks mentioned.”
After that she walked through the door as Cube was quickly catching up with her. They stepped out into the hallway.
The view was… odd. Much of the building had fallen to nature, the ground floor especially. Grass and wildflowers grew freely in the halls.
The caretaker hesitated a little, as if afraid to go anywhere first. They were in an unknown place with unknown people inside. How can you not be? Susie apparently noticed this and began to walk in front of him, taking the lead.
The duo haven't succeeded in finding a single one yet. It was quiet too, which made them feel uneasy.
Susie: “Seems like no one's here.. Again.”
Cube: “Uh huh. Sixteen people and we didn't run into anyone yet..”
Susie: “Well, maybe they all are together in one place and we just have to find them?”
Cube: “I guess that could be a logical explanation..”
Susie: “....”
Cube: “....”
Susie: “Did you... Wake up in a locker too?”
Cube: “Wha?- Ah, no. I woke up on one of the desks.”
Susie: “The one you knocked over you mean?”
Cube: “No, the one in front.. I don't think that really matters anyway.”
Susie: “Yeah.. Wait a minute. Why was I in the locker and not you?”
Cube: “Oh um.. I don't know? There was pretty much enough space for you to sit.”
Susie: “Exactly! What was the point of this? They couldn't just... Make me sleep on the desk as well? Ugh, freaks.”
Cube: “Heh.. Yeah, that's definitely weird.
…
???: “OH YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE IN WEIRD?”
The duo jumped up again, switching to the stranger who was staring at them from behind with a big smile. Creepy smile even. He was tall and it looked like his body was two different dolls stitched together. Things are getting even weirder huh?
???: “You think waking up in a locker is weird?? I woke up tied to a table by my arms! CRAAAZY am I right!?
Susie: “WHAT THE- Who are you!?”
Susie stood between Cube and the doll guy, glancing at him angrily. But Cube knew who this clown was.. He was probably-
???: “Glad that you asked! My name is BitterGiggle! And I'm the Ultimate Jester!”
...The two were standing there, without making a sound. It seemed like the information of being a fellow lost one made them both feel more secure, because Susie stepped a bit aside, lowering her guard. She still was annoyed by Jester's loud behavior though.
BitterGiggle: “Why are you folks so quiet? Got silenced by my inspiring introduction?”
They both looked at each other again, annoyed, before answering.
Cube: “You are one of the Ultimates, right?”
BitterGiggle: “Well of course! Didn't you hear my talent like a second ago?”
Cube: “Yeah... Well...-”
Susie: “You don't look like a person who's been kidnapped here out of their will with all that smiling.”
BitterGiggle: “Geez, what's the point of being all negative? I already listened to enough whines from the other guys! Plus, I think it's fun here! I have tons of people to practice my jokes with! Hehe!”
Cube: “Others... You mean the Ultimates, right?”
BitterGiggle: “Who else? The dumb hello kitty squad? Oh no, they drive me nuts!”
Cube: (“Hello Kitty squad?”) “Can you tell us where they are? The Ultimates, I mean? Those critters told us to meet everyone..”
BitterGiggle: “Same here! Unfortunately, you sleepyheads are LATE! We already met up and went our separate ways.”
Susie: “Dammit… That's bad.”
BitterGiggle: “Aww don't worry folks! The psycho teddies said that this school is all locked, so I don't think they could've gone too far!”
Susie: “Huh!?...”
Cube: (“Psycho teddies?.. Where is he getting those weird nicknames from?”) “The school is... Locked?”
Susie: “We are trapped here!?”
BitterGiggle: “Well, I don't think these guys are lying. They might be annoying and all, but they definitely know more than us.”
Susie: “You're just as annoying as them, if not even more.”
BitterGiggle: “And YOU'RE annoying me with being so rude!”
Cube: “Susie, I think we need to get going. We still need to find the others..”
Susie: “Yeah, right. Let's go.”
BitterGiggle: “Hey, gonna just go without even telling me your names? What about your talents? Don't worry, I won't judge!”
.....
BitterGiggle: “Oh who am i kidding? Of course I'm judging!”
Cube: (“Says the Ultimate Jester...”) “We're in a hurry right now, we can talk about it a bit later!”
BitterGiggle: “Fiiine… at least i know the mean girl is Susie, as for you...I'll know. Eventually.”
...The two turned around and started to walk away from the Jester, relieved that this weird interaction was over, but suddenly, they heard him shouting something in the distance.
BitterGiggle: Oh! And I suggest you visit the warehouse folks!! A bunch of people are there!!!
Cube: “The warehouse? We already checked everything, and didn't see it.”
BitterGiggle: “It's on the first floor! You dummies weren't searching on the same floor this whole time, did you!??”
Susie: “Can you keep your voice down? You're literally five meters away from us! And yes, we were in fact searching on the same floor, so thanks for the information, idiot!”
BitterGiggle: “You're welcome folks!! BYEEE!!!~”
After that, the clown quickly disappeared into one of the rooms, leaving the lost duo alone once again.
Cube: “That was... Something.”
Susie: “I can't believe we spend so much time talking to someone like him... Anyway. The warehouse. C'mon Cube-”
BitterGiggle: “YOUR NAME IS "CUBE"? HAH! SUCH A DUMB NAME! WORSE THAN THE CAT'S ONE!”
Loud mocking laughter echoed from one of the rooms—clearly belonging to the Doll guy. Susie rolled her eyes and grabbed Cube by his scarf, pulling him toward the stairs before he could respond. Someone named "BitterGiggle" really shouldn't be the one laughing… As they stepped onto the first floor, several voices were heard through the building. Still gripping his scarf, the mechanic headed straight for the sound source.
The warehouse.
BitterGiggle wasn't lying after all, because they really did see two new faces. The first one seemed to be looking for something, running around energetically and carrying boxes. The second, on the other hand, was just standing there, like he was looking after him.
While Susie was inspecting the place, the caretaker decided to talk to the little one. He looked like a short kitten wearing a red helmet. It also reminded him of those Malinos they met earlier. Was he perhaps one of them?
Cube: “Um… hey there? Hello?”
The cat quickly switched his attention from the boxes to the new acquaintance. He dropped his stuff immediately and ran to the shape, smiling widely.
???: “Yo! I didn't see you at the meeting, are you a new one?”
Cube: “Sort of… me and the girl right there are.”
Cube pointed at Susie, who'd already started a conversation with the other person without him noticing.
???: “Oh, that's cool! Nice to meet ya newbies!”
Cube: “Yeah same… You two are the Ultimates as well, right?”
???: “Of course! Now that you brought it up, I have to introduce myself!”
“I am Kid Cat! The Ultimate Superhero, psst!”
The cat looked up proudly. It was similar to the way those Malinos did it, but maybe he was just being too anxious.
Cube: (“That's..an unexpected ultimate for someone who's hardly three feet tall. At least that explains the helmet.”) “Superhero? That's a pretty impressive talent!”
Kid Cat: “I know! Very cool and strong sounding, perfect for a strong superhero like me!”
Cube: (“He's definitely not the most modest either..”) “Well, I'm Cube. The Ultimate Caretaker. The girl is Susie. So what were you doing with all those boxes? Searching for something?”
Kid Cat: “Oh nah, I was training! You always need to keep your body in shape, even if you're stuck in a random school, psst!”
Cube: “Oh. I see..”
Kid Cat: “Oh wait wait wait!! I still did find some awesome stuff in here! Like this one, look!”
The hero rummaged through the box, determined to find the "awesome thing." He succeeded—pulling out a hat that Cube didn't expect to see.
Cube: “Wha- W-Where did you-”
Kid Cat: “Awesome, isn't it? Most stuff in here is mostly trash, but I found this cool looking hat! It's shaped like a square for some reason, but I think it makes it look even more mysterious and stuff, psst!”
The caretaker couldn't believe his eyes. Here in the hands of Kid Cat was his old hat, that he hadn't seen in quite a while even back home. Cube quickly grabbed the hat from the hero's hands to make sure it was really his. But it was true.
Kid Cat: "Yo, what's the matter? You can't just take it like that — I found it!”
Cube: “B-But that's my hat! It belongs to me…wait, how did it get here?..”
Susie: “Hey, Is something wrong in here?”
The two cats turned around to Susie and the stranger, who was resting on the mechanic's shoulder. He found it more than comfortable, considering that he was the size of a stuffed animal, specifically, a fluffy otter wearing a white cape.
Kid Cat: “Yes! Cube took my awesome hat without asking! Very not cool!”
???: *sigh* “C’mon man, give him the hat.”
Cube: “What?- But I'm telling you, it's MY hat! I don't know how Kid Cat found it, but I know it's mine!”
The group then all looked at the old shabby hat Cube was holding tightly, studying it. It did look like it belonged to the caretaker, if you judged by the color and the unique shape. He looked more than confident about it too. I mean, how could you mistake it for anything else?
The kid sighed, looking away.
Kid Cat: “Eh, alright, I'll let you keep that old thing. But that's because I'm a good and nice friend!”
Cube: (“We just met, and he already calls me his friend?”) “Thank you, I guess?”
Cube looked at his hat once again. It felt like a decade since he last wore that thing… Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like he has any good place to store it for now. With that in mind, he put the hat on, at least while he's here.
Susie: “Hm, it really does fit perfectly on your ridiculously shaped head.”
Cube: “Thanks Susie…”
The caretaker's attention then focused on the stranger. He realized that because of this whole hat situation, he completely forgot to introduce himself to them properly. Cube awkwardly smiled and waved to the otter.
Cube: “Umm… hi! My name is-”
???: “Cube, right?”
Cube: “Oh, you already know?..”
Susie: “Yep, I told him.”
???: “Glad to meet you two. I'm Rakko, the Ultimate Hunter.”
Cube: “Oh, really? That's really uhh… (“I guess we ran into cute animals with intimidating talents…”)
Susie: “I know, I didn't believe him at first too.”
Rakko: “And I completely understand why.”
Kid Cat: “But Rakko is a REALLY cool guy! He's hunting real monsters!”
Cube: “Oh, you two know each other?”
Rakko: “Not really. We just woke up in the same room.”
Cube: (“Just like me and Susie?”)
Susie: “Well, it was good meeting you guys, but we need to get going. We still have 11 people to find.”
Cube: “Oh yeah, i forgot about that part..”
Rakko: “I see. Well good luck then.”
Kid Cat: “Yep! I still wanted to take a closer look at everything, after this hat, I wonder whose other stuff might be lying around here, psst!”
After sharing quick goodbyes, the two left the warehouse. The next person didn't keep them waiting for long, standing in the hallway and doing something through some kind of a tablet. He had a blocky appearance, while also wearing a red uniform. The figure quickly noticed the duo, because he smiled and stepped closer, putting the tablet away.
???: “The new guys! Nice to meet you!”
Cube: “Nice seeing you as well. I'm Cube.”
Susie: “Susie. The mechanic. And you're?”
???: “Elliot! Ultimate pizzeria employee, at your service!
Cube: “Pizzeria employee?”
Elliot: “I know it might not sound as impressive as the other ultimates, but I can assure you, I am very good at my job!”
Susie: “I see. Also, what's the deal with that tablet you have? You thought we wouldn't notice?”
Elliot: “A tablet? Ah! You mean the monopad? Don't you have one too?”
Cube: “What? No?”
The pizza guy's statement unknowingly caused two to check their pockets and clothes. Unexpectedly, they both pulled out the “monopad” of their own.
Elliot: “See? We all got one!”
Susie: “…How didn't I notice having it this whole time!?”
Cube: “I guess we were too focused on searching for the Ultimates…”
Elliot: “Well, if this is your first time using the monopad, I can help you out a bit!”
Cube: “If it's not too much trouble for you…”
Elliot just chuckled and stood behind them so he could see their screens better, which Cube took as an obvious yes.
Elliot: “Look, I'm not really smart when it comes to technology myself, but I'll try my best to explain!”
Susie: “And I'm the Ultimate mechanic. I think I can cope just fine without your help, thank you.”
Susie moved away from the guys a little, examining her monopad.
Elliot: “Okah… Well, first things first, you can see the school map through this thing. It helps not to get lost, this school is pretty big heh!”
Cube: “A map huh? Having a map with you at all times seems more than helpful. To avoid situations like with BitterGiggle…”
Elliot: “What situation?”
Cube: “Oh, nothing…”
Susie: “We basically didn't know there were multiple floors and couldn't find anyone.”
Elliot: “Anyone? At all?”
Susie: “Hm… It looks like we woke up in classroom B on the second floor.”
Elliot: “Second floor huh? No wonder you didn't meet anyone there. The floors above the first one don't have a lot of interesting places…”
Cube: ( “What was BitterGiggle doing on the second floor then?”) “How many floors are there, exactly?”
Elliot: “Five, If i'm correct!”
Susie: “That's enough info for us already. Thanks. Let's go Cube.”
Cube: “Already? B-But-”
Susie: “I'm sure we'll get more than enough time for chats later. We're busy, remember?”
Cube: “Oh, you're right…”
Elliot: “Really? No problem. Go see me whenever you'd like!”
Cube: “We will! Bye!”
The mechanic also waved at him as goodbye before switching on to the monopad once again as they were walking towards the Dining Hall.
Cube: (“She's so quick when it comes to conversations… I guess she is right though. We don't know how much time we've left.”)
As they entered, the din of an active conversation hit them like a wave.
???: “Look how much food we have! We can live off these for months!”
From the kitchen came a loud voice. The words were plain, yet they seemed to belong to another language entirely.
???: “M-Maybe we shouldn't eat it all right now?.. Maybe save some for another day?”
The other voice, on the other hand, was soft and quiet.
Susie: “Anyone here? I mean, I know you're here, but we want to see you.”
The strange chatter between the two newcomers was abruptly cut short. The loud one took the lead, stepping forward before the other could react.
???: “Hellooo! Who are you? I didn't see you before!”
The person looked like a bunch of floating coins forming a body. He stared at the duo a bit longer, before going yapping again.
???: “You are the rookies! The newbies! Whatever they're called heheh… Hey there, the name's Kane!”
Cube: “We're Cube and Susie… (“what's with everyone pointing out us being new?”) And what about her?
The group focused their look at the deer girl in a white dress. She flinched a little after being called out and approached the group as well.
???: “..Hi. My name is Noelle. I'm the Ultimate… ice mage.”
Cube: “Ice mage? An interesting talent for someone your age.”
Noelle: “Um.. The thing is.. I'm not actually an ice mage at all! I don't know why I got this talent…”
Cube: “Huh?… What do you mean? Your Ultimate talent is… wrong?”
Susie: “Is that even possible?”
Noelle: “W-Well, i-”
Kane: “You're lucky enough to have this cool Ultimate. I don't even REMEMBER mine!”
Susie: “What!? How is THAT even possible?”
Cube: “You can just forget your own talent?”
Kane: “Yeah I know I know. You can't believe it, but here we are! I need to try asking the little ones about it later, because it's just not fair!”
Susie: “We got the strange duo huh..”
Noelle: “S-Strange?”
Susie: “No-No, not you! I'm about your talents.”
…
Kane: “That's a shame you didn't see how Noelle was freaking out when we awoke! That was so funny!”
Startled, the deer girl jumped up and quickly clamped her hand over the cat’s mouth, quickly switching her looks from Kane to Susie and Cube.
Noelle: “K-KANE! Why would you tell them that!?”
Kane: “What? There was an awkward silence. What more could I do?”
Cube: “Don't worry, it's fine! I think everyone was freaking out like that. We’re in a difficult situation after all.”
Susie: “Not me thought.”
Cube: “Susie, don't lie! You were freaking out more than me!”
Noelle: “Your name is.. Susie?”
Susie: “Yes, is something wrong with that?”
Noelle: “Oh no, not at all! I just have a friend named like that too…”
Susie: “Really!? You do? Can you tell me more? I need to know someone who's carrying such a beautiful name like me!”
Noelle: “Oh well s-she's-”
They were interrupted by Cube tapping the mechanic's shoulder.
Cube: “Um, Susie. I think we need to get going. It was you who told me we don't have time for chats.”
Susie: “Oh! Yes, of course. Goodbye Noelle! …And Kane. Tell me about your friend later, ok?”
Noelle: “Yeah, sure!”
Kane: “Why did she look at me like that?”
Cube: “Just don't think about it… Goodbye guys!”
They waved a quick goodbye to Cube and Susie, and even as they walked away, they could still hear the pair’s quiet chatter continue through the hall.
Kane: “So, did you hear about the bathroom!?? That's like the COOLEST thing ever!!”
Noelle: “Huh?… Bathroom?…”
As they walked the corridors, debating their next destination, they came across a door that led to the basement.
Susie: “A basement? We didn't check there yet, did we?”
Cube: “No… you're not thinking about going in right?”
Susie: “Huh? Why not? There's obviously more people waiting. Let's at least check if someone's there.”
Cube: “Why would someone go into a basement? Sounds kinda dumb when you think about it haha…”
Susie: “What's the matter with your… Wait a minute. Are you scared?”
Cube: “S-Scared? Pfft of course not! I'm a grown man! I fought monsters, you know!”
Susie: “So you fought monsters but don't want to check the basement?”
Cube: “Well… um… What if there's a trap in here? You never know!”
Susie gave the caretaker a look that said everything she didn’t need to. He saw it, making him feel shame from being such a coward.
Cube: “It's just… I usually have my friends by my side when something bad happens. I'm not normally like that.”
Susie: “I see. Well, I'm sure I'll be a decent replacement for your friends for now, if not even better. C’mon you dummy, I'm tired of waiting. You're going?”
Cube: (“…I really doubt it, but I guess it's nice to have her around.”) “I guess I don't have anything else to do… Let's go.”
Susie: “That's the spirit! Don't worry Cube, it's not gonna be for long.”
Cube: “I guess…”
With that, the duo made their way down the stairs into the basement, wondering what other strange faces they're about to find.
Cube: (“Actually… I completely forgot about my friends here. Are they alright? And Cyan… I hope he's doing fine without me. What If something bad happened while i'm away? No. I shouldn't think about it. Everything is fine. I'll be fine.”)
Stepping into the basement, Cube felt a slight unease from being there right away. Susie on the other hand, pulled out the monopad to inspect the location. They soon headed towards the library. The room looked old and dusty, like no one had been there for a while… Inside, there was a person made of red floating ribbons, while also having something like a mask as their face. She was flipping through the book pages. It didn't seen like she noticed the duo entering.
Susie: “Hey, what're you reading?”
The stranger flinched, quickly closing the book before looking at the mechanic. She was silent.
Cube: “Hello! I'm Cube and this is Susie.”
???: “Hi..?”
Susie: “And your name?”
???: “I'm Gangle…”
Susie: “And your talent?”
Gangle: “…Ultimate Artist…”
Gangle then started sobbing quietly, to the duo's surprise.
Cube: “Oh no, did we say something wrong?”
Susie: “No? We literally just introduced ourselves.”
Gangle: “Sorry… I know my talent isn't that unique or helpful…”
Susie: “Girl, what? Your talent is the most normal one we've heard so far! It's nothing to be ashamed of.”
The ribbon tried to wipe her tears, looking away from the two. She then proceeded to put the book back on the shelf and walk towards the exit of the library.
Cube: “H-Hey! Where are you going? We didn't even talk properly!”
Gangle: “I don't think there's something to talk about…”
Cube: “Well um… What about this school? What do you think?” (“We didn't actually discuss this whole school situation with the others that much huh…”)
The shape watched Gangle pause for a moment, before glancing back at him from the library's entrance.
Gangle: “I don't know…?”
She then left the library, leaving the two alone. They both just watched her leave without making a sound. Susie sighed.
Susie: “Geez, what's her problem?”
Cube: “She's probably still processing it all, you can't blame her.”
Susie: “But the other Ultimates didn't have a problem with it. Eh, I guess we can still talk to her later.”
Cube: “Mhm…”
Taking a quick look at the library before they go, Cube and Susie leave for another room. But something stopped them from even entering the place.
It was a ghost, laying down the game room entrance.
Cube: “AH! A G-GHOST!…”
The caretaker instantly hid behind the mechanic after seeing the monster. She didn't look as frightened as he thought. Cube watched her eye the ghost before descending to her knees near him. She was about to speak when the ghost looked at them from the floor.
???: “Oh. I'm blocking your way.”
Susie: “Yeah, you are.”
???: “……”
Susie: “Don't you want to stand up?”
???: “…Not really.”
Susie: “Ugh. It's fine. We can talk okay just from here. Cube, are you gonna just stand there all scared?”
Cube: “B-But that's a… alright…”
Cube carefully sat down right beside Susie, still feeling a bit scared, but now rather awkward for screaming earlier and acting like a fool…
Susie: “You're an Ultimate?”
???: “Yes.”
Susie: “Your name?”
???: “Napstablook.”
Susie: “Ok i'm not remembering that. Anyway, your talent?”
Napstablook: “Oh. A DJ.”
Susie: “An Ultimate DJ you mean?”
Napstablook: “Oh. Yes. Sorry.”
Cube: (“That must be hard considering he doesn't have any arms.”) “Why are you laying on the floor?”
Napstablook: “…”
Cube: “You're kinda blocking our way inside and we'd like to look around.”
Napstablook: “…”
Susie: “Can you at least tell us what this room is?”
Napstablook: “Oh. I think it's a game room. Don't ask me why a school needs a room like this, I don't know. I'm sorry.”
Cube: “A game room? Can you tell us more about what's inside this room?”
…
Cube: “…Napstablook?”
Napstablook: “…zzzzz…”
Susie: “Just great. You made him fall asleep with your boring talking, Cube.”
Cube: “Huh? How's that my fault?”
Susie: “Anyway, I guess there's nothing we can do now. Let's just move on to another room.”
Cube: “Yes, let's…” (“Was i really that boring? Or was he just really tired?”)
Cube had already stood up and was turning toward the next room when he noticed someone standing close by, also staring at the ghost.
???: “Looks like he's a pretty sleepy guy, haha!”
She was small, and where her head should’ve been, there was a shell. Cube jolted in surprise and stumbled backward.
Cube: “AAHH! What's the- How long have you been standing there!?”
???: “Oh, my bad! I just got so interested in you guys talking. Anyway, hi there! My name is Shelly, I'm the Ultimate Archeologist!”
Cube: “Huh?… Ah, it's nice to meet you, but you really shouldn't sneak out on people like that!”
Shelly: “Sorry! I just didn't wanna interrupt your conversation!”
Susie: “It's alright, we already have finished. So, an Archeologist huh?”
Shelly: “Yep! If you need to know anything about dinosaurs you come straight to me!”
Cube: “Uh… Okay?” (“Why someone here would need to know about dinosaurs?”)
Susie: “Shelly, you came from that last room right? What about it?”
Shelly: “Oh, that? That room is locked, so I didn't find anything!”
Susie: “Hm… maybe we'll find out later. Well, good news. It looks like we're done in the basement, which means we can head back up.”
Cube: “R-Really? Thank goodness, i'm already getting tired with all those jumpscares…”
Susie: “I think you REALLY under exaggerated how fearful you can be.”
Cube: “And YOU said you'd replace my friends, but all you do is judge me!”
Susie: “That's fair. Let's go you wimp, we still have people to find.”
Cube gave a reluctant nod and followed Susie upstairs. Shelly called out a goodbye, but neither of them replied. Not meaning to be rude, but maybe they were both too eager to escape the basement to bother responding.
From upstairs, Cube caught the faint voices somewhere ahead. Susie must’ve noticed it too, because she darted toward the sound, forcing Cube to follow close behind. A moment later, they came upon what looked like… the exit? If the map was right, this was the school’s main entrance.
Susie: “Is that it? An exit?”
Cube: “You really think so? It looks a bit too easy. Didn't BitterGiggle say the school is locked?…”
Susie: “This guy could've easily lied to us, you know!”
The duo was too focused on the exit door to notice the newcomers whose chatter had even brought them here. The strangers however did notice and came to them instead.
???: “Hellooo? Guys?”
Cube instantly switched his attention to the new people, for a moment even feeling a bit ashamed of not being the first one to approach like usual. It seems like Susie thought the same, staring down at the strangers.
???: “You two are…-”
Susie: “Susie! …and Cube. Ehem… Anyway, excuse me, but is that an exit from this school?”
She was quick to ask, pointing to the doors. She seemingly can't wait to finally get out of this strange place. The newcomers however, glanced at each other nervously and then back at the duo.
???: “Well… I guess you can say that?”
Susie: “Really!? Wait… Why didn't you escape yet then?”
???: “Um… uhh… I guess you should just go look for yourself.”
Cube glanced at the so-called “exit” again, uncertain if he even wanted to step through it. Susie didn’t hesitate. She went straight toward the doors. Cube hesitated, fear gnawing at him, then followed her close behind. With no second thought, Susie shoved the doors open. A burst of sunlight blinded them. Fresh air rushed in.
For an instant, it felt like freedom.Then they saw it.
Glass.
Everywhere.
A large glass wall surrounded them. No, not just a wall… an entire dome, enclosing the building inside.
Cube’s breath caught. The sight filled both of them with a growing, piercing feeling of despair. They stood there in stunned silence, unable to look away.
…
???: “That uhh… pretty sucks, right guys?…”
One of the newcomers from earlier flew to the shocked duo with the second one approaching slowly behind. The duo didn't answer, still staring at the dome.
???: “Yeah… we looked all around the glass wall and didn't find anything either. That, like, REALLY sucks.”
???: “Jirachi. Stop that. You're making them feel even worse.”
???: “I'm just sharing the information, that's all.”
Cube finally started to come to his senses again, looking at the newcomers and then back at the glass dome. Susie looked like doing the same.
Susie: “W-What's this?… you… you said that it's the exit, didn't you?…”
???: “Yes. The exit of the school. Not whatever this is.”
Susie: “…When he said the school is locked, I thought he meant THE SCHOOL IS LOCKED. Not the w-whole street being sealed away!”
???: “Yep. We're like TRAPPED trapped in here.”
???: “Seriously, what is your problem?”
???: “I'm trying to comfort them!”
???: “You're quite literally doing the opposite.”
Cube looked at the newcomers who started arguing near them. The first one had a small size and had an ability to fly. They looked like a fairy creature shaped like a star. The second one looked kind of flat, having red clothing and a big arm with claws.
Cube: “Can you at least… Tell us who you are?”
???: “Oh! Sure! Ehem… Greetings new friends, my name is Jirachi, and I'm the Ultimate Wish Granter!”
Cube: “W-Wish Granter?…”
Jirachi: “Yeah! I'm a rare mythical pokemon who can grant any wish, so you're really lucky to meet someone like me!”
Cube: (“What's a pokemon?”) “So you can grant any wish?… Can you make this wall disappear?…”
Jirachi: “Eheheh… about that…”
???: “They don't have their powers. I don't think they even had it in the first place.”
Cube: “H-Huh?…”
Susie: “Great. JUST GREAT.”
Jirachi: “I DID HAVE THE POWERS! Why would I have that talent if I didn't, huh!?”
???: “You could've easily made it up. It doesn't really sound like a talent anyway.”
Susie: “Can you two like, shut up?”
Jirachi: “Don't you shut up the great mythical pokemon!”
Susie: “I literally have no clue what you are talking about.”
Cube: “G-Guys, let's not fight, especially right now! That's the last thing we need in a situation like this!”
???: “I agree. It'll only slow down our investigation.”
Jirachi: “Wha?- YOU started it!!”
Susie: “Who are you even supposed to be, by the way?”
Jirachi: “A huge jerk, that's for sure!”
???: “Ugh. Don't listen to them. I'm Red Velvet cookie, the Ultimate Commander.”
Jirachi: “He's an Ultimate Commander because he loves to boss people around…”
Red Velvet: “Just for you to know, I also have an army full of cake monsters."
Jirachi: “Do i look like i give a-”
Susie: “…Is “cookie” also part of your name?”
Red Velvet: “Yes, but you can just call me Red Velvet for now.”
Cube: “Sounds good for us…”
The caretaker eyed the “outside” location again.
Cube: “Is there really no way out?…”
Jirachi: “Nope. Not a single hole in that thing. Red forced me to fly all around the wall a bunch of times, so I'm sure about that.”
Cube: “Why are you being so calm about this?”
Red Velvet: “We've come here way earlier, so we had enough time to panic. Now we're focusing on finding the exit.”
Jirachi: “And by WE he means ME flying around and investigating all by myself!”
Red Velvet: “And who else do you think is able to do it? Do you see me having wings?”
Jirachi: “The fact that I CAN do it doesn't mean I WANT to do it!”
Red Velvet: “Sure, let's just stay here for the rest of our lives then if that's what you want.”
Jirachi: “Not when you say it like that!”
The duo cast one last glance at Jirachi and Red before Susie rolled her eyes and turned away, tired of their endless bickering. Cube had no choice but to follow. The two seemed far too wrapped up in their argument to even notice them leaving.
There was another figure in the distance, picking up stones. He looked like some kind of goat with blue flames and a big bag.
Cube decided to approach the person, dragging Susie with him.
Cube: “Hi there! My name is-”
The goat instantly dropped all their pebbles, looking at the two.
Cube: “Woah, it's okay, we're not going to do anything!”
???: “Oh my swirls… Sorry, I just didn't expect anyone to talk to me. I thought I already met everyone here.”
Cube: “Oh, that's because we're new. I'm Cube! This is Susie.”
Susie: “Heyy there little guy!”
???: “Pleased to meet ya. I'm Komasan, and I'm the Ultimate Traveler, I think.”
Cube: (“A traveler huh? He sure looks like one with a bag like this… i wonder what's he carrying.”) “Glad to meet you. What’re you doing here all alone?”
Komasan: “…picking up pebbles?”
Cube: “Mhm… is there a reason for you to do that?”
Komasan: “No… I'm just trying to take my mind off being… You know. Here.”
Cube: (”Well that'll be hard considering he sees this wall all around him.”)
Komasan: “I ain’t even sure how I wound up here. You feel the same, don’t ya? Folks ’round here sure are a strange bunch…”
Cube: “I don't think anyone here knows how they got here. But I'm sure we'll figure it out soon!”
Susie: “Hey little guy… Do you know what that is?”
She pointed at it, and the duo's attention then switched to a big building near the school.
Komasan: “Holy smokes, I ain’t got a clue! I wasn’t even there yet. Looks downright scary…”
Susie: “I see. That's alright! Let's go check for ourselves, shall we? If I'm correct, the last two people should be inside.”
Cube: “Oh! Sure, I guess…”
After quick goodbyes with Komasan, the duo entered the big building.
There were many rooms inside, each with a nameplate on the door. It became clear that Two figures waited inside, just as Susie had said.
???: “Oh! New customers!”
Cube: “…Customers?”
The first figure approached them. They looked like… an upside down blue octopus?
???: “Greetings you two! The name's Takoyama!. At your service!”
Susie: “ Let me guess. Your Ultimate talent is-”
Takoyama: “An Ultimate Hairdresser of course!”
Susie: “Yeah. Right.”
Cube: “Erm… Mister Takoyama. (”Can I call him that?”) Do you know what this place is?”
Takoyama: “This place? Ah, I suspect that this is a dormitory of sorts. But it's completely missing all flava!”
Cube: “Dormitory? Why do you think that?”
???: “The nameplates.”
Another person walked down the stairs, right to the group. They looked like little sheep in a red rune. Or should I say… a little lamb.
Cube: “Huh?”
???: “Take a closer look at the nameplates. Each door belongs to a person. More specifically, to all the people trapped here.”
Takoyama: “However, it's really silly of them to think I'll stay here long enough to need that. PaRappa town needs their favorite hairdresser!”
Cube: “A Dormitory for… Us?”
(“Are we going to be here long enough to need a separate dormitory?…I don't want to believe it.”)
???: “I forgot to introduce myself, did I? My apologies. Greetings my children. You can call me “The Lamb”. I'm your Ultimate Cult Leader.”
<
They all became silent, staring at the “cult leader”
Takoyama: “What did ya just call me?”
Cube: “Cult leader… Does that really count as an Ultimate talent? Maybe you meant something else?”
The Lamb: “Oh no-no. I AM a cult leader! The cult is dedicated to cherish and serve our only God. The One Who Waits.”
…
Takoyama: “That kid is really weird, ain't he?”
Susie: “I agree with that.”
DING DONG, BING BONG
The group turned, searching for the source of the noise. Their eyes landed on the dormitory wall monitor — and there they were. Five familiar annoying faces.
Copper: “Dear participants, please, make your way to the school gymnasium.”
Luny: “You better not be late!”
Bloon: “The opening ceremony will start shortly after everyone is gathered.”
Carl: “Sounds really exciting, doesn't it? I know! See you there at the gym!”
The monitor shifted to white noise, its signal lost. Moments later, it powered down. The group looked at one another, uncertain.
Cube: “Opening ceremony? What could they mean by that?”
Susie: “No idea. Maybe it's the “activity” they've talked about?”
The Lamb: “An activity? Oh, that sounds so interesting. I wonder what we'll be participating in.”
Takoyama: “Can't relate. I didn't sign up for no activities!”
Cube: “So… What do we do?”
Susie: “I think we should go. To the gym I mean. Everyone else is most likely going as well.”
They all agreed on it and made their way back to school, into the gym. Everyone else they've met earlier already stood inside, waiting for whatever the malinos have prepared for them.
Elliot: “15… 16… Yep, looks like it's all of us!”
Kid Cat: “Yoo… there's so many people! Makes me feel kinda small, psst.”
Kane: “Watcha talkin about? You ARE short!”
Rakko: “You have anything against small sizes?”
Jirachi: “Yep, what about them!? That's really disrespectful y’know!”
Kane: “Oh eh… Heheheh…”
Shelly: “Oh come on you guys! The ceremony is starting soon, we can't start fighting!”
Gangle: “Speaking of the ceremony… When is it even starting?…”
Everyone else seemed to be wondering the same thing. Lucky for them… or maybe not…the answer revealed itself sooner than expected.
Five giant, animal-like robots stomped into the room, each fitted with what looked like a weapon.
They began approaching, surrounding the group from all sides. Cube was frozen in terror… and who could blame him? They were being hunted by killer robots. Panic spread quickly through the others as well.
Noelle: “W-What are those!? Are they going to hurt us??… Is this a dream?…”
Komasan: “Oh my s-swirls, we’re in real danger!…”
Kid Cat: “W-W-WE'RE GOING TO DIE!!!”
BitterGiggle: “Huh!? Aren't you an Ultimate Superhero or whatever!?”
Kid Cat: “I am i am!! but I never dealt with any REAL danger before!”
Napstablook: “oh.”
Suddenly a familiar voice came out of one of the robots, interrupting their panic.
Luny: “HAH! They're like a bunch of scared chickens!”
Copper: “LUNY!! You're ruining our cool moment!”
Luny: “Oh, really? For how long are we planning on standing like that?”
Bloon: “Until SHE shows up.”
Luny: “Oh. Right. I forgot about her.”
Copper: “How could you possibly-”
Carl: “Well, if she's not here yet, why not we do the announcement instead? Not nice to keep our participants waiting!”
The so-called “participants” shifted swiftly from fear to confusion the moment the intimidating killer robots began to speak.
Was that really them? The sanrio bunch?
Or were they inside, controlling the machines?
And where on earth did they even get those?
So many questions, and yet it didn’t look like any of them would be answered anytime soon.
Cube: (“She. Who are they possibly referring to? Is there more of them, somewhere?”)
Takoyama: “Just tell us about the damn announcement, we haven't got all day!”
The Lamb: “Exactly. We all have our business to attend to after the ceremony. So if you could just tell us and let us go-”
Elma: “No one is going anywhere.”
Everyone turned to another robot, who was standing still this whole time.
Red Velvet: “And what does that supposed to mean!? You better explain everything, or you'll regret it badly.”
Luny: “U ReGrEt iT BaD, oOhH I'M So cOrNy!”
Red Velvet: “What the-”
Copper: “The thing we're trying to say is that no one will be able to leave this school.”
The caretaker’s heart stopped for a moment. They can’t be serious right now… can they? That’s impossible. Absurd. He glanced around the room. Everyone else was staring at the robots too, just as stunned.
Cube: “No one… is leaving?…”
BitterGiggle: “Now this has to be some kind of a prank! Very funny!”
Shelly: “G-Guys, calm down! We're going to figure something out, are w-we?”
Elliot: “…There couldn't possibly not be a way to leave, right?”
A wave of voices started moving back and forth through the room. Each one sounded different — scared, annoyed, angry.
Cube wanted everyone to calm down, but how could he, when he couldn’t even calm himself?
The voices kept going until the lights suddenly went out. A few scared screams rose from the crowd before the projectors flickered on, all aimed at the stage.
A white, asymmetrical bear jumped out onto the stage, looking down at the participants.
Luny: “Oh no, not her! She's stealing our spotlight again!”
Copper: “Oh gosh, is that-”
???: “RINNY! The one and only!”
The white bear grinned wide, unbothered by the confused looks around her. Is that who these malinos we're referring to? She looks like one of them for sure. The robots cracked open, steam billowing out, and the rest of the Malinos hopped out, taking their places in front of the stage.
Rinny: “Welcome - welcome dear participants! My name is Rinny, and I'm this school’s one and only headmaster! Also known as the God of this world! Hehe!”
Cube: (“Headmaster? God? What does she mean by all that?..”)
Bloon: “Oh. Yes. Everyone, greet your principle. Rinny.”
The Lamb: “I'm not accepting no one as my God other than The One Who Waits.”
Copper: “Well you better!”
Luny: “You're LATE Rinny! We already told them about the killing game!”
Carl: “Eh? We did?”
Noelle: “A Killing game!? What the- Huh!?”
Luny: “Oops. I guess we didn't.”
Rinny: “Oh my little worthless malinos… you ruined everything for me once again!”
Bloon: “We? It was all Luny and Carl.”
Carl: “M-Me!?”
Luny: “Yeah, you suggest starting without Rinny! Which means it's all your fault!”
Carl: “Huh!?”
All of the group just watched this whole conflict happening, not being sure what else to say or do in a moment like that. Finally, the bunch started to calm down. Rinny made a deep breath, staring at the puzzled participants once again.
Rinny: “About time! Those morons just had to keep yapping. Typical animals, huh?”
She shot a glance toward the group, clearly at the anthropomorphic ones in the crowd before bursting out laughing.
Rinny: “I'm just kidding fellas! So, where were we?”
Cube: “…The fact that we can't leave this school…?”
Rinny: “Oh yeah! Yes - yes, that's true! You absolutely can't do so! All of you, you are all trapped inside this cursed place… for the rest of your pathetic lifes.”
Trapped here. In this strange academy. For the rest of their lives.
Why? How could this be? Who would ever want something like that?
The caretaker didn’t know. And judging by the silence in the room, neither did anyone else.
Cube turned toward his friend, Susie. A sudden realization hit him. She hadn’t spoken since they’d entered the gym.
He was just about to reach out to her when she suddenly ran forward, shouting at the headmaster in fury.
Susie: “If you really think we're going to believe all of this nonsense, then you're wrong!”
Cube: “Susie?…”
Susie: “Six little pricks like you can never make us stay here. Never. We're going to find an exit sooner or later!”
Everyone instantly switched to the mechanic, who now was standing in front of the group. Rinny didn't react to her outburst. She just smiled at her, making Cube feel uneasy.
Rinny: “Aww, you're so determined, i can't help but appreciate it! Y’know, we have a very special way to leave. Just for some desperate people like you!”
Disbelief struck once again. Just a second ago they told us that we can never leave… and now this?
Susie: “Tell. Tell us right now.”
Rinny: “With pleasure… Well then. The only way for you to leave The Ultimate Fusion Academy, iiiis…”
Susie: “Spit it out already!”
Rinny: “Murder.”
…
Silence swept through the room like a wave. Murder? The word echoed in his mind, sharp and unreal.
Rakko: “…Murder? What could you possibly mean by that?”
Rinny: “Oh you sillies! Isn't it obvious? I want y'all to kill. You kill a person, you will get to leave! Sounds easy, doesn't it?”
At that moment even Susie, always quick with a comment, said nothing. Cube glanced around. He could feel the confusion and despair of others. And he wasn't any better.
Gangle: “Kill? Like… Kill someone for real!?”
BitterGiggle: “Huh? Real? What kinda dumb question is that!? How can you NOT kill someone for real!?”
Gangle: “D-Don't ask me, ask her!”
Komasan: “Oh my swirls, that’s unreal! Ain’t no one in their right mind’d go an’ do a thing like that… right?”
BittegGiggle: “You people are too sensitive.”
Napstablook: “…And if a murder does happen?”
Jirachi: “WHAT!? You accepted that so easily!? Does a ghost need to kill? Do you need more ghost friends??”
Napstablook: “Oh. I just thought it'd be better for us to know right away.”
Rinny: “Goood question! Why won't i let you guys explain, huh?”
Copper: “Us? Really?”
Rinny: “Yea, and make it quick!”
Bloon: “Sigh… alright. Listen everybody, because we're going to be explaining how the class trials work.”
Cube: “A class trial?… what's that?”
Luny: “The catch is, that when a murder does happen, the killer wouldn't be able to leave right away!”
Carl: “After the body is found, the class trial is going to start soon after a short investigation period…”
Copper: “During the trial the participants will have to make their arguments on who they think the culprit is.”
Rinny: “If they vote out the culprit correctly, they alone will be punished. But if they vote incorrectly, they all will be punished, and the real culprit will be able to graduate. Aka leave the school!”
Susie: “The “punishment”… what do you mean exactly by it?”
Elma: “Execution.”
…
Cube: “Execution… Wait what!? Execution??”
Rinny: “Yep! I mean, it's the most fair punishment of all, isn't it? A life for a life.”
Red Velvet: “…So the objective here is to kill and not get caught, isn't it?”
Kane: “But no one is going to commit murder with a chance of being executed! That's just stupid!”
Noelle: “NO ONE will commit murder! Even if there wasn't a punishment, no one will ever do that!”
Luny: “How can you be so sure about that, huh? None of you know each other. Someone must be planning out a murder right now!”
Gangle: “But… would anyone actually kill a stranger?”
The Lamb: “Wouldn't it make it easier to kill a stranger instead of someone you're familiar with?”
Kid Cat: “Stop talking about it! Lalala I'm not listening!!”
Rinny: “Whatever you think doesn't matter. Because from now on, you're all officially participants of this killing game! Yippee!”
Shelly: “No, we're not! We'll never participate in something as sick as this killing game! Right guys?…”
Rinny: “Whether you like it or not.”
Cube watched the room shift—eyes flicking, whispers dying mid-breath. They all knew it now. No way out except…
Murder.
He didn’t know who to trust. Didn’t even know if trust was possible. Could someone here actually-?
Rinny: “Ah! And before we leave, please, open your monopads! The Ultimate Academy's rules have been added, so you better check them out before you make any foolish decisions, hehe!”
Bloon: “Whoever breaks the rules will be instantly swept by our Exisals.”
Carl: “Aka the robots that we scared you with. Sorry for that!”
Cube watched as everyone pulled out their monopads. He soon after did that himself, taking a peek into the academy's rules.
- Rule #1: Students must live at the Ultimate Academy for the remainder of their foreseeable future.
- Rule #2: Once a murder takes place, all surviving students must participate in a class trial.
- Rule #3: If the blackened is exposed during the class trial, they alone will be executed.
- Rule #4: If the blackened is not exposed, all remaining students will be executed.
- Rule #5: If the blackened survives the class trial, they will graduate and re-enter the outside world.
- Rule #6: The killing game and class trials will continue until only two surviving students remain.
- Rule #7: "Nighttime" is from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. The dining hall and gymnasium are off-limits at night.
- Rule #8: Violence toward M̶o̶n̶o̶c̶u̶m̶a̶ Rinny, the headmaster of the Ultimate Academy, is strictly prohibited.
- Rule #9: M̶o̶n̶o̶k̶u̶m̶a̶ Rinny will never directly commit a murder.
- Rule #10: Your Monopads are very important items. Please do not damage them.
- Rule #11: The "Body Discovery Announcement" will play when three or more students discover a body.
- Rule #12: With minimal restrictions, you are free to explore the campus at your discretion.
- Rule #13: Students who violate these rules will be immediately exterminated by the Exisals.
- Rule #14: Further, there may be new additions to the school rules according to the convenience of the headmaster.
All of that. It just doesn't make sense. No. They'd never force him into something like this. There's no way he's participating in this killing game.