Gates Of Hell

"Hey, Hideo-kun"

"Hmm? What is it?"

“Hypothetically asking, If you or someone else had to die. Who'd you choose?"

"Huh? What is this out of the blue?"

"Just tell me, Who would you choose?"

“You're kind of acting weird today. This isn't like you. What will you do after you know- ”

“I just want to know… is that not enough?” She asked politely in a low voice.

Once again…How many times has it been now, five times? ten times? I've lost the count but…it's nostalgic. For some reason, I remember it sometimes…This nostalgic memory from my high school days. That's right, it's a conversation with “that” person which I can't forget…

{Nakabachi hideo, 18 years old. High school 3rd year, reading a book on the rooftop while talking with a long-haired girl with beautiful blue eyes }

I paused and let out a sigh at her response. Sigh,

"Isn't it obvious? If really someone is supposed to die and if I am forced to make a choice. I'll choose myself. There is no need to think."

"Then, What if that someone else is a person you love, would you still choose the same?"

Nakabachi closes the book and speaks,

"Listen, Nova. Even if It's between me and my father, my mother, a friend, lover or some rando, no matter who it is.

I'LL STILL CHOOSE MYSELF.

I have dreams, I have a future and I have the determination to reach that future. My parents' role was already done when they brought me to this world. That's why It only makes sense for me to live. And If my lover genuinely loves me then she would die for me without giving a second thought. Much less I won't sacrifice myself for the sake of some loser's future.

In this world, nothing is more important than yourself. In the end, everyone leaves you someday. That's why choosing myself is the most logical thing. "

"Heh, I see, Pfft-", She chuckled on hearing my answer.

"Hmm? What is funny? "

"Nothing. I expected you to say something like this. As always, Heartless aren't you?"

"Think as you like, That's who I am. So What about you? Who'd you choose?"

"Me?....hmm, If I am forced to make a choice then probably..No, nodes, I am sure I would choose the other person"

"Even if that person is a complete stranger?"

"Even so, I'll choose that person to live"

Nakabachi narrows his eyes.

"You really are an idiot, aren't you?"

"Eh?! That's mean! Why?"

"You don't make sense, sacrificing yourself for a stranger is just absurd. Even if you die for their sake, I am sure they won't even feel grateful to you. They just forget about you as if nothing happened. That's how this world is. That's why, You would be just wasting your life-"

"You may be right. I might be wasting my life for nothing"

"Then why-"

"But I want to believe. I want to believe in humanity, in this world. If my sacrifice will save many people's lives or save someone's future then I'd be glad to die. If my death will change the world even a little bit then that's all I need. That's why I will choose the other"

"Hmph, Absur-"

"Even if it's between you and me, I'd choose Hideo-kun, I am sure without a second thought,

I'D CHOOSE YOU"

Nakabachi's eyes widened upon hearing her answer.

(Flashback- And If my lover genuinely loves me then she would die for me without giving a second thought)

"What about you? Maybe I already know the answer but I want to hear it from you. Would you still choose yourself?” She asks seriously.

"I-"

You are wrong, Nova. That's not the point. Even if you die or Even if I die, no matter who dies, the world will not change. Not a single bit. It will continue to revolve as if nothing happened, that's how this world is.

But even if I told you this I doubt you would change your mind because you are always like this. Always thinking about other's sake, you always put other people on top of you. You are just too good. That's why it reminds me again and again

HOW NAIVE AND FOOLISH YOU WERE.

You don't know anything. All you see is the bright side of humanity, That's why let me prove your foolishness,

You see, Nova. In the end, Humans are the most selfish creatures in this world because

EVEN IN DREAMS THEY STILL CHOOSE THEMSELVES.

Clash

'Die!!! '

'S-stop it! '

'Why won't you die already!? '

Clash

'Stop defending! '

‘N-no!’

'Sorry'

Clash

'No… I don't want to die'

"Now, hurry up! ", Nakabachi exclaimed.

["ONLY 10 MINUTES LEFT"]

'Aaaaaa!' Yells

Clash

'N-no, D-Don't kill me' Trembling

'Sorry, I can't do that. I also don't want to die that's why DIE' stab

Blood scattered everywhere.

Scream

Heavily breathing 'It hurts- cough it hurts! Please leave me-' stab

'She died…I killed her…With this…I can live..Haha.. Hahaha!!! I DID IT!!'

Yes! Yes, that's it! That's the way to go! You all are on the right path. Don't think about others, think only about yourself because this is the right choice. Be honest with yourself and submit to your desires. That's what makes you a human. That's why there is no need to hide,

SHOW ME YOUR REAL FACES!

Run, pant x2

'Ha.. Ha.. Ha Ha! ' fall

'Hey hey, Don't run away like that, Stay quiet and it will be over in a second'

Raises his knife.

'No…stay away! Don't come any closer! Plea-' Stab x3

Are you watching? Nova! This is the real nature of humans! Believe in humanity? How laughable! Can you still say the same thing after seeing this? Look! how they are so desperate to live. Be it their family, Friend, or lover, Regardless of who they are—

THESE PEOPLE ARE STILL TRYING TO KILL EACH OTHER! JUST SO THEY CAN LIVE! THIS IS THE REALITY!!

'F-father! Stop it! '

'What happened to you!? Come back to your senses! '

'Shut up! '

'I want to live'

Clash

'H-hey, let's t-talk… Don't.. Keep that knife down.. I don't want to kill you! I don't want-' stab

'Aaahhhhhhhh! '

Stab

'No!!! '

'Wait, don't run!'

'It hurts! '

Stab

'Please! Don't kill-' stab

'Hahahahahahah'

'B-blurg! Coughing blood '

'I can't take… this anymore'

'Oh God… is this hell? '

'IT'S LIKE A NIGHTMARE'

Aaah…This is good! I can't express how thrilled I am! Just hearing their cries makes me so excited! Humans are really interesting!

But, the interesting part is yet to come. Am I right? ARAKI RYOTA!!

Now! Will this mark your last 10 minutes or not? WHICH IS IT?

IT'S TIME TO CHOOSE!

[ARAKI'S P. O. V]

Uh-uh…I can feel it. With every second It's getting more intense…it's getting stronger and stronger– THE SMELL OF BLOOD.

I see, That means it has already started, THE BLOODBATH

It makes me sick, even though we all are humans but I have no right to say that. because

I AM ALSO DOING THE SAME

"ARAKI!!!!! "

"Don't shout like that, I can hear you very well, SANEHARA!!! "

Clash, their knives clash.

There are still many unanswered questions. Why do we need to play this deadly game? Why is my partner Sanehara?

WHY DID HE SELECTED ME?

There are too many things to know. But that can wait. It doesn't matter right now. Before that,

I WILL KEEP THIS WOMAN TO ETERNAL SLUMBER.

I decided, right now and right here, I’LL KILL SANEHARA.

Chapter 12: GATES OF HELL

<<9:08 left>>

"I'll never forgive you! I'll never forgive you!! Araki!"

"Like I said, clash, That's my line! "

"Everyone! You all are doing great! Just keep going on like that and you will win but don't interfere with other pairs. Your enemy is only one. You know right, To survive, Make sure to kill that person Now,

LET'S CONTINUE THE FRENZY! "

Clash

That bastard… Is that supposed to be a motivation? He and his cunning smile…He really ticks me off. How much does he want to enjoy? Nevertheless, time is ripe…

<<8:56 left>>

Here on, it's a race against time. Every second counts. In these 10 minutes, my future will be decided. Of course,

DYING IS NOT AN OPTION.

Good grief, This will be the longest 10 minutes in my life.

That's why 7 minutes, in 7 minutes I'll kill Sanehara. I can't afford to waste any more than that Because after 7 minutes it will be sudden death, Sanehara will surely rush, that's why there is no telling what could happen–

'Are you saying that she might kill you? '

Smile,

Nah, EVEN SO I'D WIN.

Clash

"Hey…Why are you smiling?!" Sanehara asked with an irritated face.

"It's just nothing, when I think about how you would look before dying, I can't stop smiling"

Grit Sanehara grits her teeth.

"Oh yeah? Looks like your eyes are still closed. Keep on dreaming while you can. Clash, Soon YOU WILL NO LONGER ABLE TO DREAM!"

Clash

"Oi oi, are you still saying that? Looks like there is someone else who needs to open their eyes, really

I AM SURPRISED THAT YOU STILL THINK THAT YOU CAN WIN"

"...Wha?"

"You want to kill me right? Then TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY! Don't make me repeat it again and again!

YOUR MOVES ARE TOO OBVIOUS!"

"..Ha!?"

"With those moves, do you really think you can kill me? Nah! Forget about killing, You can't even scratch me! This is just a boring fight,

DON'T DISAPPOINT ME, SANEHARA.

Where did your hatred go?

“....shut up”

“What about your resolve? Your determination? In the end, Is that all you have got? “

“...shut..up”

“Come at me like you mean it! This is hardly a fight. I thought you wanted to kill me, or what? ARE YOU JUST TALK?"

"Aahhhhh! Shut up!!! Don't mock me! What do you know about me!? From the start, I am dead serious! If I can, I want to kill you this instant!" Sanehara yelled.

"In that case, put in more effort! Give me a hard time! Make me struggle! Let's forget about this game for a moment. It's just a fight between you and me, the person who kills first is the winner!

WE ARE STAKING OUR LIVES! THAT'S WHY LET'S GO WILD!

It's just YOU or ME! The winner will survive and the loser will die. Your past or my past none of it matters! What really matters is only the future! I am risking my future here that's why I'll give it my all so you too give your all! Come, Sanehara.

It's the final night where we dance together!

LET'S FIGHT TO DEATH!!!!!"

Sanehara's eyes widened.

I see…Araki-kun, he is serious, then the one who isn't serious is…me? I see…I SEE!

SO THAT'S HOW IT IS!!

I thought I was serious this entire time but I was wrong! I was actually holding back this entire time! I wasn't serious yet, that's why I wasn't able to land a hit on him!! I get it now! It makes sense now! In that case,

“Yeah…YEAH! NOW YOU SAID IT! YOU'RE ON, ARAKI!!! LET'S FIGHT TO DEATH!”

IT'S TIME TO GET SERIOUS!

Sanahera gripped her knife tightly and charged towards me.

“YOU'RE DEAD!”

Clash

My hand came back on impact.

(Huh? Her power…has increased?)

“NOT YET!! (mada-mada)”

Clash, clash, clash Sanehara attacked continuously.

Huh? I feel strange, For some reason I AM REALLY FIRED UP!, Sanehara thought.

Clash, clash

(She is pushing me…back? Not just that she is 5x faster than before. For…real?)

…He is stepping back, which means IT'S WORKING!!! I HAVE GOT THIS!! Finally, finally, finally!!

I CAN KILL HIM!!

You are an idiot Araki-kun! Provoking your- no, Motivating your enemies like this, you really are an idiot, but thank you. Because, right now your words will hunt you, thanks to you I CAN KILL YOU!

Is what she is thinking right now, if I say so myself what I did is really stupid but you know what?

THAT'S WHAT I WANT!!

Clash, clash

“C'mon, cmon! What happened? Araki! ”

Nice! You are doing great Sanehara! Finally, you got serious! I can feel the heaviness in your slash every time I defend! Yes! Just like that.

BECOME OVERCONFIDENT! GET ON YOUR HEELS! BE MORE ARROGANT!

Think that you have the upper hand! Think that your victory is already set in stone! The more you get confident THE MORE MY CHANCES OF WINNING WILL INCREASE!

Show me more Sanehara, expose your filthy nature until I feel nothing about you and if you do that, IT MAKES ME EASIER TO KILL YOU!!

“Cmon! Cmon! Cmon! "

Hehe! He is going backwards! More! Push him more! Make him panic! I can do it! I CAN KILL ARAKI!! I CAN SURVIVE!!

You can do it, SANEHARA KASUMI!!!!

Right now, Sanehara Kasumi is gravely mistaken about one thing, it's not like she is pushing him

ARAKI RYOTA IS GOING BACK ON PURPOSE.

To fuel her confidence and TO USE IT TO HIS ADVANTAGE. But she doesn’t know about this. That’s why, She has not realized it yet,

(What is this? This is crazy! This is really crazy! I get this feeling that I can win! I feel like the current me can achieve anything!)

THAT SHE IS WALKING RIGHT INTO ARAKI RYOTA’S TRAP.

<<7:58 left>>

Clash x4, Sanehara continued to press on with her attacks rapidly, But Araki calmly evaded every slash with a small hint of struggle.

“Hey hey! What happened to your rage?! ARAKI! You told me to get serious and here you are standing still, clash, This is boring! Why are you backing off?”

7 minutes more, Mm I can make it! But more importantly, Araki-kun is panicking. Look at his hands, He is clearly struggling. He is giving his all just to dodge, If this keeps up I can cut him.

Grin, sanehara grinned.

Too bad Araki, THIS IS THE END OF YOUR LIFE!

Clash!! Clash!!

Mmm…Oh no, don't laugh or else she will notice. But,

SHE IS SO HILARIOUSLY EASY.

But not yet, still not enough. I need you to get more furious or it'd be a problem. Don't hurry Araki Ryota. Wait until she gets full of herself. Until then

FOCUS ON YOUR ACTING.

"I'll kill you, I'll kill you, I'll freaking kill you! "

Expressions, footwork, everything! I will make use of every inch of my body. If it makes her feel like I am struggling, that's all I need! To achieve that I will use everything!

(Dammit…), Sanehara thought.

It is taking more time I thought, but well, Soon or later he will show an opening in that moment,

I WILL PIERCE HIS NECK

This time for sure, that's why do your best until then. Let's see how long you can endure, Araki-kun.

Clash

"Looks like you are in a pinch, aren't you? " Sanehara asked.

"Must be, clash, your imagination"

"Ha! It's useless to hide. Because It's showing on your face, you are barely dodging. Now you get it right? You can't stand a chance against me! You will regret underestimating me!"

Smile, my smile widened.

Clash!

"Regret huh, Looks like you are getting so full of yourself. I admit it, you're certainly strong. but don't get the wrong idea I am just waiting for the right time–"

"You are lying"

"Huh? "

"Do you really think you can fool me? Your face is telling everything! You are struggling to keep up! Just admit it Araki-kun, you don't have a chance! If you really want to disagree then how about stop defending and try to attack me? or what?

DUE TO MY SPEED, YOU CAN'T EVEN FIND THE CHANCE TO ATTACK ME, AM I RIGHT? " Sanehara said with a smug face.

I was startled.

"Ara~ Did I hit the….nail?– "

Sanehara's eyes widened.

To Araki, This is a golden chance, that's right you can say that,

HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT.

It took just a split second. In just a split second, Araki Ryota has closed the distance between her, holding his knife, and right now HIS KNIFE IS ABOUT TO CUT HER NECK.

"...Eh? "

Inhale, Araki took a deep breath.

Thank you, Sanehara. Because of you, I realized how pathetic and naive I am. But I am done being pathetic. With this,

I WILL END EVERYTHING.

I don't want to regret anything, I don't want to repeat those mistakes, I don't want to go back to that pathetic state.

I WANT TO CHANGE

That's why, THIS CHANCE, I WILL NOT LET THIS SLIP!

In this instant, in this moment I will unleash every emotion that has been bottled up until now! My anger, fear, regrets, everything! I'll put everything on this single strike! And with everything I've got,

I'LL CUT YOU!

Wait..hold on a moment! Eh? What…is happening? Araki…He is close… When did he– realizes Shit! This is bad! This is bad! This is bad! I dropped my guard! At this rate…! Y-you must be kidding! I can't avoid it! He is going to cut my neck!

HE IS GOING TO KILL ME!, Sanehara thought.

I wonder what face I made at that time? I don't remember much. It's just…My body moved on its own, but I remember that feeling very well, it felt like my emotions were flowing into my right hand and empowering my knife– I felt like that, But I just focused on killing her that I didn't even realise yet,

THAT MY KNIFE WAS ENGULFED IN BLUE FLAMES.

Something…! I need to do something! But-I CAN'T MAKE IT IN TIM-!

"It's over, Sanehar-"

Run

‘M-move!’

(Eh?)

Slash, Bam, A guy bumped into Sanehara while running from his partner. Sanehara fell to the ground on impact.

No way… I missed. At this range…?

‘Hey, come back here! Masayuki! ’

Afraid, ‘N-No!’ Runs

‘Hey-’

“Hey, Wait…” I stopped him, holding his shoulder.

‘Wha- Huh?! What are you doing?! I am in a hurry can't you se-’

“That's my line, DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAVE YOU DONE JUST NOW? After ruining everything, WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING? ”

“H-Hah?!”

“He said, right? Don't interfere with other pairs. And what the hell are you doing? That was a golden opportunity, I was so close to killing her AND YOU TWO TOTALLY RUINED IT! If because of you I fail to make it in time, I will end up dead,

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THIS? ” I said with a cold tone.

Brief silence

What's with…this guy? I get these strange chills. It feels like If I make a wrong move here I will be killed. I can tell with a single look at his eyes, that he's dangerous…Every nerve in my body is telling me to run from him. But… I can't afford to run. If I get cold feet here I can't survive!

‘Hmph, If you say that then I am also the same, not just me, everyone's the same. Everyone here is desperate to prioritize their own survival. Being forced to kill someone like this is enough to make me anxious and to increase the tension that timer, there is no time to worry about others. If I worry about each and everyone I would end up dead before I knew it. ’

I narrowed my eyes and slowly released him.

“Tch”

‘Thank you’

Grit, Damnit! I was so close! Why doesn't anything go my way!? If those two didn't interrupt by now I would have…sigh,

Well fine, what happened has happened, Just thinking about it won't change the result. It's fine, The Next one will end this. But that said,

“You really are so lucky, aren't you? To think that you have avoided it, It's unbelievable. Right? SANEHARA KASUMI”

“Ha… Ha… Ha…Ha huh? ”

Although I might have missed it, It has an effect!

Sanehara lay on the ground, looking shocked and out of breath. Trying to process the situation.

Ha…ha…Ha…Ha I'm..saved? But Wha-what just…happened? I can't quite follow, Did he just close in? In that split second? You must be…kidding. And more importantly, what was that…just now?

I FEEL LIKE I SAW A BLUE FLASH FROM HIS KNIFE.

Was it my…imagination? Really? But for the first time after so long I felt like my life was in danger. If those two didn't interrupt, if that knife hits my neck by now I would…no nodes, I don't want to think about it! Stay calm, Me! I'm not dead yet, it's a relief that I'm still aliv- Relief?

IS IT ALRIGHT TO BE…RELIEVED?

This is bad…Throbx3, my heart won't stop pounding. My hands are…trembling? My face is burning. My body is…hot. This is…fear?

AM I…SCARED?

“So how does it feel? To escape death by a feather. ”

Look at her, She is trembling! Of course she would, Even if she escaped death, the shock will remain. Now that she knows how death tastes, she can't stay at ease! She can't stay calm! I can understand Sanehara. It's scary, right? But you are fine that way because this makes it easier to kill you!

(N… o)

No! No! No! Don't be afraid! If you show fear it will give him another chance. Get yourself together! But I can't erase it from my mind, I still can't believe…his moves are nothing like an amateur, the way he dodged and the way he tried to—No, nodes.

That was just a fluke! It was because I was too careless in guarding myself that I gave him a chance to attack. That was just my mistake, there is no way someone like him beat me! If I stay on guard from the start then everything would be fine. Mmhm, I am not lost yet, the one who is standing in front of you is just a coward, A coward who can't even fight me face to face!

“How long do you intend to sit there? Stand up, bitch. LET'S CONTINUE. ”

“Grit💢 (Bastard…) T-That's not fair, Araki-kun. I am still talking and attacking me like that is not fair. Are you perhaps chickening out? Can't you fight with me face to face? You coward!”

“Fair? Don't give me that crap. Who'd want to fight fair and square when your life is at stake? First of all, you talk too much. I don't have any reason to listen to your nonsense. If you speak too much it's the same as telling me to kill you. Besides, you also did the same thing before. What are you complaining about? Have you finally lost it? ”

“Say wha-”

“This is not a sport or a fun game. THIS IS A DEATH GAME, what matters is the result, As long as I survive that's all I need. That's why your words don't make any sense to me nor I care. For me, every single moment is my chance, I can't let anything slip. You are also the same right? So quit your yapping already and let's continue from where–”

My eyes widened as I slowly looked at her face.

(He… stopped?)

“I see…so I didn't…Ha..Haha… hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha”

Puzzled,“ H-huh? What's gotten into you?”

“Sick! This is sick! This is unexpected but I like it! Looks like it wasn't for nothing, This really rocks! Really…

I'M REALLY GLAD I DIDN'T KILL YOU THAT TIME, SANEHARA!”

“H-hah?! (Glad? What does…he mean?)”

“Wait, don't tell me, you are so freaked out that you didn't even notice it?”

“Notice?”

Good grief, And here I'm thinking that I missed that chance. Don't shock me like that but this is really the best!

“Sanehara” pointing out, "Do you know how your face looks now?”

Raising my hand,

“THAT'S A NICE TATTOO YOU GOT THERE ON YOUR FACE,” I said while pointing my knife covered with blood stains towards her face.

(Tattoo- ) drip, Blood drops on her hand.

Eh? Blood? But from where—

Eyes widened.

“IT REALLY SUITS YOUR UGLY FACE!!”

Uh…?

As her image reflects on her knife, she slowly turns towards her knife only to find out,

THAT HER FACE WAS BRUISED AND BORE A BIG SCAR ACROSS HER FACE.

(No way…What is… this? Is this me… ?)

With her bangs blocking her face I didn't get a good view before but now I look properly

THAT WAS A NICE GOOD SCAR!

That's right, What I missed was an instant kill but, THE HIT ITSELF HAS PROPERLY LANDED!! THAT TOO IN THE BEST POSSIBLE SPOT EVER!

Terrified, (My… face)

“Aa….aa…aah…AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” Sanehara screamed, covering her face.

“Yeah yeah! Scream more! After all, I RUINED YOUR FACE WHICH YOU ARE SO PROUD OF!”

What the hell! What the hell is this? No way! No way! NO WAY!!!! Aaahhhh! It's burning! It hurts! The bleeding won't stop…My face… My precious face has been defiled! That cute face, my pride…

IT GOT RUINED!!!

This is bad, W-what should I do? The wound is deep, will it heal? No way, I don't want this! I didn't accomplish anything! How should I show this face…to everyone? Wait– that's right!

“H-hey professor!”

“Hmm?”

“The thing about wounds getting inflicted on our real bodies, that was a joke…right?” Sanehara asked, desperately.

That's right, this is a dream. There is still a chance that the professor might be lying about wounds–

“Unfortunately, Everything is true”

“...Huh”

“No matter how small the injury is, Irrespective of its place it will get transmitted. Believe or not It's the truth,”

“That can't be…”

“Oya, That was a huge scar on your face. But don't worry,

BY THE TIME YOU WAKE UP, IT'LL MANIFEST ON YOUR REAL FACE.”

“N…o, Nooooooooooo!!!!!!”, Sanehara screamed in depression, unable to fathom the reality.

“Good for you, now everyone gets to see your tattoo, I'm sure you'll be even more popular. Well assuming that you will survive that is” I said, Smiling.

(Hmph, What a pitiful woman) Nakabachi thought.

No…That means…I should live the rest of my life with this face?! No! I can't accept this! How am I supposed to live like this?! How should I face them?! With this face…

HOW CAN I FULFILL…MY DREAM?.....MOM…

(Flashback- “I'm sure you can do it, Kasumi.” A soft and gentle voice echoed in her head)

…Why? Why did this happen to me?! I've worked hard for years…and years…and he ruined in an instant— That's right, It's his fault…because of him, my life became a mess! He ruined everything!

The fact that my life is on the line, this scar, each and everything is HIS DAMN FAULT!!

“...unforgivable”, she muttered.

(She's standing up? But in her state, she is unable to fight. If I go offensive now then she cannot avoid my attacks. I'm sorry but this is gonna be my win.)

“What happened? Finally, feel like continui–”

“You know what?” Sanehara interrupted, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her bruised face with a hint of anger.

“I…wanted to become an actress, ever since I was born I've always admired them and it's my dream. That’s why, I've worked hard and hard and hard, I've spent all these years refining my acting skills, and I even applied to countless auditions. I did everything I could just to enter into showbiz and became a professional actress. And do you know what is important to become an actress?”

I narrowed my eyes, “Face, right?”

“Yes, IT'S FACE. If you have a cute face then you can sell well in a short time. Opportunities will come endlessly! You'll be loved by everyone!! For an actress her face is everything! Do you know where I'm getting at? YOU JUST SHATTERED MY DREAM!! YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!

With this scar, with this face, I can't get selected! No one will look at me! I can't become an actress! Do you know how hard I worked?! For my dream, I gave up on many things!! That's why, I don't even attend P.E. classes just to avoid getting hurt!! But now, everything has gone to waste!!

And EVERYTHING IS YOUR FAULT!!! BECAUSE OF YOU, MY DREAM WON'T COME TRUE!! IF I CAN'T BECOME AN ACTRESS THEN WHAT IS THE POINT OF ME IN LIVING?! ”

“Like I care! I don't give a shit about your dreams! If you really can't live with that face, In that case, WHY DON'T YOU JUST DIE?!”

“Yeah…maybe you're right. There is no point in me living anymore but I won't die, NOT UNTIL I KILL YOU I WON'T DIE”

“..What?”

“I've decided! I'll win this death game! I'll win and make that bastard fix my face!! But If I can't win then at least…I'll take you with me!!” Swoosh

(She's coming!?)

Sanehara charged towards me with her blood lust to kill me, I quickly changed my stance to defensive in order to tackle her. But she ferociously attacked me, pushing me back. But this time she is really pushing me back.

Clash, Clash, Clash!!! I retreated quickly, maintaining my distance.

(Are…you serious?)

Even I can tell, something has changed. This is nothing like before, Her attacks feel more heavier now. It's like the atmosphere around has changed all of a sudden- Don't tell me,

SHE TURNED HER DEPRESSION INTO RAGE?

“I can't…forgive you! You're the only one I can't let you get away with!! You'll pay properly for ruining my face!!!

I'LL CRUSH YOUR FACE AND PLUCK YOUR EYES, SLIT YOUR TONGUE AND I'LL STAB YOU IN THE GUT FOR 100 TIMES!! I'LL STAB AND STAB AND CONTINUE STABBING UNTIL YOU BEG ME TO KILL YOU! I'LL DRAIN EVERY LAST DROP OF YOUR BLOOD, BEFORE YOU DIE I'LL SHOW YOU HELL!!

I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU ARAKI RYOTAAAAA!!!!!!!”

To Sanehara Kasumi, Her pride is more important than her life, she can't tolerate the things which hurt her. But there's something more important than her pride—Her face. But without knowing, Araki Ryota once again touched her pride, or rather you can say

HE DESTROYED HER PRIDE.

After completely losing her pride, Sanehara Kasumi is no longer an ordinary girl,

SHE'S NOW A REVENGE-SEEKING BEAST.

<<6:17 left>>

Clash, Clash

“I’LL KILL YOU! I’LL KILL YOU!! I’LL FUCKI’N KILL U!!!”

I know that this isn't going to be easy but to be honest this is…tough. She completely lost her mind, her attacks are so random. I can't read her movements either. Of course I can’t, because right now Sanehara is on a rampage. Normally, her wound would start burning by the moisture in the air and she must be suffocating. But she's having an adrenaline rush right now so she's ignoring everything. Good grief, seems like I messed with something I shouldn't.

Clash!!

“Hey hey, Don't overdo it. It's hurting right?”

“SHUT UP! JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU DIE!!”

I've made up my mind! I don't care anymore, even if it kills me I'll make sure to kill this guy!! To kill him I'll do anything!! NO MATTER THE COST!! I despise him…I hate him…I HATE HIM, I HATE HIM, I HATE HIM,

I REALLY HATE HIM!!

“ARAKIIIIIII!!!!!”

Clash!!Clash!! Her attacks became more furious, it's like I'm sparring with a diamond knife. She continuously swung her knife without giving me a chance, just a few moments before she was only aiming at my neck, but now she is trying to slow me down by targeting my chest and arms. Not only that, She's always one step forward whenever I try to attack so I can't find the right time to make a move.

(Looks like this isn't going to be as easy as I expected)

But well fine, it's not like this will go on forever. my chance will come. For now, I should defend myself. Until then be patie–

Fwoosh. Sanehara lifted her leg, attempting to give a kick to my head.

(...Are you serious? )

“IT'S TIME TO BOW DOWN”, Sanehara said coldly.

THUD!!!

( Yes! Did I get him?- )

“I'm surprised…So you even know karate huh? No wonder you can fight like that.”

(No way…He's blocked it?!)

That was close. If it directly hit my head, It would have taken a lot of damage but thank god my hand has reached in time.

“Not bad, That was really a nice kick. But I don't recommend you to use kicks much since you are wearing a skirt and besides I definitely don't want to see your panties”

“Shut up— (Huh? I can't move my legs, Can it be?!)”

Keh “CAUGHT YOU”

(Shoot!) Sanehara thought.

I caught her right leg using my left hand making her immobile.

“H-HEY, L-LET GO—” Sanehara struggles, Waving her knife at me but she is unable to reach my body.

Now then, time to end this play. My right hand is still free, I'll just stab her face like this—

Woosh.

….Eh?

I lowered my guard. I was so confident that she wasn't able to move at that time. But, I DON'T KNOW THAT SHE IS ABLE TO KICK LIKE THIS.

Sanehara jumped on one leg, rotating her body. She tried to land a jump spin kick and,

BAM!!!!

She landed the kick.

Slide, Her feet came in contact with my cheek with great force. I quickly freed her right leg and forced me to go back on the impact.

(I landed it! Right on the face!) Sanehara restores her posture and lands on the floor.

Ew…my ankle? Did it sprain…or not I guess. I'm glad nothing serious happened. With my right leg being immobile, to escape that situation that was the only choice I had. It was risky but it worked!

“How is that Araki? I bet it hurts a lot! Serves you right!”

At last, I managed to hit him!

Silence~

Ah uh, this sucks. I thought that I'd let her have her way until she became overconfident so that she could drop her guard but…for some reason,

THIS REALLY PISSES ME OFF.

“What happened? If you want I can go easy on you–”

“Don't be ridiculous”

(What!?)

Ptooey, I spit out the blood.

“You'll go easy on me? Hey hey, don't get carried away just because you landed a hit. Just so you know,

I'M STILL STANDING”

(Tch, Guess it's too soon to celebrate) Sanehara thought.

“Ara~ Too bad. I really wish you had laid down by that. ”

“I'll admit it, that was indeed a nice kick. For better or worse, It hit at the right spot. It served as a nice warmup.”

(Warmup?- This guy…)

“Heh, don't get cocky you shitty bastard. Well if you're that confident, try not to die quickly or else it'll be no fun for me.”

“Looks like you're having a big misunderstanding here and it really pisses me off so let me clear it to your fish brain,”

“Misunderstanding?”

Crack, crack. I stretched my neck.

“The one who should not die quickly is not me, it's you. So try your best until end to not die because,

I'M JUST GETTING STARTED ”

“Ah yeah? Then let's see who is right, Don't we? ” Sanehara prepared to attack, taking her stance.

This play has gone on too long, that's why,

I'LL WRAP THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL.

[MEANWHILE]

More 6 minutes, and besides…

‘Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!’

Clash, clash

‘Help me-’ stab, blood splitting.

They are at it! This is going faster than I thought. As I thought Death is really scary, huh. The ones who are still standing are 350 no, 300 I guess. But, it's still not enough—Beep, beep.

Nakabachi tapped the earbud in his ear.

“Ah-It connected! Hello, Sensei Can you hear me?”

“Yamamoto-kun, What took you so long?”

[REALITY- Akiko and Tanizaki along with others monitoring the dream through the control room.]

“Sorry, sensei. Maybe due to many people dreaming the same dream, it became difficult to make a connection. But we finally got the audio.”

“So what do you think?”

“To be frank, IT'S A VERY SPECTACULAR SIGHT.” Akiko answered with a big grin on her face.

“YEAH, THAT'S WHY HUMANS ARE REALLY INTERESTING. Don't forget to record this dream.”

“Understood! Tanizaki, make sure to record every pair– Tanizaki?”

“Amazing…” Tanizaki was amused, immersing himself in the monitor.

“Tanizaki?...” Akiko called out.

“Akiko-san, look at those two. The boy in a hoodie and that bob-cut girl”

“What happene- Eyes widened. THIS IS!! If I recall, that's Araki Ryota and Sanehara Kasumi.”

“Here I thought everyone was boring but I was wrong! These two are on a whole another level!”

Clash, Clash! Slash!, Araki and Sanehara engaged in fierce blade exchange, outwitting one another.

“It's…unbelievable, They are matching each other's movements and fighting. Compared to others, they are giving a proper fight!” Akiko said.

“Not just that, Their footwork, fighting style, they don't look like some amateur movements and also none of them are backing down. Just watching them is giving me goosebumps! Are you sure they are just high schoolers!?”

“But at this rate, will we get a winner? By the looks of it, that girl is severely injured. So maybe that boy can–”

“I wonder, Yamamoto-kun, I don't think so,” Nakabachi interrupted.

“Sensei…What do you mean?”

“Although we are the same humans, we must never underestimate one another. Just like animals, every human possesses a strong hidden weapon inside them— SURVIVAL INSTINCT.

The strong desire to live, when that activates your body will move on its own. No person is capable of denying that feeling. Neither you nor me can. When faced with extreme situations, your true potential will come out. Something you're unaware of will take over your body. Depending on the situation it can give you 2x or even 10x than your original strength. Even if you're a coward, for a single moment it'll turn you into a monster, That's why they say,

When you're experienced with extreme danger, or When the demon in your heart enters the fray

THE HUNTERS BECOME THE HUNTED, THE PREDATORS WILL BECOME THE PREY”

That girl…despite losing the purpose of her life she is still moving forward. Not bad! This irregularity is what makes this game interesting. In that case…

“Yamamoto-kun, Change of plans”

“Yes!-wait? Change of plans?” Akiko responded, her voice wavering.

“Yeah, I JUST GOT AN INTERESTING IDEA!”

That face of Sensei, he's definitely thinking about something outrageous! I have known him for the past 5 years, That's why I can tell. If he's decided on something then no one can stop him. But, if that is your wish…

“So, What's the plan?”

“As expected of you, you catch on quickly. Then listen to me carefully….”

Akiko's eyes widen hearing it,

“SENSEI! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? If we do that, it changes everything!!” Akiko exclaims with a shocked face.

“I'm serious. You can always believe my instinct at times like this. Don't worry, just trust me, this is going to be 100 times more interesting than the original. So ACTIVATE CODE DM.”

“BUT-”

“Yamamoto-kun, Hurry. There's no time.”

“Sigh, Understood. Tanizaki”

“On it,” Tanizaki answered firmly.

“Sensei, anytime!”

“Now then,” Nakabachi slowly removes his glasses. “Let's heat up the things a bit. Don't we,” Nakabachi took a deep breath, slowly opening his eyes.

“DREAM MANIPULATION”

With his eyes glowing, as soon as he muttered those words the room began to change. Everything is becoming darker and darker and the surface is becoming slightly rocky. Dark smokes envelop the room.

Clash, Clash!!

[Araki’s P.O.V]

I have 3 minutes at best, I want to end this asap but she is stronger than I thought. But that's no longer a problem, as time passes by her adrenaline effect will wear off. Although she's fast, her attacks are becoming messy. It won't be too long before she fall–

Rumble, Rumble,Rumble!!! The ground began to shake.

‘Woah’

‘Hyaaaa!!-’

‘What's…happening!?’

What the-! The ground is shaking?…Earthquake?-

“Everyone, May I have your attention?” clapx2

The timer has stopped. <<5:15>>

“Seeing you working hard makes my heart pound. I am very happy that you're willing to play this death game. That's why CONSIDER THIS AS A SMALL GIFT”

Gift? Wait a sec, Something feels weird. The surface is…changed?! Not just that, it is getting darker and reddish– What the hell is happening!?

“Be careful and watch your step, THE GATES OF HELL ARE GOING TO OPEN NOW”

As soon as he said that, the ground began to crack and the center of the floor began to open in a circular manner, the white room suddenly became a red cave. People started to move away from it.

(Gates of hell?-)

Woosh,

“Where are you looking?” Despite the disturbance, Sanehara charged at me.

Clang, I quickly blocked her attack.

Sheesh, can’t even drop your guard huh, for now, I should keep my dis– Drop.

Huh? Sweat…Now that I think, It is getting kind of…hot?– No, something is odd. What is this? It's not too hard to notice,

IT'S GETTING HOTTER AND HOTTER!!

I stopped and put my hand on the floor, I quickly removed it due to the heat.

It's hot! But what's with this temperature? No matter how you think it's abnormal. 35°? No, it must be at least 40°. There's no doubt,

SOMETHING IS THERE UNDER THIS FLOOR!

“For everyone who is still fighting, Rejoice. I'll make things easy for you. IT'S TIME TO END THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL” Nakabachi exclaimed.

Slowly, the centre of the floor began to crack and open. People started to move away from the centre. The light emitting from inside illuminated the room with orange. A powerful heat wave surged from the centre, sweeping across the field and temporarily blinding me as I slowly opened my eyes…

…huh? I found myself shocked and surprised.

‘Look at the screen!’

‘H-hey! You can't be serious!’

‘THAT IS!!!’

“Yeah, ITS MAGMA”

Mag…ma?

Deep within the centre, there lies magma, it was as if we were gazing into a volcano, the heat was intense, suffocating.

(Hey…hey…hey, what kind of…joke is this? )

ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT HE CREATED A VOLCANO?!

But why? What is he planning? I can't see the reason. Why magm–

(Flashback- “ Rejoice, I'll make things easy for you. IT'S TIME TO END THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL”)

D-Don't tell me, Can it be?! No, since he summoned a volcano at a time like this, The answer should be obvious!

That bastard! Nakabachi hideo…If that's what you're thinking,

THIS IS BEYOND BRUTAL!!

“H-hey, why m-magma? ” A person asked.

“Ah, ever since my childhood I always wondered about one thing. But humans are quite afraid to do it so I gave up. But I always wanted to see with my own eyes.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF A HUMAN FALLS INTO A VOLCANO? "

T-This guy…

“So why don't we use this chance to see what'll happen!” Nakabachi exclaimed.

THIS GUY IS NUTS!!!

“T-then, are you s-saying?”

“Yeah, PUSH YOUR PARTNER INTO IT, And with that, you'll clear this round!”

HE REALLY WANTS US TO PUSH EACH OTHER!?!!!

‘Wait-’

“Also, with every minute passes it expands by 50m. So if you don't make it by time, everyone will drown in magma.”

Crack, the ground began to break slowly and bit by bit the debris began to fall into the magma.

Shit! It's really started expanding!! I wondered how he is going to kill us all. What an outrageous way he chose!

‘Wait! Wait!’

“What? You don't believe it's real magma?”

‘N-no, that's not-’

“Then, LET ME PROVE YOU”

What!?

“Guard-kun”

“Sir!”

“JUMP. This is an order. ” Nakabachi ordered, coldly.

The guard took a deep breath and replied, “YES! WITH PLEASURE”

What!????!!!

Running, one of the guards who was standing at the walls of the room began running towards the centre. He's heading for the volcano!

“hey, hey, hey he's seriously going to jump!?”

‘No…way-’

Jump, as soon as he reached the centre. He jumped into it.

What did I…just see? He… jumped? What…the hell is this? What is wrong with these people?! That is magma you know!! Its average temperature is 700° C, it's not something humans can withstand. And that guard jumped just like that!? If it came into contact with human flesh…

WE WILL SUFFER A GRUESOME DEATH!!

Splash, Although the video is being broadcast on the screen, many people tried not to look at him. As much as I want to avert my eyes I can't help but watch as he sinks. I can hear his screams. His body was melted and burned alive. Just from hearing him, I can tell that IT'S GOING TO BE EXTREMELY PAINFUL.

And

ONE OF US ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE IT.

“Now you get it, this is without a doubt– REAL MAGMA. I guess there's no need to explain what happens if you fall. If you fall into it, just like that guard

YOU'LL BE COOKED ALIVE!”

‘C-cooked alive…?’

‘Wa-wait a second! Knife is enough. Some of us already killed our partners! There's no need-’

“Don't tell me, Are you feeling pity for the person you killed?”

‘N-no’

“Then if he is already dead, why do you care? And besides it's not like you're the one who's going to experience it. So why hesitate?”

‘B-but doesn't mean it's fine to kill them this way-’

“THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY. You know something? Humans are really stubborn beings. Even if you stab 100 times some of them will still try to survive. So when you kill someone you should make sure to finish them if not you'll lose. Yes,

JUST LIKE HOW YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE NOW. ”

‘Huh? What do you-’ push, his partner came behind him and gave a gentle push.

‘You…YOU WERE STILL ALIVE?!’

Cough, ‘SERVES YOU RIGHT! IDIOTTTTT!!!’

‘Aa…hyaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!’

Splash.

“That's why you have to listen to adults when they say to be careful at high places. Now then, one down. If you want to survive then keep it coming! THROW THEM!!”

Drag, A woman dragged her partner towards the volcano.

‘Hey, are you serious?!’

‘Yeah…we don't have any choice, do we?’

Push, splash. She pushed him off the volcano and walked back to maintain distance, then she started to yell.

‘What the hell are you standing around for?! If you are done with your partners, push them! I don't want to die because of you!’ That woman shouted.

“Mmhmm, nods, if you want to live, YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE,” Nakabachi said, finger snap.

TIMER HAS RESUMED. <<5:14>>

After that, People started to throw one by one whom they stabbed earlier into the volcano. The dreamers who were still conscious showed some resistance but they were futile. All they could do was scream as they fell into the volcano. I don't know if hell really exists or not, but if it really exists, then maybe…

IT WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS.

Ha…haha..What the hell…What kind of joke is this!? At the nick of the moment- Dammit!!...! One after another he's increasing unnecessary load…When I'm already busy dealing with this bitch,

Clash, clang! Sanehara continued to press on.

“Tch..! You're so annoying! Can't you read the…..room?”

“Ha…aha..hahahahahahahahahaha! Amazing! This is amazing! I am really so lucky! Even God wants me to help me!”

“HUH? What kind of nonsense are you spouting?”

“I said right, THAT I'LL SHOW YOU HELL BEFORE YOU DIE”

(This woman… )

“That's why this is perfect! I will throw you inside that. As you slowly sink in that magma, each and every part of your body starts melting, your eyes, ears, heart, throat, lungs, everything will burn and melt!

EVEN YOUR BONES WON'T REMAIN!

It's a shame that I can't see your face as you die but I'm sure your scream will be fulfilling! That's why be prepared, Araki Ryota.

YOU ARE GOING TO DIE BRUTALLY!!!”

So you are going to play like that uh? Sheesh…This Psycho woman and psycho bastard, what a pain in the ass…But well fine. Bring it on, shitheads. You really seem to be so fixated on me dying. In that case, let me wake you up from your fantasy,

I'LL SHOW YOU HOW REALITY WORKS!

When experienced with extreme danger, the hunter becomes the hunted, the predator becomes the prey. But in your case, I wonder who you are

ARE YOU A PREDATOR OR PREY? WHO ARE YOU? ARAKI RYOTA-KUN, Nakabachi thought.

With only 5 minutes left, the stakes were once again raised. Who will survive and who will die? In these 5 minutes, our fates will be decided. And with this,

THE FIRST ROUND IS COMING TO A CLOSE.