[Location: White World – Waiting Room]
L Lawliet observed his surroundings with curiosity.
Just like the previous time, the change of environment had been abrupt.
He speculated that this was either due to how slow the human brain is at processing information, or the intervention of a third party.
The fact that one could move from one space to another in the blink of an eye was, to say the least, disconcerting.
However, he soon stopped speculating when he noticed a figure seated on the sofas to his right.
Kiyotaka Ayanokoji took a sip of his tea, then placed the cup back on the table. The tea was—putting it mildly—wonderful.
In his defense, most of his knowledge regarding the tea ceremony was rooted in Japanese tradition. The exquisite, unparalleled flavor was not truly appreciated by someone so expressionless and unpassionate.
"Ryuzaki-san? I was starting to think you wouldn't show up," he spoke, unconcerned by the fact that his peculiar companion had appeared standing atop the sofa.
L Lawliet looked at him with curiosity for a few seconds before sitting down and tasting his own tea.
"Well… I had to deal with some unfinished matters…" He took a sip without letting his expression change much. "What about you? Why are you here alone…?"
"Hm… I suppose I had some free time," Kiyotaka Ayanokoji replied indifferently, savoring an exquisite cookie decorated with chocolate chips.
"What about the others?" L Lawliet continued the conversation while taking a chocolate brownie.
"Well… they said they had pending matters…" The answer came simply.
"…"
L Lawliet took a bite of the brownie while closely observing Kiyotaka.
"You're not very good at socializing, are you?" he finally couldn't help probing.
"Hm… I'd like to say yes, but I think I'd be lying," Kiyotaka Ayanokoji took another cookie, showing no reaction.
In fact, if he had wanted to, he could have explained much of what had transpired during his absence.
In short, among everyone present, Senku Ishigami was the one particularly interested in going to another world.
The others were not in such a hurry, especially considering that they were unprepared for potentially dangerous scenarios.
The explanation given by Zefir was simple.
The worlds were being devastated by some calamity—zombies, extraterrestrials, or other entities—which inevitably meant that the likelihood of breathable oxygen being safe was low.
To face such environments, the use of fully sealed suits equipped with autonomous breathing systems, independent of external air, capable of isolating the user from lethal biological, chemical, or atmospheric agents, was imperative.
Or, alternatively—being either optimistic or reckless about it—masks with P100 or military-grade filters. Enough, at the very least, to conduct a preliminary environmental assessment.
However, setting aside the most optimistic scenario, the suit only guaranteed survival while worn. To remove it safely, a multi-phase decontamination system was indispensable: high-pressure showers, neutralizing agents, and controlled equipment removal. Without this, any prior precaution became meaningless.
In fact, only someone like L Lawliet could realistically gain access to such equipment due to his unusual identity.
The others, on the other hand, would have to endure tedious obstacles to obtain them. It could even be said that for some, merely seeing such equipment would be impossible.
In the end, Lelouch Lamperouge was the one who volunteered to acquire a set of suits, along with a disinfection system—on the condition that he would decide who would wear them.
At this point, the primary topic of the meeting was none other than the most important aspect: safety.
Under the premise of the existence of zombies, or of a disease capable of causing an apocalyptic scenario, the presence of a pathogen enabling it was practically a given—so long as the supernatural was set aside.
On the other hand, one of the most variable aspects was the method of transmission.
Of course, thanks to the various apocalyptic scenarios portrayed in different films, some recurring elements could be identified.
The most common method of infection was typically a bite, while the most effective way to neutralize the infected consisted of destroying the brain.
Naturally, all of the above analysis could be dismissed were it not for one detail that reinforced it.
"Difficulty is progressive." Words Zefir had implied during his "briefing session."
Thus, at least for the moment, they assumed it would be relatively easy to deal with zombies or other outdated and predictable scenarios.
Leaving that detail for later, the next point of interest was none other than the objects given by Zefir.
Indeed, it did not take long to discover their basic functions, along with certain restrictions.
The necklace, despite its versatility, had a major flaw. The teleportation it provided was exclusive to the user; aside from the user's own clothing, only the user could be transported.
This, of course, was convenient in some scenarios, but impractical in others.
Additionally, they had yet to determine precisely what was considered clothing and what was not.
In the end, they moved on to the next item: the ring.
Several minutes passed before they finally formed a basic understanding of its capabilities.
To be honest, the communication provided by the ring did not appear to offer functions beyond simple group communication, all under the premise that they worked as a team—or at the very least, harbored no ill intentions toward one another.
In fact, the only conclusion they could draw about the item was that it encouraged teamwork, which inevitably made them uncomfortable.
There was a reason they had been invited by Zefir, and as such, they would remain alert until they uncovered it.
Naturally, direct confrontation was not a viable option either, as they had yet to accurately determine the stance Zefir would take should things spiral out of control.
In other words, Zefir's claims of "non-interference" were not truly reliable.
In conclusion, at least until sufficient information was obtained, observation seemed to be the best course of action.
That said, there were a few who did not enjoy simply standing by and waiting.
And one way or another, they always attempted to influence the others and push them into action.
As for the bracelet… well, they decided to leave that for when they had a more appropriate location to conduct proper tests.
After all, they had no way of knowing exactly what Zefir meant when he spoke of its functions.
In the worst-case scenario, if the "portal" turned out to be something akin to a door connecting two worlds—allowing anything through, including gases of any kind… yes, it was a scenario they preferred to avoid at all costs.
At this point, complications and concerns only continued to grow.
Several minutes passed until, in the end, there was nothing left to test or report.
Through the communication maintained via the rings, Lelouch Lamperouge—who had taken it upon himself to direct most of the interactions—simply concluded by saying:
"If there's nothing more to add, then that's all for today. I'll notify you once I've obtained everything necessary for the first incursion. Until then, I recommend waiting. Though… if you have other plans, feel free. I'm not the leader or anything like that."
"…"
It was unfortunate that Rue Ryuzaki—namely, L Lawliet—had not worn the ring during all that time.
…
"Tell me, Ayanokoji-san… what do you think about justice?" L Lawliet asked, staring at him intently.
Anyone would have felt uncomfortable under those bulging eyes, that unnatural posture, that appearance.
In fact, Kiyotaka was no exception.
"…? Why do you ask?" he replied, showing no expression.
"I recall reading in some book that deep questions help conversations flow naturally," L explained, averting his gaze for a few seconds to drink tea. "I just wanted to try it."
"Hm… I suppose that's true." Kiyotaka didn't say much. He vaguely understood the excuse and chose to allow the inquiry.
"Justice is a concept designed to maintain order," he said. "Personally, I consider it… necessary for society to function without collapsing."
He answered what he deemed sufficient, contemplating the intentions behind the question.
L Lawliet observed him in silence, analyzing every word. "Hm… interesting," he murmured. "So you don't act based on right or wrong, but on what is… useful."
For an instant, he felt something akin to sympathy.
"I suppose so." Kiyotaka Ayanokoji poured himself more of the exquisite tea and returned the question. "And you? What is justice to you?"
If he were to be honest, he was somewhat curious about the answer.
L took a cookie and savored it slowly before replying.
"I don't believe there is a universal definition. For some, it is the enforcement of the law; for others, revenge under a different name. And for many, an ideal used to justify their actions."
He tilted his head, weighing Kiyotaka's words against his own.
"I see it as a scale. An attempt to balance what is right and what is necessary. The problem is that anyone can place weight on it and claim their side is the true one. Perhaps justice is nothing more than the will of the one who has the strength… or the intelligence to impose it."
"So you believe justice is relative. That it merely changes disguises," Kiyotaka commented, uneasy under the unrelenting gaze.
"Perhaps," L replied, easing his suspicions. "You could say I'm interested in discovering how far that disguise can go."
Silence enveloped them once more.
Kiyotaka continued enjoying the snacks until he decided to speak again.
"I suggest you use the communication ring at all times. Lamperouge-san mentioned he would contact us when necessary."
"...? What do you mean by that?" L Lawliet asked, watching him.
"The worlds Zefir spoke of are lethal, and given that, it's best to prepare at least a minimum level of safety."
He added nothing more. If L didn't understand, it wasn't his problem.
"Although, of course, you could also do things your own way…" Kiyotaka stood up, ready to return to his apartment.
Setting aside their brief exchange of words, he saw little utility in someone like him. Simply observing him would be sufficient.
"I understand…" L Lawliet replied simply.
Naturally, the image he constructed before Kiyotaka Ayanokoji was a mixture of genuine and false thoughts, all with the intent of probing further.
As for waiting to be contacted… first, he needed to confirm whether that small lie would still prove useful.