The rules of the game might initially seem complicated. Ah, these rules, layered like an onion. But if you cut through, no, even just look closer, it becomes clear that everything is much simpler than you'd like.
As mentioned before, the witch summoned six participants. Six pieces. Six lives. Six stories. All for the start of her own, damn theatrical game.
The island doesn't actually exist in any dimension. Think about it, not in one. Not in known, not in imagined, it's something in between "nothing" and "too much." You could call it fiction... yes, you could, if it wasn't standing right under our feet.
Paradox? Perhaps. But if it appears, it exists. And if it exists, it's... not fiction. Though maybe non-existent things can exist if the witch wants it.
It's in the middle of an endless ocean. And this ocean isn't quite an ocean either. More a metaphor. A feeling of enclosed infinity. You can't reach it, it appears with the island, like a bonus addition. Like a shadow behind your back that you don't notice until you turn.
But there must be reasons why the witch starts the game. She can't do it without motivation... right? Though... she can. She's a witch, after all.
She said boredom is her worst enemy. It sounded almost human. Boredom, loneliness... and at the same time, when there's no one around but you, it sounds... terrifyingly true. Even in this thick, seemingly lush forest, no trace of life. No squirrel, no mouse, no mosquito. Only wind and emptiness.
Well, except for the seagulls. Yes, seagulls constantly fly here. Probably the only living thing around us.
Living?
She's dead. Died long ago, but her soul, as they said in ancient times, remained wandering. Sealed here forever. Forever, a word that chills.
Should you feel pity for such a person?
A trick question. A question with thorns. One you can't answer "yes" or "no" without selling out completely. The answer might seem obvious... but not in this case.
She forces us to play. In a survival game, to get something cherished... you have to kill.
Kill, just kill. Each other, for a ghostly dream, what stupidity. No, what blatant nonsense.
Though we all strive for something, even I. Especially I. Everyone had their goals, their dreams, but none of us achieved them.
That's why we're here.
They died without knowing the joy of life. Joy of life... empty words for those who knew only suffering, and suffering is universal. Like death, it comes to everyone.
Now they're given a new chance. A dream in exchange for survival. A toy smelling of blood.
The task seemed simple. Survive until the seventh day, and you win. But we all understood it's a lie. A beautiful, ringing promise wrapped in a knife.
What will she achieve with this game? Hard to believe it's just from boredom. Boredom capable of causing death.
Anyway, I stopped thinking about it. It doesn't matter now. Everything in front of me is an enemy to deal with.
I almost gave up, almost lost. Almost let go. Almost, but...
"A beautiful big-breasted girl is counting on me, how can I possibly allow myself to lose!"
That's our hero for you.
"I can't wait to see your pathetic face after another loss, Aragi!"
As if on cue, Aragi snapped awake. Finding strength when there's none — that's a victory. At least temporary. At least internal.
The witch has an advantage — magic. Simple answer to any question. Meaning unfair game. As if it was ever fair.
"Back to the moment when all participants reached the library door..."
And another round of words began. Like chess, but with digs and shouts.
"It's your doing, I know for sure..."
"You decided to attack me in such a pathetic way..."
I don't have a special plan. I can only hope for what I have.
Sounds logical. Almost.
"Let's start with you not being able to claim my involvement... Don't forget the others' alibis were proven that night, but not his."
I knew it might not work, but I decided to try anyway... Otherwise, why speak at all? A moment flashed in my head. The shot, the bathroom. Seven bodies, seven! Not just coincidence?
And suddenly laughter. Laughter you'd want to bottle and throw into the sea. Let the seagulls choke on it.
"Exactly," the witch said, like a verdict. Like a compliment.
"What was that?" Aragi was genuinely shocked. Too shocked.
"Hm? What do you mean?"
She was reading thoughts the whole time. Or just now, or always.
"Whatever, just surprised. Witches are nothing but trouble..."
"Really? That's minor... want me to show something truly interesting?"
"Why the kindness?" Aragi interrupts.
And rightly so.
"Got carried away," she replies. "Your arguments are so weak I almost fell asleep."
Aragi had one last trump. His final ace up the sleeve. And if it doesn't work, everything's over.
"The door opening," Aragi said.
And the most important thrust began.
"In the first game on the second day, Yahweh opened the door, in the second, Cheryl. Why?"
Magic.
Manipulation.
World restart and new rules. New scene. New play.
The witch wasn't surprised, but... admired?
"You're really an interesting person."
It sounded almost like praise. Almost like recognition.
Aragi didn't stop.
"In other words, Yahweh couldn't open the door because you changed the rules, but made a mistake, a glitch. And now everything's exposed."
The final attack. Strike right to the heart of her game.
"You really prepared well..."
But... her face glowed. With joy, with excitement. That finally someone was playing worthily.
"But everything is far from what you think!"
And laughter again.
"Then try proving otherwise!" Aragi doesn't back down.