Ding-dong— Ding-dong—
The bell rang, signaling the end of class.
The teacher left, and the classroom's atmosphere shifted instantly. Students stood up, chatting as they headed to the restroom or gathered in small groups to talk. Some remained seated, like Takakai, who was still staring at the empty desk behind him.
No one.
His brow furrowed as he exhaled slowly.
That seat had been empty the entire time.
Had it always been empty?
He couldn't recall.
I didn't even question it.
I just... accepted the note. Responded without hesitation.
Had he been influenced?
The realization settled heavily in his chest.
Was it carelessness?
Or had the dungeon's subtle assimilation already dulled his instincts?
Either way, it was a bad sign.
Fujiwara Chika, Yotsuya Miko, and Hayasaka gathered around him as he stood.
"Let's go."
The four of them left the classroom and stepped into the hallway.
Not far away, they spotted Shijou Maki's team—returning from their investigation of [Morihara Kouji]. A brief nod was exchanged before both groups continued on their separate paths.
Takakai paused at the stairwell.
Something had caught his eye.
The bulletin board outside the faculty office—the rules had changed.
No longer the bland "Basic Regulations" from earlier.
Now, it was a stained, tattered sheet filled with dense, handwritten text.
Did interacting with that "student" unlock this?
He glanced at Miko.
She showed no reaction—meaning she had already seen it.
"You noticed this earlier?" he asked quietly, gesturing toward the board.
Miko's eyes widened slightly before she nodded.
"Yes. I tried to tell the others, but... they didn't react. Just like in the dormitory."
Relief flickered across her face. Finally, someone else could see it too.
Takakai exhaled.
"This is worse than I thought. Hold on—I need to read this."
Chika and Hayasaka waited obediently as he approached the board.
[Yoruyama Academy Main Building Survival Rules]
[This set of rules was compiled by the secret organization: The Living Club. Do not attempt to find us. It will not benefit you.]
1. Open Hours Rules
(1) Do not share these rules with those who cannot see them. They will not believe you. From the moment you see what others cannot, you have entered another world. Only those like us can help each other. Find them—but be careful. Something else is searching for you.
(2) Operating hours:
Weekdays: 6:30–22:00
Weekends: 6:00–22:00
Do not enter outside these times.
(3) Wear the full uniform at all times inside the building.
(4) Do not respond to voices from behind you. Never communicate with someone whose face you cannot see.
(5) Avoid discussions about "ghost stories" or urban legends, especially those related to this school. Do not be curious.
(6) Check the flowerpots on your floor and lower floors. Note any withered plants. Avoid those corridors until replacements arrive.
2. Closed Hours Rules
If you wake up inside the school after hours (locked in your classroom):
(1) Stay calm. Do not turn on lights. Flashlights are stored under the teacher's desk.
(2) Before opening the door, listen for movement in the hallway. If you hear anything, do not be seen.
(3) Use the staircases carefully:
The right staircase only descends to the 2nd floor.
Never descend more than two floors at once.
If footsteps approach rapidly, flee the staircase immediately.
(4) Avoid piled-up trash.
(5) If you hear dripping water or laughter in the restroom...
[Text smudged] ...go in and play with her.
(6) Do not pass through corridors with dead plants. Stick to areas where flowers thrive.
(7) Do not enter unlocked classrooms at night.
(8) Stay away from brightly lit classrooms with voices inside. Avoid their entire floor.
(9) Exits are locked at night. Escape through:
Windows of Class 1-1, 1-3, or 1-5.
Keys are hidden in flowerpots along their hallways.
(10) The atrium does not exist at night.
(11) If trapped, go to the rooftop.
The key is hidden in a flowerpot outside the staff office.
Lock the door behind you.
Takakai's Thoughts
The rules were divided into two sections—17 in total.
He had already broken one (responding to an unseen "student").
The Closed Hours section was far more ominous, hinting at a nighttime version of the school where the real horrors lurked.
But one line stood out most:
[Do not attempt to find us.]
The Living Club.
Who were they?
Survivors? Previous players?
Or something else entirely?
"Let's go."
No time to waste.
Takakai motioned for the others to follow as he headed upstairs.