We were dropped off at random locations across the island. A feminine voice echoed from the bright blue sky, covering the entire island. I tuned my ears to it.
The system announced that there were no rules for the game—they would be introduced later. There were starting additions. Everyone was given a phone with unlimited battery. Inside was a button app; pressing it eliminated you. The rules app was empty. Items could be bought from the shop app using game coins. I saw the mine I had added myself in the traps section. I felt relieved.
There was an inventory system—tap on an item and it appeared in your hand. The technology was incredible, but after the cell regeneration machine, I knew better than to be surprised.
The game began. To blow up the entire island, I needed between twenty-five and fifty mines—if I placed them strategically and could manipulate the masses. The shop didn't show stock quantities, so no one could tell who was buying what. I bought five mines immediately.
I had to place the mines so that no one would accidentally step on them by chance. If someone triggered one too early, the domino effect would ruin my plan. Every mine's location had to be flawless. It felt almost impossible, but the stakes were high. I had decided long ago to try. The Itsuki variable was also in play—if I gave up now, he'd find me boring. I didn't want to turn the elites against me.
I was in a heavily forested area. I observed my surroundings. No one was watching. I placed the first mine at the base of a tree, buried it in the soil, and covered it with dirt. I spent ten seconds engraving the location into my memory. I pulled shrubs over it, ripped up thorny plants, and scattered them among the bushes. No one would approach. I would memorize every mine's location—the map wasn't detailed enough to mark them. The mines had to be connected like a string, covering the entire island, or I'd have to lead the masses toward them. I had to play my game flawlessly.
As I moved forward to scout new locations, a voice came from behind me. Neither thin nor deep.
"Senpai!"
I turned around. A boy about 175 centimeters tall, brown hair, light green eyes. He smiled with a cute expression and waved at me.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Haru, senpai. You're Rei. I already knew about you. Nice to meet you."
"How do you know me? And why senpai?"
"I heard about what you've done. I respect you. That's why I see you as my senpai. Akari also mentioned you."
My eyes widened. "Akari is in this game?"
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"Yes, senpai."
"What's your relationship with her?"
"We're from the same layer, the third layer. I have... some feelings for her, but she doesn't really notice." He clasped his hands together, his face reddened, and he avoided eye contact.
Either he's telling the truth, or he's playing a role.
"What did Akari say about me?"
"Just ordinary things. She said you're a good rival. Didn't go into detail."
"Why are you talking to me? Just to introduce yourself?"
"That too. But since we've met, how about we move together for a while?"
A pleading expression, bright eyes. He was trying to look cute.
"No."
"Why?"
"I don't know you. I'll manage on my own. But stick around. I have an idea in mind—I might come find you."
"What idea?"
I showed him the map.
"Is that a map? They weren't selling those in the shop. Did you draw it?"
"Yes."
"Amazing! How did you draw it in such detail?" He grew excited. "I'm going to buy blank paper from the shop and make copies to trade."
"Can you draw it again? How do you remember it?"
"I have a good memory."
"I see. So you're offering to trade me a map later, right?"
"Yes. Stay nearby. If I call for you, come."
"See you, senpai."
He disappeared from sight. I bought a bag and ten sheets of blank paper.
Does this kid know Akari's true nature? Is he someone she's manipulating, or an accomplice playing a role? If he were a traitor, he wouldn't have mentioned Akari. Maybe he doesn't know about our history. But it could also be reverse psychology. If he's playing a role, he's good at it. I hadn't even bought a bag yet, and I didn't hear him approach, but he called out to me. He doesn't seem to be trying to press my phone button. I need to be careful. He's probably watching me.
I didn't place any more mines for a while. I made copies of the map. In one hour, I drew ten copies at the same level of detail, rolled them up, and put them in my bag. I bought water and bread and ate. I was giving Haru time to find something worth trading.
It was getting dark. I bought a tent. My coins were dwindling—I had to be careful for the mines. I went to the shore and caught a fish with my bare hands, cooked it, and ate. When I returned, Haru was waiting by the fire.
"Senpai! How are you?"
"Why did you come?"
"I'm asking how you are, and you're asking why I came? We're not enemies."
"You're right. Sorry."
"I didn't expect that. Do you have anything to trade for a map?"
"I cooked some fish. Would that work?"
"I'm not trading for food."
"I don't have anything else right now."
"Come find me when you have something worth trading. You found this place by the smoke, right?"
"Yes."
"Others could see it too. We should be careful."
"You're right, senpai."
A couple passed by in the distance, looking uncomfortable, and sped up. They seemed to have teamed up. I put out the fire and stood up.
"I'm leaving. Don't follow me this time."
His eyes flickered for just a fraction of a second. I caught it. He had been following me.
He quickly composed himself. "What do you mean, follow you? Why would I follow you?"
"Who knows."
I walked away. I went in the opposite direction, hid among the bushes, and set up my tent inside a cave. Night fell. I couldn't sleep.
What is this Haru? I need to be careful.
The first day came to an end.