Back at the temple, every single student was still paralyzed with fear after what they had just witnessed.
It was a normal day for them. They went to school,were they forced to hangout because of an activity demanded by the school, went through the park, found a giant door, entered the door and ended up in a misterious dungeon. And now, one of the girls was dead.
Truly a normal day.
Motoyasu: *scared* T-That thing moves!
One of the girls of the group had attempted to leave the room. However, when she touched the door, one of the statues, had striked her down, destroying her head.
This of course caused panic in everyone.
Akane tried to find a solution, however not even she knew what was going on.
However, the hard reality soon fell upon her, when she realized a small, yet important fact.
Akane: If that one can move, then what's stopping the others from doing it?
As the group looks around, Itsuki looks behind them, before muttering something.
Itsuki: *scared* Does that mean...even the big one can move...
As he said that, Kai looked back at the giant. The giant was looking at them. However, his eyes suddenly started to releasd a powerful orange light.
Feeling something, Kai grabbed the person closest to him, which was Akane.
Before she could question him, he yelled out.
Kai: Everyone duck!
Before anyone could question it, they all turned around and saw what was happening.
The statue kept charging the attack before finally releasing the blast at them.
As the group got out of the way, Kai ends up being on top of Akane, who is holding her head scared.
As the attack finished, smoke comes out of the statues eyes. However, the effects already did their job on everyone.
Girl 2: *crying* What the hell... I want my mommy...
Itsuki S-stay calm. Everyone is gonna be alright.
They were lucky. That blast didn't hit anyone. However, it didn't need to.
Yuuichi: If Sumeragi hadn't yelled... I would have been hit...
Girl: i-i-i want to go home, please!
As Kai stood up, he checked on Akane, however she was too scared to move.
Kai: Nishimura-san. Please.
Seeing this, Ren slightly stood and yelled.
Ren: Nobody move! Just remain like this! If we stand, it will attack again!
Girl 1: R-Ren?
Motoyasu: Tck. What a bunch of BS.
Ren handmade his way back to Kai and Nishimura to check on them. He saw Nishimura was in a fetal position, bugging her knees. Ren grabbed his attention, by touching Kai's shoulder.
He turned back and looked at him
Kai: Amaki-kun!
Ren: Worrying about Nishimura will do no good right now.
Kai: B-But
However, to both of their surprise, Akane managed to pull herself together.
Akane: Ren...how many died?
Hearing that, he looks around before answering.
Ren: Non. Everyone managed to avoid the blast because of Kayaba 's shout.
Kai: Is that true?
Ren: * Confused* Wait. Didn't you yell because you knew what would happen?
Akane: Are you serious, Kayaba-kun?
Kai: *embarrassed* Y-yeah. The only reason I yelled out, was because I felt danger..
Ren and Akane were... surprised to say the least. It was really unthinkable how someone would trust their instincts so much. However, they couldn't deny the fact that Kai's instincts saved them.
As the three finally got their emotions in order, they analyzed the situation.
Kai: Do you both think there's a way to escape?
Ren *doubtful* I don't know.
Akane: Right now, we're at that things mercy.
Kai: Then let's review what we know. This place is apparently called the Carthenon Temple. It's a place that has its own set of commandments just like the Bible.
The three then thought back to those, The first, worship the lord, second, praise the lord and third,prove your faith.
How would this things be related.
Sit there, Kai felt powerless, almotas if he was in front of a superior being.
He then looked at the state.
Kai's thoughts: No way. Does that mean.
It was a long shot but it would make sense.
Kai: Amaki-san, Nishimura-san. The lord...I think it means...that one, right?
When Kai said that, both looked forward, seeing that imposing figure of the creature in front of them.
Ren: *sigh* Whether he is the lord or not, we better stay still right now. There's nothing we can do against it.
Akane: The best case scenario would be to run when the opportunity arises...
Hearing that, Kai clenched his fists.
Kai's thoughts: It's no good If we move, they'll attack us. Even if we bypass the lord, the guards at the gate will still attack us. He probably never intended for us to leave.
This situation was totally against them. They were only humans...with Kai being the weakest one.
Kai: *punching the ground* Fuck! These guys can kill us whenever they feel like it, can't they?
Akane: It would be easier than squashing a bug.
Ren: Things like this could wipe us out in an instant.
Kai: Then why haven't they?
Ren: Dunno.
Akane: There's not enough information.
It was a very perculiar situation. It could kill them, yet it didn't. It's thought process is different from that of a predator seeking its prey. The guard statues attack when you approach the door. The large one shoots beams when you move. A deadly, yet effective pattern attack.
Kai's thoughts: A pattern...?
When Kai thought that, his eyes widen.
Kai's thoughts It can't be...there's are rules in this room!
It would make sense. The only reason why they're alive, is because they're in a stalemate. But what? What could be preventing them from attacking. What are the rules?
In Kai's mind, it finally clicked. He looked to the side and spotted it. The depictions of the Angel, holding the commandments The Rules.
Kai: Amaki-san, Nishimura-san! What was the first commandment?
Hearing his tone, both of them were surprised.
Ren: *Confused* The first?
Akane: *Confused* Ah? It was Worship the Lord?
When Kai heard that, his eyes focused.
Kai I see...Yes, it makes sense.
Akane: Kayaba-kun?
Kai got on his knees, while staying low.
Kai: Amaki-san, Nishimura-san, there's a rule in this dungeon...
When both of them heard that, they of course acted surprised.
Ren: W-what?
Akane: *Shock* Kayaba-kun, what are you doing!? Are you crazy!
However Kai didn't stop. He was in his own world.
Kai: *Murmured* If im correct.
Akane and Ren want to stop him, however they saw it. His eyes.
That wasn't the gaze of someone afraid of death.
Ren's thoughts: Those eyes...so much strength behind them.
Akane's thoughts: Those eyes...how? How can he be so brave...
As soon as Kai stood tall, the statues gaze went towards him, as it's eyes started to charge up an attack. However, right before it did Kai lowered himself. He raised his head a bit and noticed how the statues attack had completely stopped.
Kai's thoughts: I was right. He starts to attack when you're at a certain height. I finally understand the reason for the first commandment.
Kai turned around and look back at everyone else.
Kai: Everyone! Bow down to the statue!
Upon hearing him, everyone was bewildered.
Girl 2: H-Has he gone insane!
Motoyasu: Bow down!? What the fuck do you mean!
However, Ren and Akane looked at him with curiosity.
Ren: You figured something out, right?
Kai: *Nods* Yeah. He attacks when you move past a certain height, and therefore he doesn't attack when you bow down low enough. Worship the Lord means to literally bow down to him. So when you do...
Akane: You're showing respect and devotion towards him. Puts you in a good light
When Akane finished, Ren looked at Kai a bit skeptical. It's not like he didn't trust Kai. Yet, he was still scared.
Ren: This didn't come from a guy feeling, right?
Kai: *Serious* It did for now.
Ren: *Sigh* Well, there's nothing else we can do for now.
Yuuichi: * Shock* R-Ren!?
Ren: Everyone, do as Kayaba says!
Akane: He's right. Everyone, please trust Kayaba-kun!
With no root argue, ever does as he said. Everyone gets on their knees, putting down their faces.
It truly looked like followers bowing down to God. It was truly a sight to see. On the faces of the 9 remaining teens was pure despair and fear.
The question inside everyone's mind was the same: Are they gonna live? We can finally get out of here? Is this how we're going to live, by bowing?
As everyone was ominous quiet. Truly, leaving their fates in the hands of this creature.
Feeling doubt, the majority looked up and saw....it
Akane's thoughts: W-what is that face?
Kai's thoughts: It's expression...It changed!?
As the teens saw this, without them knowing, a gaze fell upon 4 of them. The gaze was looking almost as if choosing one. The gaze finally landed on the middle.
???'s thoughts:𐌔𐌏𐌏𐌍. O𐌍𐌄 𐌏𐌅 𐌕𐌇𐌄𐌌 w𐌉𐌋𐌋 𐌁𐌄𐌂𐌏𐌌𐌄... 𐌈𐌇𐌄 O𐌍𐌄.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How many people had this thing fought. How many has he attacked before. How many are still alive.
The group had been staying in the same position, for a long time now, just staying like that. During the whole time, it didn't move, nor did they try to move.
Kai's thoughts: How long... How long do we have to do this?
They sit there, waiting for something to happen, but it never came. Alass, just like how the universe is infinite, so is human... stupidity.
Motoyasu: *Looking up* Looks like he stopped attacking.
Itsuki: N-No way
Yuuichi: Don't you think he's gonna try something else now? Is everything actually going to be fine because bowed to him?
However, Motoyasu kept, going, until he had finally stood on the same level, as when Kai tested out where the statue would attack.
Itsuki: H-Hey! Don't stand up!
Motoyasu: L-Look! The attacks stopped!
Suddenly, more people stood up and noticed it was true. They all felt overjoyed. However, the feeling of death hadn't left them yet. And Kai knew it.
Kai's thoughts: No, it's not over yet.
Suddenly, the whole room started to shake, making some of the teens lose their balance. Before they could even share their thoughts on what was happening, the statue, with the same as before grabbed on to the arms rests of his throne and started to stand. Once it did, it fully stood, showing his full height.
Itsuki: I-Its not over yet!?
Girl 3: *Scared* No...No...
Yuuichi...
Seeing this, Akane and Ren turn towards Kai.
Ren: Sumeragi! Don't you have any other plans!?
Akane: Did you figure something out?
Kai: E-Even if you ask me...
That statue then turns towards the three before moving for once more, as everyone looked around, However, Kai eyes widen in realization.
Kai: Wait that's it! The second rule! The first one was to worship the lord, the second was to praise the lord. That has to be it.
Yuuichi: P-Praise?
Akane: If that's it then...
Girl 3: I'll give it a shot. I was a member of the church's choir. And if it's singing and praising then i got this.
The girl the stepped forward, reaching into her blouse and pulling out a golden cross. She then closed her eyes and started to "pray" for the Lord. As she did, the "lord" started to slow down, almost as if it was hearing her.
Itsuki: *Excited* It's working!
Girl 1: Y-Yes!
However, Kai still felt something wrong. The statue with its ever-present smile looked at the girl, as it raised it's leg over her.
Kai's thoughts: That's not right. She's praising...the wrong lord!
Ina single motion, it stomps the girl, making a pool of blood, with no remains to be buried. Seeing this everyone screamed and started to run away from it, they tried to desperately escape but as long as they get close to one of the statues they would die.
Kai grabbed Akane and along with Ren, ran away from there.
Ren: Shit! Stay together!
Kai: Yes!
As Kai ran, every single possibility ran through his head.
Kai's thoughts: Praise the lord. Praise...the lord.
*Scared* How do we praise a god like him!? That's the devil! *Looking around* Behind us, is the big one. In the front, is the guards. They attack when we get too close to them. Swords, axes,bows,hammers,spears...a lyre... We can't get closer and can't keep running.
However, what Kai said finally clicked.
Kai's thoughts: Huh?
Kai looked around and noticed the same thing as before. Among the Warriors, and the lord...there were musicians. People that entertained and...praised kings with their abilities. They shouldn't attack with music. That's it!
Kai: E-Everyone! Run towards the statues with instruments!
As they did, the first person to arrive at their statue was Ren. His statue started to play and got a blue outline, as Ren stood in awe. However, acting surprised wasn't a good idea right now.
Ren: The Statues with the instruments don't attack you, run towards them!
As Ren yelled that everyone else started to look for one. As they did, Motoyasu arrived at a violin player, as a sad melancholy song played.
As everyone ran for their lives,of the eight dome were struggling. One of the girls wasnt able to teach one in time, as the statue beside it stuck her down. Itsuki finally had arrived, at one with and old guitar. As Yuuichi and the other girl arrived at one, they looked confused as to why it wasn't responding.
With Kai and Akane, they both arrived at one playing drums, however, it also did nothing.
Kai: Hurry up and start playing damn it! Come on!
As Kai saw this, he looked back, seeing the other 5 remaining people standing beside their statues, as they kept playing. The reason why it didn't work, finally clicked.
Kai's thoughts: Could it be...it doesn't play for two people!?
Akane: Kayaba...
Seeing this, Kai left Akane there, as he left, with the statue starting to play.
Akane: Kayaba!
Kai: Stay there. I'll find another one!
As Kai started to run the statue turned it's attention towards him. Kai kept looking until finally, he spotted a statue.
Kai's thoughts: Just a little more...A little more!
As Kai thought this, the statue collapsed the area right behind him, making the ground crack.
However, Kai jumped and used the rubble to slide down. As he felt he was about to go forward but Ren's scream distracted him.
Ren: No ! Get away from there!
Kai looked up and saw Ren's worries. The statue that he ended up in front of was that of a shielder. As Kai got close, the shield came crashing down at him and everyone's eyes widen.
Akane: Kai-kun!!!
As Kai looked up, with a bloody and hurt body, he started to crawl trying to reach the instruments.
Kai's thoughts: Instrument...Ins- Please...God...if you truly exist...
As Kai crawled, he then thought back to some, as he was reaching out.
Kai's Narration: Life and Death... because of my attempts to become strong, i was always holding onto that single thread that kept me from dying.
Kai's eyes started to become heavy.
Kai's Narration: No matter what i did how much i practiced, I couldn't get stronger...and i always end up almost dying...Here, I thought it could be different. In order to become strong...I thought magic was my only way. But now...I don't want magic...I want...to... Live
As Kai lost his energy, he heard it A divine cry from the heavens. A voice of an angel sounded in his ears. He looked up and saw an angel, holding a book while singing.
Kai: Haha...
As the room became engulfed in music, the scenery was present, Pools of blood around them. Out of the original 10 that they came with, only 6 remained...
Akane: Kai-kun!
Seeing how it ended, Akane ran from the statue towards him.
Akane: Kai! Are you ok!?
Kai: Y-yeah. So,so.
Akane: Are you-
Before Akane club finish, she stopped midway, as she looked toward him. Tears invaded her eyes, as Kai looked down towards the stream of blood coming from his leg.
Sorry...
What used to be his leg
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currently, Kai was being treated by Akane, as she was using a first aid kit provided by Ren who always had one in case of emergencies.
As that happened, Ren and Motoyasu stood beside
eachother, seeing this.
Ren *Shocked* I'm surprised.
Motoyasu: Yeah. At least Kayaba is still alive...
They then looked around.
Itsuki: We started with 10 and now we have 6.
Ren: And one greatly injured...
As Itsuki said that, Motoyasu looked behind him, seeing Yuuichi standing there, with his eyes being covered by his hair.
Before he could say anything the ground shook once more as the statue moves again.
Itsuki: *Asks* What now?
That statue then opens his hands wide, as an earthquake hit. Before they could question it from the beside the statue, a small pillar rose.
The object was fully visible but completely different from anything they'd ever seen.
Motoyasu: W-What is that?
Before they could discuss, Kai looked ahead weakly and answered.
Kai: *Breathing heavily* An Altar.
Itsuki: Altar?
Kai: You know, like the ones from mythology...Where they sacrificed living beings for their lord/gods. Cows,pigs,sheep... humans...*Breaths* And the last commandment is...
Akane: Prove your...faith...
As they realize that, the all looked towards each other, with Motoyasu starting to move.
Motoyasu: No matter how dumb i might be...I think I can tell what's going on now...
Itsuki: Motoyasu?
Motoyasu: This means we need to sacrifice someone.
Motoyasu kept walking until finally, he arrived in front of a person.
The person looked up in shock, as Motoyasu grabbed them by the collar, lifting them.
Motoyasu: Isn't that right... Yuuichi.
Seeing this, Itsuki stepped in trying to pry Motoyasu off him. However, Motoyasu was stronger.
Motoyasu: Who was the one that brought us here? Who was the one that opened the door?
Seeing the situation, Akane also stood up and went to help Itsuki as they pry Motoyasu off him. He falls to the ground, and gets into a fetal position trembling, his right he had his hands on his head.
As everyone spoke with eachother, Kai wasn't paying attention. He was looking towards Yuuichi, and his eyes wide trembling but...
He had a crazed smile.
Kai's thoughts: Why...Why is his face like that...
Unable to get an answer, Kai was about to say something when he feels a gaze. He looks toward Yuuichi, who has this insane smile, as he sticks his tongue out at Kai.
Before making...his final play.....