Day Four: Sleeping in Shifts

Raid Event: Doomsday Getaway

Episode 3

Day Four: Sleeping in Shifts

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Day Three: The Evil Among Us

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Day Five: The Dolls

Summary

Having witnessed the now-dead Ranzal speak with Elisanne the night prior, Amane casts a suspicious eye upon her. But that night, she is attacked! Is Scylla disguised as Elisanne?!

Dialogue

Ooo, this is delightful! Who could it be this time...? Eeeeeeeek! That came from outside! Amane, was that you? What happened?! It's... ...... Ranzal, no! RANZAL! Damn it all, I can't take this anymore! Where you do think you're going, Patia?! To find and destroy Scylla, that's where! And how are you going to do that when she is right here among us? Maybe the reason you're making all this fuss is because YOU'RE Scylla! Me? You think I killed everyone? If you are truly Patia, then no. But I don't know if that is the case. And I don't know if you are really Amane.  ! Come on, everyone, calm down. We need to keep cool heads. He's right! This is a time to stick together like glue, not break apart like...not-glue. We need each other more than ever now.

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...Alas, poor Ranzal. Still, I suppose this means I can be released now? You clearly weren't involved, so I don't see a reason to keep you locked up. In fact, Norwin is now the very FURTHEST person from suspicion. Indeed, for he is the only one of us who could not have done the deed. ...... We should probably stick together from now on. If one of us is Scylla, it's going to be best for us to not be separated. So we can keep mutual eyes on each other, you mean? Something like that. It's not very nice, but I suppose there's little point in trying to pretty things up at this point. Still, we'll never get through this if we don't all work together. Er, if I may, did I hear you say something about one of us BEING Scylla?

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...I see. So Scylla may be among us even as we speak. Right, which is why we need a way to suss her out of hiding. The simplest method would be to ask a person a question that they—and they alone—would know the answer to. We thought of that as well, and spent all last night asking each other questions. Clearly your efforts were for naught, or we would not be having this conversation. I suppose Scylla must have anticipated that particular tactic. By the way, how exactly IS Scylla killing everyone? What do you mean? Luca and Cleo both lacked external wounds, and there were no signs of a struggle about their persons. Was this the same for Ranzal? Yes, Ranzal was the same. Then we can conclude they were all killed without offering even token resistance. Luca and Cleo could have been surprised, but Ranzal knew that Scylla is among us. It would not be easy to catch him unaware. Right... I can't imagine someone killing Ranzal without him even trying to fight back. It's strange, yes, but Scylla is a fiend. There may be methods available to her that cannot be foreseen by us. Yes, that possibility also exists. However, I am not convinced that is all there is to it. The idea she can simply kill us without any resistance is dubious. And yet, that is clearly what's happening, which means it's not dubious at all, no? I think I understand what Norwin is trying to say. If Scylla actually had the power to kill us with a thought, why is she doing it day by day and one by one instead of simply destroying us all in one fell swoop? Interesting. Perhaps whatever this power of hers is doesn't extend that far. Or perhaps it is bound by certain rules. Rules? Carmen called this a game, did she not? And games have rules. Now that you mention that, I suppose that nasty pig...bear...thing...whatever she is! Never mind! She said it! If there ARE rules, we need to figure out what they are, and do it fast. Perhaps we can learn more if we find more notes from old participants. Good idea, Sinoa. Let's focus today's investigation on the private homes left over on the island.

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*sigh* A whole day of searching, and still nothing. It's getting dark, but I REALLY don't wanna sleep tonight. We've lost one person per night so far. I would like to end that cycle here, yet have little faith we can do so. Then we need to DO something instead of standing around wringing our hands! Perhaps we could set a watch. Indeed, if we take turns sleeping in sequence, it means someone is always awake to keep an eye on things. Then we should split into groups— three people remain awake while all the others sleep. In that case, I will pair with Elisanne. I care not who our third is. You seem very quick to decide that, Amane. Care to share why? I'm the one who saw Elisanne with Ranzal last night. I didn't hear what they were saying, but they had the look of two people who were arguing with one another. N-no! I was merely talking to him about the situation we all find ourselves in! Then why were the two of you alone? Shouldn't the rest of us have been involved with a discussion like that? Guys, this is SO weird. Can we please stop with the doubting each other already? Yes, because that is exactly what Scylla wants us to do! Even so, it doesn't mean we can simply throw caution to the wind. If you wish to keep an eye on me, Amane, you are welcome. I have naught to hide. ......

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...... ...... Is it necessary to stare at me so? Do you truly find me so untrustworthy? No, it was all just an excuse. I don't actually distrust you. I know what you're planning, Elisanne: I know you want Euden to be the one who survives. You heard my discussion with Ranzal! No, but I imagined that to be the sort of thing you'd come up with. And while I understand why you would want the prince to escape if only one can, you are being too hasty. I...I must apologize. On the contrary, I think it's a good thing. If you were Scylla, you wouldn't have thought to say something like that. I think I can trust you now. And I trust you in return, Amane. You came to that decision quickly. Did it not occur to you that I might be lying in an attempt to trick you? I find that extremely unlikely. ...Because I am the one tricking YOU.  ?! Eee hee hee hee... Wh-why can't I move?! Because you are in my web, little one. Struggle all you wish; it will not help. You poor, stupid girl. If you hadn't trusted someone else like this, you might have lived a little while longer... Y-you're not Elisanne... You're... Do try to make your soul tasty for me, now! Aaaaaah ha ha ha ha ha! AAAAAAAAAH! And then there were seven.