"Don't you think it’s a bit premature to bring everything to an end just yet?"
"Hmm... is that so? I, for one, believe the timing is perfect."
A single round table sat enveloped in darkness.
Among the figures seated around it, two individuals positioned directly across from one another were clashing in opinion. As their current posture suggested, their views were in total opposition. Abyss was eager to force a conclusion, while Lost sought to gently restrain him; both men radiated a quiet yet unmistakable sense of mutual rejection.
"As of today, four individuals designated as 'Protagonists' have already reached their Game Over. This pace far exceeds our projections. Considering how many dropouts have appeared in such rapid succession, the audience must be growing weary of the repetition."
"So you’re just going to end it? Now, just as the story is finally gaining momentum?"
"It is precisely because of the timing. In their current state, they cannot hope to survive the battles ahead. Since the 'Game Set' is already a foregone conclusion, there is no value in letting the story simmer further. If that is the case... it is better to craft the ultimate Climax now, just as the narrative reaches its peak. Don't you agree?"
Abyss spoke with a theatrical flair, his voice bouncing with the cadence of a clown. Lost, however, remained unruffled, offering his reply in his usual measured tone.
"I disagree. While I share your low opinion of those who reincarnated as Protagonists, there are others who have stepped outside that framework entirely."
"Hee-hee... you mean that Irregular you’re so obsessed with? I see, I see. Well, I understand what you’re trying to say."
Abyss laughed pleasantly, narrowing his eyes as he studied Lost. Meeting that gaze head-on, Lost stared back in silence, waiting for Abyss to continue.
"He is certainly a fascinating Irregular. He is likely the primary reason the 'Protagonists' reached their pathetic ends much sooner than anticipated. He has certainly played his part in making the stage exciting thus far. However—"
Abyss paused, snorting with amusement. He maintained a mocking attitude toward the boy called the Irregular, and toward Lost for being so captivated by his exploits.
"The audience isn't looking for that. They don't want to see a youthful drama defined by Friendship, Effort, and Victory. They aren't asking for the heroics of a Hero who triumphs over evil. What they truly crave is the sight of arrogant, high-and-mighty fools perishing pathetically as they fall into a despair-filled Bad Ending. After all, they say the misfortune of others tastes like honey, don't they?"
"I wonder. There is a possibility that your perspective is nothing more than your own delusion."
"I could say the exact same to you, Lost. You are the only one who actually cares to see that Irregular succeed."
"Oh? Personally, I’m holding out some hope for him. Every time he pulls something off, the 'Protagonists' (lol) get all worked up—it's hilarious, isn't it?"
Abyss glanced at Drop, who had chimed in to tease him while siding with Lost, but he chose to ignore her. He reached into his pocket and produced a ticket-like object, placing it upon the round table for the assembly to see.
"Regardless, the plan is already in motion. The game ends here. I’m sure you understand... but do not even think about interfering with my stage, Lost."
"Sigh... I know. We don't cooperate more than necessary, and we don't destroy one another's work. Those are the rules."
"Excellent. I understand your disappointment, but it can't be helped. As an apology, I shall reserve the best seats for you. Please, enjoy the tale of ruin and the ending I have envisioned from the front row."
With a final laugh, Abyss faded into the shadows.
As the presences around the table vanished one by one, Drop, who had remained until the end with Lost, spoke up.
"So, what’s the plan? Abyss is dead serious about ending things. He was even busy the other day, taking that 'Protagonist' (Scum) who failed and remodeling him into some kind of item."
"He’s perfectly prepared, then. Those 'Protagonists' who did nothing but neglect their training won't stand a chance."
"Does that mean you're giving up? Just going to watch Hero-kun's final moments because there's nothing left to do?"
"No, quite the opposite. I have high expectations for him. I believe he will overcome even this cruel trial and become a true hero."
Lost leaned back in his chair as he answered. Looking up at the ceiling, a smile twisted the lips visible beneath his hood as he murmured as if to himself.
"Abyss is right about one thing. The audience enjoys watching 'Protagonists' perish in pathetic agony. Since those boys have become as worthless as flavorless gum, the idea of destroying everything isn't wrong. But—"
"If Hero-kun manages to crush the Mastermind behind it all, the audience will be hooked. It creates a brand-new dynamic: Mastermind VS Hero-kun. That's what you're after, right?"
Lost snapped his fingers in agreement, his smile widening. He stood up from his chair and whistled a short tune before speaking one last time.
"My Hero... the enemy this time is a different breed. The Mastermind who has been pulling strings from the shadows is finally stepping into the light. But I know you can overcome this. I believe you’ll use Abyss as your stepping stone to become a true hero!"
With those words, the presences of Lost and Drop vanished.
The darkness was left empty, devoid of sound or light.
The Protagonist, the Masterminds, and those who remained blissfully unaware—their conflicting intentions were about to converge as the School Trip began.
On a Southern Island, a story woven from countless entangled fates was reaching its peak. The curtain was about to rise on a grand stage, and no one knew which way the scales would tip—toward ruin or rebirth.