Chapter 14: Brutal

(at the auditorium)

The students see 10 squares stuck on the wall. On top of it was written, "This phrase only has 10 words".

Sol (eyes start tearing up): Tanjiro, I'm scared!"

Tanjiro: Don't worry, we are in this together. Now help me find the answer. The phrase needs 10 words.

Sol: Yeah, you're right. We are in this together. So, we have to find and frame a phrase that means the same as bullying.

Tanjiro: Bullying means to frighten or hurt a weaker person.

Sol: So it could be like, 'Don't hurt others' feelings?" No, that has only 4 words.

Tanjiro: What about "hurting someone doesn't make you look good"?

Sol: But that has only seven words. Wait, isn't there something like this in our English textbook? It was something similar to what you just said.

Tanjiro: Which one?

Sol: Some candle thing, oh, I can't remember!

Tanjiro: You mean "Blowing out one's candle doesn't make yours shine any brighter"?

Sol: YES! THAT'S IT! It has ten words!

The students rush to the square and start filling it with the words. But at that very moment, Takaoka's dead body is covered with melted candle wax, and the answer to the question engraved on his chest is dropped from the ceiling of the auditorium.

Students start fainting and vomiting at the traumatizing sight. Soon they realize that a student named Manami is missing.

Mysterious voice: Once again, you have failed to answer the given question in time. The next question will be given shortly.

Mr. Jinta: How about using this time to find Manami?

Ms. Kayede: But she could be anywhere.

Mr. Jinta: We have to at least try. We have time now. Everyone divides into two groups and searches only within the school premises. Stick together, everyone.

With that said, the students divide into two groups and start searching.