CLUE 9: Kyotaka Ayanokoji

POV : Kyotaka

No need to deny it, this day has proven to be captivating and intriguing, marked by twists and a strange satisfaction emanating from within me. A narrative I would hardly have anticipated as I embarked on my third day in this unique universe. Each event, unpredictable yet carefully orchestrated, wove its tapestry throughout the day, leaving an indelible mark on me, a nuance I never thought I would discern.

Rena revealed an unexpected facet, her exchanges unfolding fascinating subtleties far removed from the boredom I might have expected. Scrutinizing every expression, every gesture, I detected nothing but sincerity towards me. However, the nascent idea of a friendship with her seems premature, as three days cannot seal such an affinity. Her eccentric nature does not fail to provoke intrigue. As I mentally revisit this day, a calculating thought insinuates itself into my reflections. Pleasant, indeed, but this day remains exhausting and out of the ordinary. Many unexpected circumstances have dotted its course. Yet, I must admit that I took a certain "pleasure" with Rena today, well beyond my expectations for the third day in this new world.

Considering the possibility of experiencing even once in my life a day as peaceful, pleasant, and free as this one seemed simply unthinkable. Rena, in addition to being an intriguing person, turned out to be pleasant company, devoid of boredom. The conversations I shared with her were all captivating, and the girl herself was a constant source of intrigue. After scrutinizing every expression, every aspect of her, I found nothing but sincerity towards me today. Perhaps she enjoys these days as much as I do? I wonder, could this be the definition of "friendship"? Could she be my first real friend? However, it is still too early to think about that, knowing Rena for only three days. Despite her extravagant personality and exhausting character, I have strangely become accustomed to it.

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"I deeply ponder Rena... Does she not represent much more than a mere presence? An opportunity to exploit, an asset to maneuver. Perhaps even... a key player in the game I manipulate with calculated precision. Her spontaneity, sincerity, strength, intelligence, sociability—qualities I could potentially leverage to my advantage. It's a delicate dance, where every gesture and word become skillfully moved chess pieces on the board. She, an expert in unmasking lies, remains paradoxical, blending remarkable intelligence with disconcerting innocence.

By holding her in my hands, she could prove to be the key piece, surpassing even Kei and Horikita in her potential. The intricate entanglements of this intriguing relationship lead me to wonder how far I can lead her, sculpting her into an invaluable ally. However, I keep in mind that behind every sincere look, a much more complex game could be hidden. I cannot lower my guard in the face of the supposed innocence she displays. After all, she could, in the end, be similar to me, although it seems highly improbable. Nevertheless, nothing is impossible. From now on, I will be attentive to each of her actions, more than ever before. I will observe her closely, deducing what she truly represents.

If she proves to be a potential threat to my freedom, I will eliminate her at the root... On the other hand, if she is simply what she appears to be, she could be the most useful piece I have ever had. She could become my queen, and every tool must be sharpened. I will forge her as a pawn, making her entirely mine, my queen, cultivating complete trust in me to the point where she becomes completely dependent on me, just as Kei was in my previous life."

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The cold and shadowy meanders of reflection intertwine further with my thoughts, imagining how she could prove useful to my designs—a obedient pawn, perhaps even an ideal queen on this chessboard... A pawn that could undoubtedly help me solve this puzzle or illuminate the shadowy areas that surround it. A queen who could even come to my aid against this "Rubiscarl" who seems to be enjoying my expense.

It's naive but irresistible; once you've tasted power, it's challenging to let go. One can be clear-headed, understanding that the more power one gains, the less one counts individually, as we are mere pawns on the chessboard of ambitious individuals scheming beneath us. We cling, pushing back as much as possible the moment of leaving the circle of light, the flattering murmur of praise and compliments—the moment when one finds oneself alone in the darkness, expelled from the world, erased from the living... But for me, it's different, because after all, I am a player, not a mere piece. Perhaps I pretend to comply with your game, Rubiscarl, for now, but know that I am by no means your pawn, and I clearly discern your intentions... I will play the game as long as my freedom is not compromised, but if you plot something that would restrict it... Know that I will not show mercy. I don't exactly know what you have in mind by showing me all this for now, but don't undertake anything whose consequences you might regret... Crossing paths with me could well be the worst mistake of your life, no matter who you really are.

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"Puh..."

A heavy sigh escapes me after these reflections. Once again, I find myself sinking into thoughts that seem to restrict my freedom, as if I were once again a prisoner of "this place"... Have I ever been capable of something different? The path to change always seems out of reach. Despite the pleasant day, it risks being nothing more than a fleeting interlude. I remain a detestable, terrible human being. Escaping this reality seems like an insurmountable task. Perhaps, after all, change is beyond my abilities...

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Rena: Perfect ☆, I'm sure you'll see everything differently, Kyotaka. My new goal? To make you smile, and not just that. I want to make you joyful and happy every day. Does that sound good to you~? She let out a little laugh that seemed adorable to me, hau. Of course, it sounds good to you, doesn't it? Doesn't it?

Kyotaka: It's a rather ambitious goal, but I must admit that my curiosity is piqued. If you want to try...

Rena: That's great! It's going to be so much fun, you'll see. Come on, let's try to change a bit this calm and impassive atmosphere around you, okay? Just by being with us in Hinamizawa, you'll see, this atmosphere will definitely rub off on you! Did you see that smile you had yesterday? You didn't even realize it, did you~?

Kyotaka: I guess you're right... We'll see how it goes in the future, then...

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I recall that promise, Rena... Strangely, as I pondered these words, I found myself reflecting on something I had never considered before. Rena, I will await with conviction and eagerness the fulfillment of that promise, to see if you are truly capable of keeping it... Perhaps, in the end, is she the one I have always been waiting for? I wonder...

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Lying on the couch in my living room, arms resting behind my head on the armrest, and legs crossed extended at the opposite end, I deeply contemplated the day that had just unfolded... It was imperative that I organize all of this, that I think thoroughly, including about the day spent with Rena. A multitude of information had been delivered to me, and it was out of the question for me to overlook any of it. So, I embarked on a systematic reflection, meticulously sorting through all the information gathered during this seemingly endless day. 

First, there was the realization that other people from my "world" were present in this "world." Shiina Hyori, inevitably encountered at the library, as well as the three buddies, Sudo, Ike, and Yamauchi, whose confrontation was equally inevitable. What struck me the most was that they didn't seem to recognize me at all. For them, it was as if we had never crossed paths. Their memories seemed entirely reconstructed to fit perfectly into this new world, as if they had always been a part of it. It was a real shock to see them again, especially four of them. As for Shiina, it was fortunate that it was her among all. I could just as well have stumbled upon Horikita, couldn't I? For these three buddies, I had no particular attachment, so now, I remained rather indifferent.

At the heart of all this was Rubiscarl, the one who would orchestrate everything like a game master moving her pieces. So far, understanding her real intentions or anticipating her next moves remained an enigma. When Shiina spoke to me about this village in a strange way, I thought she was trying to give me clues, like in a board game with real humans. However, after encountering the three buddies, I could conclude that this wasn't the case. Was it to annoy me, to make my life here less enjoyable, or simply, as she had said herself, for fun? The more I tried to understand her, the less I succeeded. She eluded all logic and rationality, or rather, the simple fact that I existed here defied rationality. Inevitably, I had to expect that the person in control would also escape all logic.

Well, at least it wasn't becoming too boring. Things could have been worse, after all. It seemed like she had granted them a rebirth, a second life in this new world. Should I expect to see other people from ANHS, or even from my world in general? There were some I wouldn't mind seeing again, I suppose. I had to prepare myself to meet others now. Who knows, maybe I could even build stronger bonds with them? Current life was pleasant, without competition or constraint. In this context, maybe some could join our group, the Ayanokoji group in particular. I wondered if I would have the opportunity to see them again. Although, like the others, I doubted they would remember me anyway. But maybe other people brought here have, like me, regained their memories? I could only wonder further... Again and again, with each new encounter and each next move that Rubiscarl would make without my knowledge.

All I could do with all this was hope that certain people and things stay in their place, where they should be, and that Rubiscarl doesn't alter them... Otherwise, my freedom would be threatened again.

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After conscientiously reflecting on all the information at my disposal, a sigh escaped me, a sign that I had exhausted my thoughts on the subject.

"Things might take a boring turn if all of ANHS shows up... However, it's unlikely that everyone will be part of it."

Afterward, my thoughts turned to another aspect of the day, especially Keiichi's exaggerated and almost phobic reaction to Rena. A fear so irrational that even I struggled to understand the reason behind it. It went far beyond a simple trauma or a "flaw." It seemed like Keiichi perceived a different Rena, more threatening and dangerous. An oddity that required careful observation of Keiichi, scrutinizing his reactions and expressions.

Keiichi, the only other boy in our group, turned out to be the opposite of my nature. His constant impulsivity and emotionality had the knack of making situations rather "fun," at least from what I had observed in the club. So, it was essential to remain vigilant about his behavior, looking for signs of something unusual. Perhaps, unexpectedly, this could offer a clue to the mystery that enveloped us? Although my doubts persisted, I had little to add on the subject for now.

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My thoughts eventually turned to the third and arguably the most fascinating revelation of the day: the gruesome murder at the old construction site. While it might seem of minor importance, it piqued my curiosity and offered a way to pass the time. There was something mysterious and intriguing in the air, and I was determined to delve into this mystery thoroughly. By carefully examining these details, perhaps I would find clues related to the puzzle Rubiscarl had entrusted to me. It would also allow me to assess if certain elements could threaten my freedom, giving me the opportunity to act accordingly.

First and foremost, it was undeniable that this murder had indeed taken place, and Tomitake, the man who had vaguely mentioned it to me the day before, did not seem to be lying. The intriguing aspect of his narrative was that he was not a permanent resident of the village but rather an occasional visitor to Hinamizawa. This raised the question of how he could have obtained this information, especially in a place where this kind of affair is not usually disclosed so widely, let alone in a small village.

"Well, it looks like Tomitake might be much more complex than he appears... Isn't that right?"

As for the murder itself, I saw no need to dwell on the gruesome details. It was simply an act of dismemberment perpetrated by multiple individuals, a deliberate homicide, an execution, period. There was no need to get lost in deep reflection on this act, as I doubted its usefulness. What captured my interest was the relative novelty of this murder in the world and the village, the old abandoned construction site that didn't seem so old, and everything surrounding this place.

Even though I had little information about it, perhaps I could learn more by questioning Mion at our next meeting. She might be able to shed light on this old construction site, and I wouldn't mind some assistance in gathering information.

In the end, I didn't think I needed to dwell further on this matter. It wasn't of crucial importance, after all. As I've reminded myself many times recently, as long as my freedom is not threatened, I'll simply savor this new peaceful and pleasant life because that's all that matters to me.

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Once again, a sigh escaped me as I stared at the ceiling above.

"I'm overthinking things again, aren't I? This habit seems to follow me relentlessly..."

Probably, I didn't really need to overanalyze things, right? Rena, after all, was probably enjoying the pleasantness of this day without getting lost in excessive thoughts. Perhaps I should do the same, but it seemed that breaking free from this tendency was an insurmountable task. I wasn't even sure of the real relevance of the information I had meticulously analyzed without too much thought once again.

"It'll soon be time to prepare dinner anyway. I might as well get up to start..."

As I prepared to get up, returning to my place on the couch before standing, a sudden vibration from my pants pocket caught my attention.

"My phone, huh? It can only be..."

After this unexpected vibration, I quickly concluded that it could only be the only plausible thing given the time I was in. I took my phone out of my pants pocket and turned it on. The screen lit up in front of me, displaying a notification from the application established by the mysterious Rubiscarl.

"Really... I should have expected this."

In hindsight, it was evident that the start of these intriguing "daily constraints" was scheduled for the next day, and I could imagine that she wouldn't update them for the current day.

"Well, let's see what it is then..."

I clicked on the notification, which directed me straight to the application, in the section of daily constraints. There, for the first time, I could discover what had piqued my curiosity from the beginning. Wondering if it would further restrict my freedom, I delved into examining the first constraint.

"For you, my dear Kyotaka, here's a bit more fun for your greatest pleasure ^^. From your dear Rubiscarl, don't thank me ~"

"... I guess that, considering what I've observed from her so far, this suits her well enough. That annoying way of doing things, along with that equally boring personality."