Chapter 163 (2/2)

I felt dizzy and nauseous, the buzzing in my ears won’t stop.

I have seen that. I already saw such a scene.

Where? Where did I see it? Why was just looking at that scene bringing me to tears?

What is this cold feeling rising from the depths of my soul?

「I’m pretty sure at first everyone thought that it was a fake. But in fact, people really went missing. Eventually, even experts in video editing appeared and claimed that the video was authentic. Though we ourselves knew that it wasn’t fake. After all, I was there myself and witnessed all of it.」

Inhaling slowly and deeply, I redirect my attention to Yuuto’s voice.

I wanted to switch my thoughts from the incomprehensible sentiments as soon as possible.

「Shiori disappeared in the same way as in this video. I could not do anything. She was crying for help, saying that she was scared and I could do nothing but watch. I still see it in my dreams. I woke up many times in the middle of the night to her voice or face. At times I even thought that going insane might not be that bad.」

The sound of Yuuto’s self-mocking voice resounding in my ears.

「Sorry, I got sidetracked. The video got leaked into the net and became impossible to remove, turning the disappearance incident into the national sensation. And while most people after seeing that video were saying that it is fake or edited or something, a strange rumor started to circulate.」

「Rumor?」

「Yes, a dumb rumor, something like an urban legend. According to it, people trapped in those magic circles were summoned to another world.」

Once again, my heart skipped a beat.

Something inside me screamed that it’s different.

It was not such a nice thing.

（Shit, just what is this all about…）

Pulsing sensations for which I didn’t know the reason to, sent my blood rushing all over my body, making me dizzy from fever.

Suppressing that and pretending that nothing is happening, I concentrate on Yuuto’s story.

「This far it’s no big deal. Or rather, another world is one thing, but if we can’t believe in something that defies common sense then all that is left for us is doubt our eyes and minds. The problem is what happened after that.」

「Yes, what then?」

「They claimed that if you kill someone associated with the transference, someone who was there, you will level up and will be able to go to another world after your death.」

「Huh? Come again?」

The story took such a huge leap that I was unable to follow what Yuuto was saying.

「Ah, yea, I understand that feeling. But there was a bunch of imbeciles what believed in that. They secretly were increasing their numbers in the deep web until finally, an incident occurred. A student was invited on the program doing a special about the video that turned into a hot topic. There, he was stabbed with a knife by one of the staff members and killed.」

「…………」

「And on top of that, right after that was leaked a result of analysis by police stating the video is『authentic』plus personal information of all people related to the case.」

Yuuto made a pause there, took a breath and then continued.

「People from the school were attacked in various locations. Eventually, it crossed all possible bounds, claiming that by taking possession of personal belongings of someone related to the incident one will be able to receive a lot of bonus points for reincarnation, they turned to robbery, burglary and even kidnapping. Due to the leak from the police, they could do all they wanted for a while…Kaori-chan also went missing in one of the incidents and her whereabouts are still unknown.」

「By Kaori-chan you mean little sister of Shiori-san? Why the hell, isn’t she unrelated?!」

In my mind appeared an image of cheerfully laughing little girl.

Somewhat more mature for her age, a little girl, still in primary school, should not even be ten years old yet.

Because I was competing with Shiori-san on who’s little sister was more adorable, I remember her really well. Always wearing the hair clip with a cat that she supposedly received from Shiori-san and really idolized her.

「They have a point system for us. For example, us that were present on that spot at that time are『Out of scope for transference』- 100 points, siblings – 70 point, parents – 50 points. Blood or hair or something similar also works, depending on the quantity it can be from one to five points, hahaha, really, such fucking shitstains.」

「It, it can’t be… Wha… What did police say?」

「Missing, no development. Didn’t discover any clues.」

「…But, but, if she wasn’t found then she might not be dead.」

「I know. No matter how long will it take, I will find Shiori and Kaori-chan. Definitely, I won’t give up. Yea, I know, I know. I am still fine.」

With an expression like he was about to crush his molars, Yuuto spit out those words in a somewhat familiar tone.

I can see black light shining deep inside his eyes.

I had no idea what to say to Yuuto that was resembling a balloon that is about to blow up, so I just kept my mouth shut.

With a friend that was close to his limit in front of me, all I could do was to keep my mouth closed.

「That’s what I meant when I said that people died because of the leaked video and personal info. Personal info included addresses, face shots and so on, so people shortly got found… Soon some were killed. Only after the situation became like this, the police and the government finally took it seriously. The number of police officers in this town was greatly increased and it was decided that the school won’t be abolished. Well, they probably just wanted to put all of the bait into one place. But because of that, security was bolstered so much that it was clearly noticeable and no new incidents occurred.」

Yuuto turned his gaze back to the TV.

…I see, someone died, again.

「Kaito, surely I don’t have to tell you but make sure you will support Mai-chan.」

「Well, of course? I will protect her no matter what. As if I’d let such sickos hurt her.」

「I am not talking about the physical aspect, on that part you should be careful yourself. I’m talking about her mental well being, if you die she might even commit suicide. That’s how you should look at it.」

「Huh? No, nonono, Mai is quite strong mentally, suicide is just…」

「I know that as well. But I will say it even so. I am pretty sure what if something were to happen to you, Mai-chan will break. The two that were Mai’s friends, remember them?」

「Miyuki-chan and Satomi-chan, right? I do remember them but… Hey, don’t tell me…」

My little sister didn’t have so many acquaintances during middle school, and those two were the first friends she brought home.

Mai, very shy at the time then said 『…They’re my best friends』

「Remember, I said just a minute ago that Kaori-chan『also』went missing. Miyuki-chan is missing since that assault six months ago, half a year has passed already. And Satomi-chan is the student that was mentioned on TV just now, she was killed only a month ago.」

Why, why.

Why did my little sister have to go through all this.

What Mai, what had my sister ever done that she has to go through such suffering.

Parents died, I disappeared, friends are gone.

Aah, really, why…

「You are the only one left for Mai-chan.」

A farce that sounds like a story that I heard somewhere causes a sharp pain deep inside my head.

My heart was filled with bitterness and disappointment at my own weakness.

And I was even more disgusted about myself because for some reason those emotions felt like something I was really used to.