That 283, Game #1

"Uh, wait a sec... Let me see... Ah, here it is, here it is."

As he said that, the "Gambler" pulled out a single disc.

Its surface was simply labeled "Game #1."

"This is it, this is what I've been wanting to play with you all along."

"What's this?"

"You remember this handwriting, right? The one 'Dungeon Master' pulled out. Since there's a '#4', there must be others too, so I got this from him."

"Ah, really?"

"By the way, I've never played this game once before—completely fresh. …But 'Dungeon Master' says '#1' is a hellish, sadistic mess. Makes your blood run cold."

"Wow."

"Game #4 was pretty rough, wasn't it?...I still remember it. How you looked while playing that game."

Oh no. I can't keep up with the conversation.

Since we're at it, let's play with this today. Let's share some nostalgic memories and have fun with them."

"Memories"

I looked away.

If we get too excited among ourselves... well, wouldn't that make the viewers bored?

"We're not really aiming for the daily ranking this time, not that kind of thing."

"It's a problem if we can't make money—there are comrades waiting to be revived here."

"Yeah... that's true."

The "Gambler" made a slightly awkward expression, then said,

"By the way, haven't you asked about it?"

"Huh?"

"Why I—still haven't managed to revive your friend?"

"Oh... that thing, right. I get it. Totally makes sense."

I hedged my words.

That's a new one to me.

I've heard about Koi Kuchi Hakka-san trying to revive a girl named Yaiku Sayo... but...

"Why?"

"I'll explain after the shoot."

"Huh? You're really dragging this out for a reason?"

"My audience's eyes are sharp. Even if I shoot with a fuzzy mind, they'll figure it out right away."

"I see."

"Just let me be certain of one thing— I haven't forgotten that promise I made back then. I'm determined to move forward properly."

What the hell is "that promise"? What did I even promise, me?

If anything, I just feel more confused now.

...No, no, no. Focus. Focus.

"The game will be played by exactly four people—Tama and your friend should join too. However, only I and 'Nameless' will be placing the microphones."

The two girls I helped earlier—Tama and Mihito—nods silently. Since both seem to be quiet types, I suppose their voices won't be an issue.

"By the way, Mihito, how experienced are you with games...?"

"About average."

From her expression, it was impossible to read any emotion.

...Well, thinking about it, it's not surprising she didn't get a game console when she didn't even get a single doll to play with.

Next time, I'll buy her some manga or a 3DS. Maybe it'll soothe her slightly wounded heart a bit.

"By the way, 'Nameless'..."

"?"

"Before we start, how about making a bet?"

"...I can't bring myself to gamble against a professional gambler."

"I won't cheat. I've turned off my 'Luck' ability. It's just a straightforward test of skill."

"Hmm..."

Well, if that's the case...

"Game commentary gets boring if you're handed an easy win. If we're playing, I want it to be serious—something worth risking your 'soul' over."

"Risky your 'soul,' huh?"

Sounds like something a manga character would say.

"So, then... if we win, I want to try that plan again—just like before. Got it?"

"Like... just now?"

"One of us—me or Tamam, whichever—gets their head blown open, and then we apply to Reisen for resurrection."

"That's... didn't I already say it was far too reckless?"

"Even so... I have to do it if I'm to keep my promise. Tamam is also now convinced and following me willingly."

Looking at her, the girl in the frilly dress nodded solemnly.

I frowned, worried about the two of them—so innocent-looking, yet so careless with their own lives.

"You haven't exhausted all your options yet, have you? Not even close."

"Taking risks is just my nature, born from the day I was made."

……Absolutely.

"Then, I suppose—very well."

"Alright, let's go."

"However, if I lose, it won't be Tamachan who dies."

"?"

I thump my chest with a hand,

"My life—I wager my life. I'll go inside the castle where Reika lives and investigate."

……Hmm."

The gambler's lips twist into a defiant smirk.

"Truly, the woman I picked out is something else! Perfectly insane!"

"Shut up."

I think I'm starting to understand... just what kind of relationship I had with this person before.

"But when I win..."

"I get it! I'll behave myself."

Good.

I've got my own plans on this side, after all.

"Literal life-or-death stakes, huh?...I like it! This is starting to get fun."