That 410 It's too late now.

"Hello. My darling, Vivian Girls.

Are you all buzzing along happily?

………….

………………….

Today, I have some disappointing news to share with everyone.

The fact that this video is being uploaded means—likely—I'm no longer alive.

Or perhaps I'm trapped somewhere, unable to move.

Either way, I'm definitely not safe.

This video was recorded in advance.

I'm making this video and the accompanying record my last will.

………….

………………….

I wonder… why I’m going to die…?

I can’t predict the future. But I suspect it’s not unrelated to today’s game.

It’s sad, though.

Just because you mean well doesn’t always mean good things will come of it.

But everyone—please, don’t blame whoever the culprit is.

No one can help but be driven by their own desires.

Even my reason for wanting to build this nation—ultimately, it was just personal desire.

Entertainment (circus). Entertainment (circus). Entertainment (circus).

My only wish was simple.

To create a country where you could continue creating things in happiness.

That’s all.

………….

………………….

I’m sorry. It’s still too early to say goodbye.

I ended up being the first to shed tears, just a little.

But I wish I could have walked alongside all of you.

I wanted to guide you with my own hands.

Hey, everyone.

Do you remember, not long ago, I told you the story of the father and son selling a donkey?

Back then, I wanted to convey this feeling to all of you.

Please don’t always view the word “dictatorship” in such a negative light.

As a remedy for this mad world, that rule is certainly no mistake.

No doubt, great hardships will come upon you soon.

The "Soul Restoration Machine" might no longer belong to the "Kingdom."

When that time comes, surely... officials from the "Central Bureau" and wicked adults will come to take away your privileges.

But don't lose heart.

I want you to promise me this:

Believe in the story we made up.

Always remain faithful only to the fiction.

Don't imprison your soul in a dungeon.

Don't say there's a wall here when you reach out.

Everything in this country belongs to you.

It's something you're free to use as you wish.

And so, I'll be watching over you from heaven.

Good luck, everyone~♪"

The final scene was a truly remarkable performance.

As I watched it play out on my mobile device, I let out a quiet sigh.

Something about it... just so like her, I guess.

She says she doesn't mean it that way, yet beneath her words, her focus is clearly on her own enemy.

Now, I suddenly wish I'd spent more time with Reika-san all along.

After all, she had everything I lacked.

▼

Well then.

The reason I remained seated cross-legged in the middle of the room wasn't just because I knew Shizukawa Reika's announcement would severely disadvantage me...

Perhaps right now, everything I'm experiencing—the entire span of these past few weeks spent in the "unreal kingdom"—was about to be dismissed as mere trivialities.

Likely, that familiar voice echoed in the minds of every "player" in this world.

That voice was speaking to us, saying this.

The "Demon King" has died.

The "Demon King" has died.

The "Demon King" has died.

And.

Said three times, as if it were something important.

"Demigod...?"

I gaze at Shizukawa Reika, her head tilted unnaturally, severed from her body.

A mysterious man—known as the "Demon King"—who was said to have had a close relationship with her.

Being told of that death, unilaterally.

This is certainly not related to your scheme, is it?

And I'd ask Hyouka-san pointless questions.

I was utterly stunned by the sheer magnitude of it all.

Likely, all the "players" around here are the same.

Aion, too.

Mai-san too.

Nanami-san too.

Hana also.

Satori-san too.

All the "players" currently within the "kingdom" today too.

A strong wind was blowing through the massive hole created by that robot.

The "Hungered" we just dealt with had said something like this, right?

—Right now, most of the "Hungered" are heading toward the "Central Court."

—To go to the presence of the "Demon Lord"!

—In the safest place of all, the Demon Lord is blending into the crowd.

And toward him, the Hero is advancing.

I glance briefly at my battered body, soaked in blood and debris,

and mutter theatrically,

"Dog Bite… you've done it, haven't you…"

It must have been painful.

It must have been agonizing.

Things that leave you unsatisfied, things that make you angry, things that make you want to cry.

Maybe one of our companions got sacrificed or something.

That kind of thing might have happened, too.

Suddenly, I found myself wondering, simply and honestly, "Why wasn't I there at that moment?"

Of course, the answer is simple.

The place I should be right now was here.

And, wretchedly, fail to achieve their goal.

That's all.

Nanami's words were right.

Reality is just a series of seemingly coincidental events piling up.

Decisive moments that change the world happen while I'm taking a nap.

I'm not the protagonist of this story— that's why.

So here I am, standing alone, feeling like I've just been spoiled the plot.

The voice in my head continues, in that familiar mechanical tone.

——As of this moment, Phase 3 is suspended.

From here until the start of Phase 4 will be referred to as the "Period of Rest"...