Track 7

KYAAA..!

Toi, grab onto me! The fuck is up with this shaking...!?

?! Hold up, the lighthouse looks different—

The lighthouse has transformed...! Is that, a ship....?!

Based on its shape, I presume it to be the sail portion of a submarine.

Did we just reach the 90-minute mark in the three-act structure!? Where we all thought it was a deserted island, but it's actuallyyy...!?!?

Isotake-kun, you've right on the mark. The truth is that deserted island is a mega-float with submersive capabilities. It is an artificially created floating island.

Now that ya mention it, I kinda recall seeing something like this on the new a few years back. Apparently some billionaire had it made for leisure on a whim.

Correct. I was able to borrow it via some connections but—

I had locked the submersion system from the beginning. I made sure to check it again right before the training started, so why...!

In any case, we need to hurry and abort submersion mode ASAP...!!

Indeed. Otherwise, we shall all sink alongside this island.

WHAAAAT?!?!

Nayuki! How do we access the control system?

Already on it. But it looks like remote control is blocked, no choice but to access it directly from control room.

Where is the aforementioned control room located?

It's in the basement of the ruins area. I also did the final check with Nayuki-kun, so I'll head there with him...!

Then I'll join you. I might be able to help out.

I shall also lend my support to Master.

Okay. Then the rest of us should prepare to evacuate in case things go south.

I-if things go south, meaning...?! Will we all get thrown into the ocean!?!

To prevent that from happening, let us all work together to build some rafts. If I may be so bold, I am the world record holder of speedy raft assembly.

You hold some insanely specific records.....

Crazy how that sorta stuff can come in handy.

I presume that the director also has some experience in handling such emergencies.

Welp, no choice now. Gotta do some manual labor.

W-wait a sec! If the island really does sink—

What'll happen to all the animals here?!

!

We gotta save Geppei— I-I mean, the bear cub, and the other animals too...!

Oi. You really went ahead and named it.. you get too attached to wild animals.

What's wrong with that?!

Quite the nobility you've got. But how exactly will you save them?

Uh, I-I don't know yet... but we can't just do nothing...!

*bark! woofwoof!*

Shumai, you're gonna help me....?

*affirmative woof!*

That is reassuring. However, I'm worried about Renga being alone. I shall accompany you as well.

....sigh.....

Liguang, objection is useless! I would never ever abandon Geppei—

I'll come along too.

Huh....?

I saved that bear cub from the snake, so I've already extended my hand to help once before.

I intend to fulfill that responsibility to the end... that is all.

Liguang...!! Th...a....

THE ANTS !!!! THEY MIGHT BE CRYING OUT FOR HELP!!! LET'S GO!!!!

Hah?

In that case, we'll leave the animals to those 3....

While the rest of us should hurry and gather raft materials from our teams' bases.

A-alright..... I don't know...... if I'll be of.... any help, but.....

Kiroku, are you ok? It's best if we stay calm in situations like this but.... that's easier said than done. It might help if you had something to distract yourself from all the stress.

In that case, I'll leave the Chief plushie with you.

Eh.... is that, really .... okay.....?

If your heart falters, then gently take Chief's hands. It will surely give you strength.

Got, it...! Kamina-san, do.... your best....

(...I've gotta hold him again later.)

By the way, what shall we do about Fuefuki-san?

heavenlyyyyy~......

Looks like he fainted...

The battle earlier must've been like, waaay too much for him.

Ah geez, still no choice... I'll carry this guy on my back so don't worry.

What a shame... You're all unusually calm, how boring. I thought this would be a good chance to peer into everyone's vile hidden nature.

This guy's fuckin' insane.

Ani-sama... Let's make sure to get back to HAMA safely.

Of course... we'll always be together. Make sure to stick by my side.

Could you PLEASE give us a break?! That kinda stuff would definitely get flagged!!

Keep them flags coming! More flags we raise, the more fun it is to break 'em!!¹

Now then... Young master, good luck in your affairs.

I'm counting on you too!

...This just got even more difficult.

Even though knew that alien had been possessed Yachiyo, I didn't play my cards right in the last battle...

It has jumped from controlling Pihyoro to controlling the entire island~!

Now that you mention it, it kinda seemed like it was saying something after detaching from Yachiyo's body. I couldn't understand a word from it, though....

Netaro, how can we talk to that alien—

Alien?

!!!!

There are aliens involved in this?! Please tell me everything!

Oh, uhm, no, it wasn't 'talk to that alien'... You misheard. I said, "dock it all in the end".²

Is that so? But in critical emergencies like this, extraterrestrial beings are often involved.

Eh.

This is based on some recent cases in South America...

That is cor~rect! This is indeed, the work of aliens!

I knew it...!

E-eh.

So, the question is if contacting this alien would help or hinder the current situation.

I see.... I think it's worth a shot.

Please lead me to the alien's whereabouts. My knowledge in the occult may come in handy.

Aha! Light is diligent in his studies, and is now a professional in that field!

E-erm....

Will you join us, Nagi? I'd like to hear more about your experience with contacting aliens.

Uh, sure.

(Looks like Raito-san hasn't figured out that Netaro is an alien yet. So, I guess this is fine...?)