Act 1, Scene 1: Pleasant Boy

[opening_act]

[ A notification on your phone goes off, letting you know the purchase of your meeting with Exael has gone through.

There is an attachment. Where are you, when you open it? ]

Comments

[afailedmurder]

Is this something he will propose to the group soon? And what would you consider to be sufficiently taking someone down in a world where injuries and even death are impermanent? Would preventing them from joining him suffice?

[opening_act]

I don't think that's likely. Azzy likes the personal touch.

Preventing would work! So would tagging them with some sort of recorder to report back to us, or getting them to play both sides. Whatever you think suits the situation.

[afailedmurder]

So he'll be recruiting privately as well...

I am certainly not opposed to talking someone down or planting a bug. That reminds me, actually; are our dorms bugged?

[opening_act]

They shouldn't be, unless one of you did it.

[afailedmurder]

No, I shouldn't think so. Not at this point. But I'll keep the possibility in mind in the future.

Since we're no longer being coy here, what is your endgame?

[opening_act]

I want my side to win, of course.

[afailedmurder]

For what purpose? Power? Revenge? ...Ratings?

[opening_act]

None of the above! It's personal.

[afailedmurder]

Fair enough.

Has he always been in charge?

[opening_act]

Azzy? He's not the only producer.

[afailedmurder]

How many are there?

[opening_act]

Classified.

[afailedmurder]

Are the others going to be trying to recruit idols as well?

[opening_act]

This round's just started, so it's hard to predict. I think Bel's going to sit this one out.

[afailedmurder]

Bel...ial? Belphegor?

[we have angels, why not demons]

[opening_act]

The first! You got it right!

[afailedmurder]

[pleased with self]

Halfway there.

[opening_act]

Is there anything else you want, before you go?

[afailedmurder]

A phone number, if I may be so bold.

[opening_act]

[ takes her phone out and texts him.

《 Ta-dah ☆ 》 ]

Done!

[afailedmurder]

Thank you. I'll keep in touch.

[bowing slightly before making his exit]

[opening_act]

Bye-bye~

[ she waves as he leaves.

the elevator takes him down to the empty lobby and empty city streets of Tokyo-F ]