#monowolf

...That is correct. Kiyoko Hanamura did indeed kill Daiki Hiwatari.

What a simple answer to such a complex discussion.

I shall take a moment to prepare the execution. You are free to converse between yourselves in the meanwhile.

When you come to, you’re in the trial door room that most of you have become used to seeing. For those unfamiliar with it, it’s a stark white room filled with doors. Lots and lots of doors that are all vaguely the same and are standing freely in place. They don’t seem to lead to anywhere at first glance. There are two circles of doors: an inner circle of twenty normal-sized doors that have the names of all your classmates on them, and an outer circle of twelve, much, much larger doors with the names of them written there in English. You can’t help but notice that Daiki’s door in the inner circle has a large crack down it.

The frequent trial-goers would notice a few differences here. First off, Iffi and the blob that accompanies her is nowhere to be seen, and second, there are podiums in front of all the doors, even the ones in the outer circle.

Go ahead and stand at the podium in front of the door with your name.

Monowolf goes on ahead to stand in front of The Destroyer, while Alaric gives you all an uncertain look before taking his spot in front of The Powerful. Once you’re all situated, Monowolf speaks up again.

Now, about the trial. You may use this time to present evidence and discuss who you believe murdered your classmate. When you feel like you have come to a conclusion, or when time runs out, you may vote on who you believe is the culprit. Whoever gains the majority of votes will be executed, regardless of innocence, bar very specific circumstances. Rules are rules, right, Alaric?

Alaric clearly ignores that last part. Monowolf laughs.

It’s been a few hours since investigation started, and frankly, there wasn’t much to find. Was that a good thing? Who knows. Either way, it’s leaking a bit into noon when your IDs start to buzz again.

“Investigation period is now over. Please report to the Trial Entrance in the Courtyard. I repeat...”

Trial entrance? They have to mean the podium there, right? Well, you’re being summoned, so you might as well head on over, unless you wanted to end up as wolf chow.

When you get there, you’re not surprised to see Alaric standing on top of the podium like he usually does. You are, however, surprised to see Monowolf here as well, on the complete opposite side of the podium from him. It looks like they were stuck in a staring contest until you guys came. Once he’s aware of your presence, Alaric breaks eye contact with the wolf and runs over to talk to you as a group.

“...I shall be accompanying you in this trial. The wolf will not let Ina enter, but she wishes you all the best of luck.”

Good to know you’ll have some support from the sidelines. The wolf coughs, grabbing your attention.

...Is that all? That better be all. Now, if you may, come stand on the podium with us.

About time one of you have gone done and did it.

A cloud of black smoke flies past you and into the room before condensing into the familiar form that is Monowolf.

Now we can move on.

‘Move on’?

In a few hours, we will hold a trial for the murder of Daiki Hiwatari. The rules are simple: Whoever you think killed him will be executed. If you get it right, good for you! If not, well, that is another innocent’s life on your conscious, not mine…

The wolf trails off before looking past you with a surprised expression. You turn around to see…oh, that’s Ina. How could you have missed her? She towers over every single one of you. The wolf’s look of surprise changes into that of a grin.

…So, you actually decided to show up.

“Only because of those stupid rules you put on me.”

Well, it is not like you have anything else to do, vagabond.

“Go to hell.”

I believe that in itself should be self-explanatory, but if you still require some clarification...surely some of you have played Werewolf before, have you not? I have given you all a role and a quarry. Should you find out who your quarry is and murder them...I shall give you a ‘gift’. The ‘gift’ may be an item or a favor, or even information you may use to attempt to escape this place. However, should others find out about your murderous misdemeanors…

The scream you heard earlier rings throughout your mind again.

...I think you get the point.

Alaric steps towards the group of you like he’s about to say something, but Ina grabs his shoulder, silently admonishing him. Not now. The wolf’s grin widens.

Don’t even try it, pipsqueak. I am a god, and you will be playing by my rules now.

“...!”

The look Alaric makes is somewhere between shock and defiance (maybe leaning a bit closer to shock), but eventually he steps back like a dog with its tail between its legs.

I’m glad we are on the same page for once. Now then, I shall await to see what kind of murderous concoction you children can come up with…

“You scumbag imposter…! Bring her back!”

Hm...how about no?

“...”

You all rush over to the courtyard and see that you guys aren’t the only ones here. Alaric stands at the edge of the central podium, looking like he’s five seconds away from completely losing his shit while Ina stands in front of him, putting herself between him and the...thing standing before them on the podium. What...what even is that thing? It just looks like some weird podgy little...wolf? Dog? You’re not quite sure. Whatever it is, it’s...strange, especially how you’re pretty sure that its apparent voice is resonating in your head the same way that scream did earlier instead of actually talking.

There doesn’t appear to be any sign of Iffi around, either.

“Damn you...What the hell do you want?”

I just thought this place could use a little fun~

The wolf gives Alaric a wide grin, before turning its attention to you lot. Suddenly, its body disperses into a cloud of black smoke–not unlike the clouds and fog covering this area–and flies straight through all of you, reforming behind the group of you.

You are students here, are you not? This ‘Academy of Hope’...there could not possibly be a better playground for us. So let us play a little game.

"Tch. There sure are a lot of idiots in this trial room, aren't there? Keep struggling. Go on. I'm watching."

Another wave of emotion (mostly frustration) surfaces on Monowolf’s face before fading away.

... I dunno. Someone here might know something!! Isn’t that right? You know, if they step up and share what they heard Mao Kakuma say.