Metoya Translation

1. Villainous Wolf (The 66.5th Time)

(0/6)

Yuuki was walking along the night road.

(1/6)

When she turned her eyes to the sky, it was pitch black.

It was the middle of the night. Come to think of it, she didn't know the exact time. For Yuuki, a child of the modern age, the primary method of knowing the time was her mobile phone’s home screen, but how many hours had it been since she last looked at it? It wasn't that she had lost her smartphone; it was sitting normally in her jersey pocket, and she could check the time just by taking it out and pressing the power button, but even that motion felt too troublesome for Yuuki right now. Her entire body was exhausted to the limit.

Looking at her own body, it was in tatters. Not only was the jersey she wore tattered, but the skin beneath it also bore numerous scrapes and cuts. The wounds were discolored white due to "Preservative Treatment"—a body modification effect applied to players. There were several such wounds on the exposed parts of her skin as well, an appearance that would surely look somewhat bizarre to an ordinary person. Unless it was the middle of the night like this, with almost no passersby to see her—and even if she were seen, the darkness would hide the wounds—it would be bad to be walking around outside.

Receiving wounds was something Yuuki was used to. For Yuuki, who had lived for many years in this world of a Death Game that toyed with the lives of young girls, injuries of this level were an everyday occurrence. However, this injury was not caused by the "Game." It was something she picked up due to a scuffle with "Red Bear," a delinquent group controlling the Harunire City area where Yuuki lived. Being tattered and exhausted was entirely their fault, and honestly, she wanted to go home and sleep right now, but it seemed that would have to wait a little longer.

She turned her eyes to her right.

Matching Yuuki’s pace, a woman was walking.

She was a tall woman. Not only was she tall, but her physique was also quite solid; she could pass for a male college student without any issue. The head sitting atop that body was covered in hair that was a mixture of black and white, reminiscent of a wolf. Her facial features were very well-crafted, yet gave off a cool impression that couldn't quite be categorized as handsome, cute, or beautiful.

Her name was Shirou.

She was a player living in the same Death Game world as Yuuki.

"—That injury,"

Shirou said, turning her eyes toward Yuuki's face—or perhaps more accurately, toward the wounds carved there.

"It isn't from the 'Game,' is it? Did you get into a fight or something?"

"Well, yeah..." Yuuki answered.

"You should probably hide it. It’s not overly conspicuous, but the wounds are discolored, you know."

"I know that..."

In fact, she had intended to go straight home and sleep. If only this woman hadn't come.

Having finished the battle with "Red Bear," Yuuki rode on the back of a bike driven by Akane Tsuwabuki—a resident of the same apartment building—and returned to Tochinoki Manor. She could have returned to her room and gone to bed right then, but she was feeling a bit peckish, so she headed to the convenience store.

That was when Shirou appeared.

Just when she thought one commotion was over, she received a visit from someone—it was the same pattern of events as the phantom from the other day, but she had already confirmed that this Shirou was not a phantom. When she touched her chest, there was certainly the sensation befitting a real human being.

"What business do you have at this hour?"

"I have something I'd like to discuss with you a little. So, I came to call on you."

"Where did you learn my address?"

"From a secret route."

It seemed she had no intention of answering, Yuuki thought.

Yuuki had experience receiving visits from someone outside of the game, such as the cases with Mr. Kaneko and Tamamo in the past. Was the "secret route" Shirou mentioned the same method those two had used? Or was it something else entirely?

As she was thinking about that, she heard the flapping sound of wings.

When she looked back, several crows were flying up into the sky, disappearing into the darkness.

(2/6)

Turning the corner of the street, a single car was parked.

It was a black car. For Yuuki, it was a terribly familiar model.

Standing beside it was a figure dressed entirely in black, also terribly familiar—however—the person from the neck up was unfamiliar. It was not Yuuki's agent. Presumably, it was Shirou's agent.

"Greetings."

Shirou greeted the figure and opened the rear door of the car. Instead of getting in, she shifted slightly to the side and said to Yuuki, "Now, go ahead. Please get in."

"...What is your intention? You."

Yuuki answered while furrowing her brows.

"Why has the flow of things turned into us moving locations?"

"It seems like it will be a rather long talk, you see. I thought it would be better to move to a place where we can settle down," Shirou said nonchalantly. "...Ah, of course, this is not an invitation to a game. I have a private relationship with my agent... sometimes I have them bring the car around like this. The destination is my home. It's close by, about thirty minutes by car, so I thought I would invite you since we have the chance."

"I may look like this, but I'm a human living in a dog-eat-dog world. do you really think I'd get into a car driven by a stranger, invited by a stranger?"

"Are you wary? Thinking you might be abducted and confined? If such a scheme existed within my brain, wouldn't it be seen through immediately? You are a player of the class who can do that, aren't you, Yuuki-san?"

That was certainly true.

She didn't particularly sense a malicious invitation. But she did sense the presence of a scheme. When they met in the game the other day, she gave off a similar vibe—just what did this guy want to do?

"—Yuuki-san."

Just then, a voice that was not Shirou's spoke.

The passenger door of the car opened, and the person inside stepped out.

She knew someone was sitting in the passenger seat because she had sensed their presence. However, since the car windows were tinted, this moment when the door opened was the first time Yuuki could confirm their appearance—

And she received quite a surprise.

"...Kokone-san?"

Yuuki said.

It was a girl named Kokone.

She was a former player. She used to serve a tattoo artist named Kirihara. She had an identical twin sister named Heine, but due to various circumstances, she was now alone. Her relationship with Yuuki was only that of a casual acquaintance, and it had been truly half a year since they last met.

"It has been a long time," said Kokone.

"No, no, likewise... Eh, why are you in a place like this?" Yuuki asked.

"Because she is my secretary," Shirou answered. "No, maybe 'secretary' isn't the accurate term... Housekeeper? Servant? Well, anyway, I have her taking care of various daily chores. Seeing that reaction, are you acquaintances apparently?"

"Yuuki-san. Could you please accompany us?"

Kokone met Yuuki's eyes.

"I guarantee that there is no wicked plot involved."

"...What is the business?" Yuuki asked. "Does this mean you're going to talk about something that requires changing locations?"

"Regarding that, we will discuss it after we arrive."

"......"

Is this what they call the 'low-ball technique'? Yuuki thought.

A negotiation technique where one starts with a small request to make it easier to pass a larger request. Yuuki sensed the presence of that lurking within the demand to "just come along for now." If her deduction was correct, in the not-so-distant future, a high-hurdle demand—one that would never pass if revealed nakedly—would be thrust upon Yuuki.

Also, speaking of techniques, she sensed that vibe in the fact that Kokone was brought along. It implies that it's hard to refuse a request from an acquaintance. There was an atmosphere of some kind of trick being applied. She felt a sketchiness, as if they were trying to force through something that shouldn't pass.

—That said.

In reality, Yuuki wasn't as reluctant as the attitude she was showing on the surface. She was even slightly interested. She had some interest in this person named Shirou. Shirou's suggestive attitude shown in the game the other day—she had a desire to know the truth behind it.

"Fine."

So, Yuuki answered.

(3/6)

Getting into the car and leaning back into the rear seat, the strength drained out of Yuuki's entire body all at once.

It seemed she was more tired than she thought from the battle with "Red Bear." Yuuki—while not neglecting her vigilance against Shirou—let her strength go and rested her body. Perhaps out of consideration for Yuuki, neither Shirou, Kokone, nor the agent spoke a word, and the car started in silence.

After a while, the car stopped. Since Yuuki had been staring at the dashboard clock, she knew they had been driving for about thirty minutes. Shirou's words that it was "close by" seemed to be the truth. When Yuuki and the others got out of the car, a residence with a modern appearance stood there, looking as if giant building blocks had been unevenly stacked. It was likely Shirou's home.

Kokone inserted a key into the entrance door, opened it, and the light flowing from inside illuminated Yuuki and the others—

"—Welcome home! Darling!"

Along with that, a woman flew out.

She hugged Kokone, who was standing closest to the entrance, tightly.

"I missed you! I missed you sooo much! I thought tonight was the night I'd finally get you to pay attention to me, and then you suddenly disappeared. Ah, geez..."

While saying this, the woman continued her passionate embrace of Kokone.

She was a tall woman. Perhaps about the same height as Shirou. However, whereas Shirou had a solid physique, this one gave the impression of being generally thin. She was wearing a thin negligee—likely because it was the middle of the night—so her boniness was further emphasized. She closed her eyes in rapture and ground her body against Kokone, and Yuuki even felt the illusion that she could hear the grinding sound of bones along with it.

"P—Please calm down, Maya-san."

Kokone said. Due to the height difference, her face was buried in the woman's chest.

"It is me. It is Kokone. I am not Shirou."

"...Eh?"

The woman snapped her eyes open.

She released the embrace, stepped back a little, and confirmed the person she had been clinging to.

"Ah, I made a mistake..."

Saying that, the woman abruptly retracted her emotions.

And then, as if nothing had happened, she re-aimed at the correct target this time—that is, Shirou—brought out the excitement from moments ago again, and did the exact same act she had done to Kokone.

"Welcome home! Darling! I missed you! I missed you sooo much!"

"I'm home..."

Shirou answered with a smile slightly mixed with bitterness.

"Maya-san. We still have a discussion to hold, so could you wait a little longer?"

"No way, I want to be with you."

"It can't be helped..."

Shirou looked toward Yuuki. "I'm sorry. Since it's like this, could you wait for a bit?" she said.

"I'll make her behave immediately, so..."

"...Haa... well, fine," Yuuki answered.

Thus, she ended up on standby for a while. The woman apparently named Maya, Shirou, and Shirou's agent—the three of them went up to the second floor via the stairs situated near the entrance. Yuuki was guided by Kokone, proceeded down the hallway, and was shown into the living room on the first floor.

It was already apparent from the exterior of the building, but—it was a spacious living room. You could easily play sandlot baseball in here. In the center of the living room, a table and sofa were placed, both of which were magnificent items befitting the grade of the house, but sadly, because the room was too wide, the impression of them sitting in isolation was undeniable.

Yuuki sat on the sofa. Shortly after, Kokone arrived with a serving tray in one hand and served tea and snacks. "Please, make yourself at home," she said.

"Thank you..."

Yuuki replied, picking up the cutely sized teacup and drinking the tea. Since she had suffered some injuries inside her mouth from the battle with "Red Bear," it stung terribly, but her body warmed up. Yuuki also reached for the snacks. Drinking the tea once more and emptying her mouth, she said, "Or rather... is that so."

"It bears repeating, but it has been a long time, Kokone-san."

"Yes. It has been a long time."

"You are employed by Shirou?"

"Yes. I decided to establish myself as a servant specializing in players."

About half a year ago—Kirihara, Kokone's employer, lost his life, and Kokone lost her place in the world. Yuuki knew nothing about her movements after that, but it seemed she was doing well, which was better than anything.

Yuuki waited for Shirou. After a while, faint coquettish voices—"kya kya, yan yan"—could be heard from the floor above. Since it was faint, she couldn't be certain, but it was likely the voice of the woman named Maya from earlier. It was probably the voice resulting from Shirou making her behave—what are those guys doing, Yuuki thought, and at the same time, for some reason, she felt a bit at a loose end.

Because of that, she lightly shifted her gaze left and right and found a small bookshelf placed next to the sofa. Inside, there was only a single book with the thickness of a booklet.

"Is it okay if I read this without asking?"

"It is fine."

Since Kokone answered, Yuuki pulled the book out of the bookshelf.

Holding it in her hand, it was an incredibly old book. "Old book" wasn't even the level for it. It was bound with string rather than glue, and every page was tattered and deteriorated, yellowed to the limit of how yellow paper could get. It seemed there was a title in Kanji written on the cover, but due to the severe deterioration and the fact that it was clearly written in a non-modern font, she couldn't read a single character.

The inability to read applied to the contents as well; perhaps it was cursive script, but it was written in squiggles like crawling earthworms, and Yuuki's reading ability was helpless against it. Apart from such text, there were illustrations on each page, and well, since they were pictures, she could understand the meaning, but these were also drawn with an exceedingly old touch.

Overall, it was a book that gave an ancient impression everywhere.

"...What is this," Yuuki muttered involuntarily.

"It is called a Kusazoshi,"

Kokone's answer came back.

"It is a popular book from the Edo period. Judging from its condition, it is not a replica, but likely a genuine article from that time."

"Edo... wait, is it okay for something like that to be here...?"

"There is no particular problem with owning it. It is personal property, after all."

"I see..."

Saying that, Yuuki flipped through the book again.

She couldn't read the words, but judging by the illustrations, it seemed to be a book with rather disturbing content.

That disturbing nature specifically began from the spread on the fourth and fifth pages. Men wearing kimonos and topknots—a sight rarely seen in modern times—were walking barefoot over wooden planks that had been set on fire. There were those who crossed safely, those who gave up halfway and got off the planks, and those who were panicking because their kimonos had caught fire. The event seemed to be held on a public street, and there were many spectators around watching the men's struggle. Was it some kind of ritual? or was it a freak show? Since she couldn't read the text, she didn't know the reality of it.

In the next spread, it depicted men in Japanese dress hanging by their necks—. A execution ground? Yuuki thought, but it seemed they were hanging themselves voluntarily. Several men voluntarily putting ropes around their necks were drawn on the edge of the page. However, it didn't seem like they were attempting suicide either; on the edge of the other page, an official-looking person was depicted untying the rope. The men who survived the suspension were receiving coins from another official. Just like the fire-walking illustration earlier, there was a large crowd of spectators around—. Yuuki understood that it was probably that kind of show. She had heard somewhere that there were street performers who did hanging performances. Perhaps something similar was conducted in the Japan of the past.

In the next spread, and the spread after that, illustrations of similar events continued. In one page, men tilted sake cups that likely contained poison; in another page, they walked on unstable scaffolding stretched over high places; and in another page, they fought in the same cage as a pack of fierce dogs.

While skimming through such content, Yuuki wondered what on earth kind of book this was.

Was it a book with the concept of introducing disturbing shows—?

"......"

Yuuki.

Felt her own face becoming serious every time she turned a page.

Come to think of it—there was no way something like this would be lying around in the living room of a general household without meaning. It was likely placed there intentionally by Shirou for Yuuki to see. Anticipating that Yuuki, left waiting in vain, would pick it up—if so, was the behavior of that woman named Maya a setup? Or was that part just a coincidence, and the original plan was to show it to her normally?

By the time she reached the last page—despite understanding almost none of the content, Yuuki was deeply immersed in it. On the last page, a picture of a building that looked like a theater was drawn. Was it the organization supervising the performances up to the previous page? Something like a banner hung from the eaves, and what appeared to be the organization's name was written in a font that even Yuuki could read.

It read thus—The Ninety-Nine Troupe.

"—Sorry to keep you waiting."

(4/6)

A voice came from behind.

Startled, Yuuki turned around.

Shirou was there.

Since when—Yuuki thought. Come to think of it, when she appeared at that bus stop, she had absolutely no presence either. To slip through Yuuki's vigilance network, she had terrifyingly stealthy steps.

Yuuki glared at Shirou. From her, there was the scent of a beast peculiar to humans immediately after engaging in a tryst.

"...Are you done with your business? Darling," Yuuki asked.

"Yes, well. ...By the way, you were reading that?"

Turning her eyes to the book in question, Shirou spoke.

"What... is this?"

"What do you mean 'what'?"

"Why do you have something like this?"

"It was found in the old house of a relative. It is a family line with a long history, you see, so some things like that remain. ...What do you think it is, Yuuki-san?"

"......"

Yuuki did not answer.

However, she could no longer think of it as just reading material.

Disturbing shows. And the characters for "Ninety-Nine" written on the last page.

She couldn't help but feel it. A connection to the world in which she placed herself.

"Shall we get to the main topic?"

Shirou said.

"To speak bluntly, I want to make a deal. That is why I had you come here."

"...A deal, you say."

"Yes. From me, I will provide everything I know."

Shirou jumped over the back of the sofa and sat next to Yuuki.

"You see, I am something of an insider. I have reached knowledge of various things that ordinary players could not know. The origin of the game world. The history of its development. And—regarding the reward for the ninety-ninth clear."

—Regarding the last item.

Yuuki strove not to let the movement of her emotions show on her face as much as possible.

But it seemed Shirou saw through it. "Are you curious?" she asked.

"That is only natural, isn't it? After all, it is considered the great ambition."

"...From whom did you hear it? That."

"Now, who was it from... Rumors of you, Yuuki-san, are heard here and there, including the matter of the ninety-nine times. I don't remember clearly."

"Is there such a thing as a 'reward'?"

"? Ah, did you not know? Setting aside the details, I thought you would at least know of the existence of a reward... if that is the case, why are you aiming for ninety-nine times?"

Yuuki did not answer. The honest truth was that she didn't want to answer. She didn't want to confide the deepest parts of her heart to a human with whom she wasn't that deeply involved.

Instead, "What is the return?" Yuuki said.

"In exchange for the information you put out, what do you seek from me?"

"Just one thing."

Making a cool smile, Shirou answered.

"When the 'Appropriate Time' comes, I want you to call out to me. That is my only request."

"What is that?"

"If you listen to my story, you will understand that naturally as well. If you, Yuuki-san, proceed through the games smoothly, eventually the 'Appropriate Time' will visit you. When that happens, you just need to think of my name. You just need to make use of me. This is as far as I can say at the present stage."

It's a story I don't really understand, Yuuki thought.

"It doesn't seem like a very fair deal," she said.

"Oh, is that so? For whom do you consider it disadvantageous?"

"For you. I mean, the fact that you provide information is a certain reality, but my side is just a mere promise, isn't it? I don't know what that 'Appropriate Time' is, but assuming it comes, there's no guarantee I'll call out to you. It's not like we're going to exchange a written contract."

"Are you saying you have no intention of keeping a promise?"

"That's not what I mean. I'm just talking about the clumsiness of the plot."

"I do not mind that," Shirou said. "I do not need a guarantee. It is fine if you just promise. As the situation progresses and what should become clear becomes clear, naturally Yuuki-san will call out to me..."

"...What is that weird confidence?"

"Besides, speaking of guarantees, isn't there no guarantee that I will speak the truth either? I might tell you a pack of lies with a knowing look. Repaying unconfirmed information with an unguaranteed promise. It seems truly fair to me."

Put that way, it certainly felt like that. However—

"What's the point of making such a vague deal?"

"Please do not think too hard about it. Ultimately, this is like a friendship treaty—there is meaning in the act of concluding it itself, rather than the concrete contents."

Simultaneous with finishing her words, gui, Shirou brought her face close.

However, since Yuuki pulled back by the same distance in response, the two did not get closer. "Heh," Shirou laughed briefly.

"I, you see. In short, want to become close with you, Yuuki-san."

"Why?"

"Of course, for the 'Appropriate Time.' ...At the point of this situation arising, I believe I have already shown a certain degree of presence... but through the form of a 'Deal,' I want to make that even more solid. That is why I am doing this."

Shirou continued.

"As you say, Yuuki-san, there is no binding force in this promise. It is just a verbal promise. If I am personnel not suitable for the 'Appropriate Time,' you do not have to use me. I shall leave it to your judgment, Yuuki-san. In other words, even if we take the form of a deal, effectively it is just me talking unilaterally. You, Yuuki-san, only receive. No matter how it rolls, there is no loss. —Now, with that said—will you accept this deal?"

Yuuki tore her gaze away from Shirou.

She looked toward Kokone. She, who was standing in a posture with both hands together in front of her just like a servant, closed her eyes and tilted her head forward just a little. A bow. Yuuki could not tell if it was a bow of "Please accept," or a bow of "Do as you please." Nor could she tell if she knew about this "Deal" beforehand.

Regarding the full scope of the deal being proposed to her right now—she also could not tell. What is the "Appropriate Time"? What meaning does involving Shirou in that have for me?

However—in any case, her reply was decided.

"I'll pass."

Yuuki said.

"I think it's not a bad story, but I'll pass."

Shirou's expression at that moment was, to be honest, a little amusing. There is nothing in this world more amusing than making a spirited human like her make a flustered face.

"...Why?"

She asked.

"There are three reasons," Yuuki answered.

"First of all, to begin with, I'm not deeply interested in your story. The origin of the game world—well, it's not that I'm not curious, but it's not something I want to hear enough to exchange something for it."

"The achiever's reward?"

"I don't need that either. For me, the ninety-nine times is strictly a goal for the sake of a goal. I'm not aiming for it because there's a prize, and I don't care about the content. I didn't even know such a thing existed until just now..."

"...I do not understand. You are immersing yourself in a life-threatening game without seeking a return?"

"The second reason."

Yuuki spoke without letting her argue.

"The problem regarding the 'Promise' I exchange. Even if it's a verbal promise, even if you say there's no need to keep it—you said that, but it doesn't work that way. Once I 'Promise,' it becomes absolute for me. I cannot pledge lightly."

This time, Shirou did not say anything.

So, "The third reason," Yuuki continued.

"This is the most important reason but—how should I put it, I feel like I'm being played. I feel like I'm being put on rails laid by you. I physically can't accept that kind of thing... You understand too, right, if you're a player."

To be passive—to be forced onto the back foot is one of the things players should detest the most. In most matches, the one who loses the offensive and focuses only on reacting to the opponent loses. That was Yuuki's view as a player, and thus, the mindset of disliking passivity was ingrained at an instinctual level. Not just Yuuki, but skilled players were mostly like that. Shirou, too—she didn't know what number attempt she was on now, but that must surely be the case.

"For those reasons, sorry, but I will decline."

Saying that, Yuuki stood up from the sofa.

"Thanks for inviting me. The tea and snacks were delicious."

She turned her eyes to Shirou.

She—was making a subtle face. It was an indescribably subtle expression, as if pondering something, or enduring an itch on her back. In reality, perhaps, it was likely a face resulting from the effort to prevent her internal agitation from showing on her exterior. Considering that, she couldn't help but feel a certain loveliness.

Eventually, "...Kokone-san," Shirou said.

"Call the agent, and tell them to send Yuuki-san home."

"Certainly," Kokone answered.

"—Also, and."

Shirou added.

"Please give Yuuki-san your contact information. So that if she changes her mind, she can contact us at any time."

At those words, Kokone's eyes swam.

And she turned her gaze toward Yuuki. Yuuki—could have refused, but—nodded and said, "That's fine," taking out her mobile phone. She thought she could at least accept a request of that level.

After going through various steps and storing Kokone's contact info in her phone, the two left the living room. Kokone went up to the second floor, and Yuuki waited in the entrance. Before long, Kokone, Shirou's agent, and Maya came down. Together with the former two, Yuuki left the Shirou residence.

Beside that, for an instant, Yuuki's eyes met Maya's.

"...Hmph."

She snorted blatantly.

Yuuki pretended not to notice.

(5/6)

When Maya entered the living room, Shirou was depressed on the sofa.

Depressed—that could be read clearly. To the outside eye, she appeared to be acting normally, but inside she was depressed. Maya, who had a deep relationship with Shirou, could understand her feelings as if they were in her own hand.

Maya sat next to Shirou and leaned against her.

"It didn't go well? Darling," she asked.

"...You can tell?" Shirou answered.

"I can tell, totally."

"I wonder if I pushed a little too forcibly..."

Shirou leaned back on the sofa and looked up at the ceiling.

"Well, at a minimum, I connected a thread, so it will work out somehow..."

"I hate that girl. She looks like she has a bad personality."

"Don't say things like that. No matter how you think about it, getting to 'hitch a ride' with her is the shortest route—"

(6/6)

Translator Note: -

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