There had been a recent surge of crime in the world. Be it from the sorry state of affairs that often left those who had been jilted by the hand of fate in no position but to turn to a life of crime, or those angry with the way things had turned out and snapped. Or the stragglers who had their own reasons... but, the world wasn't as safe as it had used to be.

You always locked your doors, no matter the place. You always went with friends at night. You always looked behind you if you were walking home alone... It was a terrible thing, but everyone had gotten used to it. And it seems that we couldn't even remember a time where there wasn't at least one serial killer watch out in the news.

To combat this life, detectives had sprung up.

Starting with Nyx, they hid their names and faces to protect themselves. But they all held a simple goal - to bring back the hope that we had seemingly lost along the way.

Nyx was the beginning of an onslaught of redemption.

The world wanted to change, and we were all waiting for someone like Nyx... someone who had shone like a beacon of the future - casting light on all the shadows of the world, and sending them scurrying away underneath the rug again. She was a kind detective. Motherly and just - dealing fair punishments to those who deserved it... and savior of the helpless. Many followed her lead, and she inspired such a change... but the world's evil still held fast.

Nyx disappeared twelve years ago, leaving behind a legacy. No one's sure of what happened to her, but many can expect it wasn't pleasant.

With this situation at hand... I couldn't help but think how unalike we were.

Nyx surely would've saved everyone by now. I lowered my head.

Glasses: ...

I could feel his gaze boring into my back.

Maid-chan: Well, that's a waste.

Maid-chan: I thought something exciting was going to happen, kyaha!

Spring: ...

I've let everyone down.

Killer: WHAT THE HELL!

Killer smacks me. Hard. I reel backwards into Glasses, but he keeps me steady so we both don't fall over. Maid-chan seems to be distracted by this spectacle, and forgets briefly about killing Spring.

Killer: You're so stupid! Can you believe this!? Boys are the worst!

Killer: You got all depressed! I can tell! Stop getting in your own head, dumbass! God, right now I hate you as much as I hate King-kun!

I rub my cheek, but I can't say anything. Glasses looks defensive, but I just stare at Killer. She's right...

Killer's words gave me the courage to move on.

Protagonist: I have a guess!

Maid-chan: God, finally.

Maid-chan: I thought I would die of boredom.

Protagonist: The red spider lily's appearance on the wallpaper... the fact childhood friends and brothers don't know each other's names... The fact we can't recognize those who are famous!

Protagonist: Is it because...

Protagonist: All of our memories have been messed with?

Maid-chan stops.

Puppet: Kyaha! That makes total sense! I support this theory 100%! In fact, I have some of my own evidence!

Puppet: Do any of you remember how you got here?

That was a pretty big thing to overlook.... but, try as I might, I definitely couldn't.

Diamond: She's right! I can't remember at all! It has to be that!

Sol: Goodness... let's hope....

Maid-chan has been silent. She raises the knife towards me. Could it be a wrong answer? For a second I doubt myself.

Maid-chan: THAT'S EXACTLY THE RIGHT ANSWER! WOW, WHAT A GOOD AND ATTENTIVE PROTAGONIST!

Maid-chan: I knew we made the right choice, hehe~, I'm so glad!

A sigh of relief washes over the room. Maid-chan looks at Spring.

Maid-chan: Here! Since I'm not killing you, let me fix up your hand real quick!

She glides over to Spring, and her other hand opens up to reveal some bandages. She wraps it tightly around Spring's hand.

Maid-chan: Of course, you friends will have to help heal you up better afterwards! The infirmary is right next to this, but I forgot to unlock it in my excitement. Figured you guys wouldn't need it immediately anyway~.

Flare: So... can we leave now.

Maid-chan: Hold it, eager beaver!

Maid-chan: I still have to explain some things about your IDs!

Maid-chan: Please open up your Sleuthing App! That's the app with the magnifying glass on it by the way!

I open it up. It's the list of names. However, the two different tabs have been made clickable. One says "Civilian Names" and one says "Aliases".

Maid-chan: Click on the tab that says 'Civilian Names'! This will have everyone's name on it, alphabetized so as not to provide any clues. You may check that out briefly, I'll give you time.

I check out the list of names. My name's at the top.

NAMES

Arata Shoto

Aya Fukuen

Coco Dyer

Collin Quinn

Daisuke Hoshizora

Hanako Kita

Hifumi Sena

Inori Imai

Kiku Fukuen

Lily Toga

Markus Long

Mitsuki Kirigaya

Miyabi Minami

Rimi Otani

Tooru Tamashiro

Umito Ushigoe

Yahiro Amane

Yu Enomoto

Romeo: Yahiro Amane, huh?

Killer: Wow, I wonder whose initials are Y and A.

I look at King's jacket, with the telltale Y and A. That.... that can't be his initials, right? It wouldn't be that obvious...

King: Wow, if I had known I would've worn my other jacket.

Syringe: ...

Syringe: He's totally that stupid.

That's said mostly to himself, but I can't help but overhear.

Tailor: We have three foreigners? That's strange.

Sol: I thought everyone here spoke fluently...

Maid-chan: Now if you'll turn to the next tab - "Aliases", I'll explain to you about that, teehee!

I do as I'm told.

Maid-chan: As you can see, I've so lovingly typed up profiles on each of you! The first nine profiles listed are detectives. The next nine are the serial killers.

DETECTIVES

Arata Shoto

Not much is to be noted about Arata Shoto except for the fact he rushed into a burning building to save classmates of his from an arsonist's fire. He is considered a "local hero".

Dolly

Dolly has solved some of the most famous cases of modern England. With their cooperation with the police, Dolly has become one of the most trusted names in the field. However, their strange doll calling card has been known to creep people out.

Edogawa

Their alias is a nod to Ranpo Edogawa. While they started as a vigilante, they soon detached themselves from that danger and became a detective, and a successful one at that!

Gallerian

Gallerian has been fighting cyberterrorists endlessly to keep the public safe. Though they get little praise and a lot of flack their hacking sidejob, they have worked tirelessly to put an end to NEMESIS, and finally cornered the head, leading to her arrest in 20XX.

Masquerade Butterfly

Chu, chu, Masque☆Bu will solve this case for you! ...is the trademark phrase of Masquerade Butterfly, a "magical girl detective". No one's quite sure what that is, though this rookie detective is spreading their wings.

Obsolete Prototype

No.1 OPN.1 is the world's greatest detective. They have solved some of the hardest crimes, and once their name is brought up on the case, you know it'll only be a matter of time before it's solved.

Salem

Only active during the Winter months, Salem has attributed their efficiency and success to the fact they are a witch. Whether this is to be taken as a joke, or they seriously believe this, no one is quite sure, but Salem's success seems to keep soaring.

Time Traveler

A detective who's become famous in Harajuku for their wild fashion sense. They always stood out in public appearances, though recently it's been discovered that they were sending a mannequin to stand in for them. Honestly, that explains their rigid posture during speeches!

There's me, at the top. I'm glad I'm considered a detective...

I briefly wonder which ones Killer and Glasses are. I have the sneaking suspicion King is a serial killer, but I don't want to fully think about that now.

Glasses: There are only eight.

Valkyrie: ... I noticed that too...

King: Wait, who's the last one?!

Syringe: Could it be that one of these detectives... is actually two people?

Maid-chan: Bingo! Syringe for the point again!

Killer: Show off!

Syringe: I... I'm not trying to-

Luna: Hmm, what's to stop us from revealing our identities though? And just telling everyone who we are...?

Maid-chan points to Spring's fingers lying on the floor.

Maid-chan: Or worse.

Luna: Point taken.

Flare: And think about it. No serial killer would actively tell the truth about who they are...

Valkyrie: It'd be hard to tell who was telling the truth...

Collector: Tch. Not for a skilled detective.

Moth: Don't sound so full of yourself...

Maid-chan: Now, ehem! Scroll down to see the serial killers!

SERIAL KILLERS

Bloody Mary

A killer based in the rural South of the United States. Some speculate they're actually a spirit out for revenge, as there's never any signs of break-in at the scene of the crime. The bodies are left gorey and bloody, and 'AMEN' is often painted on the wall closest to the victim.

Dimlight

Dimlight is a serial killer that kills only during the hours of 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM. Their victims have been scattered around Hokkaido and nearby cities, and sometimes unknown symbols have been found etched into nearby rocks, suggesting the victims, all young women, are some part of a ritualistic sacrifice. They are usually drained of blood as well.

Enoh University's Ripper

University students had a scare in 20XX when three of their disembowled classmates washed up on a nearby beach. Though the University closed temporarily, students were still picked off until the count was up to 13, and then suddenly the killer seemed to disappear without a trace, dropping the killing altogether. Police still have little to no evidence on the one responsible for causing such a scare.

Guardian Ogre

With all of their victims violently beaten to death, usually without a weapon, the Guardian Ogre is near the top of the most dangerous killers still at large. Certainly one of the strongest, however their victims have usually all been suspects of sexual assault cases, which leads to some controversy about their brand of "justice", and has even been described by some as a guardian to young girls, keeping the streets safe as a masked vigilante.

Jabberwocky

This killer's sporadic way of choosing victims and messy killing style makes it seem like their motives are lying down the path of looking for thrills. Everything seems hurriedly done, however it is done quite meticulously, as if they have been doing these patterns for a while...

Lover Boy

A killer whose methods of killing are very... versatile and change often, as if they are bored with just sticking to what they've done before. Their victims are all beautiful women, and it's obvious that their last moments alive were excrutiating. It would be harder to connect the kills due to the drastic change in killing styles, if it weren't for the fact Lover Boy actually contacts police and tells them which ones they killed. Talk about arrogance!

Reaper Reaper

A killer that has recently celebrated their fourteenth kill. The victims all seem to be social outcasts, bookworms usually, and oftentimes they are posed with a book. Everything about the kill is graceful, and some fans of true crime have described this killer's killings as 'artful'.

Yutsu's Creek Killer

Some suspect Yutsu's Creek Killer is actually a yakuza hitman who dumps their victims into the Yutsu Creek in Osaka. Despite the heightened security around it, there has been no sightings of the killer, or any footage of them either.

XYZ

Not much is known about XYZ, except they've only been active since recent months - less than a year, in fact. They've killed 4 in total, with long breaks in between, though they seem to be connected to the popular horror 3ch thread - Senko.

I feel sick looking at the serial killers, so I try to keep it brief. When I feel more stable, I'll give them a closer inspection. Killer scoffs.

Killer: If one of you is Senko, I'm going to literally kick your ass.

King: Are we dealing with a stalker? Gross.

Moth: That's what you focus on!? We're stuck here with Lover Boy!

Sol: ...Lover Boy is quite infamous, huh.

I don't like the look that Sol gives King. Luna seems to follow his gaze too and covers his mouth, but doesn't say anything. It seems like they're mid-revelation... I don't think I'm supposed to be watching this.

Collector: These people are all gross. We have to find them and weed them out quick.

Syringe: I agree. If anyone makes any discoveries, it'd be imperative to share them with the group.

King: I'm not cooperating with anyone who calls me King-yogisha. Try King-sama. Or King-dono. Or just begging at my feet.

Suddenly I feel like there might've been another reason for Syringe calling King that honorific...

Syringe: I wasn't planning on cooperating with you, King-yogisha.

Bled: ...

She tugs on Tailor's sleeve.

Tailor: ...! Oh, Bled-san says, "But there's definitely something you know that you're not sharing, Syringe-san..."

Syringe: Gh-... I mean!

Protagonist: ...

King: Haha, Syringecchi's a laugh riot, huh?

Maid-chan: I've grown bored listening to your blabbering! Let's move on!

Maid-chan: Notice how you can click on everyone's name but your own?!

Maid-chan: Here! Check our the messaging app! I've just sent you your passwords!

I open my messaging app, and sure enough, there's a private notification from Maid-chan.

Maid-chan:

Hello Protagonist! Your password is Envy! Happy killing!

I go back the the Sleuthing App, and click my name. When prompted for a password, I type in "Envy". My profile pops up.

Alias: Protagonist

Alliance: Detectives

Gender: Male

Age: 17

Height: 170 cm

Weight: 60 kg

Identity: Arata Shoto | Arata Shoto

Not much is to be noted about Arata Shoto except for the fact he rushed into a burning building to save classmates of his from an arsonist's fire. He is considered a "local hero".

Personal Quote: "If, if this is about the uh -, um - , I uh- I just did what anyone would've done! Really!"

Oh. So that's what those mean. Also, when did I say that? That's another mystery to me... but...

Diamond: I didn't think I weighed that much...

Flare: At least these don't have our measurements...

Rabbit: There's bigger things to be worried about!

Rabbit has been relatively silent, but he seems to have gotten over his shock for now. Spring is still terribly shaken it seems, though.

Romeo: Women, right?

Killer: Heteros, right?

Maid-chan: If you scroll down a little bit further down onto your page, you'll see that you have three secrets! You have the ability to share them with one person you can't choose, or all of your friends here!

I looked at my secrets.

Protagonist has extremely weak lungs due to inhaling too much smoke.

Protagonist has stolen money from a family member before.

Protagonist's real name is Arata Shoto.

Those are... how did she know these about me!?

Maid-chan: Everyone has a secret that reveals their true civilian name! If you choose to reveal that secret, you'll be dealt a minor punishment!

Maid-chan: Revealing these secrets will give you advantages when investigating murder, and will even aid you in committing the perfect crime!

Maid-chan: Revealing the secret to one person at random will give you a small advantage, while revealing it to the class will give you a big advantage!

Maid-chan: You can only use up two of these secrets per chapter, so use them wisely!

Glasses: ...

Glasses: Revealing these secrets... we don't have to, right?

Killer: They're not too bad, I guess...! Mine are pretty tame!

King: Mine make no sense...

Tailor: Mine... are...

Luna: Hm, finger of suspicion on Tailor.

Sol: This isn't your online mafia game, Luna-kun!

Maid-chan: I've also enabled the group chat function! You can make chats between anyone you want! Might be helpful for Bled 'n' all...!

Valkyrie: Pray tell... what is this bloody knife icon...?

Maid-chan: Oh, that ol' thing? Don't worry your pretty lil head about it! I'll explain it when I need to!

Maid-chan: In the meantime, I think we've had a pretty great start! I'm gonna disappear for now, so have a very happy survival game!

The lights went down briefly, and when they went up again, Maid-chan was gone.

There was silence, before Collector went to the podium where Maid-chan was standing and tapped on the microphone to get our attention.

Collector: I propose we hold a meeting sometime in the future. Some of us might know things about our identities that might make it clearer.

Syringe: I think that's a good idea.

Puppet: I'm all for it!

Moth: I'll participate, I guess.

King: I'll be there too.

Sol: You'll be there to mess with it... won't you? I'll come too. To keep him in line.

Diamond: I will as well... I want to help.

Valkyrie: I see no use in working alone.

Glasses: I'll go if Protagonist-san goes.

Protagonist: I think it's a good idea too. I'll be there.

Bled signs something at Tailor, who signs something back.

Tailor: Bled-san and I will be there.

Romeo: All these cute girls, huh? I guess I have to go~.

Rabbit: I'm not fucking trusting any of you.

That suddenly soured the mood... He glared around the room at us.

Flare: More than nine of you are going... Serial killers will be there. They'll want to throw us off. I don't want to be tainted like that. Please understand.

Luna: I work best alone.

Sol: No, you don't.

Luna: I don't want to listen to any of you right now.

Spring: ...I'll go.

Killer: I'm going too!

Collector: Then it's settled. I'll naturally lead the discussion and -

Killer: We can't trust you! I want Protag-kun to do it!

Collector: What.

Killer: You heard me! What if you're a serial killer? I want Protag-kun to lead it!

Protagonist: M... me!?

Killer: I trust Protag-kun the most here, so-!

Glasses: I second that.

King: I won't mess with it as much if Protag-chan leads it~.

Collector: ...Sigh.

Collector: I have nothing against it... but...

Collector: Alright.

Collector: I will micromanage it though.

Protagonist: ...

I guess I got suddenly roped into this, huh?

Protagonist: Um, it's fine by me...

Collector: Alright. I'll be messaging you all a time in the group chat.

Collector: Protagonist-san...I'll trust you... for now.

Collector: You don't seem to have ill intentions.

Protagonist: Thanks!

Collector: Everyone is dismissed.

Rabbit: No need to tell me twice.

He grumbled, and disappeared from the stage and room.

I overheard Killer and Flare talking to Spring.

Killer: Hey, I'll bring you to the infirmary. Maid-chan says it's unlocked now, right? I'm actually super good at first aid!

Spring: Thanks, puwa... I'd appreciate that.

Flare: I'll go with you two, just to oversee. You can keep my scarf, by the way.

Those three left to the infirmary.

Sol and King were talking as well.

Sol: You have a lot of explaining to do, King-kun...

King: I guess I do owe you an explanation~.

Sol: I want to know everything.

King: Sighhhhhhh. I can't tell you everything~, but~...

Sol dragged King off by the ear without another word.

Luna and Puppet started walking away.

Puppet: I want to play a video game... I miss Animal Crossing! My villagers must miss me...

Luna: I'm worried about how many weeds I'll get... I won't ever be able to repair my town to its former glory... I've failed as a mayor, and as a gamer!

Tailor, Bled and Syringe were in a group as well.

Tailor: Bled-san says that she's curious about your favorite Lolita brand.

Syringe: ...!

Syringe: W-well, it's - it has to be Alice and the Pirates! Nothing else compares!

Tailor: Bled-san says, "good taste".

Romeo seemed to be in pursuit of Diamond as she left.

Romeo: Wait, I have a coupon to Olive Garden that we can use-

Diamond: I'm allergic to desparation!

Collector, Moth, and Valkyrie were leaving together.

Collector: You two think I'm a reputable leader-type, right?

Moth: I think you're fine...! You'd make a great leader.

Valkyrie: I'm more of a devout follower type myself, but you have a commanding precense.

The only two that are left are me, and Glasses.

Glasses: ...

Glasses: You're Arata Shoto, aren't you?

Oh shit. I don't know what to say. Should I deny it...?

Protagonist: ...

Glasses: ...That face you're making tells me it's the truth.

Glasses: You haven't told me, so you won't be punished for it... probably...

Glasses: Besides, I figured it out on my own.

Protagonist: You're a detective, aren't you? That's amazing!

Glasses's entire demeanor changes, and his face falls.

Glasses: Actually... I... need to tell you.

Glasses: I was a stupid middle schooler.

Glasses: I was a bad kid.

Wait, what is he saying...? Glasses pushes up his glasses, and looks away.

Glasses: Of course, I regret my actions deeply... but there's no way to change the past. I couldn't run from it forever.

Oh my god... is he...?

Glasses: ...

Glasses: If you can figure it out from here, I won't be punished.

I cover my mouth.

He's... a serial killer.

Protagonist: You didn't - you're not the - you didn't kill the -

Glasses: ...

Protagonist: ...

Glasses: Please be more clear.

Protagonist: You're not Lover Boy, right-? Or the one who's killed 28?

Glasses shakes his head. At least that makes me feel a little better.

Glasses: I stopped a long time ago.

Glasses: I've tried to atone for my sins since then. I've worked towards a path of redemption - and I...

Protagonist: It's... hard to take in, but um... I'm in no other position but to trust you.

I try to remember the serial killer that fits Glasses's description. Of course, that'd be...

Enoh University's Ripper, right?

Protagonist: So you're... Enoh University's Ripper.

He's silent. It's enough of a confirmation for me.

I've confirmed that Glasses is Enoh University's Ripper.

Protagonist: Um... okay.

Protagonist: ...

Protagonist: You're going to help me though... that's why you told me this. You didn't want to hide anything from me. And I appreciate that.

Protagonist: Obviously, what you did was... wildly -... unforgivable but-

Protagonist: At least you're trying to make a change?

Glasses: I don't ever expect forgiveness.

Glasses: But... in the end I'll work to help everyone. I don't want to cause another death.

Protagonist: That's admirable, at least... I'm glad you feel that way, Glasses-kun.

He looked at me softly. Maybe now would be a good time for a hug? I'm not too sure about hugging a former serial killer, but he's on the right path at least. I gently wrap my arms around him.

Protagonist: I appreciate all the help you've given me. Thanks for your support, Glasses-kun.

Glasses: ...

He hesitantly wraps his arms around me. I can tell he isn't used to this.

Protagonist: I won't tell anyone either. I don't think you're a danger to us, so if you want to share, you can. But I won't say a thing.

Glasses: ...I'd rather not... right now, at least.

Protagonist: That's um... understandable.

Glasses: I won't tell anyone about you either, Shoto-san.

Protagonist: Um, Protagonist-kun is fine. No, actually, Protag-kun is fine too. After all... we're friends, right?

Glasses: ...

Glasses: You'd be friends with someone like me...?

Glasses: ...That's foolish, but... I'd like that very much.

I nod. His stomach suddenly growls, and he looks away, embarrassed.

Protagonist: Are you hungry? We can go get something to eat...

Glasses: ...That'd be nice.

So we left the auditorium... and thus started my abnormal stay at Joker Manor.