Act 2 Vol. 2 Ch. 2 Ep. 1: A Step Short

...Excuse me?

Is that...different from what you've been working on, Satsuki?

Completely different.

The Tyrant Emperor dreamed of mind control that altered the fundamental aspects of a person.

It's nothing like simple hypnosis. It was a cruel and unethical experiment capable of manipulating a person's deep consciousness.

You probably find this hard to believe, but that's the truth.

I promised myself never to tell anyone...

But since things have turned out this way, I'll tell you what I know.

...So this is what you third-years never talk about...

Yes. It happened two years ago...

The Tyrant Emperor ruled Gehenna through fear...and carried out inhumane experiments without a second thought.

Among them was a secret program to obliterate an individual student's free will and unify the entire academy. It was to be a hive mind.

Before the project's launch, the Tyrant Emperor was ousted by a rebel faction. Makoto and I were among the members.

Because we saw the cruelty in the Tyrant Emperor's plans, we purged all relevant materials.

Makoto's policy was to "unconditionally destroy anything related to the Tyrant Emperor."

The Emperor's projects were simply that dangerous and utterly unthinkable...

B-But what's happening right now...? You said that all the relevant materials were destroyed.

That's why I'm so troubled.

The research was incomplete back then. We deleted anything related to trigger-words or activations...

We couldn't even parse how it worked.

Now, all I wonder is how the shadows of the past reemerged to cast themselves over Gehenna...

I can't believe something like that existed...

I can't show you the past, but you know it's true.

You saw Makoto and the Head Prefect shake hands, Iroha. They called for absolute conquest.

...

As for why only the third-years are affected... I think I know why.

The Tyrant Emperor conducted the experiment two years ago on a selection of students.

So that's why the first and second-year students, who enrolled after that time, remain unaffected...

W-Wait, does that mean the even older students are...?

You're asking if the control affects our seniors who "graduated," right?

This is only my opinion, but probably not.

The broadcast was school-wide, but didn't leave the academy's walls.

That's a relief...

Satsuki, um... Can we turn them back?

I'm not sure.

I've only hypnotized Makoto, and she'd be her usual self after a nap. THIS situation clearly isn't as simple.

*sigh* ...What should we do?

I'm not sure, though I'll do all I can as Intelligence Committee Director of the Pandemonium Society.

I don't like Makoto behaving like this either.

All I've ever wanted is peace, to create a world free from pain.

I can't believe even the Head Prefect is going along with all this...

Yeah. Our Senior Administrator is too...

The Prefect Team turning is a problem, but we have an even bigger issue.

Hm? What?

It's that Makoto is dead serious.

Um... I'm sorry to put this bluntly...

But isn't the chairman just a nuisance? Even if she's "serious," is she really a threat?

You only say that because you don't truly know Makoto.

She's at her most ruthless and focused when she has an opponent.

...Especially when she's against a worthwhile one. A strong one.

I witnessed Makoto's true potential when she fought the Tyrant Emperor.

After that, there was the Prefect Team... But she's never been "serious" with your group.

What? She's always bugging us and stirring stuff up!

I'm relieved that she's never gone beyond "bugging" you.

Hmm...

I assure you that Makoto would prove truly troublesome if she were to become your enemy. Her tenacity and fighting spirit are unmatched.

Now, seeing that Makoto's decided to get serious about fighting all of Kivotos...

This won't be resolved easily.

That's true. She...might seem bumbling most of the time, but...

...

Hold it. Why is Satsuki completely fine? All the other third-years turned, and you're here helping us?

Well... I'm only speculating, but maybe my ongoing research has "inoculated" me, so to speak?

What "research"...? You mean all that hypnosis crap?

Yes. After all, I studied the NK Ultra Project by myself.

While I was inspired by the Tyrant Emperor's research, I removed the unethical elements as much as possible... So it's "Kyougoku Satsuki-style NK Ultra."

By the way, Makoto suggested I keep the name. The idea was to replace and erase the original's history.

I posit that my exposure and awareness are what protected me from the mass brainwashing.

You're really fine?

I am.

...No matter the reason, I'm glad to hear it.

Now then, what should we do?

"Let's find a way to bring everyone back."

"We need to reverse the brainwashing."

Sensei, do you think Schale can step in here? We need help.

That seems precarious, at best.

Why?

Schale works directly under the General Student Council President. If that happens, she might involve herself in Gehenna's affairs.

Intervention could threaten the Gehenna district's sovereignty.

...Y-You have a point...

"Gehenna must resolve Gehenna's issues."

I'd like to stick to this principle as much as possible.

Of course, I'm not saying that we should refuse help under any circumstances...

But I think it would be best if we solved this on our own.

...I agree.

If outsiders learn that Gehenna's leadership is considering conquering Kivotos, chaos will break out.

And so, we'll have to resolve this internally.

Hmm. Let's save enlisting Schale's help as a last resort...

The goal is to figure something out before we lose our window of opportunity, right?

Correct.

Where should we start...?

Satsuki, wasn't there a strange sound that interrupted Makoto's speech?

What do you call it again...?

Ah! Trigger! Wasn't there a trigger code?

I believe you're right.

It was a combination of specific words intended to trigger and awaken programming buried in the deep consciousness.

W-Well... Can't we do something with that?

You know, like what if we played those words backwards?

As someone well-versed in this, I'd say that brainwashing can't be reversed by rewinding a tape...

Tch... Maybe I was oversimplifying it...

I wouldn't say that. Many difficult problems are solved with simple solutions.

Agh...

Eek, what's that awful ringing?

Now that you mention it, I kept hearing that high-pitched whine under the broadcast...

...

The frequency...?

What if the trigger words were merely a signal? What if the real brainwashing began by using specific frequencies to awaken the deep subconscious...?

Satsuki...?

I-It looks like she's onto something...!

She's quite focused... We better not bother her.

I... I think I have a hunch.

R-Really?!

There's no guarantee it'll work, but it's worth a try.

I need to explore a few possibilities. I'll return to my office and conduct more research.

Okay! I always thought you were kind of a freak, but you've been super helpful!

Iori...!

I see her point...

But Satsuki always steps up when something needs to be done.

On my word as Intelligence Committee Director of the Pandemonium Society, I shall do my best.

You too, Sensei.

Ah, and this is also only a guess, but, regarding our brainwashed peers...

They likely won't show you any mercy if you oppose them.

...!

The Tyrant Emperor was the same way.

Please be careful. I'll find you if I have any results to share.

...We should move too. It's risky to stay away from our posts for so long.

Yes. And we can only do so much on our own.

Sensei, if Satsuki's concerns turn out to be true, wouldn't you be in the most danger?

You already stand out. If you do something that draws attention...

...I'm sure you'll act wisely.

Thank you for supporting us, Sensei.

You're truly, undeniably reliable.

Yeah. You really are...

Yes. Take care, everyone.

We'll see you next time.

Call us if anything happens!

Aah...

And don't let some has-been Tyrant Emperor win...!

Just come back safely. Even stir up trouble if you want. I can do solo patrols for a bit.

I'll even put up with the Pandemonium Society messing with me twice...three times, if that's what it takes!

So... Please...

...