The day had come. A new game was about to begin. As usual, Ayano was anxious. She went to meet Tadashi at the club, but strangely this time, even Tadashi himself seemed worried.
Ayano: "What should we do now?"
Tadashi: "I don't know..."
The message they both received said the upcoming game would be three versus three, but since they were alone, there was no way to find another teammate.
Ayano: "What if we can't find a teammate?"
Tadashi: "Then we've already lost."
They sat for several minutes until a waiter approached them.
Waiter: "Still without a teammate?"
Tadashi: "What do you think?"
Waiter: "Well... there's someone looking for a team."
Tadashi: "Who is it?"
A certain person entered the lounge and walked toward them. They didn't need any explanation about his identity - they knew him well, with his snow-white hair.
Tadashi: "Kyle Nah."
Ayano: "Why does it have to be you?"
Kyle: "What's wrong with me?"
Ayano: "You tried to kill me!"
Kyle: "So?"
Ayano: "Huh?!"
Tadashi: "Isn't there anyone else?"
Waiter: "Unfortunately no. You're the only ones without a team."
Kyle: "Come on, don't be like that."
Ayano: "Shut up."
Tadashi: "What happened to your teammate anyway?"
Kyle: "Died in one of the traps in that stupid hotel game. I had to finish alone against two opponents."
Tadashi: "Are you sure it was an accident and you didn't push him?"
Kyle: "Don't try to accuse me."
Waiter: "Sorry to interrupt, but you need to play or you'll forfeit."
Tadashi: "Damn it."
Ayano: "Whatever."
Kyle: "Are we a team now?"
Tadashi: "Try anything funny and I swear I'll kill you."
Kyle: "Don't worry."
After this, the three of them officially became a team and were transported to the next game location.
When they arrived and their blindfolds were removed, they found themselves in a massive place that looked like an ancient castle. There were suits of armor standing like knights, ancient paintings, and antique lamps - as if they were in a fairy tale.
Ayano: "Wow..."
Kyle: "Where are we?"
Tadashi: "This game is going to be annoying."
On the other side stood three masked individuals wearing black outfits that hid their identities.
In the throne room, at the very top of the stairs, a referee appeared.
Referee: "Welcome to the third round. I'll be supervising you."
Immediately, all participants' attention turned to him.
Referee: "Listen carefully. These are the rules: Each team has a crown. At the start of each round, one of your team members will wear the crown and must hide in your team's area. This entire castle is divided into two completely opposite halves, with a dividing line in the middle. Crossing this line is prohibited for the first ten minutes. The way to win is simple: just take the opposing team's crown. You'll play three rounds, and in each round, the 'king' must change. Any questions?"
No one spoke.
Referee: "Good. You'll each get earpieces to communicate with your team."
In front of each team was a table with a crown and three earpieces. Kyle stepped forward and took one.
Kyle: "The rules seem simple compared to previous games."
Ayano: "Huh?"
Tadashi: "He's right... I have a bad feeling about this..."
Referee: "Now choose your king for the first round."
Tadashi picked up the crown and gave it to Kyle.
Kyle: "Why me?"
Tadashi: "The king needs to hide. I don't want to waste my time hiding in one place."
Kyle: "I don't want that either."
Tadashi: "You're useless anyway."
In a moment of anger, Kyle snatched the crown from Tadashi's hands.
Kyle: "Don't forget I made it this far just like you."
Tadashi: "So? Facing weak opponents and winning doesn't make you a genius."
Ayano: "Okay, stop! I'll wear it."
Ayano took the crown and put it on.
Ayano: "Just please focus."
Referee: "Now let's begin the first round. Get ready."
...