second investigation

[thecastle]

A week has passed since the last murder, and after witnessing what happened to Chiaki, maybe that's helped put things into perspective for everyone here. Or maybe it hasn't.

Either way, dawn brings about a new day, complete with the usual annoying crowing. Thankfully there aren't any corpses outside of the dorm room doors, but that doesn't mean that the rest of the castle has been spared the same courtesy.

Only one way to find out, right?

[♫]

The Second Trial

[thecastle]

SECOND TRIAL

Saturday, Week 2

UNCOVER THE GUILTY PARTY


For the second time, all 26 of you are compelled by an irresistible force to come to the Great Hall. The more compassionate among you may feel a sense of blossoming dread as the word hits you. Second has such a dreary feel to it when you realize it marks the beginning of a pattern. Should anyone try to resist the tug for this reason or any other, they'll find themselves nudged forward by a familiar. Attendance is, as before, mandatory.

Ten minutes pass after last of you arrive and nothing happens. Consider it a penalty for the stragglers, should there be any. Tardiness is not rewarded here, not even if it's by a slim margin. Eventually, the two heavy doors do open and reveal the second set of stairs. Nothing has changed in the trial room since the last time you entered; it's still unnecessarily vast, still excessively extravagant, and the profiles are still lining the walls. More time slips away as everyone takes their place at the round table. Once they have, a calm—yet somehow strained—voice resounds through the room.

"It's time, my warriors, to meet the challenge head on. What happens next will be determined by you. Will you allow Hei's killer claim their prize... or will you successfully thwart their efforts? May you be blessed with only the best of fortune. You will need it."

As soon as the Sage finishes speaking, five images flicker into sight as if brought to life by a projector. Seeing how there's no such device present, it may not be a stretch to consider magic is at work here.

Carry on, Warriors.

26 REMAIN

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