"Yaba was never much for mingling with the playerbase, for he saw himself as too high above them—too powerful to spend it with who he saw as peasants. It took a lot of bargaining. A lot of convincing. A lot of manipulation. But finally, I ended up convincing him to play in the Three of Hearts."

===Benkei Furetcha===
Waiter
Specialty: ♤

(Ōta Ward)

"There!" Aulia pointed towards the sky, at the two trackers.

Aulia Choi
Restaurateur
Specialty: ♧

I turned the wheel, pulling the car around a corner. "I think they're within this hotel building. This has got to be them; it just has to be."

"I really hope so..." Aulia said. "After all, who else could clear the King of Diamonds, then remain together afterwards?"

"It seems that they're on the left side of the east tower." I said, stopping the car and opening the door. "Be careful."

As Aulia opened her door, I walked around to her side, shielding her, as we moved in. However, the front door was barricaded with stacks of tables, with the inner handles tied together with rope.

"Yup... That's Zakū alright." I said, tapping my toes. "What to do..."

Aulia grabbed a stone from the flowerbed, chucking it towards some of the higher windows. "Hey!" She shouted, tossing another stone at another window. "Zakū? Maeda? It's Benkei and Aulia! We're here to collect you!"

I walked behind her, craning my neck upwards.

"Look at that window still half-covered with the newspapers." Aulia pointed. Do you think that's them?"

She passed me another rock, and I threw it at that window, then another. After a few more seconds, a figure shuffled behind the window, before it opened. It was Maeda, and she gasped, her eyes lighting up. "Zakū! It's Benkei and Aulia!"

Maeda Mihoko
High School Student
Specialty: ♡

His figure rushed forward. His mouth dropped, and he waved his hands in a wide, expressive arc. "Hey! You guys!"

Zakū Raisunei
High School Student
Specialty: ♡ → ♢

"We're going around collecting all our friends!" Aulia shouted. "We saw these two trackers at the King of Diamonds, and knew it had to be you two!"

"Hold on, we're going to move the barricades aside!" Maeda said, pulling Zakū along with her.

A moment later, noise emerged from behind the door, as the two of them pulled the tables aside. Zakū undid the rope, freeing the doors, which Maeda bolted through, pulling us into a hug.

"We thought we were the only ones left." She murmured, her head on my shoulder.

Zakū gave Aulia and I a brief hug, his face glowing with a warm smile. They both carried a backpack, and the boy held Charī's sketchbook in his hands.

"So... Who's still alive?" He asked. "And what have you all been up to?"

"We'll explain in the car, there's no time." I said, opening the back door for them to climb in. Aulia put on rock music which was turned down for background noise, and I pulled the shift, zooming away.

"Other than us two, there's Gabura, Aoyama, Niko, Judumai, Chihaya, and Ashikaga." I listed. "We don't know about Rafferty, Kazetani, Shirai, or... Or Tori. Judumai and Niko are both pretty seriously injured though."

"Haga was with us." Zakū said. "He... He died in the King of Spades' initial attack."

"Anything of note you guys have noticed?" Aulia asked, looking back at them through the backseat mirror. I drove at utmost speed, blazing through the streets, each turn ending with a screeching drift.

Maeda shook her head. "Nothing much, other than us clearing the King of Diamonds and hiding out for most of the Second Stage. His name was Nakasone. He was a good man."

'Good man? Perhaps he was the "man of the highest character" that Yuna, the Queen of Clubs, mentioned was among the four kings.'

"So what about you guys? What kind of citizens have you all faced?"

"First, me, Aulia, Judumai, and Niko cleared the Queen of Clubs." I said. "We cleared it with a few other players, and formed a group to go back to Maindo, and returned to burning ruins. We were on the run by car, only to get caught up in the volcanic eruption, which was the day one catastrophe. We lost a few people, but recruited some more. Niko left to fulfill his promise to Aoyama and Gabura to help them take down the Queen of Spades. For the next few days, we went into hiding, until the blizzard. We were all about to freeze to death, so me, Aulia, and Judumai journeyed to the nearby King of Clubs venue, a mall, to clear the game and be able to sack its supplies. When we got there, we ran into Chihaya and Ashikaga."

"That was when things got ugly." Aulia said. "The King of Clubs team..." She shuddered.

"It was Hideo and the kids." I finished.

"What?" Zakū screamed, leaning forward and grabbing onto Aulia's seat.

"Wait, I'm sorry, but huh?" Maeda asked. "That's–How–what?"

"Our reactions were similar." Aulia said. "The game took absolutely everything we had. Judumai... He got pretty fucked up. In the end, we pulled through. It wasn't the kids' fault. It really wasn't. They weren't evil. It was all Hideo's fault, it was him who got the kids into becoming citizens."

Maeda sighed. "That's... So depressing. They... They were such good friends."

Zakū shook his friends. "So... They're dead too. Okay. So that's how it is."

"Where are we going anyways?" Maeda asked.

"Back to the Maindo ruins, that's where we're all reuniting, to rummage through for supplies while we slowly gather all our friends, and make a plan to take down the King of Spades." I explained.

"Horrible idea." Zakū said. "All the trackers gathered together is going to be a beacon for the King of Spades to follow.

"We plan to stay together, but within a mile of each other, with Maindo as our center." I said. "We'd be able to spot the King of Spades in any direction, and even if he arrives at our ward, we'd be all split apart, so we wouldn't be able to target all of us."

The roads began growing familiar; with the final two turns, I sped into the Maindo ruins, the car lurching to a stop. Maeda yelped, crashing into the seat in front of her, having forgotten her seatbelt. "I'm okay." She groaned, on the floor and rubbing her head.

Zakū and Maeda exited the car, and the other survivors turned their heads.

"Zakū! Maeda!" Ashikaga yelled, sprinting forward.

Ashikaga Kayami
Ōendan Member

"It's so good to see you two again!" Chihaya hollered, colliding into the two of them.

Chihaya Korinsu
Freelance DJ
Specialty: ♢

Maeda laughed, embracing their tight hugs, and Zakū was almost knocked over. Niko rolled over in a wheelchair, putting his hand on Zakū's shoulder. "Knew you'd be okay, mate."

Niko Cheney
Chef • Foreign Exchange Student
Specialty: ♤

"Glad you're okay too." He said, hugging him in his chair. "Is your foot okay?"

"Could be better, but I'm fine."

On a pile of rubble, Aoyama strummed a guitar, and Gabura sat next to her, looking into the distance. They both smiled, pulling the two teens into a hug when they approached.

"Glad you're both okay." Gabura said.

Gabura Sachi
Athlete
Specialty: ♤

"Same here." Maeda replied.

"Nice job with the King of Diamonds!" Aoyama congratulated. "Proud of you guys"

Aoyama Tōka
Vigilante • Musician
Specialty: ♤

Judumai laid on the stretcher in the distance, deep in sleep. His face was bruised and purple, with a hole in his cheeks. Parts of his head were bandaged in cloth.

Judumai Waka
Pianist

Around us were about a dozen more people, survivors we had collected from the fall of Maindo, Queen of Clubs, volcanic eruption, and other catastrophes or games. The child we had found sat in a shopping cart, kept entertained by Ashikaga, who allowed him to play on her gaming device. We had also scavenged several bikes, piled in the distance.

"Who... Are all these people?" Maeda asked.

"Most are survivors of Maindo, or people we've met in the face card games who've decided to join us." Chihaya explained. "The rest are people who joined when they were escaping the volcanic eruption."

"You guys are... Certainly being quite hospitable." Zakū said.

"We have an excess of resources following us ransacking the mall. Even now, we've still been returning there." I explained.

"There's enough to go around." Aoyama said, not looking up from her strings. "So, why not? End of discussion."

"So our plan:" Chihaya said, bringing his fist to his palm, "we're going to try to find our remaining friends and survivors of Maindo. Then, we're going to attempt to take down the King of Spades together."

"What games are left?" Zakū asked. "We hadn't checked since yesterday morning. We didn't even hear or see yesterday's catastrophe."

"Yesterday at 1PM, all subway and metro stations collapsed and flooded, to draw out players who were hiding as a result of the trackers." Aulia said. "Later in the afternoon, the Jack of Clubs and Queen of Hearts were beaten. Only the King of Spades and Queen of Diamonds are left, then the King of Hearts will be unlocked."

"What's the Queen of Diamonds like, by the way?" Zakū asked. "She was a pretty threatening figure... I'm not surprised she's lasted until now."

"We haven't heard too much about the game, but her existence is quite troubling." Chihaya said. "What we do know is that people can go in as they please, the only condition being that not more than ten people can reside within there at a time. However... What we've heard is that most people can't last more than a couple of minutes."

"What game could be so difficult that most players can't last even a few minutes?" Maeda exclaimed. "Just what kind of game is that?"

Ashikaga shrugged as she tossed a couple empty cans into a garbage bag. "Our guess is as good as yours. We think the game has something to do with solving a riddle."

"What about the King of Spades? Will you all be facing him?" Maeda asked.

I shook my head. "Of course not. Most of us are in no condition to fight. Only those who want to go, will go."

"Shit, then." Zakū said, laughing. "Count me out. I've cleared two Face Cards, I've done more than enough."

"Fair enough." Chihaya said. A moment of silence followed, and, closest to the sea of rubble, Gabura perked her ears.

"Do you... Do you guys hear that?" She asked.

A grumble of thunder echoed in the distance. "The thunder? That's been happening since the Second Stage started." Aoyama said.

"No... There's some sort of static." I said, walking towards the rubble. The crowd silenced, as I continued into the ruins of cement. The static grew louder, until the buzz was right beneath my feet, amidst a pile of gravel.

I pulled it out. "H... Hello?"

"Hello?" A voice crackled through. "Who... Who is this? Are we reaching a former Beach-Maindo member?"

I gasped. "Kazetani? This is Benkei!" Heads turned, and Ashikaga rushed forward. I held the walkie-talkie away from me, letting her hear.

"Benkei! I've been trying this walkie-talkie for days. I knew someone would return to the ruins eventually! Who else is with you? Who else is still alive?"

I listed off the names of us and some of the other survivors from Maindo. Around me, everyone else gathered.

"Great. I'm here with Rafferty and Shirai. We'll need as much help as we can!"

"What for?"

"We're taking down the King of Spades, right here and now." He said. "We'll gladly take any help, but don't want people to blindly join. Only let those who you know are strong enough to join! I've already sent Shirai on her way to give you guys a car to get here!"

"Have you seen Tori?"

"No. I'm sorry, Benkei."

I put the radio down, and raised my voice, which cracked briefly. "Volunteers for the King of Spades! Don't join just because; only join if you know you'll be able to contribute! Some of you may not make it back!"

Ashikaga raised her hand. "There's no way I'm going to let Kazetani face him alone!"

"I'm in, no questions asked." Aoyama said. "Gabura?"

She shook her head. "No... I'm not ready. I'll pass."

"I'm going too." Chihaya said. "Anyone else?" The crowd remained silent.

"Chihaya, Aoyama, and Ashikaga are going." I reported.

"Uh huh..." Kazetani murmured, as if expecting me to list more.

"That's it." I said.

"Oh?" He asked, his voice unsure, as if he expected more. "That's... That's all? Not even you, Benkei? Or Gabura?"

"Listen, Kazetani." I said. "It's been eight days since we've all last seen each other... The Face Cards have destroyed some of us. We aren't the same fighters you knew."

"That's... That's okay." He stammered. "Any support is good enough. And don't worry, we're with a group of people, and they have a plan. We'll be sure to get him."

Just then, a car revved into the clearing. Behind the wheel was a young woman with streaks of jet-black and snow-white hair, in a dark gray coat. She stepped out of the car, and was met with Ashikaga pulling her into a hug.

Shirai Ui
Therapist
Specialty: ♡

"Oh my god!" She cried. "I'm so glad you're alive, Shirai!"

She returned the hug, laughing. "How are you guys? Physically and mentally. I brought some boxes of food and medicine, and am free to talk with anyone who wants to."

"Been better." Niko said, nodding to his foot. Shirai opened the trunk, while me and Ashikaga helped her unload the crates of supplies.

"Most of us are pretty burnt out." Aoyama said. "Injured or just... Mentally not there. We're exhausted."

Shirai nodded. "I won't be participating in the King of Spades; it's beyond me. But we're among a pretty capable group of players, and they have a really, really solid plan."

"So does every other group," Chihaya said, "and none have been successful. What about this group will be any different?"

"This time, we'll be in it." She said.

"...So, anything else before we leave?" Ashikaga asked, sharpening a pocket knife.

"One thing." Aoyama said, getting a piece of paper from Gabura. "Gabura found a note with something weird in the dealer's base. I need to ask Rafferty about it." She flipped it around, allowing some to read it.

Odiumic Dimethyltryptamine
...can be in a powder or vapor form...
...stimulates amygdala, which in addition to...
...or, it can be broken through an iron will.

"Why didn't you show it to any of us?" I asked.

Gabura shrugged. "At the time, I didn't think it was a big deal. I didn't remember Rafferty might have been able to help until it was too late... There was so much going on at the time."

"Let's not waste anymore time, then!" Aoyama said, standing up and clapping her hands. "Come on! If you're going, get in the car! Chohaya, you're driving, right?"

"Yup!" He answered, as Shirai tossed him the keys.

"...Fuck it." I said, getting up. "I'll go. For the one percent chance that maybe Tori will be there."

Chihaya smiled. "Good to have you, Benkei."

Ashikaga hopped into the backseat, and I followed her.

"Which ward?" Chihaya asked from the driver's seat.

"The Kita ward!" Shirai said. "Meet at the big clock tower."

"Got it!" He replied, shifting the car into drive.

"Good luck!" Niko shouted.

They waved us off as he sped away, leaving only dust behind.

The car ride was fast yet silent; beside me in the back, Aoyama stretched her arms and shoulders. Chihaya had to make a few detours to avoid gaping holes that led straight into underground sewer or metro networks from yesterday's catastrophe, but soon, the King of Spades blimp became visible in the distance.

"It's even bigger than I remember. Oh my god..." Aoyama murmured.

"Over there!" Ashikaga pointed. "The clock tower!"

"It's almost three... Why attack at this hour?" I asked.

"They're probably waiting until after a catastrophe window." Chihaya said. "The catastrophes only strike at new hours, so they'll attack at 3:01, and attempt to finish the attack before four, that way the King can't call a catastrophe in the middle of their attack."

"Smart." I commented.

We passed by a music store, turning another corner, where the clock tower came into view. Gathered outside were Kazetani and Rafferty, alongside seven other men. A few of them had rifles slung across their backs or carried a handgun. Kazetani still had his book bag with him, inside filled with his translation of the king's journal.

Ashikaga burst forward, pulling Kazetani into a hug, as me and Chihaya surrounded Rafferty.

Kazetani Tomoyuki
Actuary
Specialty: ♢

"Rafferty! You bastard, I knew you'd still be alive!" Chihaya yelled.

Rafferty laughed. "I'm s-so glad to see you all a-again! I kn-knew you'd all be okay!"

Rafferty Bucke
Forensic Scientist (On Probation)
Specialty: ♡

"Haga didn't make it." Ashikaga murmured, pulling away from Kazetani.

He frowned. "I'm... Very saddened to hear that. I wish I could've spoken to him again, at least."

"Enough with the formalities, it strikes three in only two minutes." One of the men said, a bow and quiver on his back. "Listen up, because this plan will be key."

Kai Shiro
Police Officer
Specialty: ♤

Another one of the men pulled out a whiteboard with a drawing of the street.

"Our goal," he explained, "is to lure the King into or near this building."

He pointed on the whiteboard, to the office building at the end of the street, which stretched into the sky. "We've flooded the basement of the building, which has significantly weakened its foundations. When the King is lured near, I'll circle back to the clocktower, where a broken window leads to the interior of the second floor, which has been filled with gasoline, fertilizers, and other explosives. Our plan is that with the King near the building, the explosive will cause it to collapse in on itself with the weakened foundations, and crush the King."

"That'll be tricky timing..." Ashikaga murmured.

"It places great trust on the people who'll be luring the King." Kai explained. "Once the King is near, I'll soak my arrow in gas, light it up, and fire. Kaboom." He pulled out an arrow, and the tip was wrapped with cloth.

"And what about all of us?" I asked. "We're just going to be crushed too?"

"That's why we'll be luring the King." Another person piped in. "The King will be chasing us, and by the time he arrives at the building, which we would've arrived in not more than a minute ago, we'd have already had that minute to distance ourselves from the building."

"It's the best shot we have." Rafferty said. "It's something the King won't see coming, and something which he can't easily escape."

The clocktower struck three, and the bell rang three times. Meanwhile, the King of Spades blimp flew closer.

"How did the clocktower start working again?" Chihaya asked.

"It was the venue that the Jack of Diamonds took place in, from what I've heard." Kai explained. "Since it was beaten, it's still been working. But that's besides the point, our plan is in action