It is nice to see you, Sly Fox-sama. Oh, come on. Do you think you can just add “sama” to anything and it’ll sound polite? What exactly do you want today? Frosty as always, I see. I wanted to talk to you about something. Shirayuki, I have a question for you.
Your master, Shinohara Hiroto, has played four games so far. What rank do you think he is right now? He cannot gain stars while pretending to be a Seven Star, so isn’t he only a One Star? Wrong. Shinohara Hiroto’s actual rank is Two Star. Why is that?
You know how the Unique Stars work, correct? When the holder of a Unique Star loses a game, that star is always taken from them. Yes. In the last game, he defeated the holder of the Indigo Star: the Phoenix, Kugasaki Seiran. Shinohara is a false Seven Star. He cannot gain any more stars.
Yet he was still required to take the Indigo Unique Star that Kugasaki held. In a case like that, a normal star would usually be replaced by the Unique Star. I see. Which means… Exactly. In Shinohara’s case, that wasn’t possible. He already held one colored Star. He didn’t have any normal Stars.
In a very unusual case like that, the winner receives an extra Unique Star. So Shinohara is now “double-colored.” He has the Red Star and the Indigo Star. {bord0shad0blur0.3fs10c&H4D4746&frz16.23frx0fry-90fay0.10t(frz16.23frx0fry0)t(fay-0.0)move(292,252,329,242.667)}Shinohara Hiroto If he keeps defeating players with Unique Stars, {bord0shad0blur0.3fs10c&H4D4746&frz16.23frx0fry0fay0t(frz16.23frx0fry80)move(329,242.667,354,228.667)}Shinohara Hiroto he’ll eventually become an “all-color” Seven Star.
He’s played four, won four, and two of those were against the Empress and the Phoenix. {blur0.3an8bord0shad0fs9fnArialfscx90c&HFDF6E4&pos(101,60)}Name {blur0.3an8bord0shad0fs11fnArialfscx90c&HFDF6E4&pos(168.667,63.333)}Saionji Sarasa {blur0.3an8bord2shad0fs11fnArialfscx90c&HF3EAE2&3c&H5B4F35&pos(524,82)}Total Score {fad(550,0)pos(312.667,138.667)fscx95fsp2fnArialfs50bord3blur4shad0c&H91ADF1&3c&HA0BEDD&}LOSER {fad(550,0)pos(312.667,138.667)fscx95blur0.3fsp2fnArialfs50bord0shad0c&H9692E1&}LOSER He demonstrated his skills in the Self-Made 27-Form Game. He wielded those exploits with exceptional versatility, wit, and imagination. {i1yshad3fs18an1bord13c&H22060D&4c&H22060D&c&HE5F4F1&pos(278.667,110)}of cards, the reveal phase ends
{i1yshad3fs18an8bord13c&H22060D&4c&H22060D&c&HE5F4F1&frz359.7frx6fry0pos(284,291.999)}and the player with more round points becomes the victor of the Self-Made 27-Form Game. {i1yshad3fs18an3bord13c&H22060D&4c&H22060D&c&H22060D&blur0.3t(230,330,blur6)pos(272.667,109.333)}If both sides run out {i1yshad0fs18an3bord03c&H22060D&4c&H22060D&c&HE5F4F1&blur0.3t(230,330,blur6)pos(272.667,109.333)}If both sides run out {pos(338.667,57.333)i1yshad3bord13c&H22060D&4c&H22060D&c&HE5F4F1&}Conditions to End the Reveal Phase {i1yshad3fs18an3bord13c&H22060D&4c&H22060D&c&H22060D&blur6t(0,230,blur0.3)pos(272.667,109.333)}If either side runs out {i1yshad0fs18an3bord03c&H22060D&4c&H22060D&c&HE5F4F1&blur6t(0,230,blur0.3)pos(272.667,109.333)}If either side runs out
Were you aware he had such skills when you brought my master to Academy Island? What do you think? Well, it was at least obvious he was worth more than his transfer exam scores showed. “Worth”? Are you trying to use my master? Oh, certainly. I am using him to fulfill my own ambitions.
Shinohara must already realize that himself. We’re using each other, you see. Shinohara has a reason to stay on this island, and I have my own reasons for needing him. See? Our interests overlap. You’re using each other? However, things may not go this smoothly forever.
If he keeps gaining stars, he’ll face greater and greater danger. And when that happens, what will you do? You need not worry about that. I will stay by my master’s side, no matter what happens. {fad(500,500)pos(112,310)fs20bord1.5shad0blur0.33c&H242523&}Chocolate and the Devil My name is Himeji Shirayuki.
Until very recently, I was enrolled in Ouka Academy in District 3, but due to circumstances, I have been transferred to Eimei Academy. I am shy around new people and I especially have trouble talking to boys, so I apologize if I appear rude at times,
But I assure you, it does not mean I dislike you. I would be grateful if you could be patient with me. Whoa. {fnVerdanafscx85bord0shad0fs15pos(320,128)}Himeji Shirayuki She’s so cute! All right, settle down. I have one more announcement to make today. It’s about Eimei Academy’s traditional campus competition event. {fnVerdanafscx85bord0shad0fs20pos(523.333,226.667)}8:00 am — 5:00 pm
{fnVerdanafscx85bord0shad0fs18pos(94.667,291.333)}All students are required to participate {fnVerdanafscx85bord0shad0fs32pos(324.667,55.333)c&HFAF8F1&}All-Campus Elimination Battle {fnVerdanafscx85bord0shad0fs20pos(124.667,241.333)}April 25 (Mon) — April 29 (Fri) The All-Campus Elimination Battle begins next week. All students will participate in mock games using the special Trial command. In Trial games, Stars will not be exchanged. Also, you can challenge anyone, regardless of rank.
However, if you lose, you’re out. It’s a survival contest that ends when only one is left standing. The event will also decide who competes in the inter-academy contest next month. The top five players will be chosen to participate. Whoever lasts the longest will also get a wonderful reward,
So give it your best shot! Here. This one’s for you, Himeji. Is it really all right to accept this? After you worked so hard to acquire this rare chocolate cornet? Totally. After all, it was thanks to your exploits that I beat that guy.
Hey, are you okay? You don’t need to eat in such a rush. Oh! Excuse me. It is so delicious, I could not help myself. The All-Campus Elimination Battle. In all honesty, it is full of elements that will be very disadvantageous to you, Master. This event works on a principle called “State of Conflict.”
You approach the opponent you want to challenge and make a Trial request. The request is accepted automatically, and you cannot send or receive other requests until a winner is decided. {fad(300,0)bord1.5blur0.3shad1.54a&HCE&fnArialfscx90fs203c&H753F30&4c&H41120F&pos(323.333,152.667)}State of Conflict That is the State of Conflict. Also, if the State of Conflict continues for 24 hours without a Trial taking place,
You will be eliminated. Even though no Stars are exchanged in this event, you still must not lose. We should devise a strategy that will secure your position as the strongest player. It sounds like just running away would be the best move here.
Yes. If you can maintain a minimum distance from others, requests cannot be accepted. Hiro-kyun, I think someone’s coming! You’re Hiroto-kun. Right? Oh, man! She’s really pretty, but also looks kind of innocent. Like a small animal. And those ponytails suit her perfectly. Hm? Hey, Hiroto-kun, are you ignoring me?
When a girl this cute starts talking to you, isn’t that kind of mean? Oh, uh, I wasn’t trying to ignore you. Really? Then you must’ve been enchanted by my looks. I guess I can’t blame you! So, who are you anyway? Me? I’m Noa. Akizuki Noa. Nice to meet you!
I’m a little smaller than everyone else, but I’m a third-year, which means I’m your senpai. Anyway… You really are strong, Hiroto-kun. Hey, you won a battle for the cornets, too! Yup! Because I’m so strong, smart, and cute! Ahem. So what did you want? “Want”? Hm, what do I want?
Well, I guess there is something. So, are you two going out or what? Me and Himeji, you mean? If so, you’ve got the wrong idea. At least for the time being, we are maintaining a wholesome relationship. Huh. Okay. I guess not, then. In that case… Yay! Huh? Hey, get off me. Huh? Why?
This is your chance to snuggle with someone as cute as me! Ah! She smells so sweet! Ow! Get to the point, Akizuki. Jeez, you’re so pushy, Hiroto-kun. Fine, I will. It’s about the All-Campus Elimination Battle.
Libra did a survey on it. Who you want to do a Trial with the most, that kinda thing. And well, I’m so strong and cute, I was naturally near the top of the list, but it looks like you’re by far the most popular, Hiroto-kun. Did you know? No, I hadn’t heard.
Huh. You don’t look too interested. I see. I guess that makes sense. Well, that’s about all. All right. Bye-bye, Hiroto-kun. Thanks so much for chatting with me! Keep your guard up around her. Akizuki Noa-sama, nicknamed the Little Devil. She’s one of only three Six Star students at Eimei.
A Six Star? Seriously? She’s really that strong? {fs50shad0bord0fnCourier Newfscx903c&HE6E6E0&c&HF0D7CF&move(324,0,324,124)}Six Stars Yes. But in addition to that, I am getting a very bad feeling about her. Something monstrous. I am unsure what. By the way, Master, is that the type of girl you are into? Huh? {fnArialbord0shad0fs18fsp3fax0.13blur0.3c&H06151C&pos(576,220.667)}District 4 {fnArialbord0shad0fs18fsp3fax0.13blur0.3c&H020D13&pos(620,308)}Ichinose Natsume
My, my. This has been difficult. In that critical game against Kugasaki, in order to save you, Shirayuki had to expose herself to the masses. Yet on Academy Island, it’s unthinkable to be supported by a student from another District. In order to smooth things over, I had to transfer her to Eimei.
It was also necessary to recruit her to help you win the All-Campus Elimination Battle. Do you realize how troublesome it is to transfer a student on Academy Island? Thanks to you, I got into a lot of trouble. Does that mean you’re going to make me do something for you in return?
You’re quite perceptive. I don’t dislike that part of you, Shinohara. At the present moment, there are two very curious things happening on campus. The first involves outside forces sticking their noses into the upcoming event. They’ve been setting off alerts here and there since yesterday. What could they be after?
It seems you, the Seven Star, are their most likely target. You’re in a very enviable position. I see. So what’s the other thing? This one is even more troublesome. It has to do with the Unique Stars. Each campus on Academy Island is issued one Unique Star.
Eimei had one, too. The Green Unique Star. “Had”? Yes. It was stolen. {alpha&HAE&t(0,150,alpha&H00&)t(1440,1710,alpha&HCE&)b1blur0.3shad0fs40bord5.53c&H3F3D3B&pos(532.667,198.667)clip(456.667,158,610,207)t(1607,1690,0.6,clip(456.667,174.667,609.333,183.333))}Robbery {alpha&HAE&t(0,150,alpha&H00&)t(1440,1710,alpha&HCE&)b1blur0.3shad0fs40bord43c&H818481&pos(532.667,198.667)clip(456.667,158,610,207)t(1607,1690,0.6,clip(456.667,174.667,609.333,183.333))}Robbery {alpha&HAE&t(0,150,alpha&H00&)t(1440,1710,alpha&HCE&)b1blur0.3shad0fs40bord1.53c&H3F3D3B&pos(532.667,198.667)clip(456.667,158,610,207)t(1607,1690,0.6,clip(456.667,174.667,609.333,183.333))}Robbery We were moving its save location to use it as a prize in the All-Campus Elimination Battle when it was seemingly taken in a hack. {b1blur0.3shad0fs40bord5.53c&H3F3D3B&pos(320,148)}Server Failure {b1blur0.3shad0fs40bord2.23c&H5E6257&pos(320,148)}Server Failure {b1blur0.3shad0fs40bord1.63c&H3F3D3B&pos(320,148)}Server Failure
The Green Star. It definitely has some kind of effect on perception, but the abilities it grants differ greatly depending on the person. If it’s in the hands of someone who had enough skill to steal it, who knows what might happen?
The outsider attacks are one thing, but whoever took the Unique Star must be a student, right? It isn’t clear yet if the attacks are connected, but there’s a definite possibility it’s the same person. I’d like you to help us to root out the culprit.
They will probably take advantage of the event to come after you. So as long as you stay alive in the game, they should make the first move. And remember what I just told you? The culprit holds a Unique Star. The Green Star, which you were supposed to win in the All-Campus Elimination Battle.
You must have some idea what that means, yes? You’re telling me to get it back myself? As such, you have three missions during this event. {fnCourier Newfscx85fs52bord0shad0blur0.3i1pos(145,340)}Find the Culprit Expose the identity of whoever’s trying to infiltrate the All-Campus Elimination Battle. {fnCourier Newfscx85fs52bord0shad0blur0.3i1pos(132,331)}Recover the {fnCourier Newfscx85fs52bord0shad0blur0.3i1pos(506,331)}Unique Star Recover the stolen Unique Star. And lastly…
{fnCourier Newfscx85fs32bord0shad0blur0.3i1pos(485.333,251.333)}The Strongest on Academy Island Score a decisive victory and clinch the position of strongest on Academy Island. Tch. They left. This is gonna be harder than I thought. They chase me wherever I go. The thought of a no-risk game against a Seven Star must be very appealing.
Indeed, at the moment, I believe we have no other strategy, Master. We must disable their ability to see all participants’ locations, and temporarily block Trial requests with some kind of basic jamming so you can hide from them. In short, you have to keep running away.
If we can get through this extracurricular lesson, the first day is over. Just a little longer, Master. Yeah. {c&H4F302F&bord0shad0blur0.3fs19pos(360,165)}Message from Akizuki Noa Huh? The jamming didn’t work! Shinohara-kun! Please play a Trial game with me! {fnArialan8bord0shad0fs18fax-0.11c&H282723&blur0.3pos(426,94.666)frz333.7}Akizuki Noa {an8bord0shad0fs14fax-0.11c&H282723&blur0.3pos(295.334,126)frz331.7}Tee-hee-hee. {an8bord0shad0fs14fax-0.11c&H282723&blur0.3pos(284,193.333)frz332.2}Never mind Did she target me directly? Has this Akizuki girl seen through our strategy? Shinohara-kun?
Yeah, I guess I have to, since you asked. But don’t come crying to me when you lose. Ugh. Tatara was really tough. No wonder she’s president of 2-A, the top class. Master, are you certain it was all right for me to take my bath first? It’s fine.
If not for that, you’d change into your maid uniform all sweaty and go back to working. I see. Of course, when you compel me to take a bath, Master, it makes you come across as a rather seasoned pervert. Oh, pardon me.
At any rate, the first day is over. How did you feel about it, Master? Well, I’m at least relieved that the Device sensor and basic jamming seem to be working. But since it’s an elimination game, the ones left at the end will be the toughest players, like Akizuki. {fnArialan8bord0shad0fs6c&H282723&blur0.3pos(322,90.333)frz18.88}Akizuki Noa {fnArialan8bord0shad0fs4c&H62615F&blur0.3frz18.88pos(305,119.333)}Tee-hee-hee. {fnArialan8bord0shad0fs4c&H62615F&blur0.3frz18.88pos(320,134.667)}Never mind
Yes. I am doubtful we will be able to keep avoiding her until the final day. For that reason, I have summoned the Company’s Head of Electronics. Here I am! Your big sis, Kagaya, brought you a little gift. Kagaya-san? In the flesh? Sh-She looks scruffy, but what a babe! How ‘bout it?
That logo. Is this from that new shop in District 17? Kagaya-san. What were you doing while we were in deep trouble? Gulp! D-Don’t get the wrong idea! I mean, I was still, like, doing support and programming while waiting in line. That’s fine, right? I never said otherwise.
However, I fail to see why you had to go all alone. Huh? So you’re not mad, Shirayuki-chan? But you are pouting. I am not pouting. Huh? Huh? Huh? Hey, are you seeing this, Hiro-kyun? Isn’t she acting, like, super cute? I-I am not acting cute! Aw, Shirayuki-chan. My bad, my bad!
I’ll feed one to you. Open up and say “aah”! Huh? But… I cannot do that with my master watching. It’ll turn Hiro-kyun on, so don’t sweat it! See? Here! You always have such pretty hair. Like, swoon. K-Kagaya-san! Is that what you came here for?
Oh, yeah, right. I came to explain something to you. I figured it’d be tough for you to run away using the programs we already have, so I wrote a new Device ability for all the worrywart Hiro-kyuns out there. I’ll overlap Hiro-kyun’s location data with Shirayuki-chan’s.
And any requests Hiro-kyun receives will go to Shirayuki-chan’s Device. So, basically, she’ll accept them instead! I call it the Scapegoat Technique! This should at least buy you a few days. If it comes down to it, there is a way to emergency bail, too, but you can only use that once.
Yeah, but are you okay with it, Himeji? If this helps you in some way, Master, I am very happy to do it. O-Oh, yeah? Then, sure. I guess it’s okay. Looks like I don’t have to worry. In that case, I have only one job. I just have to run! Who’s there?
We are in trouble, Master! I received a transmission from Kagaya-san. She said the All-Campus Elimination Battle survivors are closing in on your location. There’s 200 of them! What are you saying? Your coordinates were sent to everyone simultaneously, Master! Leave that area right away! Right! But why? There was no signal a second ago!
I guess I bumped into you again, Hiroto-kun. Akizuki? But why? Master! You really shouldn’t. I know I’m so cute you’d want to have your way with me, but I don’t like people who use force. Then let me go! No way! What are you talking about?
I’m just stuck because you’ve pushed me down and gotten on top of me. You can’t run away now, can you? Send a Trial request, Himeji! O-Okay! Aw, too bad! And right when we were about to become a big news scandal.
Oh well. At least I achieved my number one goal. I guess that’s enough. All right, see you later, Hiroto-kun! Wait, Akizuki! What goal do you mean? I’m just too cute and silly. How would I know? I am sorry I could not help. What are you talking about, Himeji? I’m safe, thanks to you.
Thank you very much, Master. What was she after, anyway? Uh, what’s this? A cutlet. I put my maid’s heart and soul into it, hoping it aids you to be a cut above the rest. Thank you. I shall prepare it now. What’s wrong? We have no cutlet sauce.
Oh. Yeah, we might be out. We should still have Worcestershire sauce, though? No. You and I are both on Team Cutlet Sauce, Master. My pride will not allow me to compromise on sauce. I shall go to the store. Why don’t I go instead? You cannot. It would tarnish my reputation.
So Himeji went out, just like that… Something’s not right. {fnArialan8bord0shad0blur0.3fs30fax-0.3frz329.4c&H9B7F7D&t(60,61,c&HFFF8F3&)pos(236,294.666)}Himeji Shirayuki Hello? Hiya, Hiroto-kun. Having a good night? Hey. What the hell do you think you’re doing? Huh? What do you mean? I just bumped into your little “maid-chan.” You’d better not have done anything to Himeji. Jeez, you have such a short temper.
Fine. I’ll put her on. Your precious, precious little “maid-chan.” Himeji? Master… I beg your pardon. I will not be able to return home today. You can’t come home? Did she do something to you? Forgive me. I cannot say that, either. Master, in order to shut out Trial requests from others,
You and I are now in a temporary State of Conflict. Right. And, well… About that… I am no longer able to lose our game tomorrow.