Bomb of Praxidike¹

*pant, pant, pant…*

*pant, pant…* The…egg’s…count…down…

It’s almost… *pant* At zero…

We gotta throw it into the sky when it hits zero!

We can’t, the timing’s too precise!

I’d feel…bad for…it…

Then what do we do?!

Is everyone here?!

Muu-chan!

I saw all of you running up here. I’m glad the egg didn’t explode yet.

We’ve finished evacuating the guests under President Kuraku’s command. Now we can figure out what to do with the egg together.

Preferably as fast as possible.

Hmmm… Strange…

I can’t chase after them with these shutters in the way. I suppose I should go back for now…

Ohhhh?

Woooow, more shutters! I’m trapped like a little baby rat in a pouch…

<⁠Welcome, intruder. I am this school’s principal, Naoe.⁠>

What is this?

<⁠I have a few things I’d like to ask you. I apologize, but I’ll have to keep you here for now.⁠>

Like a little baby rat?

<⁠Were you at the old school building on the day of the explosion? Are you involved in Ono-kun’s disappearance?⁠>

Ohh…no? Who is that?

I have absolutely no clue. Chuu.

<⁠Ah! Where are you going?⁠>

When you cannot proceed forwards or backwards, you go sideways. The laws of nature dictate that doors are meant to be opened.

<⁠You’ve reached a dead end, I’m afraid.⁠>

Hohhh…

Then maybe I’ll escape through the window.

<⁠Stop. This is the sixth floor. If you jump, you’ll injure yourself.⁠>

If I jump? Why would I go down? My radar’s pointing up.

<⁠Are you…⁠>

<⁠The same as I am?⁠>

Aha, I think not.

I know little about you. I’m just here to retrieve my stolen goods.

<⁠Stolen goods?⁠>

Thieves running and sneaking around a fire, like teeny-tiny mice.

<⁠Did my students steal something from you?⁠>

Mm, time to take off my shoes. Pop, pop…

<⁠…If you insist on leaving, can I at least ask you for a favor before you do?⁠>

Okay! Let’s all say our throwing distance ranks from our physical exams!

I’m last.

Akuta and I are about the same…

I did a little worse than Golem. So the best one among us is…

M… Me…

Guess that means Kiroku’s gonna throw the egg…

N… No…

That’s too mean. He cares about the egg more than any of us.

But we don’t have any time. If it’s alright, I can try to aim for a new personal best and throw it…

……

Ugh, just do something already! Our lives are at stake here⁠—

*pant, pant* YOU! *pant, pant, pant, pant…*

D-Do you need a moment to catch your breath?

I was running after Kaguya-kun! *pant* But I couldn’t keep up! *pant, pant*

Who cares if I’m short of breath?! *cough* *gasp* Surrender yourselves! *gasp*

You being short of breath is about all we can focus on, dude…

Even though you’re all criminals, they are still willing to take your circumstances into consideration! But only if you atone for your sins!

I will testify for you! I will explain to them that you repent wholeheartedly!

Uu-chan, could I ask you to throw the egg in Kiroku’s place?

I’m not gonna touch that sticky fuckin’ thing! My hands are gonna rot off!

HEY!

I don’t have good control…

Listen to…

Same. I can’t guarantee I’ll throw it somewhere safe.

To me…

*gasp* This isn’t good! The countdown!

Ah…! Ahhh…!

Give it to me! I’ll just⁠—

Someone just throw it!

LISTEN TO MEEEEE! I’m confiscating this egg!

Ah.

D-Drow it! Drow it aweady!

Hm? What is this? It’s covered in slime⁠—