Oh, it’s you. You’re still here? I thought you already escaped through the tunnel.

Huh? Oh, uh, about that... Tell her, Nickname.

Even that was blockaded? Just goes to prove the tunnel is connected to the outside.

Seriously, it was bad. The de--I mean, uh, the monsters attacked us, too!

Monsters...? What kind of monsters?

Huh? Uh, well... They were like... something from another world...

I get it... You’re talking about demons, aren’t you?

Huh? How did you know?

I got attacked, too... Bang! In the middle of the street.

W-Wow... I’m surprised you made it out safe!

Yeah, so am I. It was like something out of a horror flick, jaws wide open...

But then this young hipster came to the rescue. He told me all about these demons.

He apparently runs a bar in Omotesando, but man... He was smokin’ hot.

Y-Young hipster...? Is she talking about Gin?

What’s this? You know the guy? He was kickass!

Er... If you say so. But going back to the demon thing, what actually happened?

Huh? Oh... That’s when I realized the tip I got wasn’t a hoax.

This lockdown must all be to keep those demons from getting out!

It was a sight to see, though. Demons pouring out, fighting each other before my eyes...

That’s when that guy--your barkeep friend--came out and drove away the demons.

He was so take-charge that even my old heart skipped a beat.

It did...? I-I see... So that’s what happened.

If I ever run into him again, I plan on grilling him for some details.

There’s no doubt that this lockdown is all about keeping those demons in.

I don’t have proof, but I’m probably on the right track.

Y-You might be right...

In any case, I’m glad we’re both safe.

Apart from that? Hmm... I did just hear an odd rumor.

Some say the world is going to end soon. Heard anything about that one?

Oh, is that so?

(You think it’s related to everyone’s death clock?)

(I don’t know... There’s no telling right now.)

I-If you don’t mind, could you tell us more about that?

Of course I don’t mind! Let’s see... The rumor is that the world will perish in 4 days.

With all this chaos going on, I can see how a rumor like that would start...

But what’s strange is, most people don’t know it. Only people with COMPs, like you.

And that’s all I know about that.

Bel... What?

Oh, uhhh... Ms. Shoji, have you heard any stories about an immortal demon?

An immortal demon? Nope... I haven’t heard anything.

Anything at all will help! You really don’t know...?

Nah, it’s useless. I was an econ major--what do I know about myths or demons?

If I hadn’t seen what happened with my own eyes, I’d never have believed it.

Oh... I-I see...

*sigh* I still don’t know enough about all this!

I’m going to keep an ear out, so fingers crossed that we’ll see each other alive again.

See you later!

Keisuke... you said no one had longer than four days on their death clock, right?

Yeah... I’m sure I’m not the only one with access to the death clock who noticed.

H-Hey... Is the world really going to end in 4 days?

Whether or not it’ll happen to the entire world...

We know for sure that people in the Yamanote circle have 4 days left, right?

After that, something bad happens in the lockdown, like demons killing everyone.

......

4 days and that’s it... What can we do?

Hey... Don’t tell Yuzu, ’cause she’d get scared, but I wanted you to know something.

You know how we met that special forces woman yesterday?

You know how we met that special forces woman this afternoon?

She said the government has no intention of letting anyone out of the Yamanote circle...

If they can’t deal with the situation, the lockdown will keep going.

But they aren’t demon tamers. Do you think people like them can solve this mess...?

Hmmm... You really trust them on this, Nickname? I dunno... I don’t think they can do it.

Yeah... I don’t think they can do it either.

If they can, of course, that’s fine...

But I think we should act under the assumption that they’re going to fail.

It’s like the death clock, kind of... We gotta find a way to avoid that fate.

Heh... If we keep this up, we’ll depress ourselves into submission. Sorry!

Oh, and whatever you do, don’t tell Yuzu about this conversation.

She believes she can still go home... She’d be furious if she knew the truth.

It’s just unchivalrous to make a girl nervous in a situation like this, haha.

Name? What is this place?

Oh! Are you looking for the secret tunnel that normal cars can’t enter?

Wow, you’ve heard of it too, Keisuke? You’re right...

We heard it connects to the subway, which means we might be able to get out from there.

I see... You’re right. If not many people know about it, it might be lightly guarded.

Is that how it works? It was close yesterday... We thought we were gonna get shot.

But that could have been a coincidence, so it’s worth another try.

Halt! One false move and I will shoot to kill!

Wh-Whoa! Hold on a minute! Don’t shoot!

Our sources have already confirmed that you’re using COMPs to control demons...

Now hurry up and send them away! It’s your fault so many lives are in danger!

I already know you’ve been controlling demons.

Now hurry up and send them away! It’s your fault so many lives are in danger!

What? Then who’s responsible for all this? Answer me!

Don’t be dense. We want to know the same thing! We’re victims here, too!

......?

What do you mean? You’re... not the ones who summoned the demons?

We’re victims here, too! Sure, we have COMPs, but we’re just using them to stay alive!

That’s right!

We’ve fought demons lots of times and helped out whoever we could!

...The Shomonkai made those COMPs, correct? Are you members of the Shomonkai?

Since you didn’t summon your demons even at gunpoint, I guess I can trust you.

I’m afraid that can’t happen. Some demons have been known to take human form.

Without a way to be sure, no one gets out until our mission is complete.

You really don’t know, do you? All right... I’ll tell you what I can.

You’re not wrong. The demons appearing is the reason for this lockdown.

When the government realized they were using demons, the lockdown plan was approved.

It was timed perfectly so they were all gathered in Tokyo...

Who’s ”they”?

In any case, unless the situation changes, no one gets in or out.

The surface, the underground, the rivers, even the air... Everything’s locked down.

B-But we’re human! If you have to lock things in, do it to the demons!

And why the entire Yamanote circle? What madman would involve so many people?

Say what you want... But we’re willing to go to extremes to prevent demonic infestation.

But... But... That has nothing to do with us!

I just... We all just want to go home! Let us through!

...Don’t force me to use this.

Ack!

I don’t want to pull the trigger. But this isn’t a threat, it’s a promise.

For the sake of Japan as a whole, I won’t hesitate over a single life.

Ngh...

Akasaka Tunnel... Understood. Action as before. Over.

A group of demonstrators trying to pierce the blockade at Ueno were just... shot and killed.

Huh...? Did you really just say...?

I said the SDF just shot and killed civilians trying to break through a blockade!

They rushed Ueno Station... 10 fatalities and over 100 injuries... This is...

Damn it! Do you understand now?

We can’t let you people out, no matter what!

But...

Look... We’re desperate, too. You have to understand...!

Locking down Tokyo was always a hard decision for the government to make...!

Supplies are low and many patients have been abandoned due to the blackout...

Thousands of innocent civilians are in harm’s way now...

And even areas other than Tokyo are facing political and economic upheaval.

But all that chaos is still preferable to losing the entire nation to demons!

Listen. No conventional weapon has had any effect against the demons so far.

We have to find an effective countermeasure, as well as the reasons for their appearance.

Furthermore, we must do anything we can to exterminate their kind...!

...We understand what you’re telling us now. But who on earth are you?

Thank you. I am Captain Misaki Izuna.

I’m a member of the special counter-demon squad here to eradicate the enemy.

Counter-demon squad? Is that with the SDF, or the police? If you’re a Captain, then...

...I’m not with the SDF or the police. I have authority over them both at present.

Our rank is assigned according to the chain of command as per the mission.

Since we’re using the SDF’s chain of command, I’m calling myself a Captain for now.

Anyway... There isn’t much time left.

If you have any information-- any at all--I think you should tell me.

4 days? Could that be...?

...No, that’s not possible. I’ll do everything in my power to prevent it...!

Um...

Everyone’s been talking about something happening in 4 days. Do you know what it is...?

4 days? Could that be...?

...No. I won’t let that happen. This entire mission is to prevent that...!

You do know something, don’t you...?

I’m sorry. I’m not at liberty to say anything more. Now go back the way you came.

......

Go... Hurry!

So it was the government that ordered the lockdown, because of the demons...

Not only that... It looks like they’re quite serious about enforcing it.

I don’t think they’ll let any demons or COMPs outside the perimeter, no matter what.

It feels that way to me too. From the looks of it, they’ve got every inch under guard...

Face it... there’s probably no way out of this lockdown.

...I think we’d be wasting our time.

Wha--How can you say that, Keisuke?

I’m sorry... But under the circumstances, I don’t think we have a second to waste.

Think about it! If they were desperate enough to go through with the lockdown...

Would they allow even the smallest flaw if it meant someone could escape from it?

Face it... there’s probably no way out of this lockdown.

Damn it...! I don’t believe this! So... what, then?

Are you saying we’ll never get out of the Yamanote circle? That we’re just gonna die?

Hell no! I can’t accept that!

Yeah... Name is exactly right.

......? What do you mean?

Just what I said. Neither Name nor myself said a word about giving up.

Huh...? But you just said there’s no way out.

Right. There’s no way out of the lockdown...

Which means we have to get rid of their reason for putting it up in the first place.

You’re right... Getting rid of the reason for the lockdown is probably our only way out.

W-Wait a sec... Get rid of the reason? You don’t mean...

Don’t tell me you plan to get out by taking on the Self- Defense Force?

Name... I know it’s important to see the lighter side...

But don’t say that at a time like this. Atsuro’s liable to take you seriously.

Shouldn’t we tell them the truth?

Yes... There’s no way we’d propose something like that.

The reason we’re talking about is the demons.

The purpose of this lockdown is to seal in the COMPs that can summon demons...

If we eliminate or neutralize those two things, the lockdown loses its purpose.

O-Okay... Yeah, I can see that.

But... How are we going to pull that off?

It’s a tough one... But our only way out is to think of a way to accomplish this.

Yes... Our only way out is to think of a way to accomplish this.

...I had a feeling it would come to that.

But our death clock is down to 0, isn’t it? Will this really work...?

True... Maybe we should focus on fighting this Beldr demon for the time being.

But so long as we keep our situation in mind...

I think we’ll be able to come up with a way to expel the demons when the chance arises.

B-But Beldr’s immortal...

If we’re up against a demon like that, will we have time to think about anything else?

Yes, you’re right. If we give up before we start, we’ll never accomplish anything.

Beldr’s a demon... Let’s look for people well-informed about demons and mythology.

If we ask them, we might be able to find out something we can use.

A-Alright... Then we need info on Beldr and hints on how to deal with demons, right?

If that’s settled, then let’s hurry and get this show on the road. C’mon, everyone!

Was that Naoya? Hurry! After him, or we’ll lose him!

...Not again! Looks like we lost track of him...

Hey, that’s one fine miss you’ve got with you. Is she available?

Wh-What’s this guy’s deal...?

Wh-Whaaaat? Hey! Cut that out, Nickname!

W-Well, duh!

Hah! Fine, fine... Don’t get all bent out of shape.

......? Hey... Now that I get a good look at you... You’re...

Well, well... So it’s you. Just like Naoya said... This really is amusing!

What do you think I mean? You’ll find out sooner or later.

Sure I do! He has a very interesting way of thinking...

Ahahaha! You’re uniquely perceptive... Though I can’t say I’m surprised.

Say, have you ever given any thought to your own future? Your... destiny?

Your death clock currently reads 0, doesn’t it? So you’ll die soon... No question...

The agent of your death is the leader of lament, the immortal unifier of demons... Beldr.

No one can stop his coming. The banquet of blood will begin...

Amid their lamentation, humans will fall prey to Beldr... And you will be among the dead.

Tell me... What do you plan to do about it?

You will, eh? *chuckle* Well, since it involves you...

I’ll tell you this: You can never escape from ”Bel.”

You seem eager for battle... Here I thought you’d run with your tail between your legs.

Now... Shall I give you one last piece of advice before I bid you adieu?

The immortal Beldr has long been protected by a vow all living beings agreed to.

The terms of the vow forbid any of them from bringing harm to dear Beldr...

But... There was one being that was overlooked. It’s here inside this lockdown.

If you succeed in finding it, even you might be able to thwart his attacks...

H-He disappeared...! Who WAS that guy?

He knew Naoya and he was talking about Beldr... Whoever he was, he’s not normal.

But that aside, what was that story he told us about?

A single being that didn’t swear the vow...

He said it’s inside the lockdown somewhere, but is he for real?

Huh? What was that guy...?

I don’t know... He didn’t seem like he was kidding around, though.

I don’t know whose side he’s on, but I think what he told us could be valuable.

Yeah... Ideally, we could escape without running into this Beldr.

But judging by what we just heard, I don’t think that’s possible...

You’re right.

If we want to win, we need the one thing that didn’t vow... Let’s hunt for that.

You’re right.

What was the one thing that didn’t vow not to harm Beldr? We need to find that...

So let’s start looking!

Start looking...? Where? Who would possibly know?

Hrmm... The only ones I know offhand are the Shomonkai and Naoya.

Y-You want us to ask the demons? Sure, they can talk, but would they tell us...?

The COMP...? You really think we’ll find the answer there?

I wish we could talk to Naoya, but we can’t find him. He did make the COMP, though...

So maybe checking the COMP wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

Alright, we’ll keep that in mind while we look.

C’mon, Nickname, let’s get going! We’re gonna survive!

Right! All we need now is information and... information. Hmm...

What’s up?

Hm? Oh, it’s nothing.

Something just crossed my mind when I was thinking about information...

But it won’t do any good unless I look into it. I’ll tell you later.

Huh... Well, okay. But things are serious now... Don’t hide anything from us, all right?

Haha, I won’t. C’mon, we don’t have much time left.

......

Huh? Is that you, Gin? What’s wrong...?

Oh... Hey, it’s you. Good to see you still alive and kicking.

As for me, I just got back from the hospital... It was much worse off than I thought.

Nah, a pal of mine was in an accident. I didn’t hear, what with everyone’s cell dead...

When another friend told me, I rushed over there, but... It was too late.

It was just a damn mess. I went to see a pal of mine who was caught in an accident...

I only heard this morning from a mutual friend, since cell phones all over town are dead.

I rushed over there, but... It was too late.

They didn’t have any meds or electricity. Without the right treatment, he died...

I’m sure they did what they could. The hospital staff were on the verge of collapse...

I guess in this situation, there was nothing more they could do.

Damn it...!

Gin...

The hospitals are already low on medicine......

Just three days after the lockdown started.

This isn’t some desert island we’re talking about... This is Tokyo!

With no supplies coming in, it might as well be a desert island...

Can’t run a fridge with no power. Any medicine that needs to be kept cold will spoil...

I wonder when this city will be saved...

Wh-Whoa...! That group of demons is headed somewhere...

I think that way goes to... Omigosh! The outdoor concert stage!

I have a bad feeling about this... Let’s go, guys!

Hm? Was that...?

Atsuro? What’s up?

Sorry! Be right back!

H-Hey! Atsuro?

Sheez... Where’s he off to all of a sudden?

Damn... I lost him...

That guy looked like someone I knew... Someone who went missing.

He was an office worker I met on a programming forum. I got to know him pretty well...

I hung out with him a couple times IRL, but then one day, he disappeared suddenly.

He sent me a pretty weird PM just before that...

It said, ”I’ve discovered an unbelievable cover-up. I’ll contact you once I know more.”

And... that was the last you heard from him?

Yep...

I never did find out what that ”unbelievable cover-up” was.

Yeah, but he didn’t respond. I tried his cell, too, but it never went through...

It wouldn’t go through. I tried emailing him, too, but I never heard back.

Well, I looked, of course, but... I didn’t find anything.

By then, I was worried enough to go to his house.

His family had the police searching for him... They asked me if I knew anything.

Wow... It’s like something out of a manga, except it really happened...

Well... fingers crossed that the guy you saw was him. It’d at least mean he’s safe.

That’s true... if it really is him, I have a ton of questions for the guy.

You guys...? Our paths keep crossing lately, don’t they?

Ahhh... Let me guess. You’ve fallen for me, huh? And now you’re following me around.

Hee... Don’t make that face! I was just kidding!

Huh...? Wait, really?

Hahahaha! You’re a funny guy, you know that?

But we’ve run into each other so many times now, I feel like it’s fate at work.

Huh... Not a bad pickup line. I don’t mind if you come on to me, you know.

Hahaha! Don’t be like that! You won’t get any girls being such a killjoy.

But then again... coming from me, that’s all just hot air.

I don’t make many friends... with guys or girls.

I get along fine for a while, but it’s only a matter of time until the relationship dies.

Heh... you’re all right. Guys like you, I can live with.

...Thanks. I like guys willing to put up with my story.

It’s not a very interesting one, though.

You can take off if you get bored. Saves me the trouble of talking, anyway.

If you say so. But you can’t hold me responsible now, okay?

Hahahaha! Which do you mean...

You want to hear because I’m a great woman, or because I’ll be talking about one?

Well, not that it matters to me much.

...I never knew my parents. They abandoned me when I was little.

My relatives passed me around. I landed with my grandma until she died a few years later.

It was disgusting the way the rest of them kept squabbling over inheritances and crap...

Haha... I had to try to read people’s expressions and smile like I was on their side.

After a while, I couldn’t show my real self, just that fake smile. It was a bad time...

These days, I act like I’m all that when I’m up there singing in front of a crowd, but...

Do they really want to hear my songs? Is my voice reaching them? I’m always so unsure.

Haha... what am I saying? I barely even know you...

Haha... That’s nice of you. But music is supposed to give people hopes and dreams, yeah?

When I sing, I feel like I’ll only make the audience miserable...

Hee... Not bad, not bad. You’d make a better lyricist than me, that’s for sure.

Haha... Music should give people hopes and dreams, like what you just said.

When I sing, I feel like I’ll only make the audience miserable...

You know... I can tell there’s something different about you.

I wonder what it is... You feel like an old friend, but a little scary, too.

Maybe... you’ve given up on life, too?

Do you ever think to yourself that you don’t care when you die?

Haha, what am I saying? This is so silly of me... Sorry, just forget what I said.

Um... If we meet again, I hope we can talk some more.

I’m actually looking forward to it... See you later.

Huh? Was that... Haru?

Sheez! Why didn’t you call me over? You jerk! Moron!

Oh, but hey, Nickname. Was Haru... still okay?

Uh... what? I’m talking about her death clock, doofus!

Didn’t it say 0 before...?

Of course! What else would I have meant?

Didn’t it say 0 before...?

Ugh... I thought so.

Something’s going to happen to Haru today. We have to save her...!

Sheez... You’re such a flake. Well, I’m glad Haru’s safe, but I’m still worried...

...I wonder if that thing in today’s Laplace Mail was about Haru after all...

Morning, guys.

I dunno how to feel about the fact that I’m getting used to sleeping in shelters...

Yeah. Plus, if we don’t get out of Tokyo, we’re facing our second judgement day.

That’s... really not what I want to hear first thing in the morning. Oh well...

We have to do everything we can. Come what may, we’re gonna make it out alive.

Ah... Looks like today’s Laplace Mail is here.

What the... 300 victims? No way...!

Beldr! That’s the demons’ boss... He’s finally here.

It’ll happen at Aoyama Cemetery... We’d better remember that.

Like I’ve been saying... This demon’s immortal, isn’t it? How can we defeat THAT?

Y-Yeah! What he said! C’mon, let’s hurry up and find a way out, okay?

If we can’t escape, we’re gonna die...!

Yeah... At least, that’s what the demons say. What are we supposed to do...?

Let’s look for a way out of the lockdown until sunset. We don’t have much time...

Yeah... I really don’t wanna die here. Let’s run away as fast as we can!

Sorry... Am I interrupting anything?

Oh, Keisuke... What’s up?

I’ve been looking for you three...

Well, something’s come up... It’s about Midori...

Letting her have a COMP may have been... a mistake.

Okay... She started saying she’s going to use the COMP to help people out.

She’s started saying she’s going to use the COMP to help people out.

We let her have the COMP so she could protect herself against demons, but...

...You figured it out. Ever since she started saying that, her death clock decreased...

No... She beat the demon that emerged and formed a contract with it... with my help.

But ever since she started swearing to help people, her death clock decreased...

Huh...?

I told her to give up the COMP, but she wouldn’t listen!

But Midori hasn’t grouped up with anyone, right?

Shouldn’t she be able to see her own death clock...?

Right... But she doesn’t even realize that’s what the number above her head means.

I tried to explain it to her, but she won’t listen at all.

At this rate, she’ll be dead by morning.

That’s why I want you to help me convince her somehow...

What should we do, Nickname? It’s your call...

It’s nice of you to consider us, but it’s cool.

Abandoning a friend is just wrong. Let’s help him out, okay?

Thanks... I’m really glad I got to know you guys.

I’ll register my COMP with yours to become an official member of your group...

Yes... It’ll be nice to have partners.

Keisuke, wait a sec!

...Hmm?

Hmm...? What do you mean?

Nickname is talking about our death clock readout...

You... did see our death clock, right...?

Oh, yes, I did... What about it?

What about it? We’re gonna die today!

And you’re still gonna...?

...Funny, isn’t it? I ran from you once, but now I’m trusting you with my life...

But I’ve come to understand something... a little, anyway...

A desire to live, to help others... To find the strength to carve one’s own destiny...

I admire your strength... The way you chase life while protecting others’ lives...

Instead of running away for the lack of that, I want to live a better life.

Keisuke...

I’m one of you now... Let’s do our best, Name.

Ahahaha...

Of course... I’ll do my best to prove useful.

The death clock function disappeared... Just as I thought.

Yep. It seems the death clock can only be seen by a group’s leader.

Indeed... I’d heard about it, but this is my first time actually experiencing it.

You’re well-informed... Just as I expected. No wonder you were able to cheat death.

Well, despite our resources, we’re still at 0! Haha...

Ahaha... I’ll do what I can to survive and rescue Midori in the process.

Oh, that’s right...

You mentioned Midori’s death clock had gone down, but what’s it say now?

As soon as Midori swore to help people, her death clock ran down to 2.

That means it’s down to 1 today, but she has no idea...

Yeah... If we don’t make it through today, we won’t be able to save Midori tomorrow.

...Thanks, Name.

Yeah... Just don’t forget, we’re scheduled to die today.

If that happens, we can’t do anything about Midori tomorrow.

I absolutely understand that. We’ll make surviving today our priority for now.

But if you do come across Midori, please remember to try and convince her.

If she changes her mind, it might help to increase the readout on her death clock...

Hey Keisuke, why are you so worried about her anyways?

Wait, don’t tell me... Oho! So that’s how it is...!

I-It’s not that at all! It’s just... well... I’m...

Just what? Heh heh...

N-N-No, really! It’s not that!

But I didn’t stop Midori from taking the COMP... and then I taught her how to use it...

Because of what I did, she doesn’t have long to live.

I wanted to save her... But at this rate, she’ll die, and it’ll be my fault...

Huh... Well, that sounds like a reason you’d come up with!

So let’s get moving! What’s the plan, Nickname?

Right... We need to find a way out before this Beldr guy resurrects...

Then we can look for Midori and the others and all leave the lockdown together!

Dude! Don’t you know your death clock says 0? We gotta find a way out first!

Though I guess it says good things about you that you’re worried for her... C’mon!

You must really be bored, huh? Come to hear me rant again?

You really are an odd duck... But you like to listen and I tend to rant, so it works out.

Hmm. It’s not really fun, but I have a slightly better story. Sure, I’ll tell you that one.

So I told you before about how my relatives neglected me, right?

I’d dropped out of school and was living on my own, working full time to pay the bills.

I worked morning to night... I was desperate for cash to eke out a living.

It was incredibly boring. Every day, I wondered what I was living for.

And then... I met someone who gave me a reason to live.

Haha! No, nothing like that... You could call her a teacher.

Whoa, very sharp. You’re right. She was like a teacher who showed me the music...

Her name was Aya, and she was a hell of a woman. She gave me a place in this world.

My band D-Va, the songs I sing, Aya gave me all that...

It’s on hiatus now, but it really was a great band.

Haha, seriously? That just proves your good taste!

You can probably find it in the indie section of a good record store.

I highly recommend Aya’s tracks. You definitely gotta get yourself a copy!

Yuzu...? Oh, that girl who’s always with you? Heh... I should thank her, too.

I mean, she brought you and me together. It’s nice to make connections with other people.

Though with everything that’s going on, I can’t write a very good song for her.

I just wish I knew where Aya was... I lost touch with her a while ago. It’s worrying...

Ohhh, I dunno. Gin told me she went abroad to study music.

Haha, thanks! But I don’t think you’d find her. I hear she’s studying music overseas.

At least, that’s what Gin tells me. But if you hear anything, let me know!

Oh, but back to the story... The reason I’m here now is all thanks to Aya.

I can stay here because she gave me hope through singing.

She’s very important to me... She’s like a mother, a sister, and a best friend all in one.

For her... I’d gladly give up my life.

Whoa... Almost swung back to ”depressing” there. That’s enough for today... See you!

Huh? Oh... Haru!

She’s gone...

Hey, Nickname... What did Haru’s death clock say?

So today really is Haru’s last...

No! I refuse to let that happen! Let’s rescue her!

H-Hey! Did you forget the Laplace Mail? If it meant Haru, then she’s in trouble!

I was sure it was this way! Where could he be...?

Uh, Yoohoo... Did you really hear a kid crying? ’Cause I didn’t hear anything...

I know I did! Quit complaining and keep looking!

Hey, there he is!

Wow... I’m surprised he got that high. He’s at least fifteen feet up.

Sheez, stop gawking and start helping him down!

You’re gonna go all the way up there? That’s kinda reckless...

But... Then how are we gonna get him down...?

Huh? Wow, that’s cold, Nickname...

What would you do if I fell from that height and hurt myself?

But... Then how are we gonna get him down...?

It’s at times like these when demons come in handy...

Hmm... It would make the climb up there easier...

Y-You can’t! If people see our demons...!

Yeah, but that’s REALLY high up. Even if we got to him, how would we get the kid down?

E-Err...

Yeah, I thought so. Alright then, activating my COMP!

Urgh... I don’t know about this...

Yikes...! Th-Thanks...

Huh... I guess he’s still scared of demons, even if one did rescue him...

Demons are pretty useful, huh? It’s true that most people want to destroy them...

But as long as they’re kept under control, they can do lots of things that people can’t.

If their power was used in the right way, it could change people’s lives, couldn’t it?

C’mon, Atsuro, don’t get any weird ideas. You either, Nickname...!

Yeah... I think it would be.

Awww, don’t be so negative. Technology can’t advance if we don’t think creatively, right?

But look what demons have done to this city! People are dying left and right!

Even we might die today...

You can’t ignore that part!

Urgh... Well, I can’t argue with that.

But if we could completely control all the demons, we wouldn’t have to fear them.

Plus, wouldn’t they lift the lockdown if that happened?

Would they? Hmm... Well, yeah, I admit that would be nice, if it was possible...

See? That’s why we should keep it in mind as a possible way to get the lockdown lifted!

Aaagh! H-Help!

Whaaaat? Did something happen?

M-Monsters just showed up over there!

Oh, nooooo! I gotta go!

Hey, wait--It’s too dangerous!

Hey, wasn’t that Midori?

Yes... I can’t believe she’s deliberately seeking demons!

We have to save her! Please, everyone--help her!

Guys, can you all come see for a sec? It’s about Beldr’s one weak point...

I tried checking the COMP to see if it had any details on that.

Guys, can you all come see for a sec? It’s about that thing I said I’d look into...

Remember how the name Beldr showed up in the Laplace Mail?

So even if the COMP is only a client, it has at least a certain amount of data in it.

It knows enough to be able to query the server about certain subjects, anyway.

I thought if I could get into that data, I could figure out some answers to our questions.

A little digging around, and I figured out a way to access the data. I might try that...

Though what I’d really like is if I could reach the server and access it directly...

I see... And because of the situation, we can’t waste the COMP’s battery.

That’s what you meant when you said you’d tell us once you looked into it more...

Hehe, exactly!

I’ll need my laptop for the job, and I don’t have a spare battery.

So I was too nervous to try it until I knew I had a chance at success!

Alright... So let’s give it a try!

Yes, but it’s understandable. Let’s start with what we can do and build from there.

It’ll be up to you two to turn the generator’s crank. I’ll be busy with the data analysis.

The longer I have, the better! Though the most we’ll get out of it is about 10 minutes...

I’ll do what I can until the laptop’s battery runs out. Now let’s get started!

Sounds promising! But I doubt I’ll get more out of it than about 10 minutes...

I’ll do what I can until the laptop’s battery runs out. Now let’s get started!

Damn! I only got six minutes... Guess the laptop was too much of a strain after all.

Well, you can relax now! Thanks to you two, we found some clues.

Right, Yuzu?

Yep! I wrote it all down. But it all sounds kinda weird... Here, I’ll read it to you.

”All creation, save the devil’s fuge, vowed never to bring harm to beautiful, radiant Beldr.”

”The evil Loki tricked Beldr’s brother into using the devil’s fuge to send him to Hel.”

Is this something out of a legend? It sounds like it’s talking about ancient times...

So Beldr was invulnerable, but Loki tricked his brother into killing him with devil’s fuge.

That’s what it says... But the important thing is that he was killed with devil’s fuge.

There’s no mistake... It says that Loki had him killed with devil’s fuge.

Devil’s fuge... Does that mean we can kill Beldr if we have it?

Hey... Doesn’t this all sound like what the weird guy in Shinjuku was talking about?

You’re right...!

That strange guy said the one thing that can kill Beldr is inside the lockdown!

Maybe there’s something to that, then... I wonder who he was?

Who cares? The devil’s fuge is what’s important now! Let’s hurry and find it!

Oh, but wait... What is devil’s fuge, anyway...?

It’s... a weapon?

It’s... a spell?

...What do you mean, a special attack...?

It’s... a plant?

...Guess we’ll need to do more research into this.

Remember what it’s called so we can gather more information.

R-Right... And if we find it, we can beat Beldr!

Well... Based on what we know, yeah. We’ll have to believe it for now...

Yeah, I wonder...

Sounds like this devil’s fuge is our only hope now. Let’s go out and ask around about it.

What’s the matter?

D-Demons! Monsters!

Demons...! Let’s check it out, Nickname!

H-Hey! It’s dangerous in there!

Whoa... 10BIT? C’mon... Hang in there!

It’s... It’s you... AT-LOW...

Wait here! We’ll get help and--

Don’t bother... I’m not going to make it... But... I’m glad I got to... see you again...

10BIT... What’re you saying?

I-It’s all right... Listen... I have to tell you something...

The government... is hiding... something incredible... That’s why I’ve been... on the run...

......! What is it...?

A journalist I know... left a file with me... and vanished. I looked into it...

I don’t... have the file... But what I discovered... is in this COMP...

Take it...! The password... is my...

Hang in there, 10BIT...!

10BIT...! ......

10BIT... I’ll keep this COMP safe for you...

Did you know him...?

Yeah... Remember how I told you about a guy I knew who went missing? That was him...

His handle was 10BIT... Er, on the Internet, I mean.

That’s awful...

He was an office worker I met on a programming forum. I got to know him pretty well...

I hung out with him a couple times IRL, but then one day, he disappeared suddenly.

All I knew is that he was investigating something before he vanished...

His handle was 10BIT... Er, on the Internet, I mean.

And he went missing...?

Are you gonna be okay?

Yeah... I’m fine. ......

I don’t know why, but I can’t cry for him... Haha... Am I this cold-hearted?

He’s right... With everything that’s happened, it’s no wonder you’re tired.

Nickname!

Don’t listen to him, Atsuro.

You’re just tired from everything that’s happened, that’s all...

Ahaha... Okay. Thanks...

Whatever he found is inside this COMP...

Looks like the whole system will lock up if we enter the wrong password even once.

It’s running low on batteries, too... Let’s save this for later.

What could be so important he’d risk his life to leave it with me?

...An unbelievable cover-up by the government, eh...?

Wh-What do I do...?

It’s dangerous over there... A demon came!

I ran, but a lady couldn’t get away. When I told another girl that, she...

Uh-huh... The lady’s in trouble, but the girl’s in trouble too!

Um... She had pink clothes and wore glasses...

You gotta do something, mister!

That’s Midori, all right... We have to go!

Hey, Nickname... About the COMP 10BIT left with me...

Haha... You forgot, huh? Well, it’s not like it’s been very important so far.

Yeah, that’s the one...

I was thinking it’s about time we checked out what’s in it.

Huh? Why not...?

Hmm... I guess so. We have other stuff to do now, too...

Alright, then! I’ll leave it alone.

I’ll give it to 10BIT’s family when we get out of this lockdown.

It’s... kind of sad that this COMP is all that’s left of him, though...

Yeah...

All right! Let’s get crackin’!

But... Won’t it lock up if we get the password wrong?

Seems that way. We only get one shot at this, so I want everyone’s input.

It seems like a four-digit code, but what would he use as a password...

I dunno... His birthday? His address? Maybe his phone number or his blood type?

Dude, I wouldn’t use stuff that weak for my ATM PIN. He’d go with something trickier...

You think it’s his number at the company where he works...?

Uh... okay, but how would we find out what that is?

That might be obscure enough. If someone got his COMP, they couldn’t crack that...

Then again, neither can we.

Yeah! He wouldn’t forget his full name, and it would be hard to find out.

...In fact... Even I only know his last name...

His handle... You mean 10BIT?

Well... I don’t know. But if he left me this, he must think I could crack the password.

His handle is one thing I do know about him, so maybe that is it somehow...

Might as well give it a try.

A number, huh...? Yeah, maybe so... Let’s give it a shot!

10’s already a number, but... What’s BIT?

1 bit is the smallest unit of data storage. It has two states: on, 1, or off, 0.

2 states... So 10 bits would be 10 times 2... 20?

Whoa there, Yoohoo! Bits don’t use simple multiplication. They’re binary notation.

10 bits isn’t 2 times 10, it’s 2 to the power of 10. Well? I know my stuff, eh? Eh?

Yeah, yeah... Hey Nickname, what’s 2 to the power of 10?

You’re not supposed to. It’s tough to calculate in your head at a moment’s notice...

It’s 1024, by the way.

Wh-Whaaat...? You’re right... It’s 1024.

Don’t tell me you worked that out in your head! Are you a secret math whiz...?

Well, no... But hardly anyone could work that out in their head at a moment’s notice.

It’s 1024, by the way.

Wait... 1024? That’s four digits!

Then is that the answer? Wow... Good call on the handle thing, Nickname!

C’mon... Give me at least some of the credit...!

Sure, sure, whatever! Hurry up and try the password!

Geez, you can be cruel...

All right, here goes. 1... 0... 2... 3...

A-Atsuro! That’s not it!

You put in 1023! It’s supposed to be 1024!

Calm down... In programming, numbers are counted starting from 0.

So the largest value 10 bits can contain is 1023.

Aha... Bingo!

Oh... Huh. Sheez, how is any normal person supposed to know that?

They wouldn’t. That’s why it’s a good password, right?

Alright, I’m gonna read through this... Give me some time.

Okay. Good luck...

What... the hell...?

What’s up, Atsuro? Did you figure out what it is?

Y... Yeah... Do you guys know about the PSE Law?

PSE Law...?

It was passed to make sure electronic devices are safe, but it has a lot of problems.

Any electronic device that hasn’t passed a special body’s inspection can’t be sold.

A friend of mine was really mad about it ’cause it meant he couldn’t afford a new TV.

Well, the law wasn’t explained very well to businesses or the relevant regulatory agencies.

They only announced their policies right before the enforcement began.

Some secondhand dealers were even forced into bankruptcy because of it...

Yeah, the retailers raised a stink in the media right before it went into effect.

It passed in 2001, but they allowed a grace period until 2006 because of the outcry.

Oh... I think I remember that. I’m not much for gadgets, so I didn’t know the details.

Figures... That’s how the government made people get used to it over time.

But 10BIT and his journalist friend thought something was fishy...

And they were right. There was another reason for the law.

Another reason...? Huh? Are we still talking about microwaves and rice cookers and stuff?

Yeah... That’s the whole trick behind it. Take an ordinary microwave, like we have.

You have one at your place, right Yuzu? You ever open it up and look inside?

Huh? Of course not... I mean, it’s a microwave.

That’s what most people think. It’s what let the government get away with this...

No one noticed the extra chip installed inside every PSE- certified product...

Yeah. It says here that’s why the journalist disappeared.

When 10BIT took over his work, he eventually figured out the chip’s purpose...

Yep... You got it.

When it gets a certain signal, the chip controls the output of the device’s power source.

What does that mean? What does that let it do?

10BIT wondered the same thing, and what he found was... Well, it’s incredible.

The real, classified intent of the PSE Law... was the UEM Field.

UEM... what? What does UEM stand for?

Ultra Electromagnetic. It’s a superweapon that uses EM waves.

Look, every electronic device emits EM waves. Every one.

But they’re very weak, so it’s not a problem.

But a powerful EM wave speeds up molecules and generates heat, just like a microwave.

Ever hear that joke about the cat in the microwave? Living things would boil to death...

Ugh, that’s an awful example. But... is it easy to make EM waves that strong?

But didn’t we learn in physics that when two or more waves meet, they get bigger?

Right... It’s not impossible.

Didn’t we learn in physics that when two or more waves meet, they get bigger?

The EM waves that ordinary household electronics emit are weak.

But Japan is flooded with electronics nowadays... Been to Akihabara lately?

What if all those electronics had a chip that emitted EM waves on command...?

If someone activated them all at once... what would happen?

W-Wait a second! You’re saying ”someone,” but the government passed this law, right?

Why would they do something that dangerous? What would they do with a chip like that?

Oh... S-Sorry, Nickname. You’re right...

Countering invasions... That’s what Izuna was saying, too.

I-Invasions...?

So, what, if some country invaded Japan...

They’d use that UEM Field thing against the invading army...?

Huh? Izuna mentioned it...?

Damn it... That’s it! That must be it!

The UEM Field is how they’re gonna kill everyone in the Yamanote circle at once!

It also explains why they might’ve cut the power inside the Yamanote circle...

Maybe in part, but think of how much juice it’ll take to activate all those chips...

Exactly! Think of how much juice it’ll take to activate all those chips at once...

O-Okay, enough! Shouldn’t we be thinking more about how to stay alive?

And Midori’s death clock is going to run out today... We have to help her!

C’mon, you two, let’s go!

Hey, Nickname... All that stuff... Does it really have nothing to do with us?

Is it about everyone’s death clocks? Oh, crap... Is this what Izuna meant...?

Huh? Izuna mentioned it...?

Damn it... That’s it! That must be it!

The UEM Field is how they’re gonna kill everyone in the Yamanote circle at once!

It also explains why they might’ve cut the power inside the Yamanote circle...

Maybe in part, but think of how much juice it’ll take to activate all those chips...

Exactly! Think of how much juice it’ll take to activate all those chips at once...

Alright, will do. But let’s keep it in mind...

Yeah... I think so, too.

The lockdown and blackout... I hope they have nothing to do with this UEM Field.

Why, ho? I can’t win against this weird, pink hee-human, ho!

Why am I so strong, you ask?

Well, you see... That’s the power of love!

L-Love, ho...? If I have-ho love, will I hee-come strong too, ho?

Of course! As long as you have love, you can stand up even if you get knocked down!

As long as your heart is alive, you’ll never lose!

That’s hee-mazing! I’m gonna look for love too, ho!

Heh heh heh! Chalk another one up to Magical Dolly, Warrior of Love! Love to demons, too!

W-Was she talking to a demon that wasn’t hers...?

Wow. Either that’s her special power, or some demons are just like that...

Shibuya, huh? Come to think of it, everything started here...

Haha... Yeah, huh?

No kidding...

If we could somehow go back and warn our past selves that this was going to happen...

It would be too unbelievable, and we’d just end up where we are now.

I never thought our daily lives could be destroyed so easily...

Haha, dude... The lockdown’s not lifted yet. There’s no way the trains are gonna be--

Haha, I wish. But the Yamanote circle is still locked down, so...

Hm...? Wait... I hear voices!

Yeah, let’s go!

Y-Yeah... Let’s go see who it is...!

Tch... Where’d they go? I was pretty sure they escaped this way...

...Kaido! I found them!

Found ’em, huh? Where are they...?

Looks like they’re in that park. Let’s head over so they can’t get away.

Cool with me. It’s party time!

Is that... Kaido and Honda? What are they doing...?

Kudanshita, huh? Hey... I just thought of something.

Oh, um...

Oh, no, no! Sorry, that’s not what I meant.

I wondered if Haru will play a place like Bugeikan in front of a huge crowd someday.

Wh-What? Why? Well... If she does hit it big, will you come to the concert with me?

Great!

Though for that to happen, we have to get out of this lockdown first...

Huh? Look, Nickname... Someone’s over there.

That was terrifying... Who were those people?

Some Shomonkai people were harrassing me for no reason over in front of Bugeikan.

Saying stuff like, ”Are you after us too?” and ”Hand over your COMP!”

And when it finally got through that I had nothing to do with them...

They pestered me to join their group! I don’t get it at all.

If you’re going over there, you be careful too...

What’s the Shomonkai up to...?

Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go over there.

Commander Fushimi. This investigation will be over soon. No new developments.

I see. Well, from the look of it, there’s no doubt that the contamination started here.

Moving targets aren’t easy to track down...

Could the demons have already been driven away? Like those kids yesterday?

Possible. Also possible that this contamination itself was caused by COMPs...

We’ll find out once the troops tasked with retrieving those COMPs return.

We have to dig deeper into who summoned these demons and find the truth behind all this.

Yes, Sir.

Was that Izuna from back at Akasaka Tunnel? She called the other guy her Commander...

We still can’t rely too much on them, but at least they seem to be doing their job.

Still, it won’t be good for us if they spot us.

You’re right... Let’s get outta here.

...Could I borrow you for a second? I want to talk in private.

...This is about Haru.

I heard from her. It seems she’s told you a lot about herself, hmm?

...... If Haru’s opening up, she must have high expectations of you.

That’s why I wanted to say... Don’t get too involved with her.

Oh... Did that come off wrong? There’s no problem. It’s just... Haru’s not like most people.

If she felt betrayed by someone she opened up to, she’d throw away her life.

She’s... very unstable now.

I didn’t want to see you get involved unwittingly, or to see her end up like that...

...I see. Sorry...

Heh... I think I see now why she trusted in you.

You know, you’re not the first I’ve heard that from. Aya... said the same thing.

Yeah, my lover. Though... she disappeared six months ago.

......

I’ll tell you some other time. But back to Haru...

Haru doesn’t trust anyone precisely because she wants to so badly.

She’s too scared to be hurt again, so she shuts people out. That’s what Aya said...

Aya managed to break through to her, and Haru opened up to Aya...

But without Aya, Haru’s going back to her old ways. I don’t want to see that happen.

As a favor to me, too, try not to do anything that would hurt Haru even more.

I... told Haru that Aya went overseas for a while to study music.

If she knew the truth, she’d blame herself, thinking it happened because of her.

Before Haru joined D-Va, Aya was the lead vocalist.

Aya was impressed by Haru’s talent and gave up the lead. The other members all agreed.

But to this day, Haru feels like she stole Aya’s place.

If she knew Aya went missing, she’d think she drove her away. That’s what I want to avoid.

Alright... thanks.

Well, like I said... Nothing she does would surprise me. Not even suicide.

Like I said, I told Haru that Aya went overseas for a while to study music.

If she knew Aya went missing, she’d think it’s because she stole her spot as vocalist.

The lockdown has made Haru worse... She can’t even write songs in this blackout.

I’m putting her in your hands.

Oh... sorry. I shouldn’t be talking about this... It won’t do either of us any good.

That’s all I wanted to say. I’ll see you later.

Here it is! The Diet Building! Think we’ll find the devil’s fuge here?

Look! Those people are being surrounded by demons!

Wait a sec, though... Something seems strange...

Huh...? How are you still alive? Didn’t you fight Beldr?

Hahahaha... You really found some?

Does that mean Beldr is no more? Splendid! You’re good... You’re very good!

What...? You defeated Beldr?

Come now, really... You?

Hahahaha... Splendid! You’re good... You’re very good!

I didn’t imagine a human like you could defeat Beldr...

This comes as quite a shock. The battle to become King of Bel is getting interesting...

Eh?

Don’t tell me you thought everything was over simply because you defeated Beldr...

You can’t be serious! That was only the beginning.

You’ve livened things up, so I’ll let you in on a few things.

Beldr was one of the demons crowned with the name of Bel.

He was immortal once, but lost his life in a certain incident long, long ago.

Had everyone in the world shed a tear for him, he would have been freed from Hel...

But there was one old hag who refused to cry, and he stayed trapped there.

He was out to make a world of lament, so all humans would cry and he’d be free.

But poor dear Beldr is back in Hel now that a human like you defeated him. *chuckle*

But who cares about a dead fool? Is there anything else you’d like to know?

You’ve livened things up, so I’ll let you in on a few things.

Essentially, demons crowned with the name of Bel are having a war of superiority.

The winner will assume the Throne of Bel and become its King.

Other than Beldr, it involves Belial, Jezebel, Belzaboul, and Belberith.

Other than Beldr, it involves Belial, Jezebel, Belzaboul, and Belberith...

They are fighting to be the one who assumes the Throne of Bel.

Now that you’ve beaten Beldr, you have his power. There’s no escape for you anymore...

Why indeed...? Isn’t that a question your brother knew the answer to?

Run or don’t run... The other Bels will never let you escape.

They’ll hound you to the ends of the earth if that’s what it takes to finish you off.

But then... Wouldn’t your brother have known that would happen?

Why don’t you just give in and accept your fate? You have no choice but to fight.

Hahaha...! It won’t do you any good to get angry at me, you know...

I see... I admire your resolve. It suits Naoya’s younger brother.

One last thing before I go. In three days’ time, you’ll have to fight the demon Belial.

If you want to survive, you’d best strengthen yourselves. Don’t let me down...

What the hell...? What was that all about?

Who the hell IS that? All this stuff about demons of Bel and things we have to do...!

Calm down, Atsuro...

The way he said it was kinda mean, sure, but what he told us will help us survive.

Sorry... I lost my cool.

But damn it... You mean it’s not over after all...?

Yeah... If he was telling the truth, we have 3 days to prepare for what’s coming.

I guess it’s a lot better than being totally in the dark...

If what he said is true, those other demons of Bel definitely won’t let us go...

Whatever else we decide to do, it can’t hurt to find some countermeasure against them.

Damn it... That’s right!

There’s a good chance our deaths in 3 days have something to do with Belial!

Yeah... that’s right.

We have exactly 3 days to live. It’s a good bet that Belial will be the cause of that...

Damn it... Why are we being dragged into all this? I’ve had enough!

Aoyama Cemetery... The time’s finally come.

Yeah... Time for us to face our destiny and fight that monster.

There’s no other way for us to survive... We have to do this.

Exactly... We’re not gonna lay down and die!

We’re gonna beat that thing and rewrite our destiny!

Gotcha! We’ll be counting on you, Nickname!

Everyone seems so down... C’mon, guys, cheer up! We beat Beldr, after all...

Honestly... I don’t feel like it. We found out there’s no way out of the lockdown, too.

...... You mean what that Izuna lady said at Akasaka Tunnel, huh?

B-But... Didn’t they say they’re looking into the reasons why demons appeared?

Once the problem’s solved, they’ll lift the lockdown, right?

Yeah... So we just gotta survive until they fix things, right?

Mmm... It would be best if all the demons could be wiped out...

But to be honest... I don’t think the government can do anything about that.

Why not...?

It would be best if all the demons could be wiped out...

But to be honest... I don’t think the government can do anything about that.

Urgh... Then what do we do?

Whatever we can, huh...?

What else did that guy say? The war for the Throne of Bel, was it?

Well... Before that, we have to deal with Belial in 3 days.

Prepare ourselves...

You mean for the fight with Belial in 3 days, right?

3 days... the time we have left. If we don’t do something about it, we’re...

Yeah. If we don’t think of a way to get this lockdown lifted, we really might die.

But even if we figure out how, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll be able to do it...

Wouldn’t it be better to get ourselves fully prepared for Belial in 3 days?

So we’re leaving the lockdown to the government?

No... He’s just saying it’s more important to get prepared for the battle in 3 days.

We have some time. If we find a way to get the lockdown lifted, we’ll give it a try.

Yeah... Okay.

Oh, that reminds me... Don’t forget about Midori tomorrow.

If her death clock is accurate, Midori will be...

Yeah... We know. We won’t let anyone die! We’re all gonna get out of here alive!

That’s right... We can’t let Midori down!

Yeah! If we keep at it, I’m sure she’ll understand!

If worse comes to worst... That might be the only way.

Ugh... Sheez, I’m exhausted!

Let’s get some sleep, guys. Our heads will be a little clearer tomorrow, right?

Yeah... That’s right. I’m bushed, too... Let’s all rest up for tomorrow!

Whew... Thanks. You guys saved me again.

I made it this far, but it was touch and go this time.

Haha... I’ve been wanting to ask them the same thing. Maybe they’re here to grant my wish.

Your... wish?

It’s... not important. No one cares about something like that.

......

Nickname! How dare you say that to Haru?

Pretty perceptive... But I have no reason to answer you.

......

Huh...? Wh-What do you mean, ”problems”?

...Pretty perceptive. But I don’t want to talk about it...

......

Nickname! How dare you say that to Haru?

Pretty perceptive... But I have no reason to answer you.

Haha... I’ve been wanting to ask them the same thing. Maybe they’re here to grant my wish.

Huh? Your wish...? Don’t tell me you’re really...!

Sorry, sorry. Just forget it. I didn’t want anyone to know anyways...

Ha... You get it, don’t you? You’re a lot more mature than you look.

Ahaha... Um... Anyway!

I’m glad you’re safe, Haru!

Oh, which reminds me!

It’s not just demons... There was a suspicious guy looking for you too, Haru.

Huh? A suspicious guy?

Who, me? Um, well...

I-I didn’t really get it, but he said something like he was going to obtain your power.

...... My power, huh...?

There was something about a holy flame... Crazy stuff. It might be demon-related...

Are you... really being targeted by demons...?

Haha, maybe so. Anyways... Thanks for everything.

I owe you guys one.

Man, if you could just use your sequencer, you’d stand a fighting chance...

Ha, well, nothing I can do with the batteries dead. So it goes.

Though to be honest, if I could, I’d really like a peek at the data in it...

Hm? Oh... The sequencer’s owner left me a little homework along with it.

She told me to finish what there was of the song left inside...

I can still kinda remember how it went, but the work has been slow going...

Even with everything going on, you’re writing a song...? Wow! The mark of a true musician!

Ahaha, it’s nothing so noble. Thanks, though.

Hey... You’re Name Surname, right? You’re an interesting one...

Let’s take a breather and chat sometime. It’ll be on me.

Haha... I like your attitude. It’s pretty cool. Well, be seeing you...

Hey... What was that about?

Uh-oh... Yoohoo’s got a rival! Haru’s gonna snatch Nickname away...

Wh-Wh-What’re you saying? There’s nothing between me and...

......! Uh... Uh... Well... Yeah... A-Ahaha!

Atsuroooo! Hey! You get back here right now!

Hey, Name... Do you plan to keep helping people like we just did from here on out?

I see. Um... Well, there’s nothing bad about rescuing people, but...

Um, well... There’s nothing bad about rescuing people, it’s just...

There won’t be a problem if the ones we rescue are okay with demons, like that lady.

But I think most normal people will be afraid... Of demons, and of demon tamers.

They won’t be able to see the difference between evil demons and the ones on our side...

Er, well... I think a normal person might assume that this was the work of demon tamers.

Exactly... I think a normal person would assume that this was the work of demon tamers.

That’s why I don’t think we should let normal people see that we can control demons...

At least, that’s what I’ve been trying to prevent.

Oh... sorry. I wasn’t trying to scold you.

It’s just... I’m worried about Midori...

She’s showing off her demons, calling herself a ”defender of justice.” It’s dangerous...

Sorry, I’m talking too much. Just ignore me.

Owww...! Why’d you have to hit me so hard...?

Hmph! You asked for it!

Stupid Yoohoo... I don’t think you need the Harmonizer.

Hmmmm? Did someone say something...?

N-Not me! Right, Nickname?

Anyway... I wonder why the demons keep targeting Haru...

Yeah, they were saying something about that... What does it mean?

Her songs...? What would demons want with songs?

Hmm... We don’t have nearly enough info to conclude anything yet.

No kidding...

Let’s do something about our death clocks, and we can come back to this later, okay?

Hey... Haru’s death clock went up, right? How long does she have?

What? Just one day?

If tomorrow’s her last day to live, Haru really is being targeted...

We’ve gotta do something! I mean... If we survive that long...

W-We made it... I thought we were dead meat!

THAT’S Beldr...? There’s no way we can win against that!

Th-Thanks... I guess... But I would’ve been fine by myself!

Urgh...

Midori... It’s not too late. You need to give up your COMP.

Whaaat...? What’re you talking about? I won’t lose!

I just have to stay away from that immortal thingie, right?

W-W-Well... If there’s another one, I’ll run away from it too!

It’s not so simple... There’s more to it than running from that demon a moment ago.

Death clock...?

...I’m sure you can see it. It’s the number displayed above people’s heads.

That number... tells how many days the person has left to live.

......? Wh-What’re you talking about?

I’m sorry. I tried to tell you, but you wouldn’t listen...

You’ve had only 1 day left ever since you took the COMP and swore to help people.

But if you give up the COMP right now--!

Quit lying to me! Then what? I’m gonna die tomorrow?

Well, it says 0 for you guys! If all that’s true, how come you’re still alive, huuuh?

You mean that Beldr thingie? What the heck? I have to run, but you’re gonna fight it?

Whaaaat? What’re you talking about? That makes it sound even more like a lie!

That’s it! I’m not listening to you guys anymore!

I’m gonna go beat up alllll the bad guys!

Midori... If you hadn’t run from that last battle, you could’ve died, you know?

It’s like Nickname said. There could be more immortal demons like Beldr.

Hasn’t it occurred to you that Beldr might not be the only immortal demon out there?

You’re taking the demons too lightly. One mistake, and they’ll tear you apart!

Midori... It’ll be too late once you’re dead!

But... But is it okay to not help people? Is it okay to just watch them die?

...I hate you, Keisuke. You guys are all dummies!

Midori...!

Why won’t she understand...?

Man... That Beldr seemed way tougher than an ordinary demon...

Yeah, nothing we did even put a dent in him.

I guess we knew it wouldn’t... But it’s depressing to see for ourselves.

Nothing we did even put a dent in him.

Damn it... I guess the rumors were true. He really is immortal.

Though there’s still that one thing that can hurt him that the guy in Shinjuku mentioned.

We need to hurry and find it so we’ll be ready for the battle against Beldr.

According to the Laplace Mail, he’ll show up at Aoyama Cemetery at 18:00.

If we don’t find this thing by then, it’s game over for us.

Listen, Midori! You’ll be in real trouble if this keeps up! Tomorrow, you’re going to--

Blah, blah, blaaah! I don’t wanna hear it! Stop getting in my way--I’m a hero!

I’m not trying to stop you from being a hero, I’m trying to save your life!

Ha! Heroes aren’t afraid to face death! We put ourselves in danger to save others!

Midori... Why won’t you understand...?

She seems pretty obsessed with saving people. And that hero stuff...

Huh...?

I wonder why she’s so bent on being a hero.

Weird... It looked like he summoned a demon and made a contract with it...

I didn’t think COMPs had functions like that...

Yeah, what did he do? Other than the auction and the initial COMP activation...

I thought there weren’t any other ways to form a contract with demons.

But if there aren’t... then why did Pazuzu appear?

A coincidence... Is that all it was...?

Even so, wasn’t that a bad sign? Don’t demons appear in response to human desires...?

A strong will...

If that’s true, it’s a bad sign. Don’t demons appear in response to human desires...?

If people like him can summon demons whenever they please, what’ll happen to Tokyo?

It’ll become a world where people use demons to fulfill their own desires...

And it’s a short step from that to a world where only the strong can rule!

Yeah... We can’t let this world be infested with that kind of desire.

I wish I could believe that...

But with this many demons already summoned, things are pretty dangerous as it is.

So people’s strong desires can summon forth demons...

But strong desires are nothing new. Why are these demons only appearing now...?

I wondered the same thing...

Maybe because of the COMPs? It seems like it’s easier for the demons to appear now...

Pazuzu’s a major demon... I can’t believe he made a direct contract without the auction.

Heeeeey...

Something up, Yuzu?

Yeah... That guy... He lost, but he didn’t leave behind his COMP or his Macca!

Uhhh...

...We meet again. I’m glad to see you all safe thus far.

It seems you cleaned up after our unfortunate incident...

Those people stole COMPs with the intention to use them for their own personal gain.

It is a blessing that you prevented them from sinning. The Shomonkai thanks you.

I can see a strong power at work in your destiny...

Your destiny will reach a branching point soon.

...The key to overcoming the crisis this night is at the fulcrum of this country.

Yes. Let the people’s voices guide you... Now, if you’ll excuse me.

I speak of the Diet Building. The people’s voices shall guide you... Now, please excuse me.

It seems that you already know where the key to overcoming this night’s crisis lies...

Simply continue on that path. Now, if you’ll excuse me...

Looks like the Shomonkai has its own troubles. Guess anyone who has a COMP is tempted...

It’s pretty amazing that they have that many members and so few have abused its power.

Phew... I didn’t think we’d have to fight against people in the Shomonkai.

Well, demon tamers do have access to some pretty incredible power...

It’s no surprise that people would be tempted to use COMPs for their own personal gain.

Not even Shomonkai members are immune to temptation like that...

It’s pretty amazing that they have that many members and so few have abused its power.

A lot of people have faith in them, right? Maybe they’re not so bad after all...

Yeah, especially since they were going after people who abused the COMPs.

Then again, the zealots had COMPs... It would suck if they were allowed to run wild.

I-Is it over...? Are we... still alive?

Oh yeah! What’s the death clock say now, Nickname?

Are you serious? We did it!

We cheated death once again! Damn... This is so great!

W-Wait a sec!

Hm? What’s up, Yoohoo?

Um... Why’s it 3?

It’s 4 for everyone else in the lockdown, right? We have one day less than everyone!

True... Even after defeating Beldr, our death clock is one day shorter than most.

What could it mean...?

Are... Are we gonna have to fight something like Wendigo and Beldr again...?

Damn it... What’s left? I was hoping we could concentrate on getting the lockdown lifted!

Yeah...

Getting depressed won’t help... We have 3 more days. Let’s be thankful for that.

If we can do something about the demons before then, maybe we can avoid that death too.

Y-Yeah...! Alright, let’s find a way to do something about those demons!

Yeah... We should start with people who probably know about demons, huh?

Naoya would be best, but we can’t find him.

Who else... The Shomonkai? I doubt they’d tell us much...

Hey... What about that guy we met in Shinjuku?

Remember how he told us about Beldr and the devil’s fuge last time we met him?

You think he might know some other stuff that could help?

Kannagi-cho? You mean that flashy dude...?

Oh yeah!

Remember how he told us about Beldr and the devil’s fuge last time we met him?

You think he might know some other stuff that could help?

Might as well give it a try... Off to Kannagi-cho, then!

Is this... the devil’s fuge? It looks like a plain wooden charm...

Uhh, this is going to let us beat Beldr? It’s... just a cell phone strap.

I dunno about this...

There’s no other way. We’re up against a demon... Even a simple charm may be effective.

Yeah... I feel even more doomed than when we started.

There’s no other way. We’re up against a demon... Even a simple charm may be effective.

Uh... so...?

Name has a point. We’re up against a demon... Even a simple charm may be effective.

Common sense doesn’t necessarily apply to things like demons.

Well, when you put it that way... We don’t know anything about demons at all.

*sigh* Well, we did get the devil’s fuge... All that’s left is to go for broke!

Whether it helps us escape our destiny of death... God only knows.

*sigh* I really don’t want to fight this Beldr... I just wanna go home...

I know... But for that to happen, we have to survive this.

Let’s keep our heads up a little longer.

Yeah... Okay.

Hey, who were those guys, anyway? That was one creepy gang...

It seemed like they had us confused for Beldr-worshippers.

Yeah... the demons seemed to be Beldr’s minions, but what was with those people?

R-Right...

We need to focus on surviving the battle with Beldr now. Let’s all do our best.

Yeah, it seemed that way.

We need to focus on surviving the battle with Beldr now. Let’s all do our best.