"Um, Sahabi… your hand," he said uncomfortably.
"Oh! Sorry, did I hurt you?" I asked, quickly pulling my hand back from his shoulder.
"Well, no… but it did surprise me."
"Sorry about that. Anyway, why are you still outside? I mean, class has already started."
"Well, to be honest… I volunteered to come look for you. Everyone was worried you might get lost again," he said with a gentle smile.
"Oh, I see… thanks. Wait—get lost again?" I asked, confused.
"Uh… well, I mean, I heard that before you returned to class crying, you didn't know where our classroom was. So now everyone's worried it might happen again."
"What?! Wait, who told everyone that?!"
"It was Ms. Qori. After you left with Bahuwirya, she came into class."
"Oh, man. That's true, but… Fuuuh."
Why, Ms. Qori? Seriously?
"Um… Sahabi, are you okay?" he asked, looking concerned.
"Oh, I'm fine, haha. Still, I'm kind of surprised that you volunteered to come find me," I said, looking at him with admiration.
"Well… originally, Fitria volunteered first, but then she got into an argument with Natalia and Betania. It looked like that would take a while to resolve, so I stepped in instead," he said with a proud smile.
They really argue over everything. What's the point?
Though… Fitria, Natalia, and Betania arguing? They're probably closer than they look.
"It feels like I've caused everyone trouble… but seeing you take the initiative like that, I don't know why, but it seems like you've grown stronger, Harjasa."
"Of course! I promised everyone I'd become stronger—strong enough to proudly stand as someone who can protect you all. So this is nothing," he said with a confident grin.
"You're right," I replied, smiling.
Harjasa Iswahyudi.
He's incredibly smart, but also painfully shy. He gets flustered easily—sometimes to the point of tears. But whenever the topic shifts to physics or computer science, his whole demeanor changes—he becomes passionate, confident, and even inspiring. After his death in the tourney, his AI creation—Star Agent—was the one who saved me from execution and helped us rescue Ardianto and the others. It seems that by this point in time, he's already revealed his secret to everyone. I'm relieved. That secret was the reason Laswi killed him in the first place.
"So… what do you need help with?" he asked curiously.
"Well, first, I want to ask something. Is there a way—or a device—that can make people obey your commands?" I asked seriously.
"Um… that's kind of absurd," he said, raising an eyebrow.
"I know, I know…"
"Hmm… it is absurd, but that doesn't mean it's impossible," he said, now deep in thought.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, maybe not exactly like what you said—but what about brainwashing machines? I once read a paper by a skilled neurologist about brainwashing techniques. So if we use that kind of method, theoretically, it's possible to control someone and make them obey."
"Well, maybe you're right, but if the goal is to affect everyone, wouldn't it be impossible? I mean, you'd have to use the device on each person individually."
"True. But… if we can apply that method to a different medium, then I think it would be possible."
"Huh?"
"For example, if we can embed the brainwashing method into music or video, then everyone could be affected just by listening or watching," he said seriously.
That's it.
I don't know why, but I should make a note of that. My savior really is amazing. Alright—on to the next step.
"You're right. That could be it. You're a genius," I said excitedly.
"Um… well, thank you, hehe," he replied, embarrassed.
"Okay, Harjasa. Can you help me research this? I need to know if anyone has already implemented something like this—and if so, I want to know how to counter it."
"Oh, um… sure. I think I can help. But if someone has implemented it, the information would likely be classified and hard to find," he said, growing more serious.
"Well, I believe in you, Harjasa. I know you can do it."
"Um… I'll try my best," he said, smiling.
"Thanks, Harjasa. Oh, and please don't tell anyone about this. I don't want you to get into trouble—and please, don't ask why. Not yet."
"Hmm, it's alright, Sahabi. I don't know why, but I have this feeling that you're doing this for us. So I won't ask."
This is it.
He really is my savior.
You're the MVP, Harjasa.
If you'd been born a girl, I probably would've fallen in love with you.
"So… should we head back to class now? I think we'll be in trouble if we stay out here any longer," he said, worried.
"Oh—yeah, you're right," I agreed.
We returned to the classroom. As expected, everyone was worried… but I also knew they wouldn't let me off the hook that easily.
"Oh look, the prince has returned from his journey. Did you get lost again, my prince?" Cornelia teased.
"Hahaha, that's hilarious, Cornelia," Najam laughed.
"Stop it, you two! Class is still in session!" Bahuwirya scolded.
After that small commotion, I took my seat and tried to focus on the lesson.
It's been a while since I had a proper class.
Strangely nostalgic… and a little painful.
Then I remembered—this is Starlight.
Of course, the lesson wouldn't be normal.
Just as class was about to end, a sudden announcement played:
"Sahabi Pratama from Class 96, please report to the Headmaster's office immediately. Once again, Sahabi Pratama from Class 96, please report to the Headmaster's office. Thank you."
…Okay, that was random.
I just realized—everyone was staring at me now.
"…."
Please don't look at me like I know what's going on. I have no idea either.
"You may go now, Sahabi," the teacher said, gesturing toward the door.
"Yes, sir. Thank you," I said, still confused.
I left my seat and walked out of the classroom.
"Man… now what?"
When I arrived, I knocked and entered.
Inside, the headmaster was speaking with Mr. Estiawan. Sitting on the couch was an old man with neatly combed white hair and a sharp suit.
Wait… Mr. Kenari?
What's he doing here?
I'll pretend I don't know him.
"Oh, here he is," said Mr. Estiawan.
"Good afternoon, Headmaster, Mr. Estiawan… and, uh…"
"Kenari Nababan," he said politely.
"Oh—good afternoon, Mr. Kenari," I greeted.
"Sahabi Pratama, do you know why you've been called here?" the headmaster asked.
"Um… honestly, no," I replied, confused.
"Well, I just want to know why you entered the student council room," the headmaster said.
"Oh, that… I was just curious. I wanted to know why the room was sealed," I explained.
"Sahabi, I know you didn't mean any harm, but please don't do that again. The room is sealed, and only certain students are permitted to enter. In this case, Bahuwirya has permission. You don't. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes… I'm sorry," I said, bowing slightly.
"Good. I hope you understand. Sorry to interrupt your class. You're free to go now," he said, motioning toward the door.
"Well then, excuse me," I said, bowing to Mr. Estiawan and Mr. Kenari before leaving.
Outside the room, I sighed.
"…."
I really thought I was in trouble, but…
they let me off easily.
Lukman Halim—Starlight's current headmaster.
He was killed before the tourney began and replaced by the Mastermind, so I never got to meet him… until now.
He seems wise.
*Ding dong.
Looks like class just ended.
"Huh?"
As I headed down the stairs, I bumped into someone familiar.
That smooth, dark purple hair—Uchita Padmasari.
"Good afternoon," she said with a smile.
"G-Good afternoon," I replied awkwardly.
As expected from a government official's daughter… she carries herself differently.
Should I talk to her?
Before I could decide, I spotted someone else—deep red hair, unmistakable.
Uda.
What's he doing? He looks… suspicious.
"…."
Wait—Ardianto said he admired Uchita.
"I get it."
Honestly, I don't want to deal with them right now.
But sooner or later, I'll have to.
No amount of secondhand info can replace actual experience.
"Good afternoon, Uda," I greeted as I approached him.
"Uah! Good afternoon—uh…" he stammered, stepping back slightly.
"What's wrong?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sorry, but… who are you?" he asked, confused.
Ah, right. I just remembered—this is our first time meeting.
"I'm your junior, Sahabi Pratama, from Class 96."
"Oh… I see. Haha," he laughed nervously.
Uda Setiawan.
One of the unique "machine types."
He's a survivor of the Purification Program, and according to records, he has a very emotional nature—even if he tries to act laid-back or play it cool. Despite his intimidating appearance, he's timid. Ardianto told me Uda has a hard time trusting people, which makes him cautious by nature. Honestly, I don't have the time to slowly build a bond with him…
But luckily, I know exactly what topic will break the ice.
"Uda, I heard there's a government official's daughter in your class. If I'm not mistaken, her name's Uchita Padmasari, right?" I asked enthusiastically.
"Uah! How do you know that?" he replied in a panic.
"Well, everyone at Starlight is well known. It's not weird that I know," I answered casually.
"Really? I thought you were a stalker. If you lay a hand on Uchita, I swear you'll regret being born in this world," he said, clearly threatening me.
"Haha, relax. I just wanted to know—are you close with her?" I asked, pretending to be curious.
"Ukh… That's… um…" he mumbled, visibly shaken.
"Soda?" I asked, tilting my head at him.
"Yeah, of course, I'm close with her. Hahaha…" he replied with a forced laugh.
That reaction says it all.
"Wow, just as I thought. I'm curious though—how do you usually spend time together? I mean, she's practically like royalty."
"Oh, we do lots of things," he said, trying to sound proud, though he looked nervous.
"For example?"
"Um… playing games? Yeah! We play games together, haha," he said confidently.
I'm pretty sure "we" includes all his classmates.
"Wow, that sounds amazing. Must be fun spending time with her," I said, pretending to be jealous.
"Yes, of course," he replied, puffing out his chest.
"Hey, if you guys hang out again, could you invite me?" I asked with a bright, innocent smile.
"Ng… well, uh…" he mumbled, clearly panicking again.
"Please?" I added, leaning in just slightly—just enough pressure.
Uda froze, eyes darting left and right like a trapped animal.
He's stuck in the web of his own lie—and he knows it.
"Fuuuh… okay," he finally said with a heavy sigh.
"Yes! Thank you, Uda!" I said cheerfully.
"Ng, it's nothing…" he muttered, though he seemed weirdly pleased.
"Oh, by the way, what are you doing out here?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.
"Um, ng… just taking a walk," he answered, clearly still flustered.
"I see. I thought maybe you were looking for Uchita," I said, watching him carefully.
"Yeah—oh, uh, ho… Uchita's around? Haha, what a coincidence! Do you know where she is right now?" he asked eagerly.
Wow, so obvious.
"I just saw her on the stairs. If you hurry, you might catch up to her," I said, pointing in the direction she'd gone.
"Really? I mean, yeah, of course. Maybe I should go with her," he said, trying to sound cool.
"You should. Especially in times like these—a girl shouldn't be left alone."
"Hm, you're right. Can't believe I forgot that," he muttered with a small smile.
"Go get her, Uda!" I said, giving him a thumbs-up.
"Okay… Sahabi Pratama, huh…" he murmured.
"Yes."
"Alright. I'll make sure to call you next time we hang out," he said, giving me a thumbs-up back.
"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to playing with you all," I said with a smile.
He quickly walked off.
Yeah… he's a good person. I don't have to worry about Uchita with him around.
"…."
The 95th Class.
During the Delusional Parade, they were reported dead—victims of the explosion.
But later, after the world plunged into chaos, the Matahari Organization discovered the truth: they survived.
Eventually, we managed to gather them again—but by then, we didn't realize something important.
They were the most dangerous people.
After Cornelia died, the most dangerous individuals were labeled as traitors… and continued spreading delusion.
When I learned they were involved in spreading it globally, I secretly placed them in the Purification Program.
No one knows what caused them to fall into delusion. Their memories from before the program were overwritten.
At least… until I entered the time machine.
I hope Ardianto remembers something.
Unfortunately, he still can't access the full memories stored in Naradi Yosef.
But I do remember he mentioned one important name.
"Nabila. Nabila Aryani."
I recently learned she's an AI—created by Star Agent to serve as a supervisor during the Purification Program.
I never imagined she was based on a real person.
If I recall correctly, Star Agent built her from memory representations.
Which means… whoever she was, she must've been extremely important to them.
I need to learn more about her.
If I can, I might find the key to saving them from the abyss of chaos.
"…."
Fuuuh…
This is exhausting.
Not only do I have to stop the Parade, but now I have to figure out how to save them too—and deal with Naradi, who literally declared himself my enemy.
This is a disaster.
"…."
Still… I can't stop now.
I won't give up.
"Osu. Let's do this."
I turned around and headed back to class.
On the way, something suddenly popped into my head.
"Oh no… I promised to go out with Betania after school."
She said to meet at the usual place.
"…."
Usual place?
Where the heck is that?
Oh my god… I have no idea.
I don't even have memories of my school life.
And now that I think about it… this is my first time going out with Betania.
So how would I know where the usual place is?
"I need to get back to class—fast."
I broke into a run, hoping she was still there.