The Library’s Unexpected Encounter

Upon emerging, the five of us dispersed to explore the new areas individually.

However, before venturing further, I felt it imperative to first gain a rough understanding of the lobby’s layout and dimensions.

Although I had previously arrived on the third floor via the elevator, my focus had been entirely consumed by the meticulous investigation of the body, leaving me no opportunity to properly observe the lobby.

Now, concentrating intently, I surveyed the surroundings of the grand hall once more.

First to catch my eye was the staircase we had ascended, though regrettably, this stairwell was also sealed off by a metal grate.

It seemed Monokuma had no immediate intention of opening the second-floor area to us.

Moving on, to the left stood three round pillars, adorned with alternating black and white checkered patterns.

The gaps between these pillars were wide enough for a person to pass through.

Tentatively, I stepped through, discovering a washbasin and mirror directly ahead.

To my left, the entrance to the restroom beckoned.

Upon peering inside, I was surprised to find the air not putrid as expected, but instead imbued with a peculiar, fragrant incense.

It seemed Monokuma, unexpectedly, also possessed a meticulous sense of hygiene…?

There was virtually no difference from the first-floor restroom; it remained the familiar squat-style toilet.

After exiting the restroom, I prioritized the room furthest to the right.

A metal plaque above its door bore the inscription “Library.”

A library, then…?

I decided to take a look.

The doorknob was a spherical handle with a keyhole in its center.

I gently twisted the handle, opened the door, and stepped inside—my gaze immediately falling upon the vast sea of books lining the wooden shelves.

The scent of ink within the room brought an immediate sense of tranquility to my mind, and the color temperature and brightness of the lighting were clearly designed to be easy on the eyes.

This was unequivocally an excellent environment for studying.

My attention first drifted to a desk nestled against the right-hand wall.

Upon it sat a few books and a vintage-style lamp.

I sifted through the desk’s drawers, yet found nothing noteworthy within.

In a corner, a pot held a verdant, upright Asparagus fern.

Hmm… Monokuma certainly had good taste, it seemed.

Beyond the wooden bookcases pressed against the walls, three rows of horizontal wooden bookshelves occupied the center of the room.

A window was situated next to the desk, but it too had been mercilessly sealed shut with a steel plate.

Monokuma had truly gone to great lengths to prevent our escape.

I slowly walked towards the left side of the room, and by chance, discovered another door in the left corner.

Filled with curiosity, I entered.